Rough Draft Complete!

I have finally finished the rough draft for my next novel, The Devil's Nightmare.

Big sigh of relief.

They say your first novel is the hardest to write. In some ways The Devil's Nightmare has been more difficult to write than Shadow House was, at least up to this point. Part of the problem, I think, is all the life events that have provided wonderful interruptions to my work. I don't write in a vacuum, and so I have had to just deal with the problems and try to work through it all.

I think another part of what has made The Devil's Nightmare harder is that the book has so much more to it, both in plot and in characters. One big challenge has been telling a story with a female main character. I have learned quite a bit so far from the process as it has stretched me. 

Now the real writing begins with the revisions. With Shadow House those numbered at least 30, so it is substantial work. Right now, though, I just want to rejoice that the book is moving closer to publication. I will keep you all updated as a more firm publication date nears.

I do have one thing to say about the book: expect a faster and more action-packed plot versus Shadow House. That, and the ending is pretty spectacular.