“Learning never exhausts the mind.” -Leonardo da Vinci

 

I have written thirteen books and one cookbook.

Not bad, right?

Interestingly enough though, The Wicked Thorn is proving to be quite a challenge and also a great joy.

It truly feels like I am starting over again in many ways. I am not writing a series, where I can tease certain things, and slowly reveal major revelations over three, four or six books. No, I have just one shot to make sure everything I want to say and write is wrapped up in a large, shiny, package.

Writing a stand alone novel is difficult. I have always had the opportunity to gradually introduce my characters and plot, but this is quite different. I keep second guessing myself on certain scenes, like whether or not this should go in or that should be introduced. It is simply something I have never had to ponder over before and it’s definitely playing with my head a bit.

I enjoy fast paced novels and I always have tried to stick to that preference when I write, but this book is not a story I can rush. I find that I enjoy writing more in depth scenes and dialogue (Although honestly dialogue has never been a problem for me).

I am also tackling my nemesis…the action scene.

Where it was once a groan inducing part of my job and I just have to get this over with, I now am taking my time because it is such a huge part of the story. I have to admit that I have been reading comics and graphic novels to get a feel for the genre. Thankfully my boys have an endless supply of material and knowledge.

I also have to keep repeating my mantra that you must always write for yourself and not for profit, or commercial glory. I have no idea if anyone is going to want to read about a vigilante and how he tries to, not only save his city from crime, but also as he attempts to have a relationship.

My heroine is different as well. She is young and a tad naive, but I am slowly getting to know her steel spine as I write her character. How is she going to handle not only falling in love for the first time, but also finding out her new love lied to her and is a vigilante?

And I have to start and finish their story in one novel.

I’m almost halfway through writing the book and I’m beginning to feel more comfortable, and more confident, but self-doubt can be hard to overcome.

This is a learning experience for me and I have to say that I am loving every minute of it! I will talk more about this book and the others that are going to follow, the further I go along.

I hope and pray that my loyal readers are ready for this change because I know that I am embracing this whole new and exciting chapter!

 

~Shannon