Welcome to my worlds!

I'm James Maxey, author of fantasy and science fiction. My novels include the science fantasy Bitterwood Saga (4 books) the Dragon Apocalypse Saga (4 books), numerous superhero novels including Nobody Gets the Girl and the Lawless series, the steampunk Oz sequel Bad Wizard, and my short story collections, There is No Wheel and Jagged Gate. This website is focused exclusively on writing. At my second blog, Jawbone of an Ass, I ramble through any random topic that springs to mind, occasionally touching on religion and politics and other subjects polite people are sensible enough not to discuss in public. If you'd like to get monthly updates on new releases, as well as preview chapters and free short stories, join my newsletter!




Sunday, May 22, 2011

Hush 87369

And... I think the first draft is done. I'm in the middle of chapter 21 and there are a few loose ends to wrap up, but chapter 20 delivered the big climatic solution to the central problem of the novel. A lot of what lies before me now in the last chapter is just finding some nice poetic things for the characters to say to one another as they set off on new adventures. I also have to do some fine-tuning of the big climatic solution, but the current plan I have for dealing with this may not be the final way I go. Basically, at this point I think my best approach to ending this book is to put the last words on the back burner and start work on the second draft. I now know all the major plot twists and turns and have a good inventory of all the characters who turned up to take part in the book.

Later this week (perhaps as soon as tomorrow night) I'll start soliciting wise-readers for the second draft. My current plan is to set the book aside for about a week, then start rewriting. I should start sending out chapters the second weekend of June. If you're interested in being a wise-reader, stay tuned. Details of how to participate will follow.