An Update On Own Ghost Story
This is the one! I’m talking conventions, Halloween costumes, movie deals, crashed websites due to traffic!
Well, maybe not. 🙂
Okay, so, where are we on the latest addition to the Damned and Cursed series, Own Ghost Story?
The “data entry” portion is done. Now it’s editing, proofreading, tweaking, etc.
This novel had an interesting creation cycle. I started on it back in December / January, then got stuck on Chapter 2. I let it sit for quite a while, probably June. Then the rest just flowed. Something like 50K words in a month, which for me is insane.
Looking at the numbers from Scrivener, we’re at 86K words, 33 chapters. A nice, healthy book.
Now, what Scrivener can’t tell me is will people like it. 🙂
I’m guessing there are questions about this book. Who is in it? Who are Drew and Lilah? Is it “really” a series novel?
I think that’s called “marketing” and “mystery”, things I’m terrible at.
Anyway, I’ll keep everyone updated.
August 31, 2021 @ 8:07 am
I don’t think I SAY 50,000 words in a month, much less be able to write that many. But, I’m glad you can! I can’t wait to read this book. Best of luck with it!
September 1, 2021 @ 11:26 am
The anticipation is killing me, can hardly wait
September 1, 2021 @ 6:11 pm
You write fun characters and interesting settings. I’m sure it will be enjoyable even if it winds up more in “the world of Damned & Cursed” than a main series line book.
Best of luck with your edits.
September 2, 2021 @ 4:08 pm
I introduce two main characters in this one. Will they be back? I’m “pretty” sure, at least one. This is definitely Drew and Lilah’s novel, their story.
But I said this in another thread, too. You can’t have a Damned and Cursed novel about ghosts, and not have a visit from a certain business owner.
September 5, 2021 @ 4:53 pm
Sounds good! I can appreciate that the more you broaden your world with new characters the more opportunities for new stories.
The full length novels are great, but do you think you might enjoy writing a book of short stories to show what’s happened to some of the supporting characters since they were last in a D&C novel or dip into some of their backstories?
I’ve always been curious what happened to Rachel Evans and why after getting so close to Kevin she decided she didn’t want to be with him anymore. Or more about the vampire hunter Bachner. I think the cop, Bill, that had a relationship with Victoria could also be interesting to know more about.
September 7, 2021 @ 11:14 am
I could write an entire blog post on this (maybe I should?). But I’ll try to keep it limited to just comments. 🙂
This was actually in my plans, a few years back, all starting with the short story Broken Home.
For those who haven’t read it yet, Broken Home is in the Damned and Cursed series, and is a “flashback” story. The names may look unfamiliar, but they’re all characters that have appeared before, or at least been mentioned.
Writing full novels can take quite some time (although this last one I cranked out very fast). So, my plans were to try to kick out some short stories in between. I have a few in mind for sure. For example, the story has been brought up a few times in the series about Jack Kursed’s presence in World War II. How he was actually captured and experimented on for a time. I’d love to make a short story out of this.
But, saying that, I don’t think Broken Home lit the world on fire. 🙂 A lot of comments I got were along the lines of “Well, it’s okay, but when is the next full novel coming out?”
I also planned on making Broken Home a bit of a “ninja entry”. I wasn’t going to advertise that it was a series piece, and just let readers figure it out for themselves, as an “ah ha!” thing. I thought that was a neat idea, but my early readers nixed that idea, saying “You should really mention this is in the series.”
Talking about characters, those are some goodies from the past. 🙂 It’s funny who you think will stay around for a while, and which characters become important that weren’t part of the plans.
I’ve seen some readers mention they don’t like Zoey, but I find myself enjoying writing about her. On the flip side, Bachner, like you mentioned, I thought would be around for a few novels, but I just felt Victoria was better on her own, away from most things romantic.
Maybe I’ll tackle some short stories again one day. 🙂
September 1, 2021 @ 9:16 pm
I am sure it is great, all of your novels are, each new character is awesome and I cannot wait to meet the new ones. Just remember we can beta that beauty for you! Also, if you could squeeze a little Jack in there it would always give it a boost!
September 2, 2021 @ 4:48 pm
Glad to have more of your work so soon Glenn. Hopefully you can get a preorder up so we can give you money.
I have to say that I truly envy your ability to put work out. You manage to regularly do what I can’t seem to make myself do even once. And thanks for staying connected with your audience through the blog and social media.
September 2, 2021 @ 6:29 pm
Thanks much. 🙂 I’ll try not to go 2 years in between books next time.
Staying connected has always been a weak point of mine. I imagine all introverted authors go through the same thing. Social just isn’t easy for us, whether in person or online. 🙂 But I’ll do my best not to go too long without words, even if it’s just a simple Instagram teaser.
September 15, 2021 @ 11:47 pm
I can’t wait.