It began innocently enough. A short story. A respite from editing its older brethren and learning a new profession. I sprinkled words across blank pages, hoping they’d arrange themselves into something fresh and palatable. Short and sweet. A literary bonbon. I’d need a flawed protagonist. A loner—someone with a secret, perhaps. A dangerous past he’d prefer stayed hidden. I’d need a setting as well. Something simultaneously familiar and exotic. An island, maybe. A location whose isolation enabled magic to flourish. As for antagonists, why settle for one? Why not one from his past and another in his future? And then there’s that pesky inciting incident. Make it colorful and engaging, right? How about a carnival, complete with all the usual tacky carnival games? Add in a an oddly alluring test of skill, one certain to be irresistible to our protagonist. One that causes him to reveal something unique about himself to people he’d rather remained in the dark.

The ingredients seemed destined for something bite sized and tasty. But, as it incubated, the dough expanded. Layered. Burgeoned beyond all expectations. Burst beyond the confines of short story, swelled past the novella stage. Now it strains the bounds of a full-blown novel. It’s been some years, but this story wouldn’t tolerate a half-baked effort. As it finally nears completion, I’m happy to report this work-in-progress promises to be simply delectable.

I should also mention that The Demon of Histlewick Downs is free to download through Friday. Many thanks to Free Kindle books and Tips, Freebooksy, BookSends, and The Fussy Librarian for promotional assistance.

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