Writing Update
It's time for a writing check-in! Union of Steel, book three in the Conspiracy of Crows trilogy, has officially hit 100,000 words. As far as the scope of the novel, this is part one. The first part includes a fictional version of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. Now, if you haven't started the trilogy, please note that my book is based on the Ashburn family and how the three siblings witness and participate in a fantasy version of the American Revolution. I also incorporate current politics and pop culture. You'll also find homages to both historical figures and fictional characters.
The first two novels pulled inspiration from the Boston Massacre, the Declaration of Independence (constitutional congress), and the Boston Tea Party, among other things (like an American platoon on patrol during the Vietnam conflict or nods to the Bonfire of the Vanities, Salem Witch trials, and other historical events )
The Conspiracy of Crows Trilogy is not a direct historical fiction or historical fantasy novel; the above ideas and historical events are taken and transformed into their own fictional concept. As I've said before, I have no idea who will win or if there will even be a winner in this revolution (or who will survive). Writers pick and choose from history all the time. I can name a few traditional writers who have done so, such as George RR Martin, who blatantly draws directly from the War of the Roses, and Ken Liu, who draws directly from the classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms. As Hunter S. Thompson wrote, "I learned a long time ago that reality was much weirder than anyone's imagination."
To get back to the Union of Steel, I've completed the beginning of the war, and I'm leading the reader into at least two more battles for part two. At this point, I'm taking a break from the actual writing. I need to refine my world-building (which I enjoy!), and I need to reread Bastards of Liberty and Maiden of Storms. That is what I plan to do in October 2025 and November 2025. Once I have the world-building cleaned up for Part 1, I can focus on Part 2, which may include a slight time jump (Wars take years).
Questions you may be asking me as you read the above: "Wait, did you kill more characters?" The answer is yes, many have died, and guess what, I've added more.
You didn't add more POVs, did you, dude?
Maybe? I'm pretty early in this draft. The main POVs are Ben, Maynard, and "The Maiden". Hudson City's Royal Council still has a few chapters, and so does the Wrathfall at the Gloomspire. The battle scenes are multi-POV, and I feel they flow well, as you get both sides of the battle.
What's with the word count? Sure, let's talk about that. Word count is how authors measure their progress. Most writers don't write by page count, but by word count, because they use tools that measure this, such as Microsoft Word. So, how big is 100,000 words, though? Twilight by Stephanie Meyer was 120,238 words, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown was 144,330 words, so I am well on my way. Most epic fantasy books tend to be between 150,000 and well over 200,000 words long.
Matt, what is Ty Tracey up to? He's been quiet and working slowly on a project on the east coast. I've spoken to everyone's favorite indie horror writer recently. He's plugging away at his unnamed new novel, and I will not lie, the guy is a machine when he writes, throwing down 3,000, 4,000, or 5,000 words in a blink, and they are good, deep, and dark. What can I say about it? I can say that it gives me nice science horror vibes, and I can't wait for him to tell you and me even more. He has no timeline and is focusing on delivering another dark and reflective horror novel to everyone.
I also have another nugget of fun for readers. I have started on a modern fantasy secret project. They will be standalone novels set in the same contemporary world. My few writing time periods in October will be focused on that project. If the writing goes well, it may be released before Union of Steel, but I'm unsure. I write slowly and only on the weekends. Once I have more, I will let you know.
Is it a secret now that you told everyone? No, you are right, it is not... but maybe the ideas are still secret. I'm not sure if I'll do marketing for it; I might release it into the wild and see what happens - who knows. Let's see what happens and how I feel about it.
I also hope to have an update on the hardback version of Maiden of Storms (new book cover) and some character art to add to both Raccon County Press and may be made available to be added to books bought directly from me.
Lots of information here, and nothing as well, all in all of those lovely words, yet here they are.
More to come—
Cheers,
Matt~
