It’s exciting to share the news that I’m making steady progress on book two in The Brantford Series. I am currently in editing mode. There will still be some tweaks and fine tuning, but the story is complete and in the midst of a technical edit.
This novel has been especially fun to write. It will let fans of The Brantford Wagers meet some interesting and delightful new folks while also reconnecting with some characters from the first book.
This new story opens in Spain just prior to the Battle of Vitoria in 1813. The opening time line is close to that used in The Brantford Wagers, which is book one in the Brantford series. This second story intersects with the first at a few time points and through several characters whom the reader has met in the first novel.
From the writing aspect, I found it interesting and challenging to utilize the same timeline and build in references to characters and events from The Brantford Wagers. There is no changing one’s mind at a certain point, and thinking of a scene revision, and saying to oneself, ‘Well, perhaps it should occur in this other way to match my new ideas.’ Since the first novel is published, ‘that ship has sailed,’ so to speak.
Speaking of ships and sailing, I’ve conducted ample research to understand and grasp the sailing terms, vessel nomenclature, and practices and policies relating to the Age of Sail era. If you have read The Brantford Wagers, you may recall mention of a Captain Brantford who is absent from the first story but whose name arose in terms of family relationships. Captain Brantford is very much at the forefront in this second novel. I have arranged a short reunion for the two brothers, Mr James Brantford and Captain Henry Brantford, and sister Alison and her husband Charles Sand are also present in this next story. Their family meeting creates a timeline intersection as well as an emotional connection between the two novels.
I do want to mention for new readers who are unfamiliar with The Brantford Wagers that these two books offer standalone stories. A reader can enjoy this second book in the series without having read the first book. Likewise, one can understand book one without ever opening the cover of book two. In short, the novels can be read in either order. Each story helps to inform and shape understanding of the other to some extent, but information is complete in each book. It is a family series with some shared characters and it is written in a concurrent period rather than in sequential style.
I look forward to sharing the title and details about the new novel early in 2024. Bespoke Book Covers has once again designed the cover and it is, in my opinion, as beautiful as the cover for the first novel. The cover design stage is such a joyful part of the production process. I love collaborating with professionals who care about their work as much as authors care about their books. It is a great source of satisfaction to meet people who are passionately pursuing their career paths. It is a privilege to work on shared projects with these types of individuals. I look forward to sharing the new cover with you.
Today, I feel rested and refreshed. My husband and I have enjoyed many wonderful visits from close family and friends over recent months, including a visit from our son and partner who visited from Hong Kong. In summer, we celebrated a first birthday and second birthday of grandchildren and also welcomed a newborn arrival. We enjoyed many gatherings with family and friends, making summer of 2023 a time of connection with loved ones near and far. We are grateful for time spent with those who are so precious to us.
I am grateful as well for the time readers share with me here on my blog. Please do drop a note and keep in touch.
I hope the summer of 2023 has been good for you. Stay well!
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I can be reached by email at this address: info@nadinekampen.com .