Back to the Beginning

I already know that book three in the Stones of Power series is going to be the darkest instalment to date. I worry that it’s going to be too dark for some, but if you’re up to date with the first two books, you’ll have some understanding of why this is necessary. It’s far too late to turn back now!

The ending of Soul-Strung left me scrambling to find Ruby and Drayvex’s new voices at the start of the next book. Of course, a new book always demands character development, and with character development must come change. Both Ruby and Drayvex underwent significant yet subtle changes from book one to two. Ruby is wiser and stronger, learning to fight for herself, while Drayvex, who is carrying quite a lot of emotional baggage moving into book two, softened far more at this point than I thought he would. I enjoyed playing with these changes a lot. Book three feels different, though. These changes have sharp corners and consequences. They are the brand new challenge that I’ve set for myself that I now have to follow through on.

Finding Ruby’s new voice was almost effortless, but it took me far longer to find Drayvex. This was a new frustrating experience for me, as it’s normally the other way around. He’s the voice in my head that flows like a scalding tap on command, the character that practically writes himself scene after scene, book after book. When I couldn’t find find him, I’ll admit I freaked a bit. Did I break him?

Readers, he did eventually speak to me. I don’t think we’re friends.

Having now written a few scenes from each point of view, I feel ready to tackle the book as a whole. I think this book is going to be a very different kind of fun to write than what Soul-Strung was! There’s so much to cover, so very many tangled threads that are just begging to be picked up and tugged on. I can almost taste the chaos, in all its varying, delicious shades. Stick with me, and I’ll take you along for the ride.

Before I go…

Book three picks up right where we left Ruby and Drayvex at the end of book two. I’m going to leave you with the opening line from each of their opening scenes (as it stands) in all their raw, unedited, first draft glory. Click on the links below to download the opening lines!*

*if you’ve not read Soul-Strung yet, please be mindful that attachments may contain spoilers. Only click 'Read More' if you do indeed want more.