Well, I can't believe it!
I finished the first draft of the new novel The Golden Phoenix in late August, and got going on the first revision. Now normally, the revision process goes fairly quickly because the basic work is done: the plot's in place, the characters are built, everything fits together. All you have to do is sharpen up the writing in whatever way it needs.
This time, it hasn't worked that way at all! I am about two-thirds of the way throuigh thr first revision and I am doing nothing but change things. I have found I needed to alter the plot line, amend some of the cast of characters, and what's emerging is quite a bit different from what was in the first draft. I like what's happening, but it's certainly taking a lot longer than it usually does. I'll post the Prologue sometime in November and you can see what you think.
It just goes to show that no two writing projects are ever the same.
During the writing of the first draft, I also did a short story titled Act of Treason, which is set in the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. I'll be submitting it to some online mags in the next few weeks, and I'll let you know where it can be found. It's a tale of murder and espionage on the high seas. There's a naval battle or two, and all sorts of exciting things. I think you'll enjoy it if you like historical fiction, and maybe even if you don't!
Cheers,
Charles
