Update and the rise of Koen

The first read-through of the Noonday in the North, book 3 of my Absolution of the Morning Star series, is moving along. I’m halfway through chapter 11 of 30. So far, no significant problems, and I like what I see, which is good because I will likely read it a half-dozen more times in the editing process- each time growing more critical (and be sick of it by the end).

As mentioned in earlier posts, to start this process, I first re-read book 2, The Mourning Son, to ensure the continuity of the story. While doing so, I cut 30+ pages, which made reading a 500-page book take much longer than expected. Being new to the series game and not having an enormous feedback loop, I worry about the dreaded second novel syndrome. It’s a delicate balance that has led to doom for many. The second book in the series can’t be too similar to the first so that the reader doesn’t grow bored. But it is a series and should still capture the magic of the first book. It also needs to be grander without being overly so. Phew. That’s quite the challenge. Was I successful? shrugs shoulders

Baring a complete rewrite, I’ve done what I can with The Mourning Son. Personally, I love the book and stand behind it, but as I finish up my third book in the series, I’m worried (actually terrified) no one will read it. It’s not so much the validation that troubles me. I’m just concerned I’m wasting my time. I don’t have as much of it as I used to. According to my childhood dreams, I should have been a best-selling author by thirty. I’m inching toward 41. *sigh* Ultimately, I’m too far along with Erikson Gray’s story to stop now, and I need to write three more books to finish that journey. All I can say is onwards!

As a side note, yesterday, I felt creative and started another book. I can almost see your eye roll. I know. I should focus on getting The Noonday in the North out, and I will, but when the muse whispers, you need to listen. Don’t worry. Though not strictly part of the Absolution of the Morning Star series, it is still in the same world. It is also just a few pages.

I’ve wanted to write a stand-alone novel about Koen’s three-year disappearance (this is Erik’s father for the uninitiated). For the few who’ve read the Absolution of the Morning Star series, you’ll know that this is a great mystery that shook the entire Lucardian Empire. But the Absolution of the Morning Star is Erik’s story, so it only hints at why his father disappeared. But, during that time, Koen transforms from Emperor Vesper’s favorite son to a rebel. That’s a meaty story itching to be told. Also, I would like to try my hand again at getting published the traditional way, just to see if I can do it. That is highly unlikely with a six-book series that is already half-written. It will also take a long time to bring to fruition. Conceivably, I could be finished with the Absolution of the Morning Star series before Koen went to print, which would work out perfectly, actually. Well, wish me luck!

Cheers!