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.