I have just written probably one of the most difficult chapters of the Prudence trilogy so far. I had deliberated over it for so long, but somehow the story just couldn't seem to move forward without this happening; I had to kill one of the characters. I now feel dreadful! I invested so much emotional energy into getting this chapter right and I'm hoping that they way I now feel is just an indication that I got the feel of subject as I wanted it. The whole of the Prudence saga has so far been written from Prudence's point of view and so how this death effected her was really important. The character in question had been with Prudence since the beginning of the first book and so was someone she had come to rely on; someone she believed would always be there.
How Prudence deals with this death adds to an already sombre mood to the beginning of the last book. The city and palace of Ealdhun are under siege and food stocks are running out. Tempers are starting to fray and an air of tension and only slightly subdued panic is beginning to build. Add to this the tragedy of the death of a very dear friend and Prudence's world has suddenly become a very dark place.
Like I said it was important to get the feel of this subject right, but it was also important not to become too depressing. This is not a gritty true life drama it is an older children's fantasy story and so I felt I needed something to counter the darkness. It actually turned out to be quite easy to do this. Although as I have said the whole of the story has so far been written from Prudence's view point at the end of the second book it became necessary to write also from another characters perspective. Prudence and Rupert are separated from Sam and Maggie by a prophecy that leads them on different ventures, and whilst Sam's and Maggie's story is not quite as dark as that of Prudence and Rupert, it is none the less adventurous. Sam and Maggie also have the advantage of having Emrys the wizard and Bob the dragon with them and the banter between these two will always add a little humour into the narrative. The relationship between Emrys and Bob whilst a vital part of the story also allows me to pit two somewhat eccentric characters against each other. They both have a grudging respect for the other, but often differ on how things should be done - much to the frustration of those around them. They are the perfect foil against any dark element in the story.
I hope I have managed to get the balance right. I have spent so long on this that I have (once again) fallen behind schedule with my writing. I know, I'm rubbish with schedules! I really don't know why I bother! Anyway this is just a little update. I'm not going to say when I'm expecting to have this third volume ready for publishing because you and I both know that I will not stick to it!
So I will just keep you updated on here with progress reports on this and my other projects.
Kim
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