A New Chapter Begins – Walking, Thinking, and Writing My Next Story

There’s something about walking through the countryside that helps clear my mind. With each step, the noise of everyday life fades away, and what’s left is just me and my thoughts.

I had one of those days last weekend. The air was crisp, and the path ahead was as open and endless as the ideas swirling around in my head. I took a deep breath, looked around at the rolling hills and quiet fields, and felt it—that tingle of excitement about the next chapter in my life. Quite literally.

If you’ve followed my journey with the Book of Souls, you’ll know how much I’ve loved creating stories steeped in adventure, and a touch of the fantasy. But now, it feels like time to try something new, to step into a different genre—crime. Yes, I’m about to dive into the world of detectives, suspects, and twists that keep you guessing until the very last page.

As I walked, I found myself imagining the characters—rough sketches of their faces, their flaws, and their motives. The protagonist? Someone clever, a bit damaged, but always two steps ahead. The antagonist? Maybe someone you wouldn’t suspect at first, the kind of villain that hides in plain sight. And then there’s the crime itself—the puzzle at the heart of the story, waiting to be pieced together. I can almost see the plot unravelling in my mind like a map, each twist and turn revealing itself as I go.

It’s funny how writing works, at least for me. I don’t sit down with everything perfectly planned. I mull it over while I walk, think about the ‘what ifs’ and ‘how abouts’, let the ideas bubble and brew until they’re ready to spill onto the page. And, walking through the fields, I felt that familiar spark—an idea beginning to take shape. This next project is different, more grounded perhaps, but no less thrilling. A crime novel is an exciting challenge, and I’m ready to take it on.

There’s something about starting fresh that fills me with anticipation. It’s the same feeling you get when you crack open a new book or turn the first page. This time, though, I’m not just reading it—I’m writing it. It’s the beginning of something new, and that’s always the best part, isn’t it?

As I headed back from my walk, one thing is for sure: this new chapter in my writing journey is going to be a wild ride, and I can’t wait to take you along with me.

Time to put pen to paper and see where the story leads.

Stay tuned!

Mark