Devoted Reader-
My, oh, My! It’s been awhile. I want to start off by saying that each and every single one of you is as patient as the seasons for waiting on me. I know I said I would do better at this whole blogging thing, and at last, I must admit, I have failed in my fulfillment of that request. I am going to set out to make it a personal goal to at least make an entry a month, but I can’t blame you if you don’t hold me to it. I find, like most people that time is the ultimate thief. Not only does it steal your memory and your dashing good looks, but much like a jilted lover, it also removes you from itself. However, I want to thank each of you for waiting so patiently, and I promise, the wait is nearly over. I’ll explain later on. First, let me start off by saying I want to thank each and every single one of you for your support. It still amazes me at how passionate you are. I have read your e-mails and I answer them all personally, so it takes me a while, but trust me, I read every word that you write and I value every letter of it. This summer I started off with close to two-hundred e-mails. I’m down to twenty-seven. Is that progress or what? *wink*
In between the speaking and guest lectures I have done about the writing process, I have made a full return to the keyboard. Finally….and trust me, Devoted Reader, I am as glad to be here as you are to see me here. I miss this more than you know. It’s why I love writing. I hope I never view it as a job, but rather I hope to view it as one of my greatest loves and passions. I work hard for the worlds that I create. I believe my characters deserve that and nothing less, and while I may be as slow as molasses, I can always promise that my stories receive the best of me, simply because they demand it.
So, it is an honor to be back.
With that being said, I am still writing on The Darkest Hours: A Collection. The manuscript it nearly at three hundred pages, and I haven’t even told some of the major stories yet. If you review some of my previous entries, you’ll notice that I said I can’t write short stories. I believe this to be true. TDH is a collection of novellas that deal around a central theme: Choices. In these stories, my characters are faced with life-changing decisions and the consequences of their own actions. The first part of the book, titled Sunset deals with people who take action based upon preservation, and the consequences of those actions. One of those stories is Better Angels. You can read that story on my website if you want to get a feel of the types of stories that can be found in part I of the TDH. The bulk of the book, part II, The Absence of Stars, is a series of novellas that represent a true return to horror. These novellas focus also on choices, but in much darker circumstances. These are horror stories and they are some of the most graphic and disturbing pieces of fiction I have ever wrote. Even though they are dark, they truly represent some of my best writing. I am truly proud of each and every one of them in a different t way. This book is a labor of passion, and so far, I am more proud of it than anything I have ever created. Part III, Rise of the Morning Sun, deals with short stories and novellas about people taking responsibility for their actions and concludes the work of TDH. I’m so proud of this book and I can’t wait to see it in your hands and begin a tour with it.
With that being said, I was hoping to have it to you by Halloween, but it may be the end of this year before I actually get it in your hands and begin to celebrate with you one of my greatest joys. However, these stories are coming, and it is my hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.
In the meantime, you have plenty of time to catch up with Lost and Ledge before The Darkest Hours fall upon us. Ordering information and where to purchase my books are available on the website.
With that being said, writing doesn’t always come easy, but it always comes with accomplishment, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Until next time, Devoted Readers, stay safe and preserve your own character. Remember what you do in the day you must sleep with during the night. The Darkest Hours are coming and I can’t wait to share these stories with you.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to do so. I have so much more to say, but it will simply have to wait. It’s pretty dark outside, and my characters are inviting me to search for the stars with them.
Thank you all! Until next time!
Best of Everything-
John Braxton Sparks
