A Work in Progress

I was predicting March next year as the date I would be in a position to bring out my next novel – “Hillsend” - but now it looks like it could be sooner.

A week or so ago I decided I’d already reached a stage where I could not take it any further without some external input.

I’ve asked a friend (and critic) to review the book as a work in progress. It’s a departure from what I’ve normally done, which is to wait until I have a final, fully edited manuscript.

I currently have three concerns about the manuscript:
1. Is it too short at 57,000 words?
2. Are the protagonists sufficiently likeable?
3. Is the devil inside a character a sufficient antagonist?
When I say “devil” I mean it in the secular sense of the weaknesses and foibles of human nature and the effects of life’s experiences.

Also, I’m waiting to hear if the manuscript assessor for my last few books (Tina Shaw) wants to take on that task again for “Hillsend”.

The next hurdle will be the question of whether or not my previous editor will need to be changed. Andrew Killick, the multi-talented editor/cover designer I’ve used previously, was freelance but is now in employment and has less time for freelance work.

I’m hoping that my business relationship with both those professionals will be able to continue through the process of publishing “Hillsend”.