The problem I was having was not only the ending – which would have wrapped everything up in a very neat, but ultimately unsatisfying and bloody bow – but that I had forgotten the the book’s question. I’ll explain below.

I am reading this book, and it breaks down the anatomy of a story this way:

• “What happens” is the plot
• “Someone” is the protagonist
• The “goal” is the story’s question.
• “How the protagonist changes” is what the whole story is about.

The story question is what the protagonist is after. In Edgar’s case, it’s control. He wants control of his bully Carlton (and by extension, his work environment), control of the wolf inside him and ultimately, control of his life. I got so tied up in James and that conflict, I forgot the real conflict, which it the internal one between the wolf inside Edgar and Edgar himself. In the first draft, the relationship was patched up fairly quickly. I think I need to have some more try-fail-try again cycles. Make Edgar work for control of this thing. The only problem to this is that he’s constantly going to James for help, which is eroding control of the other factors of his life. The story question, in the end, is: what is Edgar going to do to gain control of one thing, and how much of his own life and independence is he willing to give up? Ultimately, this book was supposed to be about the dangers of cultish thinking. I’ve got to steer back to that.

So, for that reason – I am going to let this one slide into the slush pile that is the graveyard USB. I’m going to deeply outline this one, but not right now. Right now, I am going to take advantage of the extra few days to outline Agonizing Alibi Day and hopefully get that done ahead of time. I might have it done in time for Christmas…maybe. If not, it’ll definitely come in the New Year.

I am really looking forward to outlining the other novels. I’ve got some better ideas for Tyro’s series based on what I have read so far. I’m still outlining The Changeling’s Crusade, and this might be a one-shot. As much as I would like to write The Changeling’s Second Crusade, I don’t think I’ve got a second one in me for that one. Then again – I’m kind of tired of everything being a trilogy at a minimum, especially in fantasy. Then again – I might be struck with a good idea.

Wow – I’ve really gabbed up this one. I’mma gonna let you go, so I can get to work. Y’all have a good day and ta-ta for now.

Honestly, I can’t wait for next year. I’m working on the outline for Changeling’s Crusade and I have so many things I want to add ot it, I can’t wait to write it. I can’t wait to get back to fansty in general. I like writing horror, and I’m finding that some of my fantasy ideas are getting tinged with horror. I should thank this book for making that happen. By the way, I am almost done with it and so far, it is not disappointing. I can’t recommend it enough.

The only thing that I can’t wait to do more than the three fantasy novels I have lined up, is writing the next Lucky Evan’s Life book: The Agonizing Alibi Day. I plan on this one being done in November and out by maybe the end of December, if not the beginning of January. I want to knock this one out in a month. I really need to kinda get back to the goal of getting things published. I’ve got a book that’s been gone through by Nancy, and I need to implement those changes and work on a line edit for it soon. I think it’s had enough time to mellow out for me to edit it. Not a fan of editing, but it is something that needs to be done.

I really need to focus more on output next year. Of course, I am planning on writing three extremely long fantasy novels. Since this year is almost at a close, I might hold back on releasing two books at least for next year. The hesitation is a little understandable – shoving your children out on the street corner and telling them to shake what Mama gave ‘em is a little daunting. I’ve got to get over it if I want to make the next leap and start looking for publishers for the works.

Other than gleeful plans and nerve seizing panic – there is not much else going on. Still going to the gym and still painting minis. I might get the nerve to use more things – like washes and glazes – to improve my painting a little bit. We’ll see how the feathered serpent comes out with instructions.

Ta-ta for now!

Tribal is going in a drawer after I am finished. It’s not that I think that it’s a bad book, I just think it’s one that should deeply, deeply mellow. Maybe even be published under a pseudonym. At least I have a good ending for it. I’m also in a bit of a rush to get it finished. I have to complete the outlines for The Changeling’s Crusade and The Agonizing Alibi Day by the end of October. November, regardless of where I am at with anything, I’m stopping it and writing Alibi Day for Nanowrimo. I want to end this year on a positive note. I can’t even remember if I’ve published anything this year or not. Maybe year after next, I’ll plant my butt somewhere and write twelve Lucky Evan’s Life novels in a row and space out their publications.

I did submit my books to be reviewed by an Instagram influencer and actress – so we’ll see how that goes. I don’t expect to have then reviewed anytime soon, but at least I am getting it into someone else’s hands. I wish I knew other people to send my books to for reviews. I’m nervous about Kirkus, and I think I have to pay for that.

I really want to get back to fantasy. I’ve been writing horror for the past year, and I’ve been reading Between Two Fires, which I highly recommend if you want cosmic horror in your medieval history novel. I’m about halfway through it, and I can’t really put it down. Give it a shot – I think you’ll like it.

For other books you might like, check out the books to the right of your browser. I know I haven’t updated the list in a while, but I can’t figure out how to do it since WordPress changed their format engine. Well – off to write about werewolves. Ta-Ta for now!

I am almost done with the book Tribal, but I am not sure I really want it published. There’s a lot of language in it that is what the kids would call ‘problematic’, but it’s in the context of the story. I can see someone reading this book and trying to cancel me – not that it would be hard to do something like that. I’m worried that people are going to miss the message (cults are dangerous things) for the medium…if that’s being said right.

Honestly – should I toss the book aside or not. I am going to finish it, but past that….

I’d really like some input from other people. Maybe someone can read it and let me know how far I’ve gone? I mean, when it’s finished, of course. Which should be (and don’t hold me to it if you know my track record concerning this) by the end of the month. I’ve got to whip up an outline for the next Lucky Evan’s Life story called The Agonizing Alibi Day to be done in November for Nanowrimo. Which means I need to have Tribal done at the ned of this month to give me a month to plan the outline. In December, I think I will get back to outlining Medicine Show and starting that the first of the year in hopes of getting three epic style fantasies finished…and maybe squeeze in another Evan book somewhere.

But this thing with Tribal’s language has me tied up in mental knots. It’s an important message, but I don’t want it taken out of context by someone because they feel offended. Actually – come to think of it, you should feel offended. If you’re siding with the main antagonist of the story…them this book isn’t for you, really. I just don’t want some ne’er-do-well Karen mucking things up because I made her clutch her pearls at the language and completely bypassing the grotesque violence.

Yes, I can see someone beging so offended by the language and missing the point of it, and completely ignoring the gruesome imagery I’m using on purpose. What’s worse – the violence, I feel, while far more horrific, can be easily more justified than the language.

I’m on a limb here. Should I publish it or should I keep it to myself? I don’t know.