Sunday, May 27, 2007

Saying goodbye to some dear friends

I've been writing my six-book series for almost three years and am most of the way through Book 6.

In some ways, this is a relief. I'm the type person who is driven to finish what he started, even though I know in my heart that the journey is more important than its conclusion.

In other ways, I feel sad. I've grown to love my characters as if they were real. When I finally type The End, I'll miss them all more than I can say.

For better or worse, this is my life's work. Other than the welfare of my family, friends, and pet cat, I hold nothing more dear to my heart. Even if this series sells very little and I subsequently write an unrelated best-seller, I still will treasure The DW Chronicles more than anything else I've ever done.

Life is littered with beginnings, middles, and endings. In this case, I'm near the end.

As always, it's bittersweet.

-- Jim

7 comments:

Tyhitia Green said...

Jim,
I am only on book two of my series, and I think I will feel the same way you do when I finish said series. I guess I will miss my characters, but then again, I have so many others to write about.

Jim Melvin said...

Demon Hunter:

Thanks much for the comment! How many books will your series be? I'm sure that when I finally finish the DW Chronicles, my mind will re-open its doors to other possibilities. Who knows? Maybe even better ones! By the way, I checked out your blog. Very well done.

Dustinzgirl said...

Well, the good thing is that you can always revisit your friends when you want too!

Jim Melvin said...

Dustinzgirl:

You know what? That's true. And if the series were to become a hit, there are always sequels and prequels!

Michael said...

Actually, some of you make me jealous. I'm only half way through the second in a four book series, and I've been working on this story for half my life. Sometimes I get on a roll and write for long stretches, but then other times I can't seem to keep at it if my life depended on it.

Anyway, The Death Wizard Chronicles sounds like something I'd like. I'll take a closer look at your blog. Maybe you've got a synopsis around here somewhere?

Jim Melvin said...

Michael:

Thanks much for your comments. I'll be sure to check out your blog, as well. And you bring up an excellent point. Though I've described my series in several of my entries, I don't have a readily available synopsis on this site. Doh! Thanks for pointing that out. I'm going to add one today.

Michael said...

Very cool, Jim. I'm looking forward to it.

Synopsis

The Death Wizard Chronicles is a sexy, action-packed six-book epic fantasy series: Book One (Forged by Death), Book Two (Chained by Fear), Book Three (Eve of War), Book Four (World on Fire), Book Five (Sun God), Book Six (Death-Know).

The DW Chronicles is not for children and teenagers -- or the faint of heart. But if you like graphic fantasy that is bursting with excitement yet still has a lot going on between the lines, I think you'll love my series.

In a groundbreaking paradox, the Death Wizard, a champion of good, derives his power from a source traditionally seen as negative -- death. His nemesis, an evil sorcerer, derives his power from the sun, the benevolent source of all life. Their struggle to control the fate of the planet Triken will take your breath away.

In an original twist never before seen in this genre, the Death Wizard is able to enter the realm of death during a "temporary suicide." Through intense concentration, he stops his heartbeat and feeds on death energy, which provides him with an array of magical powers.

The series also is a love triangle involving two desperate characters attempting to come together despite the machinations of an all-powerful psychopath with incestuous cravings.

Graphic and action-packed, spanning a millennium of turmoil, The DW Chronicles carries readers on a journey they will never forget.

Do you fear death? The Death Wizard does not. Find out why.

-- Please go to www.jim-melvin.com for more details.

About Me

My photo
Clemson, SC, United States
I was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., but grew up in St. Petersburg, Fla. I graduated from the University of South Florida (Tampa) in 1979 with a B.A. in Journalism. I now live in South Carolina near the Blue Ridge Mountains, a pleasant setting for writing, to say the least. I was an award-winning journalist at the St. Petersburg Times for twenty-five years and I currently work at the Charlotte Observer. I am married with five daughters.

The author

The author
Jim Melvin, a veteran journalist, debuts as novelist.