The writer, known for his acclaimed comfort fantasy books, has recently launched his third installment in the set. Titled Brigands and Breadknives, the narrative follows Fern while she begins a traditional adventure story subsequent to abandoning her thriving bookstore.
A Shift from Cozy Themes
Differing from the earlier books in the collection, which centered on settling down, Brigands and Breadknives explores the theme of disappointing friends and family. The author stated that this story is concerned with understanding to make tough choices whom you value.
"The novel is about understanding to say no who you value, and mastering to refuse," the author explained. "I'm writing a new project. Will readers end up upset? Does it matter? Should I follow my true passion for myself, although it could alienate someone?"
Life Challenges Influencing the Story
Travis Baldree mentioned that his individual challenges have repeatedly influenced his books. Before, he was involved in video game design, co-creating projects like Torchlight game and Rebel Galaxy. The move to step away from the gaming world to create audio stories inspired the character Viv's life shift in Legends and Lattes.
"I discovered during the debut story that during writing a tale, you inevitably put a lot of yourself within," Baldree stated. "And when readers react to that, there's a wonderful experience of connection."
Increased Interest of Cozy Fantasy
In the words of Baldree, the rise of comfort fantasy has grown in the past few years, to some extent due to a longing for escape and human connection after the recent health crisis.
"Society appears a little bit in turmoil, and I believe through the stories we enjoy, most of us want an experience that is comforting," he said. "During the pandemic, the show Game of Thrones was released, and I was like, 'I love Game of Thrones, but I do not want in watching my beloved characters beheaded.'"
Examining Varied Journeys
Whereas Viv obtained her happy ending in Legends & Lattes, the author thought he couldn't rip that away from her by making her off from the coffee shop. Focusing on Fern offered him the opportunity to explore an individual taking the reverse journey—abandoning a secure life to embark on an journey.
"I don't think that the only way for issues are to settle down and run a shop," he said. "Everybody's distinct, and furthermore, we're each unique at various stages in our journey. The approach that succeeded for me a decade ago doesn't work for me today."
Developing the Setting
In contrast to the previous novels, which were located in small towns, Brigands & Breadknives features a travel narrative that allowed Travis Baldree to develop his imaginary realm without relying on exposition. Fern's journey accompanied by Astryx One-Ear and her chatty weapon Nigel the sword includes deadly poultry, fearsome creatures, honorable mercenaries, and a unexpectedly calm sanctuary focused on revering a eldritch deity.
Next Endeavors
Regarding his future work, Baldree is moving beyond familiar ground with a game-lit story currently called Four Bastards & a Baby.
"I've gone through many game-lit stories, and at this point I have developed views about what I desire in such a book," the author explained. "I desire better development. I prefer a conclusion. Many such stories aim to avoid change, and I do not desire that."
Returning to the World
Enthusiasts of the setting of Legends and Lattes, the author has written a collection of tales including accounts about the ratkin baker the ratkin and Viv's succubus partner the succubus, which will be issued in an upcoming collection. He also believes he'll revisit to the universe to explore his experience creating his new book, which is significantly lengthier and more story-oriented than his previous works.
"I'll have a novel about squeezing something into being that was incredibly tough for the author to accomplish," Baldree notes.
