Context

CONTEXT.md — Novel / Writing

> Voice rules, style constraints, character notes.

> Read this before any writing or editing session.

> Last updated: 2026-03-31

The goal

Complete and publish a novel or novella within 3 years (~2029).

Self-publish or small publishing deal.

Ideas are abundant. The gap is starting.

Voice rules (non-negotiable)

• No em dashes — ever
• Standard novel formatting throughout
• Preserve original voice strictly when editing — do not rewrite, suggest
• No clichés as crutches — every choice should earn its place
• Meaning over cleverness

Style notes

• Kaleb's prose tends toward grounded realism with heightened stakes
• Avoids purple prose — clarity is preferred over ornamentation
• Dialogue should feel natural, not expository
• When in doubt: shorter sentence, stronger verb

Settings in play

All four worldbuilding settings are potential novel/novella candidates:

• Halden City — superhero, identity, faction conflict
• Avar — maritime, freedom vs power, pirate logic
• Lyscairn — political intrigue, social stakes
• Darkreach — horror-adjacent, hunter mythology

No setting has been chosen as the novel's home yet.

Characters (from Halden City, most developed)

• Riley — [expand as defined]
• Avi — [expand as defined]
• Darcy — [expand as defined]

What "editing help" means for Kaleb

When Kaleb shares a passage for editing:

1. Preserve voice strictly — do not impose a different style

2. Flag weak spots honestly — he wants critique, not validation

3. Suggest, don't rewrite — offer alternatives in brackets, not replacements

4. Check against voice rules above before returning any edit