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About the Project
Savant is the standing name for Jeff LaSala's next—and no doubt largest—writing project. The word "savant" itself might evolve to become part of a series name, a trilogy, or even a cycle of books, but for now remains only an identifier. A savant, in general, is "a person of profound or extensive learning" or "someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field" and shares its origins with the word sapient. Its association here will become clearer with time.
What Savant is: the inception of a new world, a setting that's been in the shadow lands of Jeff's imagination—and that of his brother, John, of VUA fame—for quite some time but is finally due for some exposure in the literary world. Although the setting can accurately be described as a fantasy world, that's also a bit misleading; it will contain elements of contemporary and even science fiction. And all of this will begin with...
The First Book
Currently untitled, and to be written throughout the rest of 2009, the first novel is intended to illuminate one remote (if important) corner of the world. The story will introduce important characters and serve as a springboard for later events central to the fate of the larger world.
Feel free to check back here periodically (or follow the project via the RSS feed) for further updates, which will include a number of journal entries in which Jeff talks a little bit about the novel-writing process as he writes the book.
About the Author
Jeff LaSala...
» Dwells in the chthonic depths of New York.
» Is married to a lovely, headstrong Argentine.
» Is trying to make his way through the real world through a variety of esoteric schemes.
» Tries to elucidate his thoughts through writing.
» Is a logastellus given to lexiphanicism.
» Listens to (and talks about) Rush to an unhealthy degree.
» Published his first (now Scribe Award-nominated) novel, The Darkwood Mask, in 2008.
» Has written a number of RPG (role-playing game) books for Goodman Games.
» Writes reviews and other serials for Sidedown.
» Is thrilled to be publishing via Blindsided Books.
» Is brought to you by the letter 'S.'
Savant Updates
Savant Scrawlings #3: Fantasy Distinction
We need your support! By becoming a patron of this book, you are helping both the author and the publisher make a better book. Patron donations aid us in hiring editors, producing the handmade book cover, obtaining ISBN registration, and funding other various needs that may arise during production.
Patrons also get rewards! If you become a patron of Savant, you will receive the following:
1. A dedication on the "thank you" page of the book.
2. An advanced autographed copy of the book.
3. A limited edition dust jacket signed by the artist.
4. Special updates, production sketches, and more!
So, if you'd like to lend your patronage to this project, please click below. You will be taken to a PayPal link where you can complete the transaction. If you have any questions about our Patron program, please contact info@sidedown.com.
