Progress

Great news this past week: 'The Chinese Magus' has a publication date of 25 March 2016 and I found a box in my coal bunker containing my twelve, free, pre-production copies. I know it's a cliche but there's nothing quite like holding your very own novel in your hands.

As a matter of fact I am already well on the way with its sequel - 21,106 words as of this morning. My plan, as last winter, is to write all the way from 1 November to 30 April. If I can keep up the current striking rate, it should be completed within the timescale.

Having said that, it is very difficult to know whether what you've written is any good - you just get too close to it. But I think it is probably OK. I only have a very rough idea of the story but the characters seem to be enjoying themselves. Actually I'm enjoying myself too. I guess it becomes easier the more you do it.