Sartorias-deles: History
I first got glimpses of these stories when I was a kid, writing about kids. When I hit my teens, I began exploring the background of the world, its history, and how my central group of characters got where they were. I figured out some of Inda's story when I was in high school. If I'd written it then, it would have been all about the academy, with the adults and their doings far off in the hazy background. But I knew I had to figure out what they were doing. Also, I knew that the academy kids were learning about stuff like strategy and tactics--which I knew squat about. Ditto martial arts, until I finally got to college at age eighteen, and was able to take fencing at last. Karate and tai chi came a few years later.
Meanwhile I had a lot to learn about history, specifically how cultures evolve into their worst selves--and how they go about the painful process of reversing that and becoming their best selves. For many years I swapped off drafting the history arc and the present day arc. (I don't recommend this method!)
I have some first edition hardcover copies of these, and extra copies of the new editions in trade paperback. If you want a signed copy, check with me to make sure I still have some left, PayPal $ 25 for hardcover plus $5 for postage, at sherwood@sherwoodsmith.net, with an address. Continental USA only while postage is so insane. I WILL BE TRAVELING IN OCTOBER 2026, so won't be home to mail books, but return Nov. 1.
