What I’m working on

After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to start on the next book in the Solar Storm line. The way I work seems a little scattered at times. At least, it seems that way to me. Now and then, I’ll get an idea for a scene, but not for the book I’m working on. I have no less than eight books in various states; most are only a few scenes or notes.  A few are between 25 and 50 thousand words in their partially completed states.

To put that into perspective – Solar Storm: Homeward Bound is about 175 thousand words. I don’t worry too much about word count while I’m writing, other than as a tool to see if I’m getting anything done or allowing myself to be distracted. In today’s market, an average novel is somewhere between 80 and 90 thousand words, with 65 considered low and 120 high.

On a really good day, I can crank out 4-5 thousand words, unedited. I suspect my average is much, much lower. Closer to 1000. I’ve decided to shoot for 2000 a day.  I’m only hitting 1000, right now but I’m fairly confident that I can hit my goal as I get further into the book.

13 thoughts on “What I’m working on

  1. Roy

    Really enjoyed Homeward Bound the first time I read it. I’m currently on my third reading. I guess I can’t get too much of a good book. It’s just as enthralling as the first reading! I can’t wait for #2 to come out. I half expect Lexi to turn out to be a true Amazon warrior, maybe even packing a katana or wakizashi as a back-up weapon. Okay, maybe 1/4-expect…LOL.

    R.N.E.
    SFC /E-7
    USA SF (RET)

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  2. Daniel C

    Over the decades, I think I have read 300 or so What happens when…, or SHTF. I think this is a unique and exceptionally well written volume. The system of blending of current events with history was very effective- And finally a story long enough to cover This system is just outstanding. If this is a first effort by Vincent Keith it is true lay impressive.

    Looking forward to future efforts. Sad that to date I have not found any other novels by Keith.

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  3. Kerry Person

    Well written story and characters, loved the flashbacks. Especially loved how you filled the book with good solid information about preparedness. I wil be rereading and making notes. Thank you

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    1. Vincent Post author

      Thanks,

      You may be the first person who liked those flash backs, you’re certainly the first person to say so. When your main character isn’t superman, I think it’s important to establish what their good at and what kinds of weak spots they have.

      If you intend to use information from the book for prepping – be sure to research it. There could be better options available, or you may find things that are a better fit for your needs.

      The new book is coming along but it’s taking much longer than I’d hoped.

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      1. Steve

        I just finished reading Homeward Bound and really liked it. I was all pumped up for the genre after binge-reading 16 books written and cowritten by A. American in the Survivalist & related series. I was a bit worn down by the binge and was happy to find a related single book. I was immediately sucked into the story, enjoyed the characters (and the gear!), and felt I was reading a much more polished, refined piece of literature. Now that I’m finished reading your first book (just 15 minutes ago), I find myself upset that it ended and quite impatient to read your next …so hurry up! ::grin::

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        1. Steve

          I forgot to mention in my above comment that I was very happy with how you handled the flashbacks. Dividing them up really helped. When the first one started, I thought it was necessary but was a bit perturbed that it was getting in the way of a good story. That quickly ended as I realized I was soon going to know Jack so much better and understand what he was trying to get back home to. The loss of his first love was a nice added layer of emotions mixed in with the growth of his relationship with Rachael and Lexi. In a different author’s work, I was bugged by quite a few typo’s, person, and tense changes. I didn’t notice any of that in your work. I read a bit of your comments on your writing journey and have to say: it all worked out just fine!

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  4. Dawn

    Excellent book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I keep checking back to see if there is news of a sequel yet. Can’t wait!

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  5. Christopher

    Great job with your book. I like the way you describe all of your “stuff” You show what equipment can work in given situations and why, and it gives some credence to what you write about. For example, your use of and discussion of Kifaru gear. Many avid outdoorsmen know quality gear matters. I know you’re not trying to give free advertising, but talking about specific gear shows you know your stuff. Good luck with the next one, looking forward to it.

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  6. Barbara

    I love SHTF stories especially if they’re written about it happening in my neck of the woods. I am often worried about what can happen at any given time here in the Pacific Northwest. I felt kinship with the people in the group and enjoyed their relationships with each other. Loved the dogs! I did skip along when there was too much info about technical discussions but it didn’t bother me. I never felt lost in it. I hope n pray if I have to live in an experience like The Storm I meet people who handle it as well as these characters did and there won’t be many of the Uglies around. I feel the need to learn how to handle and care for a firearm.
    I’m anxious for the sequel!
    Thank you 🙏

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  7. Will

    One more comment…
    In Solar Storm you handle violence, profanity, and romance with realism and good taste. Where there’s violence, it’s realistic and necessary and part of the story rather than simply gratuitous. The limited profanity is part of the story, part of the characters, not gratuitous. The romance is carefully done, appropriate for the characters, tasteful. Hey, I am a GUY, I like guns and action and most guy stuff – – and the romance was, well, sweet. When the main character’s girlfriend died… Anyone who didn’t tear up is not human. In a SHTF world people who think exclusively with their gonads will not adapt and survive, and this reality was handled well.

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  8. Will

    Just finished Solar Storm: It is terrific. The book is different, in good ways, from others in the genre. But I’m reluctant to list them lest you become self-concious and “try” to write that way. Whatever is your natural way of writing is the best way of doing it. When I finally found your website I was going to say, YOU MUST DO A SEQUEL. But I see you ARE doing one. SUPER!

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  9. Richard Rhodes

    I’m really enjoying Homeward Bound so far, great job. I’m glad to hear that you’re working on #2. Reading your description of your work process makes me think about revisiting a couple of my own writing projects that have languished for years…well…several decades in one case. I kept thinking “a page a day for a year, that’s all I have to do.” I have since discovered that it’s not quite that simple, particularly when one has a “day job”.
    Please keep up the great work.
    Regards,
    Richard

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  10. Dee

    Loved SOLAR STORM because it was well-written, there were few misspellings and grammar problems, and it was easy to follow. The long photography and gun explanations were a bit tedious, but because I’m familiar with guns and some photography, they were okay. Some places, the skipping back and forth between the ten-year-old history and the present was hard to follow. Maybe those parts, if you use that format again, should be better identified as “now” or “then.” All in all, a great read. Bring on more,.

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