Don’t mind the dust over here. I’ve been away for a week and am just now starting to pull myself back together. Let’s get on with the writing update, shall we?!
Writing Update
Greystone
This week I am starting the draft for The Final Gauntlet. It is the last book in the Greystone-in-Training trilogy and one that sets the stage for everything to follow in the main series. There is a little bit of pressure to make sure it does everything I want it to, but the pieces are coming together nicely. Any chance I get to spend in Portents is always like coming home.
Greystone Serial
This last month I’ve been developing a new Greystone adventure set between the stories in Tales from Portents. When I conceive a new project, I try to find some new challenge, something to sink my creative teeth into so I can test my craft or push myself in new ways. This serial is a perfect example of that. I so want to share more, but I’ll wait until next month as the details come to light.
I will say it is the most pure Soriya/Loren story since Signs of Portents. I really wanted to return to those roots and explore their dynamic as I did during those early adventures. Finding some quirky monsters to tie into it was just a bonus.
DSA Season One
Dark Impulses is now available in paperback! This was the book that sold me on the Morgan/Ben dynamic. It solidifies them as the core of the series and I love every moment with them.
You can order your signed paperback now.
DSA Season Two
The first book of Season Two is with some alpha readers. I’m anxious for their feedback. This book closes out the threads of the first season, while setting the stage for the next. My plan is to draft the second book after The Final Gauntlet, but we’ll see what happens.
Season Two is a much different animal in a lot of ways. There is a tighter narrative connecting the six books. There is definitely more answers and insights along the way as well. I think it’s much stronger and shows the potential offered by the format. I’m looking forward to sharing more in the coming months.
Reading
Last week’s road trip with family and friends afforded me some much needed reading time. I might actually complete one of my seasonal reading lists for a change!
Artemis by Andy Weir
The Martian is one of my favorite books of all time. I loved the narrative and the narration offered by Weir. Most of those qualities carried over to Artemis. It’s a much different novel, about a city on the moon, but the storytelling was phenomenal. Sure, there were moments where the science went right over my head – I’m not that smart – but Weir immediately brings it down to a human level. I can’t recommend Weir enough. Check it out.
Stone of Fire by J.F. Penn
Joanna Penn’s ARKANE series has been on my reading pile for years. It hits all my sweet spots as a reader. Indiana Jones meets The X-Files as the ARKANE group tracks down powerful religious artifacts. What’s not to love?
I thought this opening installment did a nice job of introducing the agency and the main players. I wasn’t sold on the inclusion of the evil syndicate, Thanatos. I would have preferred the main thrust of the action to be focused on the villainous Everett. Thanatos seemed more thrown in to foreshadow future books than to play a role in this one.
I’m still excited to read the next one. I think Morgan Sierra is the perfect lead for this series and am looking forward to seeing her story progress.
