Stand is now over 150,000 words and still going strong. For reference, Strike was 163,000. And in all honesty, I think Stand is going to be longer. I’m currently 2/3 of the way through the first draft, and every time I think I’m satisfied with something I go back and add more and make it even better. There’s so much going into this book because it’s the last one. And believe me, it is THE LAST ONE. So if the book has to be extra long to wrap everything up to my satisfaction then that’s what’s going to happen.
As far as a timeline goes, I still can’t guarantee anything, but I will admit that I have booked with my editor for the end of October, so hopefully I’ll have the first draft done by then. If not, then I’ll be sending her what I have and just go from there. I can’t imagine not making the deadline since all I do now is work on this book. I come home from work and literally do nothing else. I don’t clean my house. I don’t work out. I’ve barely touched my laundry. And I get so anxious when anything interrupts my writing time because it’s all I want to do. Thank God I don’t have kids, otherwise this would be a nightmare.
My goal is to get this beast out before the end of the year, but you never know what life might throw at me. But I have to say, I’m really loving how everything is turning out so far. I expect to start working on the ending in the next couple of weeks.
In the mean time, if anyone wants to stay in touch with the most recent updates then I suggest joining my facebook group where I post teasers every now and then and answer questions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/142059833103253
As always, your patience is appreciated while I close out this final chapter. It’s been a hell of a run.
<3 Jay Marie