New Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novel & 2nd Edition of "Black Grotto"

In my new fantasy/science fiction book, Merlin & Arthur: The Awakening, I completed chapter 23 and am working on chapter 24. I hope to finish the novel sometime during 2019.

As I've been working on it, even I've been amazed at where the story is going. It originates in the time of Merlin and Arthur, during the late part of 6th century AD, and moves into the modern day, a bit into the future. Yes, Merlin and Arthur awaken, but at the start, they have no idea who they are. In fact, Arthur is homeless. The reason they awaken... Well, you'll discover that in the book.

The blending of the old and the new is obviously a challenge, but with all the research I've done, it's coming together. When I planned the book, I generally knew where I'd be going, but as always, when I write I see what's happening in my mind - like watching a movie. Sometimes things occur that I don't expect. That's what makes it fun!

The novel takes place in Wales, England, Siberia, other parts of Russia, the Bering Strait, and in Alaska. There's also an episode of international intrigue that complicates the plot and carries Merlin and Arthur around the globe as they interface with many characters and attempt to solve an unsolvable dilemma.

And as you know, if you've been following my blog, I've begun writing a second edition of all of my previous novels. I finished "Beatrice: Book I of the Alban Saga". Now I'm working on the second book of that series - "Black Grotto". I should be done with that sometime during January.

Keep checking my blog for updates. 2019 will be a busy year!

BLACK GROTTO: Update & Chapter 24 Short Excerpt

BLACK GROTTO 

Update & Excerpt From Chapter 24

Below is a short excerpt from the Chapter 24 of the Black Grotto. But before you get to that, I thought I'd give you a short update.

At this point, I've finished Chapter 24, and it looks as if there will be another three chapters before the first draft of the book is completed. That could change, but for now that's my best estimate.

Writing the ending of a book is something that I enjoy a great deal, and this one is no exception. I love it when all of the various strands of the plot come together and build towards the climax. I usually have a very clear idea of what I want to do, but sometimes as the story unfolds in my mind, a surprising detail can simply present itself, and I have to put it in. I mention it because a situation exactly like that arose in chapter 24, and it made the that part more challenging, yes, but also more fun to write!

Anyway, here is the excerpt that I promised. It contains the first two paragraphs of chapter 24, which is titled "Path to Power". I'm having a blast!

Chapter 24

Path to Power

April 1, 2023

In the distance, the morning sunrise in the west had just touched the horizon with its thin yellow glow, and the night had begun its retreat. The stars dimmed, and the moon dipped behind the hills in the east as the lonely raven soared over Stornaway Bay, flying inland. Tilting her head, she glanced down, one-eyed, at the town and harbor and began her descent, gliding over the forested parkland and the top of Lew’s Castle. Deciding to land for a moment, she set her wings, caught the air, and fluttered to a halt at the very top of one of the castle’s two turrets, resting on the battlements. With her binocular, two-eyed vision, she stared out across the isle and thought of how it had been her home and sanctuary for almost seventeen years. She then pushed away, beat her wings but twice, and glided downward along the backside of the castle to a soft landing on the ground below.

The raven’s dark, glossy wings lowered and rested at her side. She shook her head rapidly and stared upwards, feeling small as she stood at the base of the large stone citadel that spiraled high above her. Refocusing, she noticed the streaks of brownish-red that still tainted her dark black beak as well as several caked and dried stains of the same color that had splashed on the down of her chest.