Thanks, Explanation, & a Tease

I’d like to give a tremendous thank you to all who have taken time out of your schedules to read my blog over the past six months. You guys are the best! I wasn’t sure what would happen when I launched impromptugameof52. Your responses and comments have made it all worthwhile. Obviously, there’s a lot of room for the site to grow, but I think we’re doing really well.

Folks might wonder why I don’t keep the blog strictly to one subject. I’m a writer, so why aren’t all my posts about writing? Answer: because limiting myself to one topic is a) boring and b) not fruitful. In other words, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I like to draw in people from all walks of life, get them to appreciate both the simple things and the larger aspects of our world. You can’t do that when you stifle your own creativity.

So while this blog primarily functions as a way for me to connect with readers of my fiction novels or short stories, it’s also an avenue for evangelism, discussion of culture, philosophy, and other interesting but perhaps not important subjects like gaming or movies.

Now that I’ve got that out of the way, let me also say that I’m truly grateful for those of you who partook in the Kindle Countdown deal over the past week. I appreciate every opportunity for my work to reach fresh eyes. Writing is my hobby (maybe a career), but I’m always looking for outside input and interpretations. Hearing fans rave about (or criticize) my work moves me to do what it takes to create fiction that will top their expectations.

“That’s all well and good,” you say, “but what’s going on with the sequel right now? How far along is it?”

Friend, I’m pleased to say that I’m approaching the end of the first draft. I didn’t reach the self-imposed end of February deadline, no, but I think I’m going at reasonable pace. Right now I’m looking at two chapters that need to be written before I can call it a day on the rough draft. I’m also considering revising an earlier chapter and splitting it in half for better pacing.

“Based on what you’ve written so far, would you say that you like the sequel better than The Shadow Over Lone Oak?”

It’s difficult to answer that question. I considered TSOL to be my writing baby, having been with me in my mind for two years in some way or form. But the sequel is going places and doing things that I didn’t expect to be writing. It definitely contains one of my favorite chapters I’ve ever written. As I said, the book is not finished, so I can’t in good conscience make that judgment call quite yet.

As a tease, I’ll give you more random details about the sequel (still untitled) that I hope intrigue you:

One chapter is entitled “Blood on the Snow” and features a junkyard
A rainstorm plays a pivotal role in certain events in the novel
Llewyn Finch’s past and present will collide
Lingering questions about Lone Oak will be answered

Ooh, how mysterious. Bet you’re frothing at the mouth right now. If you are, you should probably get that checked out. That might be rabies. Or poison.