Writing Update Jan 31st, 2024

Hey guys!

As always, expect them every Friday at Noon EST along with a video talking about my reading and some other writing updates if that suits you better.

I segment writing updates into current drafting phases and refer to whatever projects I have in the works to be as transparent as possible. I’m excited for you all to be engaged with the world of Mercy—so here. we. go.

Primary Novel Update:

Book one — Mercy: Tears of the Fallen

Editing Progress: Donezo!

I ended up finishing this past Wednesday and couldn’t be happier where I ended up.

Current word count: 192,945 words

~202,500 from the initial start of this round of edits and from ~235,000 overall at the start of the editing phase.

This experience of developmental edits has definitely helped story my future process and awareness as I work through manuscripts. I did a search for the word ‘just’ and found over 250 instances where I used it. I cut it down to around 80 instances where I felt it added to the line.

I found another tick during this where I found use ‘moment’ in terms of, ‘for a moment’ or ‘a moment went by’ and also deleted a bunch from over 250 to 80 where it worked. This particular edit changed my prose a bunch in the instances where I deleted it and in my opinion (we’ll see from Gracie’s copy editing if I’m right) made the book so much stronger.

I have 2 proofreaders lined up and came up with a cool introduction to the dramatic personae as written by an archivist I’m excited to see through.

Book Two — Mercy: (Title to be announced) — is sitting idly by with the first draft complete.

Current Word Count: 187,015

(Really looking forward to diving back into this one)

I have another project that I’m going to be tying in to my work unrelated to Mercy this week. But I intend on getting back into book two on Saturday and Sunday so as to finally begin the revisions before it goes to alpha readers. If you’re reading this and interested in Alpha reading, leave a comment and I’ll be happy to reach out!

Novellas:

Mercy: During Reckoning Collection

(Copy pasted)

The timeline for my Web-Serial Novella ‘Snow Mane’ is looking to be coming together.

After I get my first round of edits/rewrites of book 2 done, I will start putting more time into this project so you guys can get a chapter a week of Halvayne’s at the start of the Reckoning.

I have another Novella idea I’ve gotta some inspiration for recently I really can’t wait to dive into. Might put some time once/week into this puppy to feed that inspiration. I’ll keep you updated.

May end up becoming a novel length story, depending. But it is tentatively titled ‘The Dawn Son’.

Short Stories:

Before Reckoning (Anthology Title)

(Copy pasted)

The Blood Rebellion Short Story is available in the “Before Reckoning” collection! If you haven’t, check it out and let me know your thoughts—I’ve been very excited to share this one.

Artwork:

I’m working on another art commission currently to bring the opening scene of Book One to life!

A map done by Jack Shepherd is currently being worked on! We will see some drafts I believe in February—cannot wait to share it with you guys.

I’m getting more excited about getting a cover done for book two prior to book one’s release. I have some great ideas and I’m fortunate to have Abel in my corner when it comes to typography and interior design/formatting.

There will be so much more shared over the course of these writing updates, in the video above, I discuss some audiobook hopefuls for who will narrate the project!

(Copy pasted Cover update for book two)

In terms of a cover for book two, I’m penciled in with the same artist for Book one’s (Stuart Bache—who’s done Jacquelyn Haegen’s work and Ryan Cahill’s as well). I should be starting that process come July, so a book two cover will be ready to rock come August/September of this year!! I will later announce a date for book two once I dive back into rework the first draft.

See you guys next Friday!

P.S—if you’re interested in an E-ARC and we haven’t spoke, let me know in the comments as well!

Stay dangerous,

Chance