Way back in 2006, I turned to crime (writing, that is, as opposed to romance) and my first crime novel, Into the Shadows, was published by Constable & Robinson. As far as I was concerned, it was a standalone but my publisher thought otherwise so I wrote four more books in the series, the last one appearing early in 2011. I then forgot all about the characters in those books and wrote eight Dylan Scott mysteries.
However, my lovely, lovely readers (oh, how I’ve cursed them :o), kept asking about another in the series and I, foolishly, thought “Why not?”
Why not? I can give you a million reasons.
Getting back to the characters I’d left behind in 2011 was difficult enough. I really struggled to live with them again. But in my wisdom, I also decided to bring back a character who featured in the very first book and I hadn’t thought about that particular character since 2006. A lot of stories have come to life since then.
If it hadn’t been for the fact that I’d promised my readers another book in the series, I would have given up. Getting each word onto the page was like having fingernails removed without anaesthetic. I know some books write themselves while others are, um, difficult, but this was ridiculous. It was my worst nightmare and it took forever.
However - drum roll here - I finally finished it. Yes, The Final Echoes is written. Oh, the relief. Do I like it now? No, but I never like my books. Will my readers like it? I’ll soon find out. It’s available to pre-order from Amazon (at a bargain price :o)) and will be flying out into the big wide world on March 4th.
Forensic psychologist Jill Kennedy had planned to spend the evening before her wedding day with her family enjoying a big drink. Or preferably three big drinks. However, all is not well in the sleepy Lancashire village of Kelton Bridge. A young schoolgirl is missing and the girl’s stepfather, a man from Jill’s past, is under suspicion.
Jill’s future husband, Detective Chief Inspector Max Trentham, is on leave, all set to spend the next fortnight enjoying a honeymoon in Venice, and Jill isn’t happy leaving the investigation to Detective Inspector Clinton.
Besides, who can relax when a child is missing?
Jill certainly can’t, especially when it becomes clear that her own life is in danger…
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The first chapter of The Final Echoes is available to read here.
Me? I’m off to lie in a darkened room while I wait to hear what people think of it…
11 comments:
Congratulations on releasing The Final Echoes, Shirley! As you rest in your darkened room with the cold cloth over your eyes, just remember that we are the worst judges of our own work. Judging by your previous work, this story will blow your fans' socks off.
Aw, Marcelle, you say the sweetest things. Thank you!
You're right, we are the worst judges of our own work.
Sounds like a great story! (You had me at "forensic psychologist" heroine. :D )
I recently did the same thing, where I revisited my older, 6-book series and found some secondary characters I'm now writing about and hope to get their stories out there later this year. But yeah, I had to revisit my series bible as well as reread one of the books in the series as that character played heavily in the story. I'm finding it kind of fun to be back in that "old" world.
Looking forward to this one. Big thanks for writing it!
Good luck, Shirley. It's tough going backwards. Then again it's tough going forwards too :) So hard to keep the characters, and the rhythm the same when you've had a big break. This sounds wonderful. :)
Wonderful! Wishing you many sales.
Clare, A sassy, wonderful, menacing opening to your book. No delays, no setting up, just WHAM. I love it. Best of all possible luck.
Well, now I have to go hunting for the orignal series because this latest one looks really good.
Good for you, Anne Marie! I reread all the books in the series and still struggled to get the characters feeling real to me. Hope it doesn't show. :o)
Janni, thank you!
Toni, it *is* tough going forwards lol.
Thanks for your kind words, everyone. I love you all. :o)
So happy to see this! Congratulations, Petunia. And I'd gladly hold a flashlight for you. :)
Ha, thank you, Petunia. I've been in need of a flashlight holder. :)
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