Just yesterday I was able to finish the texture pass of After Image. I took a little longer to read through it and add the things I felt it might need. The draft grew from the 79000 word count up to approx. 86,000. So a little longer than the last one but with everything involved it earns the length I feel. Now it’s onto typo hunting, checking over key scenes for any changes needed and then into the hands of some select beta readers. I think I will also query this one to a small select group of crime agents, as well as consider publishers that take direct submissions. It is all silent on November Sunrise in terms of hearing back from agents, but the trenches are glacial.
The book club is meeting tonight to discuss Listen Closely. While I am proud of that story I do feel my crime work has been stronger. So it will be very interesting to see how they enjoyed it. Feedback so far is that it has been easy to read and the story is interesting. I will be curious how the ending landed and to see the split over it.
I got two more ideas rolling around for the next two books. Sticking to crime seems to be the path for me. If I get an agent that would be wonderful but I truly enjoy the genre and the work. I will update here in a week or so when the typo pass is in progress, and with the book club reactions.
More to come.