Mythology! Religion!

One thing I really admire about Brandon Sanderson is his ability to incorporate religion and mythology into his stories. It's something that I love about his work and I feel religious beliefs in their diversity is what makes his worlds feel so real. I think in today's culture, we try to pass religion off as non-important or non-essential, but values and beliefs is actually one of the key components of culture.

As I developed this story, it surprised me that it felt natural that Indri's character arc would be exploring what faith meant and how it would shape her view of the world. Sure, I had created a world filled with different religions and cultures, but I hadn't actually planned on it being challenged, explored, and actually lived by one of the main characters. Sometimes your stories take you in places you don't expect. And in doing so, it really challenges you as a creator.

I debated a long time whether or not to take this route for Indri's character. This topic is hard. It is difficult to write and having it come off as meaningful without being preachy or cringy. It's a delicate balance. But I'm overambitious and don't know when to quit, so here we are.