What I’m researching for Book Four of the Haven Chronicles
The first draft of book four is well under way. With several chapters under my belt, I thought it was time to share all the juicy topics I’ve been researching this time around.
Druids
Book four introduces you to a new ‘organisation’ who are briefly mentioned in Haven’s Deceit. Without wanting to give too much away, this group have definite ties to druidism and the ‘old ways’, but with a scientific slant.
Ghost Towns
I wanted to get the feel of an abandoned town in the middle of the desert right before I sent Steve and his friends in there. Again, if you’ve read Haven’s Deceit, you can probably guess where this fits in to Steve’s next adventure.
Las Vegas
Venice was important in Haven’s Deceit, but not necessarily the Venice we all know. In book four, the city of Las Vegas, or a futuristic version of it, plays a key role. I visited Venice as I was writing Haven’s Deceit. Maybe I should visit Las Vegas, just for research purposes of course.
The Goddess Minerva
While Minerva doesn’t turn up in book four, I wanted to know all about the culture, symbology, and stories around this goddess. I can’t tell you why, but it does involve two characters from Haven Wakes.
Underground Bunkers and Secret Bases
This is one of those topics that can quickly turn a research rabbit hole into an entire, twisty warren. There’s so much good stuff out there to delve into.
The World of the Haven Chronicles
I may have written the first few books in this series but that doesn’t mean I remember everything that happens in them. Before I begin writing each new novel, I always go back and check:
- the rules of the world in my novels, including how magic works
- the clues from previous novels that I need to fulfill or tie into my plotline in some other way
- character voices and descriptions
- details about characters that may have changed in the last novel
Most of this happens before I begin a new novel but often I’ll have to check back for reminders as the story develops.
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I hope my research topics have made you curious about book four and keen to get your hands on it. It’s going to take Steve and co even further afield, with plenty of revelations, a return to familiar faces, and even more at risk for everyone.
