Like Manhunt, Star-Crossed grew dramatically during development, going from an expected 50-100K to more than 400. However, since I waited until I'd finished drafting it before breaking it up, I was able to make the breaks much more consistent than they are in the case of Manhunt, where the "episodes" get long and longer as the series goes on. Star-Crossed will be released in 10 parts - nine episodes of 40-50K each and a 25K appendix containing three epilogues to round off some of the major themes of the piece (and possibly set up future stories at the same time).

We haven't settled on an exact frequency of release yet - right now I'm leaning toward one or two parts per day, but it may depend on a number of factors, some within my control, some not. (For instance, if I have to go off and have a lumbar spine puncture sometime in the next couple of weeks - a distinct possibility that has me gritting my teeth just writing about it - that may hold matters up for a day or two.) There'll also be an audio version, probably trailing slightly behind - neurological weather permitting.

I've been looking over the drafts, and there's really not another snippet I can toss out as a teaser that wouldn't give away something I'd prefer you first encounter in context, so, no teaser here. Just some kind-of-boring behind-the-scenes information. I will say it's been a blast to work on, and yet difficult at the same time - not just because writing is hard work, but because there's an extra-special edge to working in the Exile period. You have to make sure what you're doing fits into the existing framework without being too obvious about where you're sawing parts off to make it go in, and it's easy for a feeling of futility to settle in without extra vigilance to keep it at bay.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. I'm pleased with how it's come out and I hope you'll enjoy it. And that the Suspects won't turn up something absolutely catastrophic in the morning that I've managed to miss right along, rendering this whole post a big cheerful lie. :)

If that doesn't happen, though, Star-Crossed Part I, which is still entitled The Crying of Lot 490, will be out for your viewing pleasure sometime tomorrow - er, later today - with more to follow.

Excelsior,
--G.
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Benjamin D. Hutchins, Co-Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & Forum Admin
Eyrie Productions, Unlimited http://www.eyrie-productions.com/
Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam.