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The writer, famous for his acclaimed feel-good fantasy books, just published his newest installment in the collection. Titled Brigands and Breadknives, this story follows Fern as she begins a classic adventure story subsequent to leaving her successful bookshop.

A Change from Cozy Themes

Unlike the earlier books in the collection, that focused on establishing a business, Brigands and Breadknives explores the idea of saying no to loved ones. The author stated that the novel is about grasping to make tough choices who you cherish.

"This book is about understanding to say no whom you value, and understanding to refuse," he noted. "I am writing a distinct story. Will readers be let down? Is it important? Should I do my true passion for myself, though it may alienate someone?"

Life Challenges Influencing the Story

The writer explained that his individual struggles have consistently influenced his stories. Before, he worked in video game design, co-creating titles like the game Torchlight and Rebel Galaxy. The move to abandon that career to produce audiobooks led to the character Viv's life shift in the first book.

"I realized with the first book that as you write a story, you unavoidably include a personal elements in the story," the author commented. "Subsequently when readers connect with that, there's an incredible experience of understanding."

Increased Interest of Cozy Fantasy

As per Travis Baldree, the popularity of comfort fantasy has increased in recent years, to some extent due to a wish for relief and human connection after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Society appears a little bit on fire, and I think through the stories we enjoy, most of us want an experience that actually just feels OK," Baldree explained. "I recall COVID, Game of Thrones came out, and I thought, 'I'm a fan of the show, but I have no interest in seeing my preferred characters meet grim fates.'"

Examining Varied Journeys

While Viv achieved her happy ending in Legends and Lattes, Baldree thought he would not remove that from her by sending her out from the business. Following Fern gave him the possibility to delve into someone choosing the opposite path—leaving a safe existence to embark on an adventure.

"It's not true that every answer for challenges are to open a business and open a small business," Baldree remarked. "Each person is different, and furthermore, we're all different at various stages in our lives. The solution that worked for me a decade ago fails for me today."

Building the Universe

In contrast to the prior books, which were located in small towns, Brigands and Breadknives involves a travel narrative that enabled Baldree to develop his imaginary realm avoiding info-dumps. Fern's journey alongside Astryx and her talking sword the sword Nigel contains violent fowl, fearsome creatures, ethical soldiers, and a unexpectedly calm sanctuary focused on worshiping a Cthulhu-like entity.

Next Endeavors

Regarding his future work, Baldree is moving beyond familiar ground with a literary RPG novel tentatively titled Four Bastards and a Baby.

"I've gone through numerous LitRPGs, and now I have formed views about my preferences in one," the author explained. "I desire more characterization. I prefer a conclusion. A lot of these books try to avoid change, and I reject that."

Future Stories

Enthusiasts of the setting of Legends and Lattes, Travis Baldree has authored a collection of short stories involving tales about the ratkin baker the ratkin and Viv's companion Tandri the character, which will be released in an forthcoming anthology. He also believes he'll return to the setting to grapple with his experience creating his latest novel, which is much longer and more narrative-focused than his earlier works.

"There will be a book about squeezing something into being that was really, really challenging for the author to accomplish," the author explains.