S. W. Raine

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful readers at the Local Author Books Signing event in Sterling Heights, MI. Among them was a couple who, intrigued by my steampunk novels, came to hear more about the worlds and characters I’ve created. Sharing the journey of my characters always ignites a spark of excitement in me, and this time was no different.

The Techno Mage

A trio of friends, a mythical man, and a mission to destroy his mythical airship.

This steampunk adventure pushes three friends into a world where technology and alchemy coexist. As Magaliana finds purpose aboard the Techno Mage’s mythical airship, Ikarim and Arteus face the perilous skies, determined to reunite with her before it’s too late.

The Birth of a Spin-Off

As I explained to the couple, Rise of the Sky Pirate is a spin-off prequel set fifteen years prior to the events of The Techno Mage. Initially, the sky pirate captain was a minor character whose sole purpose was to get the main characters from point A to point B. However, I quickly found myself captivated by him.

It all started when I was forced to give him a name. I couldn’t keep calling him “the captain” in The Techno Mage, so he called himself Benedict Keenan. And once his name appeared, his presence exploded. He demanded more scenes. He took over, like a leading man. But I told him to calm down because it wasn’t his story.

Yet, when his scenes were over, I found myself missing him and needing more of him. I wanted to find out how he became that notorious sky pirate captain. I wanted to tell his story. To allow him to be that leading man. Thus, Rise of the Sky Pirate was born.

Rise of the Sky Pirate

A disorderly drunkard, a shipwrecked surgeon, and a race to save the Great Lakes from a mind-controlling poison.

The prequel takes readers on a journey through the early days of Benedict Keenan, filled with unexpected alliances, high-stakes adventure, and a race against time to prevent a catastrophic disaster.

The Power of Enthusiasm

What struck me most about the encounter with the couple was their response to my passion. They returned a short while later to buy my steampunk novels and told me it was my enthusiasm for my characters that sold them! Their excitement mirrored my own, reaffirming the belief that passion for one’s work can be contagious.

Writing these stories has been a labor of love, and every character holds a special place in my heart. Sharing their journeys with readers, old and new, is one of my greatest joys of being an author. It’s moments like these that remind me why I write, and they inspire me to continue bringing my characters’ adventures to life.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Local Author Book Signing event and to all my readers for your continued support. Your enthusiasm fuels mine.

Raine