Hi, everyone! Hope you’re having a good week (and a good Valentine’s Day). I thought about V Day when I was prepping this chapter for publication, as it introduces two of my favorite minor characters in the book, Merle and Honey. I won’t say too much and spoil anything except that I wish I could have written more about them. I’m not saying they could have their own story (after all, they’re not the best people to write about), but I think they really allowed me to ramp up the satire at their expense and the story is better for it.
I wanted to take a minute and thank the people who have made it this far. I do have a few regular readers and I want you to know that I know and appreciate that. Writing is often a thankless job and it’s difficult for a reader to venture with something untried like some kook’s serial novel on the internet. But you are seen and your presence helps.
We’re approaching the midpoint of the book and the chapters are on the longer side, as there is a lot of information (and action) being relayed. I’ve been trying to keep the chapters under 3,000 words but a few chapters coming up pass that maximum by a few hundred words. After eight or nine drafts, I’ve pretty much cut what I wanted to cut so we’re stuck with some longer chapters. As I type this out, we’re looking at about 22 chapters total, which takes the serial all the way to Memorial weekend. That seems like the perfect time to wrap things up so let’s shoot for that, shall we?
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the next chapter. Things seem to be getting better as they get worse, if that makes any sense.
I’d also be happy to hear from you: dan@danschellauthor.com. Send lawyers, guns, and money.