BOOK 2: Dragon Slayer: Rising – writing now!
I recently took a writing retreat to get a jump start on the next book in the series, and got a TON done! By the end of the 4 days I had almost 20,000 words written… and they were not just fluff words that will be edited out later. If you don’t mind me saying so, I think these 10 chapters are pretty much “keepers.” Since then I’ve added a couple thousand more words – so we’re looking at 22,482 words to date!
As you can tell from the top line of this post, I’ve settled on a name for the second book, it’s Dragon Slayer: Rising! I’ll be connecting with my graphic arts guy in the next few months to get the cover for the book started.
The name alludes to the overall plot of the book… both the dragon masters and the dragon slayers are on the rise, developing plans, engaging in treachery (the bad guys, of course), and discovering things that are going on behind the scenes that will throw the entire conflict into high gear!
My favorite characters… so far…
As you might imagine, there are some character developments that I’m really excited about.
Cedrick: Cedrick is not actually “new” to the series. Up until this point, he’s only been mentioned. But Lord Kendrick and Lady Patrice’s second child will rise to the occasion in this installment, even though he’s only 11 years old when the story begins!
Lord Hugo Champlain: OK, sorry for the spoiler there, because until now you’ve only known him as “Hugo.” He’s one of the dragon masters and appeared to fill, what appeared to be a “wimpy” role in the first book. But in the second book, look out! That’s all I can say…
Quinn: This is an entirely new character who’s quirks and personality has already grabbed me. (Yes, it is possible for an author to be surprised by his own characters). He’s Kendrick’s “spymaster,” and will have a huge impact on the rise of the dragon slayers.
Queen Amla: Another new character that is going to add a lot of intrigue on the dragon master’s side. All I can tell you for now is that she’s Rajic’s wife/queen… and she’s more than she appears.
Another writing retreat begins!
My last retreat to focus on the book was at the home of some friends who were out of town and needed a dog-sitter. Well, they are leaving again – TOMORROW – so I’m going to be focusing on my writing again for a concentrated burst. I expect to get even more done than last time… if I can avoid getting a full-blow flu that my daughter so generously shared with me. I would appreciate your prayers about that!
I’d love to interact with you, the fans of my dragon slayer series…
The internet provides us some amazing benefits, and one that I’ve not seen many authors take the greatest advantage of, is the ability to connect with fans. I think savvy authors can enter into great conversations with fans about plot, characters, story flow, and even grammatical/typo stuff, and I’m not at all threatened by that prospect.
So… if you’d like to connect on that level, feel free! Use the comments section below this post to try it out. Who knows… I might even start a Facebook or Google+ Community to make the conversation more “private.” We don’t want to let out any spoilers to people who haven’t gotten into the series yet, do we? Let me know what you think of this idea… and which platform you’d be more likely to use!
Thanks… God bless!
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You’ve got me hooked I love these kinds of books and this one sounds really interesting I’m getting the previous ones so I can catch up- the problem being while I’m reading your book -mine lies unfinished but I have to take breaks so I’ll read it then.
I like the idea of a community for your fans that way it’s between you and them with more privacy.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for connecting with me. I hope the stories are an encouragement and help to you. Yeah, writing is a discipline as much as anything else. We’ve got to stick with it to see it come about. Then there’s all the marketing… wow. How to do it without ticking off everybody and being a “look at me” person. It’s tough. Blessings to you.
How exciting!! I can’t wait! 🙂
Laura, you are a great blessing… a “SUPER FAN!” I’m eager to promote your giveaway too. Watch for it on my facebook page.
Carey, I belong to a similar group called The Darlington Society by author MIke Dellosso and it works well. We are a private group on Facebook and our aim is to promote his books, read and review them; pray for the author and offer support. It works well and we have become a great community.
This would be more than worth forming. Mike’s group was called The Darlington Society as one of his most popular books is Darlington Woods.
I would love to see this happen with you and your fans. I don’t mind either format, Facebook, Google+ or whatever else is available.
Thanks for the affirmation Peter. I’m considering it, but think I need a bit more of a “following” first. I’d hate to have crickets chirping… I can be patient… the LORD will bring it in time.