The editing job is going well. I’ve finished reading the novel, but I’m taking a moment before doing the write-up because I want to do an editing pass on my own novel before I submit it to my beta readers, and my editing contract deadline is not until May.

Fantasy 4+/5

Zélie accidentally rescues a princess who has stolen her father’s scroll: an artifact that can restore the magical ability of deviners like Zélie. I really enjoyed this story, particularly the wonderful characters and amazing settings. The Afrofantasy elements made this book stand out from other quest fantasies in the field.

Very happy with my first draft. It came out at 108k, so not bad. I’m giving it a breather this week while I do an editing job for a client, which I am really enjoying. Next week: cutting pass.

Science Fiction 4+/5

When those in contact with a returning satellite die, Dr. Jeremy Stone must determine if they were infected by a novel micro-organism. I read this book years ago when it first came out and really enjoyed the plot twists and the scientific ideas underlying the story. This book is credited with creating the “Techno-Thriller” genre. I can’t say if the writing or characters stand the test of time.

99k and 11 scenes to write, so maybe it will top out at 110k. Good: cutting 10% shouldn’t be too hard.