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I left this story some months ago. , It was nearly finished but I wasn't sure whether to turn it into a duology or leave it as a single volume. , My children's editor feels it will work better as a standalone story, so I'm now going back to tweak, restructure, add about 20,000 words and then refine. , I'm hoping to have this novel finished over the Christmas break.

And then I leave you folks, to put on my other hat and become that different person for a while as I craft the next book in a genre in a galaxy far, far away from any of the worlds all of us play in at this site.

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Wow! It's always really intriguing to return to a manuscript after it's been left alone for a long time. Sara Douglass gave me the advice many years ago to find the courage to leave a novel to cook for up to three months before looking at it again. I don't have the luxury of that time because my schedule's always a bit intense but on this particular manuscript I have let it be for over six months and it is wonderful to re-enter this world, having had so much distance from it. I can approach the edit with extremely fresh eyes, a whole new perspective - almost like a stranger and reading it for the first time. It may be a story for younger readers but I am so enjoying the tale! I'll keep you posted. F

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Yes - I too advise my students to complete their assignements early and then return to it for editing/ finessing - it makes a real difference to the qaulity of their work and therefore their marks. I had'nt read my manuscript (Soul Guardians) for over a year and last night had the urge - changed it and added new words. It was weird reading it again but as you say - new eyes and new interpretations/ perceptions made it possible to edit with new energy.  Yesterday on Radio National Margo Lannigan was interviewed - winner of the Book Council's best book in 2007 - children's books - she uses fearful detail - sound familiar?  Do not know her work but interesting to hear what young readers think is good.  The prize winning book includes in the front section - info direct from the Book Council - warnings about the contents.  I think that is responsible and great publishing. The on radio reader gave a short example of what to expect - hmmm.  Does your new novel have your signature pain and terror too? 

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So far no. And unlikely to because at this stage I've been briefed to write for 8-10 year olds and I don't believe that age group needs to go to bed terrified as it's likely they're going to be reading this alone. However, there is a strong suggestion of violence plus my villains intimidate in more psychological ways. I'm going to keep my bloody mayhem for the adults....these may of course be famous last words!

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From what I read this morning o nthe net she writes books that are a series of short stories- the book that won the prize is called Red Spikes - and she too relies on psychological impact.  All the best with the flow of writing and mental processes...

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Thanks. I'm now pushing the story ahead having yesterday past the point of where I stopped writing in early 2007. I've just dropped below 20,000 words to go and imagine this will probably stretch to a tale of between 75,000 and 80,000 words, which is about the size the publisher wants. Can I wrap it up in that time - I feel as though it's still expanding! This could easily be two books.