We’re back at it! After a period of philosophy…
So, I’m bringing these back! Not only that, but soon we’re going be hitting video… However, that’s in the process, hopefully in the next month or so. In the meantime, getting back to opening the doors of communication (perhaps spending a little too much time on preparing the marketing strategy…) So thank you all for your patience. I’m back. Let’s hit it…
Odia 3: The Rise of Hope
So around three weeks ago, I finished the first draft for Odia 3. Turned out to be the second largest draft I’ve ever done (after my first ever fiction draft I ever did, for the unreleased Origin of Destiny series, reaching just over 250,000 words)! Far bigger than I’d expected, it ended up totalling around 243,000 words. Crazy! Not gonna lie though, it was brutal, perhaps one of the hardest drafts I have written.
For one, it completed the first major arc of Odia, and because of its word size it took far longer than I’d anticipated. This, coupled with life stuff in general, fused together to create a huge novel with massive consequences for the series. Of course, it’s going to be a while before any of you see that, but the reason I did it was because it obviously links heavily with book two, and I wanted to make sure the two of them are aligned. It’ll make more sense once you read them, but I really wanted to make sure this works. It was hard, but worth it.
But then I had a weird in-between moment.
The Philosophy Break
So, not that it’ll have anything to do with this part of my business (I will be releasing this under a pen name), but I wrote on the first draft of a completely different project, one of non-fiction, which I haven’t touched in years.
To create a philosophy book…
Yep, I think if you’re a reader of mine then this won’t be as much of a surprise, compared to those just getting into my work. I’ve always had a massive love for philosophy, in what I read and what eventually trickles down into my fiction work. The Hateful, Odia, both of them have massive philosophical components to them that make them tick, so much so that often they concern the meanings of the stories of the characters involved. So it goes without saying that this isn’t so much uncharted territory for me.
But doing it in a non-fictional context, very much so.
I think I was still reeling from my brutal time with Odia, because the start of this book was equally as brutal. Like with Odia 3, I had to force the words out, which I’m used to doing but still isn’t great.
But then, roughly halfway through, I hit god mode.
I’m not even joking. I actually broke my record for a single hour and a half daily writing session by going over 4,000, which is insane. Things just flowed from this point on, and I finished the draft within 3 weeks, which was awesome ahead of my week off which I’m just coming back from, but I’m really glad I did it. I definitely want to progress on the non-fiction front as I continue on in my career, though as I said it will be under a pen name. The philosophy book really challenged me in why I thought in the way I did, and how to justify or even change some of my own most cherished beliefs. A very worthwhile exercise for all. I’m really happy with it, all things considered.
Odia 2: The Wrath of Judgement
Started today, we’re back on the third draft of Odia 2, prior to me letting it go for beta readers. Just did the first chapter there. Not easy, but absolutely worth it. I’m so looking forward to letting you guys get a hold of this (hopefully by the end of next year/start of 2026). Though Odia 1 is still my favourite book I’ve ever written, Odia 2 is where the main story really begins, commencing with how Book 1 ended, and the commencement of the Itami arc. Itami is one of my all-time favourite characters I’ve ever written, and I can’t wait to unleash him upon the Odia universe. Consider this the first little taste of what is to come with Odia 2, as I build towards it and the final entry of the Hateful.
But, we’re onto that next. My final little entry for you guys.
Hateful 3 is Coming…
So yesterday I got Hateful 3 back from my line editor. Positive feedback there, which is awesome because I’m really happy with how the Hateful ends. It’s one of the greatest worries a writer can have, especially over a series, and seeing how to end it. Fortunately, the earlier drafts of the book came back really well, and I’m happy with how everything wraps up. I’m in the middle of sorting out the cover designer, so hopefully everything goes well until release (May 2025). It’s gonna be weird, ending that series. I’m proud nonetheless.
Needless to say, watch the space for the previews and maybe opening chapter…
Thank you so much for reading. I’m back, and this time I’m here to stay.
Kieran