Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver is one of my favorite poets. Sadly she passed away in January of this year. I'll miss her voice.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Update: My New Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novel
In my new Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel, Merlin & Arthur: The Awakening, I'm currently working on chapter 26. I've written over 123,000 words so far and just recently entered the build up to the climax. It will take place over several chapters, and there will be an epilogue at the end to tie it all together.
I'll be leaving for Scotland again, probably in September, so I'm hoping to complete the book within a couple of months or so.
This particular novel has not been an easy one to write. I started it on October 16, 2016, and have been working on it since. Three months before that, I did a great deal of research to prepare, and it didn't stop there. In every chapter since, I've had to continue to do additional research. In fact, the other day it took two hours to complete one paragraph due to the need to look up information.
The story has elements of the Merlin and Arthur legend in it that I wanted to carry on within the plot, but most of it is told slightly in the future. It takes place in various locations around the world and has an important strand of international intrigue built in as well. Throughout the plot there's a large cast of characters, several government agencies from different countries, and aspects of fantasy and science fiction woven throughout.
As you can imagine, it's been an incredible amount of work, but I've loved every minute of it and have approached this book somewhat differently than my others. From the start, I set out to have each chapter be mini-story of sorts, yet still write it in such a way as to encourage the reader to wonder about what would happen next. I also incorporated a similar writing philosophy within each sentence and paragraph, attempting to end them with the most important word or phrase - not burying the lead, so to speak.
One last tidbit that I wanted to share with you was that I've been struggling mightily with the climax and ending of the book. However, two days ago I was working on chapter 26, and it all started coming together. I was relieved and extremely excited! I take a great deal of pride in how my books end, and I didn't want to let myself, the characters, or you down with this one. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I'm looking forward to sharing Merlin & Arthur: The Awakening with you!
Keep checking my blog for updates. When it's done, you'll be the first to know!
I'll be leaving for Scotland again, probably in September, so I'm hoping to complete the book within a couple of months or so.
This particular novel has not been an easy one to write. I started it on October 16, 2016, and have been working on it since. Three months before that, I did a great deal of research to prepare, and it didn't stop there. In every chapter since, I've had to continue to do additional research. In fact, the other day it took two hours to complete one paragraph due to the need to look up information.
The story has elements of the Merlin and Arthur legend in it that I wanted to carry on within the plot, but most of it is told slightly in the future. It takes place in various locations around the world and has an important strand of international intrigue built in as well. Throughout the plot there's a large cast of characters, several government agencies from different countries, and aspects of fantasy and science fiction woven throughout.
As you can imagine, it's been an incredible amount of work, but I've loved every minute of it and have approached this book somewhat differently than my others. From the start, I set out to have each chapter be mini-story of sorts, yet still write it in such a way as to encourage the reader to wonder about what would happen next. I also incorporated a similar writing philosophy within each sentence and paragraph, attempting to end them with the most important word or phrase - not burying the lead, so to speak.
One last tidbit that I wanted to share with you was that I've been struggling mightily with the climax and ending of the book. However, two days ago I was working on chapter 26, and it all started coming together. I was relieved and extremely excited! I take a great deal of pride in how my books end, and I didn't want to let myself, the characters, or you down with this one. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I'm looking forward to sharing Merlin & Arthur: The Awakening with you!
Keep checking my blog for updates. When it's done, you'll be the first to know!
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