Where did the last 14 months go?

Yes, it’s been a while, but by popular demand the blog is back!

Since my last blogpost in January 2023, surprise, surprise, I have been writing and brainstorming future projects. So, with the impending publication of the second instalment of my Victorian Steampunk trilogy, the time has come for an update on current works-in-progress and what lies ahead.

For the most part of 2023 and the first two months of 2024, book two of The ABC Chronicles has been the main focus. For this instalment, I have road-tested a new writing process which has significantly reduced the time taken from premise through plotting to dotting the last full-stop. The manuscript is now in the super-talented hands of my trusted editor, Aime Sund at Red Leaf Word Services and I eagerly await her comments and edits. If everything falls into place, we are on target for publication in late June or early July.

But alongside the continuing trilogy, I have started two more writing projects, both set in the same Victorian Steampunk world first imagined in The Connickle Conundrum.

The first is an anthology of short Victorian crime stories featuring two police detectives introduced in the second instalment of The ABC Chronicles. The intention is to write four stories featuring the these characters and two other private detective stories. So far, two of the intended half dozen are finished and, dependent on completion of the final instalment of the trilogy, the anthology is projected to be published in late 2025.

The second project is still at the concept stage, so I am not able to say too much. But, I can reveal that, although set in the same Steampunk time period, the stories will tap into darker themes touched upon in the trilogy.

And, of course, book three of the trilogy is underway. Using my new writing process, the over-arching story is plotted, and the last five scenes, written, but the journeys of the characters are still being brainstormed.

Over the last twelve months I have been asked by readers, and some aspiring authors, about my writing and self-publishing methods. So, over the coming weeks, starting on Monday, 18th March, I will use this blog to summarise my current process.

Also, readers have asked what authors, artists and music inspire and stimulate my creativity. So each week, I will feature an author/artist and musician/band that have either influenced me or I am currently enjoying.

Today, I present my initial inspiration for The Connickle Conundrum and a progressive metal icon -

Gary Nicholls - Steampunk photographer, storyteller and author of the ongoing, sumptuous The Imaginarium Trilogy.

Arjen Anthony Lucassen - Dutch progressive metal multi-instrumentalist and genius behind Ayreon, Star One, Plan 9, The Gentle Storm, Stream of Passion and Guilt Machine, to name a few.

Please visit their websites and revel in their artistry.