Final Draft of My Novel…

Let me just say, it’s been a long haul. I started The Haunting That Ended the Summer of Love  a while back. I completed several drafts and then put it aside for a year or two.

My process, which means nothing really — just my process, consists of extensive outlining.  I know the entire story before I start, as well as the main players. What’s most important for me is knowing the ending. I don’t vary from the pre-planned storyline — A to B to C to D… but I do add side events and extra characters as it rolls along. Punch up the drama. Find interesting thematic tie-ins.

My first draft is messy. Just get the story down. I’ve read that some authors (and Stephen King might be one) ponder studiously over a single page of text and don’t move on until it’s near perfect. They do this daily and then have a finished book  with few, if any, rewrites.

I’m a double Aires and ain’t nobody got time for that.

I don’t have the patience. I can get it done in a year if I put my mind to it, but it will be bam bam bam, and then refine refine refine.

But I’m so happy with the end result. It’s a fast-paced (and I hope, fun) urban fantasy/thriller, with enough action to keep readers engaged, with strong character development and clear resolutions, along with several twists.

And if you like music from the era, check out my Haunting That Ended the Summer of Love Spotify playlist.

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I currently have two people reading it and while they’re only about seven chapters in, they are enjoying it, it’s moving at a good clip,  and they can visualize the era and are excited to keep reading. Granted there are 43 chapters to go, but so far so good. Aries are optimists!

If my novel appeals to you, gentle reader, please sign the form on this page for my Book Release Reminder. There’s nothing worse than a cluttered email account but with your information I can alert you only to pre-release news and discounts.