The Keys of Hell and Death – book 2 – is in editing with the publisher. And I have started on book 3!
It took much longer to write than I hoped or expected. It was also a very different, tougher experience. When I wrote God’s Vindictive Wrath, I had no idea if anyone would read or enjoy it – I had nothing to lose. But the reaction, the reviews and comments from so many of you, has been wonderful.
Writing a second book has felt much more like a test – could I even do it again? I desperately did not want to disappoint. A number of well-established authors have told me that this is not an unusual experience. I am told, book 2 is the toughest to write. I hope this is true!
That said, I am really pleased. It opens at the brutal Battle of Lansdown Hill and moves via the Siege of Devizes and Roundway Down to the Storming of Bristol in 1643. These are all extraordinary moments that make a great story. It takes some of the characters from book 1 and drags others into the Civil War to tell it.
Unfortunately, The Keys of Hell and Death will not be out before Christmas. I am sorry – this is my fault. In retrospect, I spent too much time having fun at book events launching book 1. However, I wanted to give God’s Vindictive Wrath a fighting chance as a debut in a very crowded marketplace.
Traditional book publishing does take time. There is no way of rushing it. The publisher needs time to turn a word manuscript into a finished, tangible product – a physical book on shelves. All being well, The Keys of Hell and Death should be published at some point in the Spring.
In the meantime, I have taken a few days away from the screen – glamping in glorious Mid Wales and catching up on some much-needed sleep. Between edits, I have started on book 3 – the Storming and massacre of Bolton to Marston Moor. I aim to try to avoid another delay between books.
Finally, thank you all for your patience and good wishes – there have been so many kind words of encouragement. I just hope you will enjoy The Keys of Hell and Death as much as God’s Vindictive Wrath.
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