Excellent! A story born out of a reaction to another work! I love it when there’s clear inspiration like that, even if it is transparent displeasure. It should be a good story, full of emotion! 

10 years is quite a long time, I am impressed with your dedication. It certainly does take a lot of time to write a book that’s nothing to worry about, but keep in mind it takes even longer if you never finish it. “It takes an awful long time to not write a book.” Douglas Adams.  

Okay so for the subplot/plot dilemma you seem to have, why not make the romance the plot?  There’s nothing wrong with a romance novel that has an epic backbone and setting. However if you are convinced that the romance must only be a side-plot, you should start by asking yourself the ‘Why’ questions. Why here? Why now? Why me? Why not? Look over all the content you’ve written over the years- why are they there? Why are those scenes happening? Why are those characters existing? Why are they stomping around in your mind? What do they need to do or express through you?  Ask your characters what they want and write out mind maps or lists of any/all possibilities that could be fathomed to happen, and see which one sticks. 

Hope this helps! Feel free to let me know how you get on, you got this! :) 

Switched to a different book on the advice of a friend who majored in Greek. A professor at my Alma mater taught himself Greek in a single summer using this book. I guess I’m aiming to replicate his success.