Since last post, I’ve been reading the headlines – a millionaire CEO gets shot, wildfires scorch California – so I knew it was time to rewrite Kill The King, since the events mirror so many of its major themes.

It follows down-on-his-luck Vincent, who has a good thing going – committing petty crimes and breaking harmless laws for money – but when charismatic punk Jimmy recruits him to help kill the richest people in the city to save the needy before encroaching wildfires or boiling riots burn it all down. I wrote from the heart.

So far, I’ve been doing it side-by-side, writing in the fresh Word document on the left side of the screen and the previous draft open on the right. Every paragraph is tighter and smoother. Wise man say:

Formula: 2nd Draft = 1st Draft – 10%

I’m at page 132, at the exact same point where, in the first draft, it’s page 145. Not sure if that math maths out to be 10 per cent, but I’m happy with how it’s turning out. I’m also growing a book beard. I stopped shaving once I started the new draft of Kill The King, and won’t buzz it off until I’ve written those magic two words, three letters each: THE END. Maybe won’t shave even then; I kinda like it.

This does mean all my short stories are on hold.

But not other people’s short stories! Happy to announce that I’m now one of the new editors / readers for Story Unlikely, which has been a lot of fun, and is making me a better writer and editor.

Other news: I was featured in a tattoo exhibition at the local museum! It’s in Kingston and free all year, so go check me out. Bonus image below.

Gotta go. More writing.