Regular readers of this blog will remember that I had a lot of trouble writing this one (although not nearly as much difficulty as writing Book 23). It's a complicated book advancing the present timeline while using flashbacks of the setup to the present timeline at key points. Because it's an interrogation, there are also a few short flashbacks from scenes in previous books and some scenes that would have happened in previous books but weren't in those books, because they were unimportant to those plots but are important to this plot.
L'Ni is a very intelligent character. As a former Inquisitor, he would have to be; along with unwavering devotion to their god, incredible intelligence and skills of perception are requirements to be chosen for the position. They're trained on interrogation techniques and how to stimulate memories to break the most disciplined mind. Hence, the drugs to loosen the victim's inhibitions and having to know exactly how to mix them for the results desired. The Issan Inquisitors have the primary task of rooting out dissidents in their own culture but also act as interrogators for any need. L'Ni had a natural aptitude for the duty and was trained in the techniques, refining those natural tendencies that made him one of the best. However, while that gives him an advantage in knowing what to expect, even he can be overcome.
Showing his planning as a way of revealing the immense acuity of his mind in using his knowledge of what would happen and how he planned his own interrogation to go the way he wants was a tricky writing test for me. The story turned out better than I expected, but it's not perfect. I did a lot of editing while writing, but it still needs a lot of work.
In the meantime, I finally have the perfect cover for Book 22, which has been updated. The cover image is nearly exactly what I pictured in the book, and I won't have to do any updating of the description of the setting. I like that! 😊
So, while Book 21 will be published later than I wanted, it is coming soon. The good part is that it should be easier to jump into writing book 24, since I'll maintain the flow from finishing book 23. So close to the end! I can't believe this journey is nearly done. (Book 23 will answer some big questions and connect a bunch of dots from the first two books of the series. I was amazed with what came out in the writing so far and still have something more I want to include at the end.) A bit over two more books to write and the series will be complete.
At some point, I also need to format the next omnibus edition, Starfire Angels: Forgotten Worlds Collection 4 (Books 16-20). I'll get to that when I have time. Formatting print is an all-day, time-consuming process. Book 21 editing is my biggest priority.
Thanks for reading!