How long did it take to write Shadow of the King?

Way too long! I first got the idea of Shadow of the King when my daughter was in high school, though best I can remember she had already graduated before I started working on it in earnest.

A quick look at my laptop informs me I created the Scrivener file for the book in September of 2019. The first chapter went through some truly awful iterations before I landed on something I was happy with, and there were definitely some plot points early on that needed not to happen. Then, of course, COVID hit. Which I think means that was about eighteen years ago.

Fortunately, book two, Dead of Night, went significantly faster. I’ve gotten it back from my editor and look forward to diving into her suggestions. And I’m a bit over 20,000 words into writing the conclusion, Twilight of Avalon.

What’s next for Rune?

Rune’s arc is all about finding a place where he belongs, and the obstacles he must face to find it. In the first book, those obstacles come in the form of entanglements with the magical realm from which he came. In the second book, he’ll contend with supernatural threats native to his new, ostensibly mundane, realm. Finally, the third book will pit factions of both worlds against each other, and Rune is going to have to make some hard choices. His loyalties will be tested, and the lines between allies and enemies might even get a little blurry.

All in all, I’m very happy with how the story is progressing. My editor thinks book 2 might be better than book 1, and that’s something every writer loves to hear! I hope you’ll stick around for the whole ride.