I was to-ing and fro-ing about this over the weekend, but I've settled on an answer.
As we approach the final third of Book 7 (which has been a monolith in many ways, and at times an immovable object), I find myself slipping into a zone where I need full concentration.
Seasoned Legionnaires will recall that the last time this happened was with Among Wolves, and that difference got me over the line.
I'll admit this one's eaten more time than I forecast.
Much longer.
It has also stretched me and my creative abilities.
(I've resorted to typing some of the scenes versus dictating them — deeply hands-on stuff.)
But given it's the last book of the series, I want to make sure every character arc is completed, all plot holes are filled, and any loose ends are tied.
I refuse to rush this one. I will not rush it.
So, to help get this over the line without expanding the timeframe, I'm dropping these emails to a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday schedule for the coming 2-3 weeks.
Wait—
Was that a cheer I hear?!
IT BETTER NOT BE!
Jeers are one thing; I can live with those. Hell, I sleep to them on some nights, but cheering to this announcement?
That's tantamount to treason here in the Legion.
Someone—call the executioner!
Random outburst aside, there should be no reason to extend this unless I stumble upon a hairy troll with stinky armpits in the final few chapters.
That could happen, but I've plotted (and re-plotted) every inch of this novel a dozen times to ensure it doesn't.
I merely want to lock in for this final stretch and get the draft done, so I can ship it off to my editor, contemplate my failings in life, and then start gearing up to format this bad boy into an ebook, audiobook, and paperback.
(I actually plan on launching hardcovers of the series once it's complete, but that will come after Book 7's launch.)
Anyway, that's my little announcement for Monday.
If my absence causes a maelstrom of misery to swell deep inside of you, remember this, my disciple: I'm only an email away.
My inbox is always open to my lords and ladies. Always.
With that, I shall see you on Wednesday with my usual flavour of musings.
And if you're really at your wit's end with what to do with yourself between now and Book 7, and you haven't already picked up Lore & Order, you can do so here:
https://djjwatsonstore.com/products/lore-and-order
Already devoured that?
Then here are 141 micro-stories in Tiny Epics Vol. 1 that will surely keep you busy:
https://djjwatsonstore.com/products/Tiny-Epics-Vol-1
What's that? You gobbled that one, too?
(My accountant and I are deeply impressed.)
Then why not read some of my earliest work – a supernatural thriller duology – here:
https://djjwatsonstore.com/products/COAR
And if you bagged yourself that one as well…
Well, God help you!
DJJW