Something Old, Something New

No, this isn't a post about weddings.

It's been a while since I posted anything so I thought I'd start off May with an update on the past few months and give a little info on a current Work In Progress.

Absolution's Curse was released a little over a year ago, telling the story of Frank, a somewhat shifty character who wants to leave his con-man days in the past but bad decisions and worse luck combine to throw him into a spiral of soul testing circumstances. In the end he's offered a chance at absolution but does he take it? Can he really change his life? What about those who he's hurt along the way?

A follow-up story, Always Remember Me, picks up Frank's tale and adds new characters whose lives are also ruled, and possibly ruined, by time. Decisions made in youth separate two children who were destined to be one. Can they right a wrong? Will the same choices that split them onto separate ends of the country break them again? Can Frank use his second chance at absolution to fix what time has broken?

Always Remember Me will be released soon (I hope). I'm in the post production stage: cover art, formatting, proofs, etc. There is no date for release right now but I hope to have news to share soon.

Now on to the new Work In Progress.

Before starting Absolution's Curse, I really didn't know much about the mid 1800's. I knew only what most school children learn - Civil War, Cowboys and Indians, Gold Rush, Lincoln, maybe a few random facts - but not a lot of details. Researching Frank's roll in 1849 St. Louis opened my eyes to incredible stories of bravery and courage. I decided I wanted to revisit that era but this time from a different prospective.

The past few years have marked the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the battles of the Civil War. I want to highlight some of those battles and the brave men on both sides who fought for what they believed.

In the coming weeks I'll give more details on my new story, its characters, and a glimpse into the mysteries they uncover. The story takes place during the week of May 31st, 2014 in Richmond, Virginia. If all goes well I plan to be there, visiting Civil War landmarks and enjoying the activities along with my fictional characters, and will share pictures and posts with you as I follow their paths.

I'm excited.

More to come. I don't think I've enjoyed writing this much in a few years. I really hope you find the same pleasure in the story as it unfolds.

Now, back to research. #CivilWar #cw150 #amwriting #WeBuryOurDead

C.L. Blanton