I did it! It is with a joyous heart that I announce the completion of the first draft of my fourth* book, The House Always Wins, at 75,262 words. That’s 165 single-spaced pages, according to Word.

*I am, of course, not counting Kill The King. That’s on the shelf until I diagnose what was killing it, and may just start it again from fresh.

Could not be happier with how it’s turned out. It’s spooky, action-packed, heartfelt, and a total rollercoaster. Next comes the alienation, the period where I set it aside for at least three months (ample time for my ideal reader to come back with notes and that ambrosia for all writers, ego-stroking praise) until it’s so unfamiliar to me that I can go back through and make my own notes as to what needs to be changed in the next draft. 

I could conceivably keep up this cycle with all of my books indefinitely, but I would definitely like to gain some kind of representation at some point. If you can recommend any good agents for the traditional publishing route, let me know. 

Next up is… well, I don’t know. I have some very promising story seeds, but I think I need something more lighthearted but, more importantly, shorter. I haven’t read too many short stories, but it’s time to get a handle on that and perhaps submit some to some kindred magazines. 

Feel free to drop the title of your favourite short story in the comments, and I’ll give it a read.