Weekly Blog - Monday 22nd December

[Steven Hague]

Whenever I write a novel I usually go through a phase of being concerned that it’s not as good as those that have gone before it. This phase often begins in the conception of the novel and carries on through the plotting and research to the actual writing itself. I think that this stems from the fact that I’m not comparing like with like. Previous novels, by their very nature, are complete, whereas the current one is always a work in progress. As I write it, flaws become apparent, and by the time I finish I usually end up with a list of enhancements/additions to make.

Last week was spent working through these enhancements for the third novel in the Zac Hunter series, The Beholder, and as I carried out this task, I was very pleased to find that it was easier to complete than expected. Things that I thought were going to be onerous fell seamlessly into place, and minor additions to the text helped round the plot out nicely. As a result, my confidence in the novel increased, and I reached the happy stage where I consider The Beholder to be at least as good as the books that have come before it.

A printed version of The Beholder is now sat on my wife’s bedside table. Once I’ve finished writing a novel, she’s always the first to read it, as due to her straight talking nature I know that I’ll get an honest opinion! Next up for me is to read through the folder of background research that I undertook during the plotting stage, to highlight any additional information that might give the novel added depth.

This will (almost certainly) be my last blog of 2008, so all that remains is to wish each and every one of you

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks to everyone that reads this blog, everyone that’s read Justice For All, and everyone that’s supported me in 2008 – it’s very much appreciated!

Cheers,
Steve

What’s Steve been listening to this week?
Stay Positive – by The Hold Steady
Significant Other – by Limp Bizkit
American X – by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club