2nd book

My daughter Charmaine is doing what we hope is the final edit of 'Walk with the Tiger', but I know we have a way to go yet.
My 2nd book in the Jack Harrigan series is up to 25000 words and comming along nicely. Well know author Allison Goodwin advised me that books should contain an inciting incident and the character should undergo change. Jack's incident comes about when he is enlisted into a high security task force of commbined military forces. In his first assignment he comes up against the Sydney mobster family that he crossed in the first book but the main antogonist is a shadowy figour who always seems to be one step ahead of Jack.
I'm not sure what change it is that Jackn will undergo but I have a feeling he might turn to the dark side.


A lighter moment with Rooster

Jack's Sensei and Doberman

Just re-edited final chapters, Jacks Martial Arts instructor has links to previous characters important to the plot, each character however minor should have a purpose in the story.
I was going to loose the dog out of the plot but she became important in protecting Jack's mum from some of his old enemies.

Sonja the Doberman

When writing try to keep in mind that each character in your story assumes that they have the leading role.

Edits - do they ever end?

Working on revisions on the book (Walk with the Tiger)... again. Yep, tricked myself into thinking it must be almost ready, and then I reread it. More changes needed.

Today I changed the second chapter to give it more punch and not just figouritivly speaking. Originally, my main character had a big night out, followed by a day at the footy hungover, before stepping into a fight. Now I'm opening with the arms swinging.

Also bought a Doberman into the mix, see Jack does have a soft side (might have something to do with half a bottle of Chivas I put away Sunday night, I was probably worried about Jack getting lonely).

As for the other passion that rules my world? Recently found a replacement for a grill tooth on my Desoto, good work indeed they are hard to come by. Got a bit creative lately and added a spare wheel to the back of my girl:

Photo of continetal spare wheel

Had an encouraging email from my American distributor for my son Luke's sign business, fingers are crossed on that one. A lot of businesses sit tight in a poor economy, just trying to keep their head above water and wait it out. But, actually this is a good time to be keeping an eye out for opportunities. Don't just survive, reach for your potential.

Books, Cars and Writing Groups

Walk with the Tiger
There will be a few changes to the first few chapters so it does not came across as a biography and I can pick up the pace.

Celica
My daughter Kristy's 96 Celica. Finally got it going, had to replaced the clutch. They are a very sporty car with plenty of power but what a mongrel thing to work on!

Writing Group
Yesterday I went to the Vanguard Writers group, had a ball with different exercises using hats and small items to come up with characters. All of the characters that were thought  up were colourful and interesting.

A bunch of mad-hatters

Walk with the Tiger

Just finished the draft of the first book in the Jack Harrigan series. Now for the editing! Not so much fun, but at least I have my daughter Charmaine to help. 

It has taken nearly three years to get my manuscript to this stage, although I do also have three unfinished scripts. Initially they were all going to be just part of the one book, but there is so much in Jack's life that it just would not work. 

Inspiration has come from my family and authors that I have enjoyed over the years. Although I don't copy their styles, reading many different thrillers, mysteries and memoirs  has helped me pick up the basic format of storytelling. There have been many hurdles putting this together, not least of all being dislexic and an atrocious speller. 

I started writing my novel for fun, just to give me a break from my busy world of business and marketing. This was just my creative outlet, but as the novel started to take shape and actually make sense, I realised I might actually be able to do this. Me. Write a novel. Now I've typed 'The End', and it's incredibly rewarding.

Some off my friends see this book as an autobiography, and it may have started out that way - but believe me, if I had an affair with a beautiful Russian spy it wouldn't have been kept a secret all these years. I would have put an add in the paper.

Matthew Reilly's series has been an entertaining read, but also a good way for me to learn the importance of quick pace for thrillers.