The second volume is almost ready. I’ve been doing little else since the beginning of October, and I am satisfied, I guess; it’s just that I never believe these things can have any value or interest to other people, somehow. My writing is a hobby: no one has paid me to do a book on a given topic – I just set off on my own to write what pleased me, so whatever I came up with was ok. But now there are thousands of people who have read and judged my first book, and I cannot but hear their voices as I prepare to release the second. I suppose that is inherent to being a writer, but it is new to me, and I’d hate to disappoint.

As for Darcy, he feels right, I think: having gotten him from Netherfield to Kent and back to London, I like the journey. Spots, I know, some will like and some will dislike, and I wish I could iron out those pieces so they would be universally acceptable, but that is not possible; so, I will simply have to push forward as I have in the past.

The letters are the last element to work on, and when they are done, always supposing the cover to be complete, the book will be set to go. I will probably give in to the urge to go through it once more, looking for…I’m not sure what. Reassurance, I imagine; to make sure that I’m not kidding myself that it is worth the read. I felt the same way before releasing volume I, but then, at least, I knew that if it was no good no one would be disappointed but me.

But I am anxious to move on from here, and get to volume III. I anticipate some fun with Wickham, as Darcy finally figures out how to deal with him. I expect the letters between Darcy and Elizabeth will be challenging. And Bingley will play a big role in that volume, I should think…Well, only one way to get there: I’m off to write.

Have a good day, all.

Stan