Well, here it is... the final chapter of
DARK SHADOWS: THE LABYRINTH OF SOULS.I'm grateful to all who have read and commented on these chapters. Since this is not a professionally commissioned writing project, there are basically two things that have made the time I've spent on it worthwhile:
1) The satisfaction that a select number of DS fans have had the opportunity to read and hopefully enjoy it. I'd certainly appreciate hearing from anyone who wants to share his or her opinion on the piece as a whole--and if you're not comfortable posting remarks here, feel free to write me privately. If there are aspects that you think ought to have been done better or differently, I'd like to know that too.
2) In a way, this novel has been an excellent exercise for my own professional skills; it's all been one draft, with no outside editorial input (apart from a couple of dedicated readers who have been kind enough to offer their proofreading expertise and caught numerous typographic blunders), and in the case of many chapters, written in record speed to clear the schedule for other, paying projects. The experience I've put myself through here will pay off in dividends for other projects.
Some of the comments that have meant most to me were about my treatment of the characters. Well, I tell you; this is as much a credit to the stars and creators of the original characters, especially the former, for having made them living, breathing people, making it easy to get a handle on who they are and how (to my mind) they would think, speak, and handle themselves.
It would be great to have the opportunity to write another fully commissioned and licensed
DARK SHADOWS novel. But if it never happens, I can at least say that I had fun doing one as contract work; and another one that I worked hard on just to have fun.
NEW! Chapter 20http://home.triad.rr.com/smrainey/labyrinth20.htmI've now set up a main page from which you can easily access any chapter you wish:
Main Pagehttp://home.triad.rr.com/smrainey/labyrinth.htmIn a few cases, I have made corrections or revisions on chapters that have been previously posted. Everything now posted is the latest (and almost certainly final) version.
Please enjoy.