Hello everybody. It’s been a long while!

I’ve been reading lots and lots (mostly fantasy or crime thrillers) and I’m finding new authors I LOVE. Recently, it’s been Brandon Sanderson and CJ Tudor all the way for me. (If you’re a Brandon fan too, check out the amazing giveaway below!). I’ve set up a new instagram profile where I share the books I’m reading and post reviews.

Check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/dmcainreviews/

Lockdown was a stressful time all round for everybody. Trapped in the house, unable to see friends and family, kids going crazier day by day (we haven’t even got a garden so it was hard work entertaining them!). Then I contracted COVID myself and spent a few days ill in bed. Things were just returning to normal when my son then tested positive too. ARGHHHHHH! Luckily, he was fine and had no symptoms at all so everything has returned to normal now.

In other news, I’ve started a new job working in a High School as a special educational needs tutor. I absolutely love it. It’s such a rewarding job and the kids are just great. 

I’ve saved the best news till last. Over the lockdown, we took in a little kitten that had been found alone and tattered in the woods. The plan was to nurse her back to health and then sell her on, but we fell head over heels in love with her, so she has now joined our troupe – making it 4 cats in our house! 

Here she is, stunning little Murphy:

What am I currently working on?

The Sins of Silas

This project has been riddled with issues from day one and it’s a (very slow) work in progress. I started writing the book, and during the process I undertook numerous writing courses and read books about writing. My writing style changed and so did what I wanted to include in the book. This has meant extensive rewrites and edits. It’s been hard work. My fantastic beta readers have been sending me their comments too, which helps me to fix things along the way. When it is finally finished, it has the potential to be the best of the series. I just don’t know when it’ll be ready!

Things I’m enjoying about it: Spending time with Silas and his buddies is a lot of fun. Silas is an interesting character to write and I love the world-building element to this novel.

Things I’m hating about it: Having to fix problems with the plot and character development and not knowing how to do it believably and ensuring I cover my tracks!

The Ballad of Benedict

This project, though started after The Sins of Silas was finished, will probably be ready for publication first. Again, I really enjoyed writing this one. As with the earlier instalment in the series, A Chronicle of Chaos, this one features dual points of view. It follows two main characters alongside one another and both are interesting to write, as they are so different to one another. We follow Benedict Thialdor – an ambassador from the Children of Light, sent to live in a completely new location, and Favian – an orphaned boy with an unusual power and a domineering mentor. 

Things I’m enjoying about it: The secondary characters are great fun to write in this book. Benedict has an interesting best friend, plus a ‘pet’ who goes everywhere with him (I’m not giving up anymore than that just yet!)

Things I’m not enjoying about it: Not having enough time to power through and immerse myself in the writing process fully. I always do better when I can throw everything into it, and at the moment I’m only getting time here and there to write. 

Have I got an amazing opportunity for you! A Brandon Sanderson giveaway!

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