Great Strides Achieved During Writing Month

For my oldest WIP, at least.

I started with roughly 82-84k, but during my revisions, whittled that down to a solid 80k. Not bad, considering I've chopped and/or added more to previous books. This one needed a bit more work, as I have undergone several drafts to shape the story where it is today. There are still a few issues I need to address during the editing phase, but I'm much more confident now.

The plan is to let the book rest for a few weeks or a month, while I switch gears to focus on Last Train Home. Despite setting the bar low at 20k this month, I've only achieved 6k of that so far. I wish I could say I'd exceed that by the end of the month, but I'm not hopeful. Other obligations, such as school, work, and family take priority. And Thanksgiving is just around the corner...

This book, Voracity, takes place in New York—split between NYC and a rural area in the southern part of the state. Most side characters are Russians who immigrated in their early teens or younger, while others are Black locals (aside from one). The MC, Françoise, is from France, but their mother moved them back to the States so Françoise could consistently see family members and be acquainted with the culture.

I've had twenty years now to explore the cultural identities of my characters, including dance culture (like ballet), so those are less of a concern now. And for those who don't know, I'm a huge history and language nerd. But I try not to go overboard with references. I can't say the same for subtle nods to some of my favorite books and songs.

Oh, and...there's quite a bit of sexual content in this book. I considered counting how many sex scenes (fade to black to explicit) pop up, but I don't want to stress myself out. I didn't intend for the book to be so sensual, but it made sense for the characters. Can't be avoided when your MC is hypersexual and polyamorous. I also took some inspiration from those 80's erotic thriller movies.

I still don't have a cover, but hope to soon. This is one of the rare occasions where I'll try to commission a piece from an artist, something that truly catches the spirit of my work. I don't have anyone in mind yet, but would prefer someone familiar (and comfortable) with drawing body horror and animals.

And as much as I'd love to release the book on my birthday, I'd be cutting it way too close. Plus, I intend to leave this country next year, which will only complicate matters. Whatever happens, my subscribers and followers will be the first to know.