Sorry I’ve been out of touch, but I have been busy writing the 26th book of the Haunted Series. It’s called Sideshow.
I went to bed last night knowing I was one chapter from being finished with my first draft. Naturally, I dreamed about Sideshow as my subconscious continued to work on finishing the book while I slept. I woke up early, too early, but it was either be entertained by a power-craving inner librarian or get up and write. I chose to write.
I sat, predawn, and stared as the cursor continued to blink on a white screen while I waited for the coffee to work on my caffeine-starved brain. Where do I go with this? I decided to read the last five chapters, and then Chapter Forty-five flowed out of me. The first draft of Sideshow is finished! Woo Hoo!
Before you guys get ahead of yourselves and put it on your Santa’s list, it’s going to be a January 2019 book. Why? This is the first draft of a mega-long book. I still need to smarten it up before it faces the Red Pen. The story furthers the emotional, physical, and comedic lives of Mia, Murphy, and PEEPs, and it was as fun to write as The Candle was.
While writing this book, I had many fights with my characters. Murphy and I are still glaring at each other. Before you agree with the hubby and have me committed, let me explain. Although it’s harder to write, I stay true to my characters. They don’t suddenly fall into line and become easy. Each character has things about them (vanities and personality traits) that need to be considered before you can put them into a scene. It’s a bit like casting a movie. For example, Murphy isn’t going to volunteer to fly anywhere. Cid is very difficult when he’s ill but a real sweetie any other time. Jake and Cid don’t get along. I guess Jake doesn’t get along with anyone but Ted. I supposed I could change this with a sentence, but it just wouldn’t be right.
I’m introducing two new female characters into the Haunted Series. I hope you find them as interesting and engaging as they were to write.
Time for me to celebrate by watching The Haunting of Hill House for the third time on Netflix. The second time, I still climbed over the back of the sofa trying to get away. You see so much more when you think you remember what’s going to happen. It’s an awesome reimagination of Shirley Jackson’s book. Bravo!
Thank you all for your support. Winter may be coming, but I’m feeling the warmth of your continual encouragement.
Love,
Alexie Aaron