Still with no definite title, Delamere 11 is progressing well. I have to admit, this is the first one where I have kept so much detail in my notebooks as I go. Not that the mystery is particularly complicated (no more than usual), but because there are backstories of minor characters which have to be accurate, believable and interesting, and yet, which have to be consistent.
Some books write themselves.
‘Snake Hill’ was one of these, where I started with an ending, and then started with the start, and the two seemed to meet logically along the way. This time, I have started in the same way and know where I am heading, but I have approached the first draft with a more critical eye than usual.
Because there are many tiny details to be sure of, and because some characters have altered the story for me along the way (mildly), I have had to go back, read again, change or update, and then carry on. Yesterday, for example, I reread five chapters of draft one, in effect turning them into a draft two, while also continuing draft one further along in the story. All the time jotting notes such as 24 years in an asylum, or, Remember the Spiritualist Magazine, and Mr Phinigan Slack, secretary and illusion maker, Drury Lane. They mean something to me!
As for word count, I am at 66,000 words, and am starting to build towards a climax of the main mystery, the backstory subplot (highly connected to the main mystery), and a subplot for Baxter, while hopefully continuing to keep the reader guessing while ramping up the tension. This appeared today in a review/summary of one of the series seen on a popular Facebook page: As always in these books, the fairly placid opening chapters begin to speed up, until the heart-stopping denouement brings everything to a climax.
I have been receiving several of these excellent write-ups of late, and on Saturday, I intend to share with you some pages on Facebook that have been more than generous in their praise and support of the Delamere Series (and Clearwater), so you might also join the groups and find more indie authors to read.
On which note, the end of the month approaches, and that means a last few departing book fares to advertise, and soon, some new ones to tell you about.
Promo
To end this month’s promotions, I will leave you to browse one of my favourites, and in this case, you have two options. Clicking one gives kudos to Jackson’s list, and the second, to James’ list, and you’re welcome to click and explore both, one, or neither. See you on Saturday.
https://books.bookfunnel.com/mysthrillsus-feb/cciprg404k
