I’ll keep this one short and sweet.

Long time readers know what it means when I post a photo of Arrogant Bastard Ale. Actually, it can mean a few things, but today it means that I have finished a first draft of a new book. 

In this case, it’s the first draft of the final Twenty Palaces novel. 

Here’s a thing I wish I didn’t have to say: this is probably the messiest first draft I’ve ever written, and that’s saying something. It’s going to need a lot of work to make it publishable. A lot of work. It’s definitely not going to be ready for you guys this year. 

Also, I finally came up with a title. For years–ever since I started this series–I thought the last book would be called Twenty-One Palaces, but that doesn’t fit anymore. The story has gone in new directions, and the events that would have warranted that title pretty much took place in The Twisted Path. 

So the new, actual title is going to be The Wheel of Fire, the final Twenty Palaces novel.

The plan going forward is simple. 

1. The Wheel of Fire needs to simmer on the proverbial back burner until I’m ready to tackle it again.
2. In the meantime, I’m going to do a revision of The Crown of Infamy, which is probably the last pure fantasy novel i’ll ever write. 
3. After that, revisions to The Wheel of Fire. 
4. Then I am FREE to write something totally new. 

Hey, one last thing. If you have enjoyed the Twenty Palaces novels but not tried my other work, please do. Maybe start with One Man, my attempt to combine Big Fantasy with a Crime Thriller. Or maybe The Great Way trilogy. Grab something, give it a read, write a review, buy a dozen copies for your friends. Whatever seems best. 

I’ll save the reports on my ER visit followup and jury duty for a later time.