So, yes, I have admittedly neglected my blog. I’ve really wanted to write a post, but I’ve been working through the last third of The Dagger Rose for some time now, and I have honestly been devoting every last ounce of writing energy to finishing it. However, I’m very close to being finished with the first draft, so I don’t feel too bad about taking time out to get everyone caught up.
First of all, and before you ask, I’ve done nothing on the sequel to The Iron Crown: zip, zero, zilch, nada. The “research” and test scenes I’ve written for The Pride of Lions (the title is 98% fixed at this point), remains where it was when I last touched it. I can say, however, no part of it has regressed, so it is pretty much where I left it. Furthermore, once Dagger moves forward in the process (re-writes, edits, etc.), Pride will unquestionably be my priority; I am as eager to see the Unwilling Kings saga completed as many of you are.
As far as Dagger is concerned, I believe that, to date at least, it has been one of the more personal, not to mention challenging, pieces I’ve ever written. Admittedly, I write many of my short stories in first-person, regardless of genre. In fact, I often feel like a “one-trick pony” because of it. I love the way first-person engages a reader (speaking for myself, of course), and places them in the role of participant, not simply spectator.
That aside, I’ve never had even the slightest interest in writing a first-person, full-length story for others to read. Dagger began as fun little first-person short story that was more explorative than anything. But, as I’ve said before, these things have a tendency to take on lives on there own. Dagger is no exception.
So, where does that leave me? As I mentioned, I’m less than a handful of chapters away from being finished with the rough draft. After that, I’ll get my cover artist engaged, take another front-to-back round of self-edits, then start working with my editor. Given that it’s just a little over half the length of Crown, I’m hoping it won’t take longer than a year to publish. I know a little more about the process now, and I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned.
With that, this post comes to a close. I wish you all well, and I’m switching back to Dagger.
