Eight years ago, in 2018, I decided I wanted to write a story based around the infamous East End murders of 1888, and ‘Jack the Ripper.’ Wheat came out was ‘Deviant Desire,’ and as I’ve mentioned before, this was meant to be a standalone book. However, it clearly wasn’t, because it led to another 29 full-length novels over three series. The world I’d created grew organically from one book to the next, keeping to its own rules, and, in my opinion, with the writing style improving in confidence all the time. The entire collection of novels and related publications amounts to well over 3,000,000 words, and most of them are spelt correctly.
Along the way, we met a large cast of characters, some of whom survived all the way through. Although they didn’t necessarily play parts in every book, they continued to exist in what became known as the Clearwater World. They still do, even though ‘Deviant Desire’ led to a 10-book Clearwater series, which led to a seven-book Larkspur series, which then led to the 12-book Delamere series.
A few weeks ago, I prepared myself to say farewell to this world and its cast. Reaching the end of ‘The Delamere Dilemma’ was like waving off a train taking friends and family to further pastures, perhaps never to be seen again. Still, that’s what had to be done, for I was worried that if I carried on in the same vein for much longer, the stories would become samey.
So, here we are at the end of the Clearwater, Larkspur and Delamere journey, and the entire set of 30 novels and three side-novels/collections is all done, and I can (and have) started on something new. Thank you for your support so far.
If you missed the announcement, ‘The Delamere Dilemma’ is now published in the usual formats, Kindle, KU and paperback.
What’s Next?
Those who know me won’t be surprised to learn that I have already started on something new, but it is something completely different. A mystery, yes, but that is the subplot, not the main story. That is to be a character-focused love story set in the Kent countryside in 1895, so it is still a historical MM romance mystery. I am currently working on ways to make the narration authentic to the time and place, and will come back to you in the future for your opinion on the style as I start writing.
Also along the way, I will continue to promote my indie author promos as I do, and will continue to send out my monthly newsletter, and attend to this blog each week, so no change there.
As I always say: keep reading, and I’ll keep writing.
