Fear of Endings

It's strange to think that I've completed main edits on my second novel, and I'm well into writing the first draft of my third. I still remember writing Locked Within, and the sheer openness to Nathan's story. At first I had no idea how the story was going to go in later books, but as time went on I became more and more certain of what would happen to Nathan Shepherd and his friends.

I find myself nervous when I work on the third book. As a reader or movie/tv viewer, I am incredibly picky about how stories end. I know what I like and I've had a number of series disappoint me in the past. My biggest fear is that by the time the third book is out my readers will have their own expectations and I'll let them down. I suppose it feels weird to be thinking about how the series ends when people have only read the first book, but needs must, and if Book 3 is going to be released on schedule, I have to get the bulk of the work done early.

I'm pulling out all the stops with this one. Where Locked Within is Nathan's introduction and metaphorical rebirth into his life as New York's guardian, Silent Oath reveals more of his past and the stakes at hand. It's a brutal, hard-fought battle that leaves Nathan scarred in more ways than one. Hopefully, it will leave readers eager to read more.

The things I have planned give me goosebumps. I'm incredibly excited by Nathan's adventures and the moments that I've written and have yet to write. My biggest wish is that everyone feels the same way when they read them.

It's not just the responsibility I feel to give everyone a story they'll enjoy, but also the awareness that once I finish the third book, that's it. The end. Endings have always made me sad, but I hope that the sadness I feel will be bittersweet. Of course, this is harder to deal with because I'm currently two books ahead of my readers. I can't afford to get caught up in the emotion of the end when no-one else even knows what happens in the second book.

The ride isn't over yet, and I still have a lot of work to do to get the story told. So I need to keep my head in the game. Locked Within was the best start for my writing career I could have hoped for. Silent Oath is set to continue things. It's a stronger book, I believe. Certainly stronger than the original draft I sent to my publisher. I'm really looking forward to sharing more about Silent Oath as we get closer to a release date.

If you haven't read Locked Within yet, check it out so you're all set for Silent Oath.