Evolution of a story

or why I'm late with the next snippet

Wow. When I started Hallowed Grounds, I never expected it to take hold like it did. If you’ve been following for long, you know it was simply going to be a filler here while I worked out what was bothering me on a couple of other projects. Well, there’s a reason my muse is called evil. She is and she has once again reminded me of that. But she’s not completely evil. I have an idea about what’s bothering me on Honor & Duty: Origins. Now I simply need to figure out how to implement the needed changes. In the meantime, Myrtle the Evil Muse hit me over the head with changes that are necessary for HG to move forward, changes that need to be fed into the first three or four chapters—and that’s what I’ve been doing these last few days.

Yes, the work is going slower than usual because I’m still recovering from the leg/hip injury. It’s much better but sitting still to work isn’t happening except in short increments. I’m still not sure what happened or why. But it’s been two weeks of pure hell and, of course, I haven’t been able to get in to see my doctor. That happens next week. With my luck, the pain will be gone by then and I’ll wind up canceling the appointment. Oh well.

Anyway, here’s what’s going on with HG. I’m spending the rest of today to do the updates needed to the opening chapters. While the first chapter or two won’t be majorly impacted, there are a few changes, including some changes to Rowan’s background, that will come into play later in the book. Because of that (not to mention the fact her name may change), I’m considering reposting those chapters once the edits have been input.

As for possibly changing her name, that’s all on me. I’ve been fighting the name since the story first took root in my twisted head. If I wind up changing the name, the new name will be Reagan. Maybe. My brain is still working its way around the issue. For all I know, I’ll keep it as Rowan and in final edits weeks from now, I’ll change it to Lucinda. Yes, my brain is that warped.

Regarding the plot changes, as I said above, it is more background changes and adding some foreshadowing I missed. I realized I was relying too extensively on tropes and I hate when authors do that. So, it’s back to the drawing board to make sure I fix that.

Does this mean yo'u’ll be getting the final edited version of HG? Nope. Far from it. You are just getting the new—and hopefully improved—rough draft.

What this little exercise has shown me is that the last 18 months have had a huge impact on my writing and not always in a good way. Exhaustion, mental and physical, will do that to you. Learning how to deal with major life changes will also do that to you. The key is learning to push through and get to the other side, something I’m finally doing.

I hope.

Anyway, writing is happening. Edits are happening. Snippets will happen shortly. I really appreciate your patience and understanding. Look for the updates either today or tomorrow. Depends on how much work I get done today.

Until later!