"MERLIN & ARTHUR: THE AWAKENING" - Manuscript Finished!

The manuscript of my latest SciFi/Fantasy novel, Merlin & Arthur: The Awakening is done. It is over 162,000 words and has thirty-four chapters, plus a Prologue.

I began the research for this novel, which I originally entitled "M", in March of 2016. After three months of preparation, I actually started writing it in June of 2016, and just finished it yesterday, August 26, 2019.

It has been an unbelievable journey that has included some wonderful characters such as Merlin and Arthur, of course, but also many, many others. The plot takes place across the globe in such places as Carmarthen Wales, Glastonbury England, many cities and villages across Russia, and in Alaska. It has magic as well as science fiction, real places mixed with fictional scenes, humor, great sorrow and pain, international intrigue, love, joy, adventure, and events based on current politics, history, legend, and imagination.

I am extremely proud of all the hard work, sweat, tears, and dreams that have gone into this, and I hope to be able to share it with you in the not-too-distant future. But my approach with publishing this book will be different than with my others. I just sent it off to be edited, and in the meantime, I'm leaving on a trip to Europe where I'll be gone for a year. We'll get the manuscript into its final form, and then I'll send it off to as many agents as I can. Then while I'm in Europe, I'll attempt to meet with some agents and publishers there, as well as enter it in some writing competitions.

If I can find a publisher or an agent, I will go that route to publish the book. If not, I'll publish it independently as I have my others.

While I'm in Europe, I've also decided to step away from writing prose for a time and work on my poetry. Many of you have read some of my poems on the blog. I'd love to write more and publish a book of poetry. It was my first love after leaving the music business. Now I'm anxious to get back into it.

Just yesterday, I noticed that my blog is now being read in 70 countries, and I wanted to thank all of you for your interest and support of my work. When I started all this, my goal was to share my struggles as well as my writing. I didn't want to merely try to impress; I wanted to be real and honest.

I'm looking forward to improving everyday, gaining more readers, and producing work that I can continue to be proud of. If you want to read any of my other books, you can get a printed copy or download it onto your Kindle through any of Amazon's websites around the world. Just do a search on Amazon with my name in quotes: "Bob Stegner". I wish my books were written in other languages, but for now they're only in English.

So...keep watching my blog. I'll let you know what's going on with my writing, what's happening with Merlin & Arthur: The Awakening, and when it will be available. I'll also be publishing some of my new poetry on my blog, so keep an eye out for that.

Thanks for taking this journey with me!

Bob Stegner

ANNOUNCEMENT: Final Title of New Book!

As promised, I am excited to finally share with you the actual title of my new book. It was previously titled "M", but the real title will be "Merlin & Arthur: The Awakening".

I began doing research for this book in June of 2016 and started writing it in October, 2016. It's by far the most complex book I've ever written and takes place in Wales, England, and inside Russia. It's been a slow write, but well worth the time and effort.

I'm hoping to complete it and get it published sometime in 2018, but we'll see how that goes.

In my next blog entry, I will include a new summary that will explain in a more concrete way what the book will be about, but for now, I'll just say that it is a fantasy/science fiction book that also includes international intrigue.

It's been a dream of mine for a long time to write a book about Merlin and Arthur, and that dream is finally coming true!

M: Beginning of Chapter 19 & Working in Scotland

I've left the Seattle area for a while and have been in Scotland since the middle of June. I love traveling and writing in the Highlands and will be revisiting several locations that I included in my two fantasy books, Beatrice and Black Grotto. I'll be here for several weeks, and it's not only been great to be here, but it's been a boon to the writing of my new book. I've finished chapter's 17 and 18 and am now at the beginning of chapter 19. I mentioned earlier that the two plot lines of "M" were coming together, and they've definitely melded into one now.

I also mentioned recently that "M" is not going to be the real title of my new scifi book. I will reveal the actual title soon as well as explain more about what the book is about. I'm looking forward to doing that. Up until now I've been keeping it a secret, but it's time to let it out.

M: Beginning of Chapter 16

Below is the first paragraph of Chapter 16 of my latest science fiction/fantasy novel entitled "M". It's going to be an extremely important chapter in the book.

The nervous tapping of the pencil, to anyone other than the man sitting at the massive wooden desk, would have been insignificant and virtually unnoticeable compared to the voluminous size of the opulent room, the wooden inlaid floor of intricate and beautiful design, the elegant Persian rug, the dark glass-fronted cabinets full of legalities and policies of government, the white and gold embellished and vaulted ceiling, and the extravagant crystalline chandelier that hung just above his head. But to him, the sound and sense of the instrument in his hand as it struck the polished surface over and over and over again, gave voice to his fears, doubts, and uncertainties; and he was a man not used to such. He was the leader of a great and powerful nation and had achieved that role through strength, confidence, and an undying belief in his abilities; but here he sat, immovable and completely at odds with himself. He could find no direction, no choice that would satisfy both his needs and the needs of his country. It was an impossible quandary that required a decision that only he could make.

M: Updated Synopsis Of My Latest Novel

Below is the updated synopsis of my latest novel, "M". I also wanted to let you know that the current title will change when the book is actually published. I just completed the fourteenth chapter and am hoping to finish and have it available sometime during 2018.

Synopsis

The year is 2022, and two seemingly unrelated events will set in motion the narrative of this science fiction/fantasy novel. One is an earthquake whose epicentre is located in the Bristol Channel between Wales and England. The other is a huge explosion at what is thought to be an observatory in the Koryak Mountains in eastern Siberia. Because of these events, two of the most legendary, medieval heroes in Britain's history come back to life, and an international incident begins to hit the newsrooms around the globe.

The story incorporates two plot lines. The first contains the awakening of the two legendary Brits who enter this new and strange world confused and unsure. As they struggle with their identity, they come in contact with people who give them aid. There is Nim who has two young boys and runs the family sheep farm near Carmarthen, her husband, Duncan, a history professor and MP in Parliament, a vicar and his wife in Glastonbury, and a woman named Gwawr who works with the homeless. The second includes two MI6 agents that have secretly entered Russian territory on a hazardous mission, twenty-four black ops from four western countries, Abram Zima, the President of Russia, the heads of four of his agencies, and, most importantly, the people who live in the towns and cities across Russia that are caught up in tragic events inside their own country.

What started in Siberia could not only threaten the lives of the Russian people but all life on earth. And with no solution in sight and virtually all hope lost, the world's future could come down to the revival of the old and ancient magic, some dangerous and delicate diplomacy, and an almost impossible quest that has little to no chance of succeeding.

"M": The Convergence Of Two Plot Lines

In my latest fantasy/science fiction/international intrigue novel, "M", I have two significant plot lines that have been unraveling since the beginning of the book. I just completed chapter 12 and have written a little over 50,000 words. The two plot lines will soon begin to converge.

One of them has been the resurrection of two medieval characters in Wales and England. The second, the development of a major international incident, which has taken place in Russian Siberia.

The final steps bringing these together will occur in chapters 13 and 14. I'm really pleased with the story development at this stage and am very much looking forward to melding the two plot lines into one.

There has been a tremendous amount of research involved in "M", and the two stories within the book have been very unique and different in tone as well as substance and setting. I'm looking forward to completing it, especially considering my style of writing. Before I start a book, I generally know the beginning and end and how I'm going to get there. I know some of the characters as well, but as I write, I see the story in my mind, like a movie, and many times the plot will take twists and turns that I never expected. It makes it a lot more fun to write and allows for the book to evolve as I write it. I like not having everything figured out ahead of time.

I know it's going to take at least another year or so before it's released, but I can hardly wait for you to read it!

New Quote From Chapter 12 of "M"

Below, I have included a recent quote from chapter 12 of my latest fantasy/science fiction/international intrigue novel, "M".

Enjoy!

Trembling from the numbing cold and hopeful that there were no longer any Russians nearby, Tristan fumbled with the small pack that he still had cradled to his chest and took out a flashlight. He forced his way up through the layers of snow above him as carefully and inobtrusively as he could, and broke free. Once through, he hesitated a moment before standing and scanned the area to make sure the Russians were gone. It seemed they were. He sighed, feeling some relief, and then glanced up at the clear, black sky overhead. It was covered in stars and on any other night would have left him in awe, but he had no time for that now. Once he was exposed to the elements, it was dramatically colder. He checked his watch. With the wind chill, it was about minus fifty degrees Celsius. He knew that he would have to find shelter again, and soon. He readjusted his coat and hood to help keep out the cold as long as possible, brushed away the ice crystals from his face, and clicked on the flashlight that he held in his hand.
    He was standing waste deep in snow, and before attempting to move to open ground, shined the light around him and was relieved to see movement nearby. Several of his friends were either just breaking out of the snow as he had or crawling on all fours onto the flat ground just beyond the perimeter of the collapsed snow cave.

"M": Chapter 12 Challenge

In chapter 12 of my new science fiction/fantasy book "M", I've had a challenge that I've never confronted before. Two very important characters and the events surrounding them will be introduced at the beginning of the chapter, and what happens to them comes at a very crucial moment within the plot. The characters will need to be found credible by the reader, and they and their predicament must be something that the reader can relate to and empathize with in a significant way. The real challenge is that they will never come up in the book again, and I need to do all this inside two short pieces at the beginning of the chapter. I need to say enough without saying too much or too little, and do it in such a way that the reader "gets" why I've done it and is drawn in by it.

I've finished the writing for the first character and have started the second. I'm having fun with this and really enjoying figuring out how to do it.

I think I'm still about a year away from completing the book but am, even now, looking forward to the reader's responses to what I've done. I love this book!

New Quote from Chapter 11 of "M"

Below, I have included a recent quote from chapter 11 of my latest fantasy/science fiction novel, "M".

Enjoy!

   Well before sunrise, people had already begun to gather round the lake at the base of Tor Glastonbury. It was one of those mornings when the air was still and cold, the sky clear, and all but the very top of the tor was enshrouded in thick, heavy fog. A half-moon rested at its apex just above Michael’s Tower, lending a silky glow and a feeling of enchantment to the already otherworldly setting.

   For as far back as anyone could remember, the faithful and the curious had gathered at the tor in the dark to watch the sun come up on the day of the winter solstice, but this year the size of the crowd was much larger. The obvious reason was the dramatic return of the lake. After over a thousand years, the tor was once again circumscribed by water, and many saw it as the return of Avalon - the return of The Isle of Glass.  And as they stood together cloaked in the inky blackness of early morning, the hushed sound of lapping at the shore seemed to carry the thought that was on everyone’s mind, ‘This can’t be a coincidence?’

   Then the crowd's attention was drawn towards the center of the lake. It seemed that there were lights flickering and dancing within the dense fog that hung above the water. The lights became even more agitated in their movements and started to rise. They ascended rapidly and then burst into the open air around Michael’s Tower. This happened just as the sun’s light was touching the horizon, and the birth of a new winter was about to dawn. Once the lights had escaped the fog, the crowd could clearly see eight green and lavender spheres of glittering light, swirling around the base of the tower. A collective gasp could be heard from the gathering, and then someone yelled, “Fata Morgana – the lights of Avalon!” But the vision only lasted a few more moments and was rapidly overtaken by a sunrise unbelievably dramatic and vibrant. Silence reasserted itself, leaving the onlookers staring in awe, wondering, and confused.   

New Quote from M: Dream Sequence

Below, I have included a quote from my latest fantasy/science fiction novel, "M".

This quote is a dream sequence for one of the characters near the end of chapter 10.

Enjoy!

     The opaque, black clouds covered the sun, and lightning bolts were erupting from the rise overlooking the battlefield. The dead on both sides lay strewn about like decaying leaves on dark, bloodstained soil after a great and violent storm. I saw myself lying there amongst my comrades - a sword wound leaking blood from my side, and a young warrior crumpled over a spear nearby. One end of the spear was penetrating his chest, and the other, I was holding in my right hand. I knew I had killed him, and he…he had dealt with me with his sword. I, too, would soon die. Then a voice called to me. I glanced up and saw a saint kneeling over me. His hand was on my shoulder. His white hair and beard created a halo around his face. I could feel his power and thought for a moment that I knew him. He then said my name again and again and shook me as if to call me back from the dead…

"M": A New Quote From The Beginning Of Chapter 10

Below, I have included a quote from Chapter 10 in my latest fantasy/science fiction novel, "M".

This quote is from the first two paragraphs in the chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 10

Convergence

November 15, 2022

Shuffling down an alley, the homeless man had stopped looking at people’s faces several days ago. A few during his ramblings on the streets of Glastonbury had offered him coins or small bits of food, and on rare occasions a bottle of water, but most avoided his gaze and simply walked by. He knew he looked haggard – maybe even a bit frightening to some. He stopped for a moment and stared at himself in a shop window. His eyes were bloodshot; his hair and beard were long and unkempt and filled with bits of food and grass. He wiped those away, but it didn’t help much. The clothes he’d been given at the shelter were now soiled and beginning to stiffen and fray. His shoes and the bottom of his pants were caked in mud.

    He still had no idea who he was or how he’d gotten himself into such a mess, but his predicament was quickly becoming his reality. He’d sleep by day, usually in a Abbey Park where he wouldn’t be bothered by anyone, and walk most nights to stay warm. He could get one or two hot meals every few days at one of the shelters in the city or through someone’s generosity, but it really never seemed to dampen his constant hunger. He’d lost weight and muscle mass from an already weakened frame, and he’d often wondered, ‘Maybe I should have listened to Gwawr and stayed at the shelter?’ But for him, it just didn’t work. He had to get out of there. It felt like a prison, and at the time, he was convinced that if he just went out on his own, it wouldn’t be long before he’d meet someone who recognized him. He’d convinced himself with the thought that, ‘Someone has to know me!’

"M": A New Quote From The Beginning Of Chapter 9

Below, I have included a quote from Chapter 9 in my latest fantasy/science fiction novel, "M".

This quote is from the first five paragraphs in the chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 9 Quote

Every member of the Russian agencies that had met in Tomsk was blurry-eyed and downing coffee like water. They’d eaten little since yesterday and had been up all night with their teams trying to find a way forward. The return call from President Zima was only about an hour away when Andrej Orlov called them back together.

They all shuffled in. Some remained standing. Others sat in the dark oak chairs around the massive table in the meeting room of the old house. It seemed no one wanted to begin the conversation, as an uncomfortable, heavy silence sprawled out across the room.

Andrej had been the one to initiate their long night of discussions, so he took it upon himself to begin the meeting. He pushed against the arms of his chair, came to his feet, and hesitated one last moment as he finished off his cup of strong, bitter coffee. His colleagues glanced in his direction, waiting.

“We don’t have much time. The president will be contacting us soon. We all know that we have a decision to make. So, let’s go around the room, one team at a time.”
    He waited for someone to volunteer. No one did, but just as he was about to call on someone, Vadik, the head of the GRU military specialists, came to his feet.

Back And Writing Again!

I've been visiting family, traveling, and taking some time off from writing. This was actually my first real break since May of 2013, and I feel rejuvenated and excited to write again.

Yesterday, I decided to begin re-reading my new science fiction/fantasy book, M, correcting any mistakes I might find and simply reacquainting myself with the story. After I finish the re-read, I'll move on to completing chapter 8 and moving on from there. Soon I'll have some new quotes and info from the book to put into the blog to share with you.

While I've been gone, the number of people reading my blog and following it from different countries around the world has continued to grow. Thank you for your interest in my work and for following my accounts here on my blog. It brings a smile to my face, knowing you're with me!

"M": A New Quote From The Beginning Of Chapter 8

Below, I have included a quote from Chapter 8 in my latest fantasy/science fiction novel, "M".

This quote is from the first paragraph in the chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 8 Quote

Curls of heavy smoke swirled up to the ceiling within the dimmed room with half-empty bottles of vodka set out randomly amid laptops, documents, and trays of mostly-eaten finger food on a heavy, dark, wooden table. The only natural light in the room was from the setting sun, which at this time of year was extremely bleak no matter the time of day. It entered the room through a bay window framed in black Russian bog oak that ran from floor to ceiling, containing pains of etched leaden glass. The conversation had ebbed and flowed from loud and boisterous to somber and silent, depending on the moment, ever since the members of the various government agencies had started meeting in early November. One large screen at the opposite end of the room from the window remained on, displaying a map of Siberia with areas of red - each of which had been expanding over the last four weeks much more rapidly than anyone had ever expected. There was little doubt at this point that the situation was becoming more and more deadly with each passing day. A decision would have to be made, and soon.

New Quote: Medieval Character's Awakening in Chapter 7

Below, I have included another quote from Chapter 7 in my latest fantasy/science fiction novel, "M".

This quote is from one of the famous medieval characters that remembers how he was awakened in the year 2022. It is a pivotal moment in the book. Enjoy!

Chapter 7 Quote

I had been submerged in a pool of thick, all-consuming blackness since time unknown, moving in and out of a surreal unconsciousness, etched with bits of life and snippets of moments long past. My gods had clearly abandoned me, but the lady whose face I’d first seen eons ago entered my desolation at moments, providing some small semblance of hope and sustenance within the molevolant blankness that enshrouded me. Days, months, years, upon years, upon years passed as I floated somewhere between life and death with little understanding and no final decision on either. Until one day…the earth shook.

It was just a night, or two, or three ago, I’m not sure really, but I can now recall it in great detail - the desperate sound of my first breath sucked into my lungs, the rapid hammering of my heart against my chest, and the total confusion and unsettling dizziness of coming out of such an immense, deathlike trance. And amongst all this, the earth continued to tremble and beat against me. Pieces of rock struck my face and body from above, and my mind began to register the rumbling of rocks, breaking away and falling to the ground; then a wrenching motion beneath me was followed by a loud and thunderous shattering of stone. I was almost thrown from where I lay.

Then, as rapidly as it had begun, everything ceased – the sounds, the violence, the fury, the quaking. I finally dared to crack open my eyes but was still met with total and unending darkness, a darkness so complete that my mind began playing tricks on me, issuing forth bright flashes that gave no warmth, nor did they allow me any discernible vision. Without knowing it, I had been grasping the sides of the platform where I lay so firmly that my fingers ached. I released them and slowly brought my hands up close to my face, but no matter how hard I stared, I saw nothing – no movement, no fingers, nothing.

My breath quickened. Panic set in and overwhelmed me. I had no idea at that moment who I was, where I was, or what had happened to me. I simply remained still and reticent, unable to think or act rationally. A few more moments passed – a few more breaths deeply inhaled – then I knew I had to move. I had to do something.

It was unbelievably difficult. Every muscle, every joint, even my skin screamed from the pain of immobility, but I persisted and finally rose to a sitting position. I was sweating from the effort and felt weak and shaky. I didn’t know if I could continue, but knew I must. I again gathered my strength and swung my legs over the edge of the platform. Then I scooted forward, not knowing how far it was to the floor below. I felt around for something to drop over the side and found two items. One seemed to be some type of head adornment, possibly a crown, the other, a small ring. Curious. Then I dropped the ring and could tell that the floor was only a short distance away. I prepared to lower myself off the platform by first hitching up the long, thin cotton garment that inconveniently hung down to my ankles. Turning over, I lowered my feet over the side very slowly and hung on to the opposite edge of the platform. I couldn’t quite reach the floor with my feet and knew that I had to let go. I didn’t have the strength to control my fall. I felt my arm hit the crown as I fell, causing it to strike the floor with a sharp, metallic sound. I landed with a thud, knocking the breath from me, and lay still until the muscles in my chest relaxed enough to allow me to breathe comfortably again.

Whatever energy I’d had at the beginning of all this had almost entirely left me. There was no way I had the strength to stand, so I started crawling, cautiously reaching ahead with my hands to protect myself and feeling my way forward. As I did, I caught my garment with my right foot and tore off a piece of the hem. It didn’t concern me. I just needed to find a way out of this terrible blackness.

I could tell from the sounds echoing from wall to wall that I must be in a chamber of some kind, probably underground, and I could only hope that it had an exit. I moved forward on trembling limbs until my hands detected a wall. I followed it for a short distance and discovered what I’d been looking for. There was an opening. I felt around for something to throw and found a pebble. I threw it into the opening, and it took some time to land. It had to be a passageway. I crawled through.

I soon reached what felt like a stone stairway. I blew out the breath that I’d been holding and after a short rest moved forward again, crawling upwards. It was extremely steep for a stairway, but as I progressed, I was rewarded. Just ahead of me was a slightly less dark shade of black. My heart jumped, and my adrenaline kicked in, pushing me onwards. Reaching the end of the stairs, I passed through and sat on a flat surface. The fresh, cool night air shocked and invigorated me, and as my eyes adjusted, the moon’s silver rays lit up my surroundings. I could see that I was sitting on the floor of a circular room with two tall archways on opposite sides. I sighed and took a deep breath then crawled to the one on my left. Through the opening, I could just see a grassy knoll, a glorious night sky, and the moon that had lit my way. I immediately fell to the ground and spread myself out on the luxurious grass, letting out a heavy sigh of relief. It wasn’t long at all before I slept. When I opened my eyes again, the sky and moon were gone, and I was shivering. A dense and moisture-laiden fog had rolled in.

I could tell that I was stronger after the rest that I’d had, but regardless of my newfound energy, I knew that I had to find a way out of this fog or die, especially considering the flimsy cloth that covered my body. I returned to my hands and knees and started moving again. The ground seemed to be slanting downward, and soon my hands touched another slab of rock. I crawled forward and found a second one, slightly lower. I was on another stairway, less steep but much longer. It hurt my hands and knees to continue, but I did. When I reached its end, I scrambled forward a few more feet and then fell over, exhausted and completely spent. I curled up on the wet grass and closed my eyes. I knew that I was done and that whatever was to happen now was not up to me. It was up to the gods.

UPDATE: WORKING ON CHAPTER 7 OF NEW BOOK

Below, I have included a quote from the first paragraph of Chapter 7 in my latest fantasy/scifi novel, "M".

The writing of the book is moving ahead, but at a slow pace. It's a very complex story with many layers, intertwining plot lines, a considerable cast of characters, and a lot of research.

Chapter 7 Quote

The morning after the earthquake that had originated in the Bristol Channel, the air and ground were saturated with moisture. It had stopped raining, but the dense fog that remained was almost impenetrable to the eye, and the thick grass hung limp and damp with dew. Alyn Hughes and Floyd Davies stood side by side, dressed in their work trousers and yellow vests, shaking their heads and gazing out across the newly formed lake that now covered the low-lying fen around Tor Glastonbury. Neither of the men could believe what they saw. They had both grown up near the tor, and just last month had been there with their families, joining in on one of the many festivals that took place there. It had been a glorious early autumn day, and they had met to celebrate, eat, and raise a glass together. But now, they couldn’t even reach the tor except by boat. It had become an island, encompassed in impenetrable mist and encircled by water.

"M" UPDATE: QUOTE FROM CHAPTER 5

Below, I have included a quote from the first paragraph of Chapter 5 in my latest fantasy/scifi novel, "M".

The writing of the book is finally picking up. Chapter 5 is almost completed. It's going to be a wild ride!

Chapter 5 Quote

The crystal shards lay upon the dark floor of the cave, reflecting the amber, yellow-gold, deep crimson, and blue of the fire that flickered at the very center of the chamber. Their combined glow, although not bright enough to take away the cavern’s black façade, still emitted just enough light to soften the overwhelming darkness and warm it slightly. It reminded M of thousands of multicolored fireflies cast about in the grass on a shadowy eve, preparing to rise and fill the air with their small lanterns of light. The only sound that caught his attention and cut through the heavy silence was the popping of the burning wood, which echoed off the round dome of the rock ceiling. The only smells were the dank earth and smoke-saturated air giving off the odors of an old familiar place, doing its best to remind him from whence he’d come.

WRITING AGAIN!

My writer's block is gone for now at least. I was having a terrible time with one of the chapters of my latest fantasy/scifi novel, "M", but I had a dream that helped me through the conundrum.

That particular chapter was a hell of a write for many reasons, and I'd like to share the last sentence with you. It may seem that it gives too much away, but it doesn't.

"Then...the seconds and minutes passed...until the stillness overcame the immense savagery and iniquity of that one moment, leaving behind only dust and ashes, with no one to see it or feel it or remember."

WRITER'S BLOCK!

I went back to work on "M" in January, and the work proceeded well until the middle of chapter 4. At that point, I had to stop and earn some money for a while. That ended the flow of my creative energy, and I wasn't able to write at all through February and March.

Now, I'm cutting back on earning a living again and making more time for writing, but it's been extremely difficult to get back on track. I had been used to writing 5-6 days a week for about 6-8 hours a day ever since 2013 and having to take a break has actually made writing much more difficult.

Also, "M" is not an easy book to write. It is quite a bit different than my other books, and the plot line is much more complex and challenging.

However, there has also been a positive aspect to not being able to write. Chapter 4 is an extremely pivotal chapter in the telling of the story, and I have been dreaming and thinking about it around the clock. I almost have it figured out, so I'm hoping that I can get back to work very soon.

Not having the energy or drive to write has been very difficult for me. I miss it and hope that in the next day or two I can begin again. Wish me luck. I very much believe in this new novel and the story that it has to tell. I'll let you know when I get back at it and how it progresses.

For now, though, I have included the beginning of the book's Prologue for you to read.

Prologue

She had taken the last of his secrets as her own and had drained and exhausted her aged lover. He was stretched out in her arms and could barely open his eyes any longer. His features were brutally drawn and haggard from the suffering she had caused, and his skin was the color of tallow. There was no doubt that he was slipping away. She held him close and talked softly as she gave him wine mixed with herbal potions to ease his passing. But despite her acts of tenderness, terrible guilt emerged over what she had done. She assuaged herself with the truth that her love for him had not been false, and that even though his sight and magic had left him long ago, he still possessed considerable knowledge that needed to be shared. Yes, it would cause him pain, but it had to be done before it, too, was lost.