
I last updated progress on 8th of this month, when I reported that I’d experienced a strange epiphany not uncommon for pantsters. It meant I needed a new character, and that new person had to appear right at the beginning of the story. He also has an intimate connection to the original main protagonist, replacing what was originally intended as that protagonist’s alter-ego.
So, at that time, I was up to 80,840 words and editing chapter 32. The fact that I’ve been suffering from a health problem involving my balance and robbing me of energy has meant the work has been slower than my normal pace. Nevertheless, I’m now about to start the new editing at chapter 14, with the current word count at 35,232 (the previous word count at this stage was 33,454, so not a huge difference). The inclusion of the new character has, however, meant some substantial changes to the way the story is presented, and it’s that aspect, along with the need for some further research, that’s taking up much of the time.
But I’m happy with the way the narrative is progressing, enjoying the new slant for the story, so all is good.
I’ll try to keep you more fully informed over the coming weeks.
I have, of course, also posted a couple of previously published short stories here, as well as some pieces on the Medium blogsite. More of both to follow.


I hope your health improves soon, Stuart.
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Thanks, Lynette. I’m feeling slight improvements, so fingers crossed.
I see you’re getting about now you’ve retired. I’m enjoying your pictures of the locality and the other places you visit.
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Thank you very much, Stuart. I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling a bit better. I hope further improvements arrive soon. Yes, we are getting about quite a bit now; so great that our time is our own.
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Retirement, when accepted with gratitude, can be a great time, Lynette. Keep enjoying your new life.
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Thanks, Stuart. I am definitely accepting with gratitude. I was very ready to be finished with formal work!
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Sorry to hear about your health issues. I have to work on my balance a lot!
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It’s a pain when you feel you’re in danger of falling over if you move suddenly or in an unexpected direction, isn’t it, Noelle? I hope you’re managing okay. I’m walking with a stick for a bit of confidence (there are places in the forest I’d rather not tumble down!). The most irritating aspect is being unable to do what I need to do in the garden, as part of it is on a very steep slope! But, no doubt, things will improve in time.
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I took a cane with me for our tour of Scotland since I was unsure of the terrain. Here at home I am starting to increase my walking distance without one. Hang in there – you can always visit a physical therapist for balance exercises.
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I’ve been to see a physiotherapist, and am doing the core strength exercises suggested, Noelle.
But I have a history of auto-immune conditions, and my feeling is that one of those has returned – they are generally difficult to diagnose and treatment is at best patchy. Hope is it’ll disappear as suddenly as it arrived!
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Growing old is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do! Sounds like we are both fighting it!
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Better than the alternative, eh, Noelle!
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YES!
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