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Behind The Monk’s Curse: Chapter Nine

Behind the Scenes, The Monk's Curse - Prologue

Today is a momentous day. It is the day that I have held the first physical copy of one of my books. This has inspired me to write the sequel to The Monk’s Curse, and to produce a historical companion to it.

But on to the matter of business. Chapter Nine. I cannot say that this is a chapter of much excitement. Neither does it portray any of the glorious unveilings found in the previous chapters, nor does it capture marvellous escapes found in future chapters. But it follows the protagonist as he reels in shock from the contents of Chapter Eight. It processes his anger. It paves the way forward.

To read, it is a quick chapter. In the grander scheme of things, it serves as one of those that are exciting but not entirely necessary. I am sure that you have noticed by now that I have my preference for certain chapters. Is this allowed as an author? I do not know. But Chapter Nine is far down the list of my scale of liking for chapters.

But, the show must go on. As must the writing. Onward and out to The Historian’s Folly and The Historical Companion to The Monk’s Curse. Godspeed.

P.S. My language is currently being inspired by the phase of Lord of the Rings mania that frequently punctuates my life. Have you read it? You should.

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Behind The Monk’s Curse: Chapter Eight

Behind the Scenes, The Monk's Curse - Prologue

Finally. Finally a chapter that plunges the protagonist into his intended plot. Chapter Eight is where it really gets exciting. Unlike the previous chapters (except the Prologue and Chapter One), this is not a chapter filled with people having conversations – on this note, I am reminded of Tyrion Lannister of Game of Thrones that history is entirely composed of powerful men and women having conversations in grand rooms (of course I paraphrase). But the previous chapters were exactly that; people having conversations that somehow managed to keep the plot going.

But this chapter is the impetus for the whirlwind of events that are to come. This comes with a shocking discovery – almost the whole truth of the protagonist’s past (the search of which is the novel’s main plot point). This shocking discovery leads to a shocking act.

But on the nature of the discovery, it is not solely of historical nature like previous ones. It is entirely fictional, but revealing crucial bits of information pertaining to the practices of secret societies that are deeply set in history. As such, this novel was the conception of clearly defined roles and locations of clearly defined groups.

It was a fun chapter to write. It felt as if the plot was finally progressing. But for whatever its merits, I still cannot say much here. That is where The Historical Companion to The Monk’s Curse comes in. It is a book that I have been excited for for a while. A complete guide to the history of The Monk’s Curse. But until its release, and until next week’s post, happy reading (whatever and wherever that may be).

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Behind The Monk’s Curse: Chapter Seven

Behind the Scenes, The Monk's Curse - Prologue

I am afraid that there is not much for this week. Almost no planning or research went into this chapter. Still, I had difficult decisions to make while writing this chapter. How much to reveal to the reader?

This is a classic dilemma. On one hand, it is ideal to have the reader know everything. This is why omniscient narrators are so popular. On the other hand, it is beneficial to the suspense of the story to keep some information hidden. But, in works like this, with complex machinations, it is hard to strike a balance. But balance I did. Or at least I hope so. Thus, this chapter is nothing more than a device to reveal key information while introducing an aspect of mystery to the story. It was certainly a fun chapter to write, and hopefully one you will enjoy.

No onward – to the publishing of my latest book. One more proofread!