I’m reluctant to talk about whatever book/story I’m currently working on until there is something solid to say about it.  In this case, there is something to say and here goes:

I’m currently on what I’ve dubbed the “6th” draft of my current novel, the (coincidentally) sixth book in the Corrosive Knights series.

The first 1/2 to 2/3rds of this book is very near being completed but there are some bits and pieces I still have to deal with regarding the novel’s climax and conclusion and, most especially, the fate of at least one prominent character.

Given where I’m at, I figure I’ll have the 6th draft completed by later this month (January, natch).  I’ve completed the latest read through and have made copious notes on the printed pages regarding things that needed fixing and am now on the computer doing those fix ups.  As I reach the later portions of the novel I hope to deal with the ending and the fate of that character.  Even as I work my way there, ideas are being sifted and will no doubt be added to this latest draft.

The question I’m currently pondering is how close am I from being finished with the work.

As always, it is not an easy question to answer.

After finishing this draft, I suspect I’ll need at least two more full drafts to go over before I feel the story has been “locked down”.  When I get to that point I’ll probably need at least two more drafts to go over which will involve my looking at grammatical/spelling errors that need correcting.  On the plus side, these last two drafts tend to be completed quickly.  On the minus side, I still have the drafts that come before that point and they can take up more time.

If I had to estimate when this novel will be finished and released, I’d say this: Hopefully by no later than May and perhaps earlier though it could also (of course) be later.  It simply depends on how well/quickly these next drafts are finished.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed.  There most certainly will be a new Corrosive Knights book released in the next few months.

I promise you its another great addition to the series.