I’ve now passed the 42,000 word mark for Book 2, although it was a relatively quiet weekend on the writing front. I had to work yesterday so my creative juices were somewhat stymied. It was also quite a draining period on the blogging front not helped by poor sleeping patterns and the usual hectic family schedule. Anyway, here I sit at 42,000 words, a considerable milestone nonetheless.
In the midst of all this I decided to change the working title of the book. Up until now it had been ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: Skelly’s Tower,’ which I thought tied in quite neatly with Book One, ‘Skelly’s Square.’ There was a symmetry, a consistent theme which would run throughout the trilogy. Well, that was the plan anyway. Try telling that though to the little orc in my head writing the book. Let’s call him Norman.
Norman writes on the hoof, he’s not one for plotting and planning. In writing circles he’s known as a pantser, that meaning he writes by the seat of his pants. Those organised, methodical types are known as plotters. We laugh in the face of plotters, however, for they know nothing. Norman the Invisible Writing Orc knows best, he always has and always will. Especially when it comes to book titles.
Less than 1% of ‘Skelly’s Square,’ takes place within ‘the square.’ Yet without the square there is no book. It lies at the heart of the story, it is the hub around which everything else revolves. If there was no square then there would be no reason for Skelly and The Company to behave and react the way they do. Therefore the title, ‘Skelly’s Square, made perfect sense to me, it still does to this day.
Without giving too much away, a lot more of Book 2 is written in ‘the tower.’ It’s a key location in the story and possibly the central chapter of the book will occur there. But it didn’t sit quite right with either Norman or myself. So we’ve come up with The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: A New Jerusalem.’ Who knows, it could all change again in a weeks time but, for now, I’m running with it.
So where, or who, or what is ‘A New Jerusalem?’ Well I’m afraid my lips are sealed and I can say no more, as to do so would give away much of the plot. I can guarantee you, however, a story which I believe has even more scope, action and excitement than the first. I know this as I’m excited as I write it, wondering what twists and turns lie ahead for Kirkwood, Meredith and Harley. It’s darker, edgier and funnier. I hope.
I really hope the folk who bought and loved Book 1 will enjoy the follow up as much. You are the people I keep in mind every time I sit down to write. You all invested your time and money in the story so I feel a responsibility to deliver the best possible product I can. It’s your book reviews and blog comments which have kept me chipping away during a tough period on the home front. I truly appreciate your continued support.
So there you have it, this weeks writing update. Norman and I will leave you now and retire to the KSC universe where nothing is quite what it seems nor anyone is quite who they say they are. We all have depths, you just need to reach beneath the placid surface to discover them. Just ask Norman, he spends most of his days there, dredging my murky mind for writing nuggets and gems. Everybody needs a Norman in their life.
What do you think of the book title?
Do you own a Norman?
Black Thoughts 
I wish I had a Norma! Maybe I have her locked up? Your title either one sounds good to me!
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Thank you. I hope you’re feeding her 😂
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I’m with Ruth – either title sounds good. I think I’m a pantser too although I’ve not tried to write a fictional story in a long time. When I write anything though the thing tends to form as it goes along and sometimes I am even surprised at where it ends up.
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Yes. That’s exactly what happens me!
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I’m in good company then. 🙂
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I think ”A New Jerusalem” is a winner. As far as a Norman, I’m allowing mine to have more freedom, though I’m an outliner, sometimes you have to wander of the path a bit to find your characters.
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Very true Daniel. Thank you 😊
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Your post just randomly made me think of the quote “If you write just one page a day for your entire life, you will be one of the most prolific writers in human history”. Thought you might like it, I find it inspiring.
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I’m going to remember that. Thank you 😊
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I do have a very angry Norman but I also have a really annoying orc called Derek who services the evil Demigod Procrastinatorous. At the moment Derek has Norman bound head to foot which is why I’ve not posted on my page for a while. Also still on the quest for home which is hopefully nearing an end. When the quest for home ends Norman will team up with Rupert who is a frog and write the Road to Home. Rupert is a plotter. When my quest ends I’m also going to seek out a copy of Skellys Square.
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The Square cordially extends a welcome. Just hopes you’re not too queasy 😉
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Oh, that sounds interesting! Can’t wait to get my hands on the finished product!
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I can’t wait for you to read it. Who was your favourite character from Book 1.
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Definitely Cornelius Dobson 🙂
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Everybody has a soft spot for Cornelius 😊
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Afraid you might scare off a segment of the public with that title . Is it a religious story?
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No, it’s not religious.
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I think you could call it darn near anything and we’d be happy. Go with what suits you, and Norman (I’m seeing this orc with a tremendous underbite slowly one finger hunt and peck typing, squinting at the screen, because orcs don’t wear glasses, even when they need them) for today. Maybe tomorrow Norman will have other ideas. I honestly wouldn’t fret – there will be people waiting for the next installment, even if it is “Norman gets his glasses.”
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Thank you Liz. I think Norman wears contact lenses 😊
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I like the idea of a Norman. I think the title will come to you you go, whether or not the current one sticks. Cheers. 😊
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*will come to you as you go
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Thank you 😊
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I can’t leave you a viable opinion given I don’t know Norman, the plot, or even how much honeycomb ice cream and Diet Coke you’ve consumed to bring about visions of orcs in your head.
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Orcs are never far from my thoughts.
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I’m starting to think your next storyline should be about Norman 🤔😂
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Hmmmm. Interesting 🤔
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Good Title.
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Thank you 😊
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