Hey there, lovely reader,
Welp, earlier today, the new Inspector Graham went to my editor. We will work on it a little more, I will commission a cover illustration and a blurb, pull everything together, and then it will be released. Oh, and I have to choose a title.
What can I tell you about it?
- It is 80,000 words long. Close to being my longest.
- It is set against the backdrop of Janice's wedding.
- A new/old character returns with a bigger role.
- It's a puzzling case with some fiendish characters, and some funny ones, too.
- I expect it to be released late October/November. The audiobook should come out a month or so after that.
I'm over the moon to have completed the new book. And I can't wait to share it with you.
Ask Alison
Is it more emotionally draining to write a Diana book than it is for the other main characters whose stories seem more uplifting?
The Diana Hunter series does tackle some serious themes. But in fact, I don't find them emotionally draining. I am challenged by the differences in writing a hard hitting book and look forward to that.
Writing books that are more suspenseful and action-oriented offers me an opportunity to exercise different creative skills, and as I am always on the side of the heroes, the darker aspects are vanquished so it doesn't bother me too much. And I still adhere to my basics: nothing graphic and quality in everything.
I always do a lot of research and it is fun to learn new things with this series. I sometimes watch TV shows and films that are different to my usual fare to get in the mood. I get to use a wider vocabulary, and use it to create different, heightened emotions in the reader. The faster pace demands a certain writing style.
It's a bit like being a runner but then switching things up by playing tennis for a bit before returning to running again. And as they say, a change is a good as a rest. π
The Diana Hunter Mysteries
Thank you Joyce M. for this week's questionΒ and Sarah T. for last week's question.
I will now make my way to the UK for a few weeks. These newsletters will be sporadic until my return as I spend time with my family. But I will update you with pictures and news!
Don't forget to download your starter library.
Happy reading!
