Larkenia's Flaws | Because Death Is Only The Beginning

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Is Dark Fantasy?

Dark fantasy is a sub-genre that deals with the nitty-gritty in life. Where-as 'high fantasy' rarely reveals a downside to someone's epic quest other than a few blisters, dark fantasy is likely to explain the problems in detail. Dark fantasy isn't morbid, necessarily, nor is it frightening. It's merely a realistic look at life. Most fantasies include dead bodies, for instance. Dark fantasy doesn't shy away from giving the appearance of the body, as well as the character's reaction to it -- it's not glossed over, like in some sub-genres. And, in my opinion, the niftiest part of dark fantasy is that nobody is safe -- character's aren't given immunity simply because they are the core group -- they can be killed or maimed, just like anyone else, and often they are. It leads for more edge-of-the-seat suspense than the novels where you know everyone will make it out okay, reguardless of what is thrown at them.

Q. What is a Web Serial?

A web serial is somthing like a television show, only in fiction. It's told in regularly updated episodes/issues/installments, and usually follows the same characters through their twists and turns. The joy of web serials is that you can read them whenever you want, and even subscribe to get new episodes sent directly to your mail.

Q. How Often Do You Update?

I'm guaranteed to update at least once per week, on a Monday. However, if I have some extra time/installments on my hands, it's quite possible that you guys will get multiple installments per week. Also, if you donate to the series, you are likely to get one or more extra installments that week, featuring the character of your choice.

Q. Do You Use a Beta-Reader/Editor?

Yep, I've used several through the years. To develop the accents I had the help of two wonderful dialect coaches, who are professional actors as well. When it comes to text betas, I'm working on my own at the moment. So please, if you notice any SPAG errors in the posts, don't hesitate to point them out! ^^;;

Q. Why aren't you having it published instead of giving it away for free? (courtesy of Katharina Katt)

The short answer is that I write for other people to enjoy, not for profit.

A bit of an elongated answer is that I think everybody deserves to enjoy a bit of escapism and fun. Sadly, I don't think everyone is able to afford it (or even find it, should it be available). And so I decided to create a net serial -- it includes the hallmarks of regular installments (great for people who really want to enjoy a world in more than one month/week/etc), community, and a decently wide availability (anyone who can find a computer can view it).

Bound books, unfortunately, don't have as wide of a circulation. This is for numerous reasons, but it occurs all the same -- sometimes even books that are NY Times bestsellers aren't found in local libraries or bookstores. And E-bay/Amazon requires money.

This way, people can donate money if they would like (it helps to keep the site going), but if they can't afford it they can still enjoy the series with absolutely no restrictions. The same thing goes if they prefer a bound copy -- each story arc is released in paperback, for those who would like it and can afford it. But it's also available to those who prefer the web, or don't have the finances available for luxuries/entertainment. ^^

Q. Do You Give Out My E-mail If I Sign Up For Updates?

Nope! You're e-mail will be stored in a secure database, and only accessed when I am sending out news about an update. You won't get anything unsolicited, and if you want to unsubscribe you may do so at any time.

Q. What Do Donations Go Towards?

Ah, good question! You might have noticed on the home page that I have a paypal option, so you guys can give me donations if you love the work. Donations help to fund the website, get us new and nifty features, and, above-all, help so that I can take a day off from work so I can write intensely for you all! The best thing about donations is that they have a tangible result. For every ten dollars I receive, you guys will get an extra installment that week. If you donate twenty dollars, you'll get a new illustraion and two installments, etc. You'll even get to pick the point-of-view character.

Q. Do I Have To Be A Member of Freewebs To Comment/Chat on the Forums?

Nope! Anybody is welcomed here, and no membership is required for any of the features -- including the forums, or commenting on installments.

Q. Have You Written Anything Else?

Yes, and it's quite a large and varied list. Most of the work falls under the 'queer, preternatural' umbrella, but I've also done murder mysteries, surrealist fiction, non-fiction essays, historical-era , poetry, you-name-it. You can find more of my work at my shop, as well as by searching the web for my pain name.

Q. Do You Mind if I Review/Rec You on My Site?

Please do! I love to hear what you guys think, and to get feedback from you all. On that note, please also be aware that fan fiction is allowed so long as a link back to the series is provided inside the work wherever it is located.

Q. How Can I Contact You?

Feel free to comment at the end of each installment or on the blog, and I'll get back to it asap. If, however, you would prefer a more personal method of communication, you can go ahead and e-mail me.