Runebound Writing Journey: From Concept to Award-Winning Book
- Huginn and Muninn
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 15
The Beginning
Every book begins with an idea.
For Runebound, that idea was not simply to tell a story, but to create a world rooted in history, mythology, and the enduring struggle between old beliefs and new realities. What began as a single manuscript gradually evolved into something much larger: the foundation of The Last Rune of Rungardvik, an ongoing historical fantasy saga inspired by the Elder Futhark runes.
The journey from first draft to publication proved far longer than expected.
Building a World
Runebound is set in the twelfth century, a period of profound change across Northern Europe. The story follows Milena of Mecklenburg, a young noblewoman caught between the fading traditions of her pagan ancestors and the growing influence of Christianity.
Creating this world required extensive historical research into medieval life, the Obotrites, Norse culture, Slavic mythology, political alliances, religious conversion, and the daily realities of the people who inhabited the Baltic coast during this fascinating era.
At the same time, the novel had to remain a compelling work of fantasy. The rune Berkana, representing growth, renewal, and new beginnings, became the spiritual heart of the story and the first step in a much larger saga.
The Revision Process
Like most first drafts, the original manuscript was far from perfect. Perhaps it still is, but everything is relative.
Characters evolved. Scenes were rewritten. Entire chapters were revised or restructured. Historical details were refined. Dialogue became stronger. Themes became clearer.
One of the most valuable lessons of the process was understanding that writing and rewriting are not separate activities. Revision is where a story truly discovers its final shape.
Professional editing played an important role in that journey. Working with talented editors like Cindy Rinaman Marsch and Edward Wall helped strengthen the manuscript and prepare it for publication while preserving the vision at the heart of the story.
Bringing Runebound to Life
Publication introduced a whole new stage of the adventure.
The visual identity of Runebound was shaped through the work of cover artist Miha Brumec, whose artwork helped capture the mood and atmosphere of the story, establish the visual foundation for the series, and played an important part in helping Runebound become an award-winning book.
The manuscript itself went through countless refinements before reaching its final form. Special thanks are due to Bostjan Lisec, whose professional formatting and remarkable patience carried the project through an endless succession of revisions, updates, and adjustments. His work helped transform the manuscript into the polished editions readers enjoy today.
The project continued to grow beyond the printed page. Character profiles, historical locations, rune lore, and worldbuilding content gradually expanded the Rungardvik website into a living companion to the books themselves.
Later, the story found a new voice through the audiobook edition narrated by Wayne Farrell. His performance brought Milena's journey to life in an entirely different way, allowing listeners to experience the world of Runebound through more than nine hours of spoken storytelling.
Recognition and Awards
One of the most rewarding surprises following publication was the warm welcome Runebound received from readers, reviewers, and industry professionals.
The novel earned several distinguished honors and accolades, including:
Each recognition served as a reminder that the time spent researching, writing, revising, and refining the manuscript had resonated with others. While every reader's experience is unique, these acknowledgments provided valuable encouragement along the journey.
Awards and reviews are never the reason a story is written, but they are meaningful milestones. They help connect books with new readers and affirm the countless hours of dedication that bring a story from concept to publication.
Looking Ahead
The second novel, Wayfare, now available for pre-order, continues Milena's story under the guidance of the Raidho rune, exploring themes of travel, destiny, separation, deception, and transformation as the consequences of earlier choices begin to unfold.
Beyond that lies the larger vision of The Last Rune of Rungardvik, a saga inspired by all twenty-four runes of the Elder Futhark.
Comments