🔥 Welcome to "Forged in Ancient Fire"
Secrets buried in the past. Magic stirring in the present. A novel unfolds, chapter by chapter.
A serial novel about grief, inheritance, and the magic buried in our bloodlines.
Thank you for being here.
This project is the result of five years of deep work — writing, revising, cutting, shaping, reimagining. Forged in Ancient Fire is a novel I’ve labored over with intention and heart. And now, finally, I get to share it with you.
Starting in June 2025, I’ll be publishing the novel chapter by chapter, right here on Substack.
🧭 Why Here, Why Now?
Because I'm ready, and because Substack opens new doors for fiction writers. It offers a place where authors can connect directly with readers, without waiting for a publishing deal or navigating industry gatekeepers.
Instead of waiting for permission, I’m publishing this story on my terms, in real time — and you’re invited to read along.
📚 What Kind of Story Is This?
Forged in Ancient Fire is a slow-burn urban fantasy steeped in magical realism, family secrets, and emotional depth.
At its heart is Jia Peach, a determined sixteen-year-old with one goal: to start a band with her best friend Zilly and rock the world. But when her mother dies unexpectedly, everything changes. Her estranged father contacts her with a cryptic message about a family heirloom meant for her sixteenth birthday. Then, a mysterious great-aunt appears, offering her a large sum of money — a tradition in Jia’s Korean family.
Grieving, broke, and unsure of what’s next, Jia travels from Northern California to Seoul — and finds herself drawn into a world of family betrayal, hidden power, and a magical legacy that could destroy her future or transform it completely.
It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in grief, identity, and myth — grounded in the real world, but with a spark of sorcery running beneath its surface.
🎯 Who It’s For
If you enjoy stories with:
Hidden family histories
Strong, complex women
Magical elements rooted in cultural lore
Character-driven suspense
Emotional coming-of-age journeys
…you’ll feel right at home here.
Readers who love The Night Circus, Everything I Never Told You, The Paper Menagerie, or Practical Magic will likely find this story deeply satisfying.
🗓️ How It Works
All chapters are free to read
New chapters post twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays
The novel will serialize across approximately 10 months
Occasional bonus posts and updates will pop up along the way
Subscribe (free or paid) to get everything in your inbox — no apps, no passwords.
🙌 Want to Support the Journey?
You don’t need to pay a cent to enjoy this novel. But if you want to support the creative process, help cover expenses, and unlock a few fun extras — here’s how:
🧡 Supporter Tier — $8/month or $75/year
All bonus posts & behind-the-scenes commentary
High-resolution digital character art and worldbuilding extras
Bookmarks, postcards with original art, and other physical items
Your name listed in digital acknowledgments (optional)
A great way to help keep the story moving.
👑 Founding Patron — $250 one-time
Everything in the Supporter Tier
Signed physical book (delivered in late 2025 or early 2026)
Custom swag box with T-shirt, sticker, and bookmark
Access to the audio version as it becomes available
Name permanently listed on the Founding Patrons page
You’re not just supporting a book — you’re helping shape its legacy. As a founding patron, you’ll receive the signed print edition, a custom T-shirt, exclusive stickers, digital wallpapers, a collectible bookmark, and access to the audio version of the novel — plus behind-the-scenes content and a personal thank-you, signed by the author.
✨ Final Thoughts
I’ve pitched agents. I’ve studied the market. But ultimately, I realized this story needed to be told, not just written, but shared. Jia’s journey has lived with me for five years. Now it’s time to send her out into the world.
Thank you for being part of that journey.
If you're already subscribed — thank you.
If you're thinking about upgrading — thank you.
And if you want to read and follow along for free — thank you.
📬 Subscribe at ForgedInAncientFire.substack.com
📤 Already subscribed? Share this post with a friend who loves fantasy, family stories, or fierce female leads.
Jia’s story begins soon. I hope you’ll walk beside her.
— Timothy Patterson