Featured Story: Vulpine Summer

Vulpine Summer is a fantasy story that takes place at the beginning of the 1900s, more specifically, the 1920s. It follows Esme through a summer of her life with magic and betrayal abound. childinsanity, the author of this magnificent story, is here to tell us a little more about it and take us into the world that Esme lives.

Give us a brief summary of Vulpine Summer.

Vulpine Summer is a fantasy story set within a 1920's world. It focuses on Esme Dupont, an orphan and a badly talented Wizard raised by her aunt, the Grand Wizard Cassandra of the Ivory Tower, and The Fox, an 'Obtainer' of the Fingers thieving guild.

It starts with Esme bring thrown into a terrible scenario where her aunt is murdered by a trusted family friend, Suellen Denver, and Esme herself is cursed and framed for the deed. Esme knows she needs to flee her home city to her aunt's old lover and current Grand Wizard of the Granite Tower, Logan Lithgow; the only man of political and magical power to face Suellen she knew and trusted. But Esme is aware she'd be caught quickly by Suellen's magic and hunters and can't do it alone, so she blackmails the Fox, someone who could make anything disappear, to take her away to the Granite Tower in the hopes of lifting the curse placed on her and preventing herself from being used as a pawn in Suellen's plan.

What was the inspiration behind this story?

There is no inspiration per-say. I simply wanted to write a high fantasy story set in the 1920's instead of the standard medieval setting. Thought it would be interesting for me to do and so far it has been.

Do you have a favourite character?

So far I would have to say The River Oak Spirit. She is interesting to write about and was fun to come up her way of speech.

How often do you write for Vulpine Summer?

I post every Thursday and I write at least 3000 words a week; more when I am feeling motivated or a particular scene has grabbed me.

What's the hardest part about writing this story?

The tech is difficult. I had to look into how lock-picking worked and how I could incorporate it into my slightly steam-punkish world of made-up tech.

How did you come up with the title?

The Vixen and the Fox was the working title for it but felt it was bland. I came up with several ideas but eventually came to settle on Vulpine Summer. Vulpine is a word for fox, an integral part of the story, but can also be used for cunning which both encompasses Esme's attempt to keep herself from being caught as she makes her way to safety and also Suellen's manipulation and planning. The Summer covers the period of time it takes place in.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

Just to say thank you for those who have taken the time to read and for the support, specifically A Heart Black n Blue who, as always, is enthusiastic in her support.

Special thanks to Audrey T and exploding boy. for editing.