Update- final push

It was another busy but fulfilling weekend with the in-laws. We rented a car, did some major grocery shopping, went to Newport, RI, to do the cliff walk, and spent Sunday morning walking around the historic center of Marblehead, MA. Despite the weather not being entirely on our side, it was a joyous time. The unexpected thunderstorms even allowed me to indulge in some writing, a rare treat these days that I wasn’t anticipating.

The Novice of Thanatos is progressing beautifully. I’ve reached the book’s final plot point, and the climax is within sight. Currently, I’m at 77,817 words (I crossed 300 pages last night) and aim to finish it at around the 100k mark. The remaining 25k words will allow me to conclude the series’ first book without rushing the story. The journey for this one feels much longer than 100k words, which is a good sign. I write long books and haven’t written one this short since Island of Stone. It was a challenge to condense a fantasy into 100k, but it was a beneficial exercise. In this final stretch, I will set up Mishal’s continued journey to the Temples of Thanatos, where he will continue training in the arts of the dead and take his vows as a monk of the order. However, his enemies from his novice days will resurface, adding a thrilling twist to the plot.

In preparation for finishing the Order of Thanatos, I started to fiddle again with Destiny of the Daystar, book four in my Absolution of the Morning Star series, to get ready to continue Erikson’s saga. After writing two books in the Lucardian world since Noonday in the North, I’ve replenished my store of ideas and know precisely where Erik’s destiny will take him. Much of Destiny of the Daystar will take place in the Northlands, as Erik visits each of the Circle of Eight to convince them to join him in his quest to unite humanity against the Nephilim. It will be a cold and arduous journey fraught with ancient gods, beasts, and the most dangerous foe of all, his own people.

Koen continues to get polished and pitched. The verdict is still out, but one way or another, it’s coming.

All in all, I’m still moving forward with my writing projects. The in-law busyness is slowing my progress to about half of what I typically write, but that’s okay. I am enjoying having them here, and although my writing is important to me, it still takes a backseat to family. I’m determined to complete the Novice of Thanatos by the end of the summer as planned. I am not sure if I can then finish Destiny of the Daystar by the end of the year, but I will try. In any event, it should be ready by early Spring. My commitment to these projects is unwavering, and I’m excited to see them come to fruition.

After Destiny of the Daystar, I’m excited to dive into the final two books of the Absolution of the Morning Star series (Dusk of the Demon and Queen of the Knight). Then, I have two more books of the Order of Thanatos series to write. And who knows, there might even be a sequel to Koen, titled Sylvanus, which will continue Koen’s story but through the eyes of his younger brother and co-conspirator in the rebellion against Emperor Vesper. The future is brimming with possibilities, and I can’t wait to explore them all.

Phew, that’s a lot to think about. One step at a time, Scott. The mountain isn’t going anywhere. Focus on your feet, and you’ll reach the summit eventually.

Cheers!