The Road So Far

Supernatural fans will get the reference ;-)

Here we are, just over a month away from the next chapter in Nathan Shepherd's story. Where to begin preparing for this? With Locked Within, I had 20 years of hopes and dreams fulfilled and all that emotion just rushed from me in every post. This time it's different. Not any less exciting, but I'm much more aware of what's to follow once the book is released. There's still a lot of work to do just for Silent Oath, not to mention getting ready to conclude the series with the third book.

So how did I get here?

It's all Nathan's fault. I swear. The moment he went snooping around those murder scenes in a dark alley in Manhattan, he, and I, were doomed. He opened a door into a new world that would change the both of us forever.

You see, like Nathan, I learned something about myself when I discovered the world of writing. Much as Nathan can't stop fighting, no matter what toll it takes on him and the people he cares about, I can't stop, either. Granted, I hope to balance my work and my personal life a little better than Nathan, but then, I don't have to deal with vampires and ancient gods every day.

By the time Silent Oath is out, it will have been about 11 months since the release of Locked Within. By this stage in my preparations last year, I was caught between the thrill of my first release and the stress of trying to get the bookstore to order stock in time for the launch. I was looking forward to my first time at Octocon, Ireland's sci-fi and fantasy convention, at which I met the wonderful Ruth Long, who'll be officially launching Silent Oath for me. I, honestly, had no idea how much more work lay ahead and how my own series would change beyond what I'd imagined.

You see, Silent Oath is not the book I originally planned as the sequel to Locked Within. And it certainly wasn't going to be the mid-point in a trilogy. I'll talk a bit more about that next time, but seeing how I was able to make the book stronger, when faced with the terrifying prospect of a re-write, has made me stronger, both as a writer and as a person.

It's been a hard road. I don't talk about all the low points I've felt on this journey, or the things I look back on with regret. I try to keep my public profile positive, because I believe that brings more positive things into my life. And really, there's enough negativity out in the world. I would rather share my joys than my sorrows.

That said, I've come through many fears and challenges to get to this point. Despite all I've been through, I still get scared. Whereas Locked Within was the realisation of a lifelong dream, Silent Oath is me throwing down the gauntlet. I've made my dream come true, and now I want more. I want this to be my career. I want to get up in the morning and know that my two jobs are to look after my kids and to write great books. I don't want to be a flash in the pan, and fade from peoples' thoughts. I may have to accept a career on a slow burn, but I'll take a slow burn that lasts and lasts over a burst of success, then nothing.

Whatever it takes, I will keep writing, keep telling these stories. Silent Oath is my way of declaring that I'm here to stay, and I hope everyone enjoys what I've got in store.