WARNING: this entire thread is a spoiler for my forthcoming novel.
A separate thread was requested, beginning here with Chapter 7. Chapters 1-6 can be read on the If I Can Tell A Story thread or in thsi pdf.
A little more history, then we'll get back to adventuring.
I was out all day on Tuesday and when I got home Dave was a good three quarters of the way through Firefly Lantern, he scarcely stopped reading to speak to me and basically read it in one session - so I think it's fair to say, he loved it! He has been playing 'You Got a Friend' a lot too! He said I should tell you that, as you clearly enjoyed Lord of the Rings, as he did, we called one of our dogs 'Frodo'!
I wanted to linger in this story a little longer, but it's time to let it go. The e-book is available now. Print editions will release within the next two days. Audio edition to follow.
Those of you who read the work in progress posted here will notice some additional narrative and dialogue, an extended final chapter extended a bit further, and a last-minute save by a young, inexperienced editor I took a chance on and hired to do a final pass through the book. Thanks to her, Benny will not be leaving town in Pop's old truck, as Pop drove that particular truck off a mountain highway and wrecked it.
https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0C39NS9C1
I've finished editing the publishing draft. It's substantially enriched, with additions throughout the story and the last two chapters are longer.
Print preview:
(Warning. If you haven't read it yet but intend to, the final two pages are revealed in this preview.)
This will be the extended trailer when the book releases.
Finalized full cover art.
And now let's see what kind of ending we've got.
This is my favorite chapter. You'll know where I cribbed the title from. Guess I can't write a book without slipping in at least a nod to Springsteen. Only one brief chapter left after this one.
Back down the well...
We've come to the final confrontation, but it will take place over two chapters. I expect to write the next chapter today, concluding the quest, but not the story.
Into the woods we go once more...
Next chapter should be a banger.
Some useless trivia bout the writing of this book.
The story is currently at 39k words and I expect it to come around 50k, give or take a few. That's 100k less words than The Boy Who Glowed in the Dark, but this story feels just as epic. It's faster paced, with a revelation or cliffhanger in nearly every chapter.
This is the first book I've written without music to set the atmosphere. I'm writing to an ambience recording of crickets and night forest sounds. Listening to music after I finish the day's writing is such a treat after several hours of crickets.
There aren't many Easter eggs hidden in this one. There are obvious nods to Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, a bit of homage to King's Dark Tower, but that's about it.
The writing is going about like it did with the last book. I really can't explain my process, or if what I do can be called that, but I'm writing a chapter a night, sometimes two, and the book will be finished in a few days. Another quick one. It still surprises me that the fiction comes so quickly once it comes.
The most unique thing about this experience is it's the first time I won't be using my original ending. That ending works just fine with the intended way the story climaxes, but this morning I woke up with an entirely different ending in mind and wrote it. It's going to be lovely.
Six hours straight writing. I'm dead.
A chapter that was very satisfying to my soul.
Rick, I have tried to email you, but had two bounce backs, so think you may have changed email address? Would you mind sending me an email so I can reply. Never quite got my head round PM's on this site! Thanks.
Very good. I was right about Teddy seeking help from Hank and it seems as if Hank will come good. Did Katy magic up the raccoons??? Nice touch.
I added to the scene when Benny discovers the door. Chapter 15, pages 146/147. It should be read.
And now we're scared...
Oh heck. Next chapter is going to be a bit scary I think! I was expecting Hank to refuse, but I have a feeling he might come good. There is something about him which reminds me of Handsome.
BTW, I'm really pleased Benny's dad is a good guy. I was worried at the start of the story that Benny would have an unhappy home life.
Three chapters since yesterday. Time for a rest.
As usual with the cover art and trailers, I'm never satisfied with my first attempts and they evolve with the story. This is the finalized pre-release video and I freaking love it.
I expect the story to pick up pace now through the end.
I enjoyed writing this chapter more than I have anything since First Boy on the Moon.
I've decided on the final cover art.
With this simple no-hype back cover.
So close to the 100 page mark.
Let's see how Benny's doing...