Landmark

I've just reached the 3O,OOO word mark of the first draft of my new novel.

This, I officially declare, is half way through it. Although it probably won't end up being half way through, and I haven't been writing it in order, it feels like half way through, and that's what's important.

It certainly feels like more of a landmark than 25,OOO words did. I think that's because the words between 25 and 3O thousand have been pretty tough.

I've been going for 2O writing days (which doesn't mean I started 2O days ago - I have days off). Unfortunately this puts me at well below my target of 2OOO words a day. I'm going to have to refuse myself some days off, I think, so that I can make up ground.

But generally I'm feeling pretty good about progress. It's been lots of fun so far - especially when I'm putting down the exciting bits.

By the way, in case you didn't know, the book is a sequel to my first novel, Jimmy Coates: Killer (UK title) or Jimmy Coates: Assassin? (US title). They're due out on April 5th and June 1st, respectively, both published by HarperCollins.

The title to the book I'm working on now is still a closely guarded secret. I don't mind if you want to guess, though. Maybe there'll be a prize if someone gets close... (Family and friends - no cheating!)