Good question when related to work in progress. I’m prompted to attempt an answer thanks to an email from a reader in Cambridge, one Meint (sic), who asks: ‘Any more updates on the new book? Do you already have a release date and any more hints on plot/characters? Have really enjoyed your first three efforts, hope there are many more to follow.’
On the last point, Meint, so do I but approaching 73 you can’t promise. To complete the current novel is the prime objective.
As to release date, late 2011 at the present rate of progress. I was chased by Headline Review, ‘my’ publisher within the Hachette empire, to deliver the already overdue MS by early December but I’ve only completed 65,000-words so far with a similar amount remaining. The only reassurance I could give my patient and supportive editor Martin Fletcher is that I believe the work is pretty good. The reasons for the delay: a period of ill-health and a projected house-move followed by a dispute with a neighbouring land-owner over boundaries and a right-of-way that may well end up in court; costly in time and money.
Hints on plot and characters? Well, its’ central figure is emerging as something of a monster, most interesting to write; perceived by the world in general as an aviation hero (as indeed he is) but gradually revealed as a predatory and unprincipled swine with unfortunate political ambitions. The effects of said swine on those around him, particularly a son, provide the motive power of the plot.
It’s been enjoyable to deal with real locations in Kent, Sussex and France, particularly Alfriston and Rye. I said jokingly to Martin that, on publication, I hoped signs would appear along the roads: You Are Now Entering Barnard Country. But weaving in historical fact as the fictional plot progresses is a fascinating exercise. This morning for example I’m focussing on the Flying Village that existed at Brooklands before the Great War, where my aviator is about to begin his flying career, in flashback I might add because the chapters not only develop the story from the perspective of different characters but also at different dates, back and forth in time.
I’m wary of revealing too much because this is new territory for me and I hope my readers will follow me there. Martin thought it might be ‘the
breakthrough novel’; the first three having sold very well but not up there with the mega best-sellers. Who knows? All you can do is plug on, write as carefully and as interestingly as you can and hope it meets, eventually, with approval and enjoyment.
Meanwhile, many thanks to Meint for getting in touch.
