The Gods in Haven: Part Four First Draft Complete

Another month gone, another part completed. Part four of The Gods in Haven, now called Bounds of Influence, flew past. Even better, I managed to repair the shed door, stain the decking, restore the garden furniture, and plant a new display area at the same time. Phew.

It's the first time in the story that my main characters have been together for the bulk of the narrative. Much of it also took place away from Haven. Tragedies struck. Revelations were made. Everything's all in place for the big finale.

Part four ended up at 17,300 words, spread over the expected four chapters:

• Science Friction

• Mission Creep

• The Shadow of the Cliff

• Mourning Has Broken

  
  

I also went back and expanded one scene at the end of part three. I realised it had been too long since the Prior had appeared, and I'd missed an obvious opportunity to use him to ramp up the pressure on Chandra. It also clarified the relationship between the Prior and the principal of the history department. That was something I'll make good use of in part five.

Overall, that gives almost exactly 80,000 words so far. Just one part to go. Currently, I've planned it over four chapters, but I wouldn't be surprised if the middle two become three:

• The Ally's War

• Divine Release

• Prior Knowledge

• An Enigmatic World

  
  

There's another first for this part. Until now, every chapter has been from either Chandra's or Anjuna's perspective. Now, however, all the chapters in part five will have scenes from each of their points of view. They'll be together throughout, but their separate lives will affect how they interpret events. All I have to do now is write it.

I think I've finished tweaking the cover too. That tree was critical during part four, and its existence is a catalyst that will drive part five to its conclusion. First, I have more staining to do in the garden now that the sun's out.

Given recent progress, Ill be back in a month, there or thereabouts.