Just one year ago today I began writing fiction. I can't explain what took me so long to get started, but it wasn't until I stumbled across an interesting story idea that I found compelling that the bug finally bit.
It bit hard, though. In the last year I have written and published two books and three short stories in my fantasy series The Hounds of Annwn, and the third book is nearing the end. I've managed this “in my spare time” while working a regular job (lots of getting up early, seven days a week).
What does this mean? Total word count for the year is about 400,000 words. On the one hand, I find that almost impossible to believe. On the other, I have a very vivid understanding of just how much more I have to learn in my new profession, and I feel that I've barely scratched the surface.
The best part is getting feedback from readers who are enjoying the stories. Or not. The more I hear from you, the better I can make the books. Please don't be shy about comments or even reviews — I look forward to them.
Over the next year I plan to finish book three (King of the May) and possibly another volume, as well as several more short stories in the same world so that I can bring out a short story collection in print and ebook. I'll also begin a completely different fantasy series, The Affinities of Magic, about a world with an unusual biology, where all living things have magic in some form, and students of wizardry have much to learn.
Wish me luck!
I was enchanted from the beginning. I liked the way the two worlds do mesh rather than being totally torn apart. It leaves open his going back at times, maybe in times.
The writing is super, especially for someone who has only been doing this with the idea of selling it for about a year. I’d love to write fiction. I tell myself great stories but they never work on paper so I’ve a great deal of respect for those for whom it does work, especially so well.
Thank you for some great stories.
Thanks very much, Joan. It’s an adventure every morning when I sit down at my desk. I hope you’ll like the 4th book, Bound into the Blood, which I’m just starting. Much of it will take place in the human world.