Volume IV: Draft 3 Underway.
…And I’m back! This will be short, so let’s dive right in.
Where to begin? Well, the cover for Volume III is complete, and I must say, I’m very impressed with it. In fact, this artist is re-covering Volumes I & II as we speak, and I will be unveiling those along with the cover for the latest installment. You’ll have to stay tuned for those. In addition, I’ve done some slight modifications to the blurb for The Bearer of Secrets. It’s more streamlined now. There’s a theme with the covers that’s carrying over, and I’m really excited to bring those to you.
As stated in a previous post, I have two sequels to the Maro Prakk novella already written, the third was finished within the last two weeks. The second book has had two drafts, and it’s going to collect some digital dust for the moment. I’ve got to step away from projects so I can come back with fresh eyes. Plus, when I get burned out on one project, I can pick up something else and break up the monotony.
With Warmaster done, and with a potential 2026 release, where does that leave me? Volume IV. It’s had two drafts, and it’s a solid story, but it’s still a huge book. With two rounds whittling away at the word count, and excising a whole novella out of it, I’m still sitting at 319k words, down from 402k. So, I’ve officially started on the 3rd draft, and we’ve got to get to five before the editor. Since this book isn’t due until 2027, I won’t feel the urge to hurry through. I’m really hoping to whittle this monster down another 50k words, remove all fluff, and give you the juicy morsel underneath. I think going forward with the series, the rest of the books will be like that, a cut back of all the extra stuff. I know some people love the exposition of the world building, or character moments, but sometimes, it’s got to be sacrificed on the altar of precision. I do plan to cut out excessive scenes that don’t serve the plot in any specific way, like a conversation over dinner—unless important—and anything too gratuitous, but those elements will still be there.
What’s after volume IV? Another draft of Red Creek’s sequel and Warmaster. I’ve got the next five years mapped out, so I’m going to have my hands full. Hopefully by the time 2027 or 2028 rolls around, I will have more mapped out and ready to start. Again, stay tuned for the re-covers of the series, it shouldn’t be too long now.
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