Battle Born Draft Manuscript complete

On Saturday after a marathon runner effort, I penned the last words and ending for Battle Born. Granted I’d actually written the last sentence of the ending two months ago, I just had to link everything up. I often write the ending just after I have thought of the title, so I know where to steer the story.

It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Writers may say this is the first and easiest milestone in a novel edging towards publication, and they would be right. Now comes redrafting, proofing, redrafting, editing, redrafting, proofing and a continuous cycle of polish until the manuscript is truly ready. Other than the first redraft, I must say I do not enjoy this phase particularly.

For those that know a little about the background to how I write, will know that I am driven by stats. I use them as the whip to maintain focus and keep motivated to push forwards.

Battle Born’s draft ran to 72 thousand words, a little lower than my target which will be elevated in the redraft. My writing campaign covered 25 days working for a total of 50 hours of actual penmanship at 1400 words per hour which is on par with my normal rate. For those with a keen eye, that is obviously 2 hours per writing day, which on average occurred between 15:00 and 17:00 or 19:00 and 21:00. I like a bit of routine.

I had Sunday off, today starts the next cycle.

Thank you again to Keamo, Troy, Adam and Mick, the selfless time you have given me to add depth and credibility and realism to the story is infinitely appreciated. Your work has not finished yet.

For Steph, who has had to listen to an almost continuous babble from me about story lines, plot changes and military equipment she has never heard off and has no interest in, thank you for your support and understanding. You know this journey well.

Damien Hunter has come to life and has left the cluttered world of my mind.