Third Draft for Book 4 Complete

I've completed editing the third draft to Book 4 of the Stormfall Chronicles. The total word count has grown from 106,000 under the second draft, to 111,000 words today.

For reference, I have attached a tracking chart, for visualizing my writing progress in comparison to the prior novels. Although the first two drafts for Book 4 took longer to write and edit than I would have anticipated, the third draft is in line with the turn-around time expected from the previous novels.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't be releasing copies to my beta readers until after the fourth or fifth draft. In this instance, however, two of my beta readers (my oldest two daughters) will be leaving for their respective universities in August. I will therefore need to release beta reader copies a little earlier than I might otherwise have wanted. My beta readers have been a key part of my editing process, however, making this unavoidable.

Second Draft for Book 4 Complete

 I've finally completed editing the second draft to Book 4 of the Stormfall Chronicles. Between the first and second draft, the total word count has grown from 78,000 to 106,000 words.

This is similar to the word count for Book 2 at this same point in the editing process, which went from 74,000 to 105,000 words between the first and second draft. Book 2 totaled some 121,000 words by the time the final draft was released. I'm hoping Book 4 is a little closer to its final form at this point, than was the case for Book 2.

The editing process has taken a lot longer than I had hoped it would, but at least this draft is done. My first draft usually forms a skeleton for the story, and I rely on the second draft to fill-in missing chapters and scenes.

Book 4: The Editing Continues

Editing for Book 4 continues. I'm now a little more than two-thirds of the way through the second draft for the novel, with a total word count of 99,000 as of today. At the end of the first draft, it may be recalled, I was at 78,000 words.

For me, the first draft is always very rough. The second draft has to add a lot of scenes and material to fill in any gaps. Still much to do, but making progress.

Author Interview in the Faerie Review

As an author, I find it's always a joy to talk about my writing and the projects I am working on. I am grateful to Lily and the Faerie Review for taking the time to sit down with me this past week.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/2021/05/inside-the-mind-j-w-golan/

Storm's Gate Featured on the Faerie Review

It was wonderful to see Liliyana Shadowlyn's review of Storm's Gate, Book 3 of the Stormfall Chronicles, earlier today.  To quote briefly from the review:

I’ve enjoyed following Lynette, Baxter and Eirlon over the last two books, and getting to continue their adventures with them has been a delight. . .  

There's a lot on the line, and you'll be turning pages, wanting to know what's coming next. Definitely recommend for fantasy adventure lovers!

So glad she's been enjoying the series. Liliyana's review and website and be found under the links below.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/2021/05/review-storms-gate/

https://lshadowlynauthor.com/2021/05/12/review-storms-gate/

Book 4: The Editing Chronicles

The editing process for Book 4 has been stretched out. Too many day-to-day demands on my time, it would seem.

I have begun editing the novel in the same way in which I began composing it: with the final chapters. I have now completed my first round of edits on the final quarter of the novel. The word count has climbed from 78,000 words at the end of the first draft to 90,000 words today. Hopefully the edit process for the earlier chapters will flow a little more quickly.

Collecting Photos for Future Cover Designs

Went on a hike with my middle daughter at James L Goodwin State Forest today, collecting photos for use in future covers. It was a beautiful day out. Beginning to look like spring.