As I kick off the preparations for NaNoWriMo 2023, my mind is currently wrestling with two intriguing story ideas. I haven’t yet made a final decision on which one to pursue, as both hold my interest. I’ll likely spend some time pondering each of them and let the one that resonates with me more take the lead.

Fantasy (Steam and Sorcery):
Set in the city of Dænavar, tensions are reaching a boiling point. Separatists are agitating for the removal of the Imperial Governor, the Mage’s Guild is vying for a seat on the city’s ruling council, facing opposition from the Artificer’s Guild. Meanwhile, the unexpected death of the city’s top crime boss has plunged rival gangs into near-open warfare on the streets. A young woman from the elite Emperor’s Guard, known as the “Greencloaks,” has been tasked with delivering a parcel of great importance to the Governor. However, her mission is derailed, and the package is stolen. Can she navigate the complexities and perils of a city on the brink of revolution and recover the stolen package in time?

Sci-Fi (Space Opera):
The Empire has demanded the annexation of an independent world with whom they’ve long maintained peaceful and profitable relations. Without explanation, Imperial forces are amassing in the system, poised to take the planet by force if it doesn’t voluntarily yield to the Emperor’s demands. During this tumultuous time, an aide to a senator in the independent world’s government does everything possible to prevent an impending war. When negotiations collapse, he joins her on a desperate mission to seek assistance from neighboring systems. Their journey is aided by a confident and skilled free trader, piloting one of the sector’s fastest ships. As they endeavor to breach the blockade, they are relentlessly pursued by enigmatic and lethal adversaries determined to thwart their mission. Can they secure the help they need before their home planet is lost? Who are these pursuers, and do they have a role in the Imperial threat?

Both of these stories captivate my imagination. They sprang from the world-building I’ve been engaged in for tabletop role-playing games I’m developing. I’ve been working on the sci-fi concept for a few days, but the fantasy idea emerged just as I was about to begin outlining the former. I have three weeks to decide which story to tackle for NaNoWriMo, unless, of course, another compelling idea comes to mind before then.