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The author, famous for his acclaimed comfort fantasy stories, has recently published his third installment in the set. Named Brigands and Breadknives, the narrative focuses on the character Fern while she begins a typical adventure story subsequent to leaving her thriving bookstore.

A Shift from Comfort

Unlike the previous stories in the set, that highlighted settling down, Brigands & Breadknives examines the theme of disappointing loved ones. The author commented that the novel is about learning to make tough choices that you cherish.

"This story is about learning to disappoint people whom you love, and mastering to decline," he explained. "I'm creating something different. Will readers end up let down? Should I care? Should I pursue my true passion to me, though it may alienate someone?"

Life Challenges Influencing the Plot

Travis Baldree mentioned that his individual challenges have consistently influenced his writing. Before, he had a career in video game design, co-creating titles like Torchlight and the space combat game Rebel Galaxy. The choice to leave game design to create audiobooks inspired the character Viv's career change in the first book.

"I discovered while writing the debut story that during writing a narrative, you inevitably include a lot of yourself into it," the author stated. "Subsequently when other people respond to that, there's a wonderful experience of connection."

The Rise of Feel-Good Fantasy

In the words of Baldree, the appeal of feel-good stories has surged in recent years, partly due to a wish for escape and human connection following the global pandemic.

"Society feels a somewhat on fire, and I feel with the media we consume, a lot of us prefer an experience that actually just feels OK," the author noted. "During COVID, the series Game of Thrones was released, and I was like, 'I'm a fan of Game of Thrones, but I am not interested in seeing my beloved characters beheaded.'"

Delving Into Varied Journeys

While Viv obtained her happy ending in Legends and Lattes, Travis Baldree thought he should not remove that from her by making her away from the coffee shop. Focusing on Fern provided him the possibility to delve into someone taking the opposite path—walking away from a safe life to begin an journey.

"I believe that the only way for challenges are to open a business and open a small business," the author remarked. "Everybody's distinct, and furthermore, we're each unique at different points in our journey. The solution that worked for me a decade ago is not effective for me now."

Developing the Setting

Unlike the prior books, which were located in small towns, Brigands and Breadknives involves a travel narrative that allowed Travis Baldree to expand his imaginary realm avoiding exposition. Fern's journey accompanied by Astryx One-Ear and her talking sword Nigel includes killer chickens, terrible monsters, ethical soldiers, and a surprisingly chill monastery dedicated to worshiping a Cthulhu-like god.

Next Endeavors

Regarding his next project, the author is moving even further afield with a literary RPG novel working-titled Four Bastards and a Baby.

"I have read numerous LitRPGs, and now I have developed thoughts about what I want in one," Baldree said. "I desire more characterization. I like resolution. Numerous such stories aim to maintain the status quo, and I do not desire that."

Revisiting the Setting

Enthusiasts of the world of Legends & Lattes, Travis Baldree has authored a collection of tales involving accounts about the Thimble Thimble the baker and Viv's succubus partner the succubus, which will be published in an future collection. He also believes he'll revisit to the setting to grapple with his process authoring his recent story, which is significantly lengthier and more story-oriented than his prior novels.

"There will be a book about creating something challenging that was incredibly tough for the author to do," Baldree notes.