Finally Back On Track - Writing In An Old Library

While writing my first five sci-fi and fantasy books, I wrote 6-8 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. It took me about eight years to write those. I finished the last one, Merlin & Arthur: The Awakening, in May of 2020. Since then, I've been working on the third and final book of the Alban Saga, The Vortex, but I've found it difficult to stay on schedule and work consistently. I think that I was simply burned out. However, I'm finally back on track, writing more consistently again, and enjoying it!

One of the things that really turned the tide for me is when I began writing outside my home in an old library in my area. I've always liked writing in libraries when I was out traveling, so I decided that I would try it near my home to help me get back on track. It worked! I've included a couple of pictures of the library above.

I'm hoping that I'll be able to finally complete The Vortex during 2023. I'm very excited about the story and think it will make a great ending to the Alban Saga trilogy! I'll let you know how it goes!

 

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!

New Fantasy Novel CAVE OF DREAMS: Foundation Laid

Cave of Dreams 

Foundation Laid

From AD 500 to 2010 to the most current time in the book of 2022, the foundation of my new historical fantasy, CAVE OF DREAMS, has been laid out in the first ten chapters along with some interesting plot twists.

I just finished chapter ten and have brought in all the major players that will be involved in the book. I've also tied together most of the plot segments that started in the first book of the series (BEATRICE) and will continue in this one.

The work that I've done on each chapter to this point has been a slow and deliberate process, enlivening and developing the story as well as setting the tone and creating a strong feeling of place. I've included history that will influence the plot throughout and brought the Bauman family back in as well as the mysterious character that appeared at the end of Beatrice. She's back in this story in a big way.

I'm excited about the novel, and I think that it will be a long and detailed book with multiple plot lines and a variety of interesting characters. I'm truly enjoying the work as well as being in Scotland again - in my mind!

Back From My First Long Break From Writing

Cave of Dreams 

Changes in Style

Today, after six weeks of R&R from writing, I've gone back to work on my new fantasy novel, Cave of Dreams. In sequence, it comes after Beatrice, but it is being written so that you can read it without having read the first book. 

This really was my first long break from writing since May of 2013. Since that time, I've been writing about six to eight hours a day, five days a week. The break that I just took was sorely needed.

Today, though, I re-read Cave of Dreams to the middle of the ninth chapter. The change in the style of my writing is obvious. I take more time to picture more moments, painting as vivid a picture as I can of what's happening so that the reader can clearly "see" the story. Also, I'm slowing down so that the important and interesting details are portrayed. I believe both of these writing techniques are adding depth and texture to my work.

I had a great time reading the book again today, and tomorrow I'll get back to work and complete the ninth chapter.

Also, this book has more character descriptions, and I think I'm doing a better job of helping the reader understand the characters, not only by describing them better, but also by crafting the words they use in conversation in such a way as to indicate more about them.

I'm very excited about the Cave of Dreams and hope it will be my best work to date when completed.