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The writer, renowned for his acclaimed cozy fantasy novels, has recently published his newest installment in the series. Named Brigands & Breadknives, the narrative follows Fern the ratkin when she starts a typical fantasy adventure subsequent to walking away from her thriving bookshop.

A Change from Cozy Themes

In contrast to the prior stories in the collection, which highlighted establishing a business, Brigands & Breadknives explores the concept of disappointing people you care about. Travis Baldree explained that this story is concerned with understanding to disappoint people who you cherish.

"This book is about mastering to disappoint people who you value, and mastering to say no," the author said. "I'm writing a distinct story. Will readers going to be disappointed? Is it important? Must I pursue my true passion personally, even if it might alienate someone?"

Life Challenges Informing the Story

The writer noted that his personal experiences have always influenced his books. Previously, he was involved in video game design, developing projects like the game Torchlight and Rebel Galaxy. The choice to leave that career to narrate audio stories resulted in the character Viv's new path in the first book.

"I realized with the initial novel that as you write a narrative, you unavoidably infuse a personal elements in the story," the author stated. "Then when readers respond to that, there's this really amazing moment of understanding."

Increased Interest of Comfort Fantasy

According to Baldree, the appeal of cozy fantasy has surged in recent years, to some extent due to a wish for escape and community following the recent health crisis.

"The world feels a slightly on fire, and I believe in our entertainment, many people want something that is comforting," Baldree explained. "During lockdown, the series Game of Thrones came out, and I felt, 'I'm a fan of the show, but I am not interested in viewing my favorite characters killed off.'"

Delving Into Alternative Routes

While Viv found her joyful resolution in Legends & Lattes, Baldree felt he should not take that away from her by having her away from the cafe. Focusing on Fern offered him the opportunity to explore someone choosing the reverse journey—abandoning a safe situation to begin an adventure.

"It's not true that the only way for challenges are to stay put and run a shop," the author stated. "Each person is different, and furthermore, we're all different at different points in our lives. The solution that worked for me previously is not effective for me now."

Developing the Setting

Differing from the previous novels, which were set in quiet villages, Brigands and Breadknives involves a road trip that allowed Travis Baldree to develop his imaginary realm without relying on exposition. Fern's journey alongside Astryx and her sentient blade Nigel includes killer chickens, fearsome creatures, honorable mercenaries, and a remarkably peaceful sanctuary dedicated to honoring a cosmic deity.

Future Projects

Regarding his future work, Baldree is stepping even further afield with a game-lit novel currently called Four Bastards & a Baby.

"I've gone through hundreds of LitRPG books, and now I have formed opinions about what I desire in a story," he commented. "I prefer better development. I like resolution. Numerous LitRPGs want to avoid change, and I do not desire that."

Returning to the World

Enthusiasts of the universe of Legends and Lattes, Baldree has written a series of narratives featuring stories about the Thimble Thimble the baker and Viv's succubus partner Tandri the character, which will be published in an forthcoming anthology. Moreover, he expects he'll revisit to the setting to explore his experience authoring his latest novel, which is considerably lengthier and more plot-driven than his previous works.

"There will be a story about developing a difficult project that was incredibly tough for the author to accomplish," Baldree notes.