After a recent re-read of In the Darkness, I realised it was (as one of my earliest novels) well overdue for a redraft. At 144,000 words, it may be one of my most well-received books (it’s the one I usually tell people to try first if they ask) but there is a lot of repeating of the same points I’ve already made, overly wordy sentences, and entire paragraphs that add nothing to the plot, character, or mood that isn’t already there… but the plot is, in my opinion, a belter. So I put my editing hat on, armed without about an extra ten years of writing experience and knowledge, and got to trimming and rewording. It’s not quite ready yet, but it should be out next week, and by the time I’m done I expect to have trimmed it by about (an insane) 40,000 words at least; that’s nearly a third of the book. This thing is going to be leaner, more propulsive, and quite the rollercoaster ride by the time I’m done. I think you’ll like it. In the Darkness, 2026 Edition, coming next week.
In the Darkness 2026
