Writing Update - April 25th, 2025

Wasabi Gangsters!

Welcome to the official ME writing update.

As always, expect them every Friday morning 930ET along with a video talking about my reading and some other writing updates if that suits you better. These also will be going at as my weekly newsletter if you sign up for it over in my website—chancedillonauthor.com

I like to be as transparent as possible in these. I’m excited for you all to be engaged with the world of Mercy—so here. we. go.

Primary Novel Update:

Book Two — Mercy: (Title to be announced) — is on the CHOPPING BLOCK.

More like a revising block… but you get it.

Current Word Count: 185,583

Chapter 44/44 Revised plus the AFTER

WELLLLL we did it. Book Two’s 1st round revision is “complete”. There are 6-7 bullet point notes I need to go back and make adjustments on—but we are officially entering feedback stage. From May 5th-June 5th, I’ll be receiving notes for 5 Pre-Alpha readers. Then, I shall go back in and revise again based on their notes. THEN, the larger alpha reading group should have book two mid-July and I’ll do one more revision with that feedback.

To give you a glimpse into the process beyond that, I intend on having Dave Butler Dev Edit book 2 as he did the first—that means 2 rounds of his feedback and developing notes. Then I will have Gracie once again from the York Editing guild, copy edit for a round. Then I’ll have Emma proofread the first round. Then ARCS…. So potentially speaking, ARCS will be available in the winter at some point. That all just depends on me forking out funds for all of this.

Book twos cover will be done in July by none other than Stuart Bache once again… I’d actually love to hear everyone’s thoughts.

Do we want another white backdrop? Black? Grey? crimson?!?

I suppose we shall see.

The title will be revealed at a later date. Runeborn members will get an early look as to what I’m thinking there, and even vote to tell me what they like best. Though no promises—I will likely go with what I wrote it on—but I’m curious to see what my alpha readers and Runeborn members are thinking!

Soooooo—I’m tentatively thinking MARCH 2026 for release….. Anyways—that’s it for book two updates!

Alright—let’s move on to the book one.

Mercy: Tears of the Fallen

Post Copy-Edit, Post first proofread word count -

171,011

Reviews started coming in… and I can’t be more ecstatic. Let me share some highlights here

“This will undoubtedly go down as one of the best fantasy debuts this year—if not, the best.” - Zachary Shaye

“The world-building is immersive, with vivid descriptions of landscapes and cultures that feel both fantastical and grounded. Dillon doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of loss, sacrifice, and the cost of vengeance, making their struggles resonate on a personal level.” - EJ

“Highly recomend for fans of epic, slow-burning fantasy with a ton of lore, emotional weight, and characters that actually make you feel something.” - Rey (@reys.bookcorner on insta)

I can’t wait for me to come rolling in… and I’m so excited for what’s all to come from this.

I love talking about the story—so if you desire to speak spoilers, please reach out privately. I’m nervous but I cannot wait to hear your thoughts.

Let me know what you guys want to see from future Patreon Tiers. I have some ideas for post book release Tiers and rolling them out over time as demand increases to get people more ingratiated into the universe of Mercy.

Anyways—thanks so much for taking the time to read this. Grateful for everyone who takes the time.

Stay dangerous,

Chance