In Shadows

Tiopa Ki Lakota is going through its line by line edits now. Once it’s done and back to me, I’ll scan through. If all is good, I send it back for technical edits. They’re still working on a cover concept. We’ll see how it goes. My previous two books with Fortitude Press were done by the CEO, and I think she has wonderful taste. This time, I’m working with an art director I haven’t spoken with before, so I’m kind of anxious about what’ll be brought to the table.

I’ve completely reread Born of Silence and Angels Deserve to Die. Am now beginning to read what I have on False Side of Shadow. So far, I think it’s a good series. Sometimes I forget.

I told my wife that I’ve been getting ‘lost’ as far as the Sanguire go. That’s probably why this last round of ‘middles’ is so hard to get over. When I outline, I make note of things I want to touch on in a scene. Prior to reaching that scene, I ponder how I’m going to insert the introspective aspects. By the time I’m actually writing, the things I want to put down are old hat. With three books, I’ve forgotten if I’ve really written this particular point in a previous book or scene, or if this is truly the first time.

For instance, I’ve talked often enough about Bertrada Nijmege wanting to kill Jenna Davis by her own hand, her idea of revenge for Elisibet’s killing of her lover. I don’t know how often I’ve referred to it here. In the second book, Angels Deserve to Die, Bertrada’s plan has come to light in Jenna’s camp. One of the symboulos is also aware of it, though he’s never been officially informed - it’s all speculation on his part.

By the time I’ve gotten to False Side of Shadow, I’ve talked about it so often, I don’t know who’s supposed to know of Betrada’s plan and who doesn’t.

Then there’s Jenna’s growing hatred for Elisibet, despite the memories of being Elisibet she carries. It can get confusing to keep all these characters on the same wavelength they were on to begin with, to follow the natural progression of growth per character, without it spilling over to others.

So, that’s my excuse for having such a time of it lately. I’m still kind of leery about the latest installment, since I haven’t read it. The first two seem to have remained on target throughout. I hope I haven’t slopped up too much in the final book.