New Novel on the Horizon: A Sneak Peek at My Next Project

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially started working on a brand-new novel! It’s still in the early stages, but the story is already coming to life, and I can’t wait to bring you all along on this journey with me. Here’s a glimpse at what I’m working on, where the process stands, and a little taste of the story that’s been taking shape in my mind.

Where I’m At in the Writing Process

Right now, I’m in what we writers call the pre-writing stage. This is where all the planning, outlining, and character-building happens. Here’s how it breaks down:

• General Outline Complete: The main storyline is mapped out, giving me a clear sense of where the story will start, where it will take the reader, and how it will eventually conclude.

• Chapter Outlines in Progress: I’m currently developing a more detailed outline for each chapter, fleshing out the events, character interactions, and twists that will keep the momentum going. This is a critical step that will guide me as I start drafting, so I want to make sure it’s well thought out.

• Character Development & Research: I’m putting a lot of energy into shaping the characters and the world they inhabit. This novel is set in the Missouri Ozarks in 1923, so capturing the spirit, culture, and feel of the time period is essential. Each character’s background, motivations, and role in the story are being developed to ensure they feel authentic and true to the era.

As for progress, I’d say I’m around 12% complete with the overall project. That might not sound like much, but a lot of foundational work is happening right now, setting the stage for a smooth drafting process.

What You Can Expect from This Story

This novel will be a Historical Fiction piece set in the Missouri Ozarks in 1923. I’m drawing inspiration from that rugged, hard-edged culture unique to the Ozarks, with its blend of resilience, grit, and the lingering frontier spirit. Here are a few things you can expect:

• Western Thrills: The novel will have elements of a classic Western thriller, with plenty of action, intrigue, and complex relationships. The story is designed to pull readers into the rough-and-tumble life of the Ozarks in the 1920s, where survival and ambition often clash.

• Gritty Characters & High Stakes: This book will feature a range of characters, each bringing their own strengths, weaknesses, and secrets. Like the memorable characters in shows like Justified (based on Elmore Leonard’s writing), my goal is to create a story where the people feel real, flawed, and driven by motives you can understand—even if you don’t always agree with them.

• A Glimpse Into the Past: This setting is rich with history and untold stories. The 1920s was a time of significant change, and it’s fascinating to explore how it all played out in the heart of the Ozarks, far from the roaring cities but still deeply impacted by the currents of the time.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

The ultimate goal is to have a complete first draft ready by February. Once the draft is polished enough for an outside perspective, I’ll be looking for beta readers. Beta readers are vital for gaining honest feedback and catching details I might miss on my own. If you’re interested in reading an early version of the book and giving me feedback, please let me know—I’d be thrilled to get you on board!

Anticipated Timeline for Publication

After the beta reading phase and several rounds of editing, I’m aiming for a final release by May 2025. This timeline allows me to refine the manuscript, design a cover, and plan a launch that does the story justice.

Stay Connected

If you’re intrigued by this story and want to stay updated on its progress, please subscribe to my newsletter. Newsletter subscribers will be the first to get updates, and I may even share sneak peeks, special announcements, and other exciting news exclusively through the mailing list.

Thank you all for your continued support! The journey of writing and creating can sometimes feel long, but knowing that there’s a community of readers eager to join me makes it all the more rewarding. Here’s to an exciting new adventure in storytelling, and I can’t wait to share more with you soon!