The End of an Era: Concluding the Faerie River Tales
- Ray T Walker

- May 24
- 3 min read
A Journey Through Fantasy
Much as I would love to produce a fantastical Fantasy opera such as Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time or a sci-fi, E.E. Doc Smith's Lensman Series, I suspect that while accepting the royalties those authors made, you would eventually grow bored with the ideas. It’s a curious thing, isn’t it? The allure of endless possibilities can sometimes lead to a creative rut.
For nearly twenty years, I poured my heart into the Faerie River tales. This journey was not just about writing; it was about exploring the depths of imagination. My collection consisted of a few novels and numerous short stories, each a fragment of a larger tapestry. During this time, I also ventured into different subjects, weaving stories that diverged from the enchanting realms of faeries and magic.
Yet, despite the joy these tales brought me, I felt it was time to end the series. When you linger too long in one world, you risk growing lazy. Creativity thrives on new experiences, fresh ideas, and the thrill of the unknown.
The Final Chapters
Two novels marked the conclusion of this series. The Dead Girl and the Wandering Tree was released two years ago, and The Dark Kind is set to be published later this year. With these final pieces, I am setting the Faerie River series aside forever.
It’s bittersweet, really. I have cherished every moment spent in that world, crafting characters and weaving intricate plots. Yet, I am relieved to finally see it done. It’s time to embark on a new adventure, to explore uncharted territories in my writing.
I could have continued, much like an actor in a soap opera, doing the same thing forever while accepting the paycheck. But I have new ideas swirling in my mind. Ideas that beckon me to explore darker themes, to delve into the unknown, and to create something entirely different.
Embracing Change
Change can be daunting. It often feels like standing on the edge of a precipice, looking down into the abyss. But I’ve learned that it’s also exhilarating. The thrill of the unknown is a powerful motivator.
As I transition from the Faerie River tales, I find myself reflecting on what I’ve learned. Each story, each character, has taught me something valuable. They’ve shaped my voice, my style, and my approach to storytelling.
Now, I am ready to embrace new challenges. I want to weave tales that are darker, more complex, and perhaps a bit unsettling. There’s a certain beauty in exploring the shadows, in uncovering the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface.
The Allure of the Dark
In the realm of dark fantasy and horror, there is a unique magic. It’s a space where fear and beauty coexist, where the grotesque can be profoundly moving. I am drawn to these themes, captivated by the stories that linger in the twilight.
As I embark on this new journey, I invite you to join me. Let’s explore the strange and unusual together. Let’s delve into the depths of human emotion and the complexities of existence.
I am excited to share these new tales with you. They will be different from the Faerie River stories, yet they will carry the same essence of wonder and intrigue. I hope to captivate you with my unique blend of strange, unusual, and dark original fairy tales, fantasy, historical fiction, and horror stories.
Conclusion: A New Beginning
In conclusion, the end of the Faerie River series marks not just a farewell but a new beginning. I am grateful for the journey, for the stories that have shaped me, and for the readers who have accompanied me along the way.
As I turn the page to a new chapter, I am filled with anticipation. What lies ahead is unknown, but I am ready to embrace it. Together, let’s venture into the realms of darkness and discover the beauty that awaits us there.















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