When I began writing Chronicles of Ordi: Brotherhood of the Lost Gems, I plunged into the vivid world of Asheros with enthusiasm but little experience. Crafting its landscapes, the radiant Otthroite Gems, and the Brotherhood’s quest were thrilling yet brutal. Here are five lessons I wish I’d known from the start:

1. Let the World Guide the Story: I spent weeks perfecting Asheros’ map, naming every mountain and river to anchor Ordi and Verdun’s travels. While the map I designed with a professional was key, I didn’t realize early on that the world’s terrain, its rugged cliffs and lush valleys, could naturally shape the plot. Letting Asheros’ geography steer character decisions, and how they interact with the world around them.

2. Embrace Rough First Drafts: I agonized over the Otthroite Gems’ magic system, debating complex versus simple mechanics and whether to name spells. This slowed me down. I wish I’d known to let the first draft be messy, scribbling raw scenes of Ordi’s Trials or Xerxes scheming, trusting I could polish the system later. Imperfect drafts spark creativity.

3. Minor Characters Can Shift Focus: Verdun, Ordi’s brother, was meant as a quiet supporter, added to the Brotherhood as a protective sword. But his gruff loyalty and knack for being clumsy and constantly hungry, stealing scenes from Ordi or Nimue. Knowing minor characters could demand bigger roles would have helped me balance their arcs without derailing the main quest.

4. Sensory Details Drive Immersion: I wanted Asheros to feel cinematic, with readers sensing the chill of rivers or the path the Brotherhood travels. Early on, I focused too much on the plot. Prioritizing sensory details, like the crunch of gravel underfoot or the feel of the weather, would have made the world pop from the first page.

5. Balance Structure with Freedom: My trial-and-error process for naming locations and mapping Asheros was crucial, but I obsessed over details, fearing I’d stray from the terrain’s truth. I wish I’d known to mix planning with spontaneity, letting characters like Xerxes surprise me while keeping the story tied to the Brotherhood’s journey. This balance fuels a living narrative.

These lessons molded Chronicles of Ordi into a vibrant epic. Learning them through Asheros’ trials made the journey rewarding, but knowing them upfront would have smoothed the path.

THE CHRONICLES OF ORDI

Alex Zenk
GENRE: Fantasy

In a world where ancient magic is fading and darkness grows, one dwarf mage stands between his realm and destruction.

Ordi, a gifted mage with the rare ability to command all elemental magic, is summoned by his king on a perilous quest. Accompanied by his loyal posh hound Mira and his warrior brother Verdun, Ordi must recover the legendary Otthroite Gems—powerful artifacts thought lost to time.

As they journey through forbidden forests, abandoned dwarven cities, and haunted valleys, they discover these gems are the only hope against the rising threat of the long-banished Dark Lord. With each step, they uncover secrets of ancient magic and face betrayals that test the bonds of brotherhood.

Rich in world-building and filled with magical encounters, “The Chronicles of Ordi” blends classic fantasy elements with fresh perspectives on courage, loyalty, and the price of power.

AMAZON

A hellhound emerged from the swirling smoke, its eyes burning with an evil fire. Two towering demons flanked the beast, their twisted forms radiating dark energy. Accompanying them was a horde of monstrous spiders, their grotesque legs and mandibles glistening in the dim light. Ordi’s heart pounded in his chest; he hated spiders—no, he was terrified of them. These were no ordinary arachnids; they ranged from five to eight feet tall, their massive forms looming menacingly. The challenge before him was immense. Hellhounds could withstand most mortal magic, and the demons posed a threat he had only read about in the academy’s ancient tomes. Desperately cycling through spells in his mind, Ordi cursed under his breath, doubting whether any would suffice against such formidable adversaries. Read more….

Alex Zenk brings a fresh voice to the world of epic quests and magical realms. Born and raised in the midwest, Alex’s love for fantasy was kindled early by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and nurtured through years of immersive role-playing games. As a pastor by day and a storyteller by night, Alex brings a unique perspective to his writing, weaving themes of morality, redemption, and the complexities of good and evil into his narratives.

Drawing inspiration from his experiences in World of Warcraft, Alex has crafted a rich and immersive world in his debut series, “The Chronicles of Ordi.” His background in theology and his deep understanding of human nature inform the complex characters and intricate plot lines.

When not writing or tending to his pastoral duties, Alex can be found exploring the natural beauty of Iowa with his family, using these adventures to fuel his imagination and inspire new fantastic landscapes. With plans for multiple books set in the world of Asheros, Alex Zenk is poised to make a significant impact on the fantasy genre, offering readers a blend of classic epic fantasy with a modern, thoughtful twist.

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