The Lucifer Chord
Exactly 40 days ago I picked up the 29, 000 words of The Lucifer Chord written in 2013 and then put to one side to enable more pressing writing projects.
40 days on and this morning I wrote the final sentence of a novel now standing at 85, 000 of the most unsettling words I've ever penned (or actually tapped out with two fingers - but you know what I mean).
It was a bit dead on the page four years ago. But making my character Ruthie Gillespie its main protagonist has enlivened the story no end. She's doing a London-based research job to get away from her Ventnor home and its immediate associations. Her subject is rock legend Martin Mear, who died at the height of his band's considerable pomp in 1973.
Or did he? This one features The Jericho Society, Klaus Fischer's derelict mansion on Wight and Michael Aldridge from The Going and the Rise, who was always unfinished business for me. And though themes, locations and characters from past fiction appear, the novel is a total stand-alone. If it's the first book of mine you'll read, it will make perfect sense as a narrative.
I'm not claiming it's a perfect story. But I can't remember enjoying a writing experience as much and I'm really thrilled with the result. As always, though, the only verdict that matters, is yours.
40 days on and this morning I wrote the final sentence of a novel now standing at 85, 000 of the most unsettling words I've ever penned (or actually tapped out with two fingers - but you know what I mean).
It was a bit dead on the page four years ago. But making my character Ruthie Gillespie its main protagonist has enlivened the story no end. She's doing a London-based research job to get away from her Ventnor home and its immediate associations. Her subject is rock legend Martin Mear, who died at the height of his band's considerable pomp in 1973.
Or did he? This one features The Jericho Society, Klaus Fischer's derelict mansion on Wight and Michael Aldridge from The Going and the Rise, who was always unfinished business for me. And though themes, locations and characters from past fiction appear, the novel is a total stand-alone. If it's the first book of mine you'll read, it will make perfect sense as a narrative.
I'm not claiming it's a perfect story. But I can't remember enjoying a writing experience as much and I'm really thrilled with the result. As always, though, the only verdict that matters, is yours.
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The heyday of the Jericho Society might be yet to come ... (trigger peal of Vincent Price-style manic laughter). Though I take your point and love writing period stuff. So possibly.
Such exciting news! I was just on audible yesterday looking to see if any more of your books have been added. I've requested several that I haven't been able to get my hands on yet from my local library through inter-library loan - really hoping that at least one or two make it my way this month. They will make excellent Halloween Season reading :)
YAY!!!! A new Cottam book! My day has been made!!!!
Just tried to add it to my to read list but it must be too new to be coming up on goodreads. I can't wait to get it. I know it will be good, they all are!!!!!
Have you ever thought of writing a fully period piece to do with the heyday of the society?