Hey, friends. It has been a good while since I did any sort of update on my progress and short-term plans so here goes.
I finished the second draft of Green Earth Shaking, Gunpowder & Alchemy Book 3 way back in July, I think it was. Then I sent it to beta readers for feedback and while I was waiting I wrote, edited and published Vampire Crusader.
I also designed all new covers for the Gunpowder & Alchemy Series.
I re-edited White Wind Rising to resolve the copyediting and other minor issues. I cut out a few things, added a few more without making any huge changes.
I have also researched, planned and started the first draft of Vampire Outlaw. The novel takes place between 1216 and 1217 so I have been reading an awful lot about the First Baron’s War, the end of King John’s reign and the start of young Henry III’s. This takes in the invasion of England by Louis the Lion, prince of France, who was proclaimed King of England and welcomed by the rebel Barons and many of the people (especially Londoners).
It also covers the origins of the Robin Hood myth so I’ve been reading about William of Cassingham and his Wealden Archers (who feature heavily in the book). Cassingham waged a guerilla campaign in Kent against the invading French and rebel forces. Even attacking and burning the French camp at the siege of Dover Castle.
Historical characters in the book include King John, Henry III, William Marshal, Cassingham, Falkes de Breaute. Legendary characters include Little John, the Sheriff, Will Scarlet, Much the Miller’s Son, Friar Tuck (but he can’t be called Friar because they weren’t around yet), Marian and plenty of the other folk from the ever-changing myth. Some of them will be vampires.
But first I must finish the final draft of Green Earth Shaking. This one features a fantasy version of the Battle of Naseby, with battlemages and steam tanks alongside the muskets, ordinance and regiments of horse. When the draft is done, it’s off to proof reading which could take a while but hopefully it will be released in time for Christmas.
While it is being proofread, I will get stuck into the first draft of Vampire Outlaw. I have every chapter planned and I write my first draft quickly. But the rewriting and copyediting might take a while.
While Vampire Outlaw is being proofed, I will finish the first draft of book 1 of my sci-fi novel series…
The production line keeps on rolling. I am focusing almost entirely on producing content at the moment. That means forgoing almost all marketing and blogging. As much as I would love to do it and am watching and reading marketing content, I just do not have much time to put anything into practice. I have only a couple of hours a night for this whole writing thing so I am choosing to continue writing the books. In another year, we’ll see. By that point I should have at least 8 books out. But only if I stay focused.
Dan
p.s. I’ll have a free offer on White Wind Rising in a few days so if you don’t have it already, keep an eye out.