I think it’s fair to say that the question I get asked most when readers are kind enough to contact me is, “When is the next Paul Robertson book coming out?”
And the answer that I consistently give is, “I honestly don’t know. I’ve sort of hit a wall and don’t know how to get past it. But it will come out. Eventually.”
So, I thought I really should do a proper update. Lay all the cards on the table, so to speak.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Paul and his story—what the hell have you been doing? Paul’s story currently spans two books, A Good Man and A Tortured Soul. I won’t recap the story here because, you know, spoilers, but both looks are available as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription if you want to catch up.
The third and, I hope, final book is called A Wounded Heart and there is a lot I need to cram into it. A Good Man features a prologue and epilogue set in the future and take place after Will Brown’s (from Eternally & Evermore) funeral—Will actually features as a supporting character in both books so far—and is basically a couple of conversations between future Paul and his wife.
His wife who is never named.
Also during the prologue and epilogue we find out that Will was not only Paul’s friend and mentor, but also his business partner.
Now, here’s the thing I need to do A Wounded Heart. I must finally reveal who Paul’s wife is and show just how Paul and Will become business partners.
So where am I with this?
Well, so far I’ve written about 25,000 words across seven chapters. Both earlier books were over 100,000 words, so I think to say I’ve written up to a quarter of the book would be fair, although I suspect it’s a lot less than a quarter.
The story picks up immediately after A Tortured Soul ends. You may recall if you’ve read it that it ends with Paul sending Chloe Goodman (from Kissed by a Rose) a text message. A Wounded Heart begins with her reply.
From there I’ve written through to the end of Paul’s summer between his first and second year at university. There are currently candidates for The Wife in play and I’ve set out how Paul and Will join forces in business but that’s in the early stages.
So, what’s this wall I’ve hit? Well, I think I’ve introduced Paul & Will’s business arrangement too early. That’s the main issue and it’s not insurmountable, but there is another issue that I don’t want to hint at here that is more tricky to get around.
Both problems feel like something a writer would have no trouble with her they in the groove but the issue is I haven’t been in the groove for quite a long time now.
But is my groove back? Finishing the first draft of The Truths We Live would suggest that it is, but I guess the only way to really tell is to set about working in A Wounded Heart again and see where it takes me.
So that’s what I’m going to do.
Wish me luck.
