Geoff Blackwell

I don't do too many recommendations, but if you enjoy quality cerebral sci-fi, check out this ONC entry:-
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/362592863-i-fell-from-the-dark
          
          I'm glad I did.

So, after the best part of four years, with 'Manticore Rampant' I've once again been able to click 'complete' on a story. Feels pretty good, I have to say.
          
          It's my first completed novella (after my previous two attempts turned into fully fledged novels when I wasn't looking) and the first story to also take place in the same universe as 'The Blade' (albeit for an adult audience and without any characters or settings in common).
          
          The four non-complete-clicking years still contained plenty of writing, along with lots of editing and some dabblings in the real publishing world, so were far from a bust, but I am keen to click that button more regularly from here on in. Next cab off the rank is 'Section F: The Arse-Kickers', and then maybe, just maybe, it will be time to aim for the fabled and scarcely comprehendible completion of The Four Baristas: Double Shot. We shall see.
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/362560254-manticore-rampant

Hmm. Weirdly, the Wattpad gremlins decided to remove all the em-dashes from the last chapter I published (and replace them with hyphens). For a serial em-dash over-user like me, this is no small issue. Also, the chapter order (for Manticore Rampant) got spontaneously rearranged. Literary poltergeists?

The 14th and final chapter of my ONC story, Manticore Rampant:-
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/1441601437-manticore-rampant-ch-14-manticore-repentant
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/362560254-manticore-rampant
          
          This one nearly melted my brain. There is a LOT going on.
          
          I'll spend the next day or so ironing out any little glitches and then submit the sucker for the good judges' consideration.
          
          I may whack an epilogue on the end, but that will be purely for fun, won't have any bearing on the story and won't be added prior to submission. The novella is complete as is.
          
          Thank you to those hardy few who made it this far, I genuinely appreciate every comment and vote. You are all very awesome.
          
          I've had very little time to read any other entries, but hope to rectify that now  mine is done. Best of luck to everyone who's made it this far.

Chapter 13 of my ONC story, Manticore Rampant:-
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/1440978202-manticore-rampant-ch-13-current-affairs
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/362560254-manticore-rampant
          
          One to go, people. Happy weekend.

So sorry about all of disjointed comments. I love the story. The Arse Kickers is amazing. 

Chapter 12 of my ONC story, Manticore Rampant:-
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/1439746061-manticore-rampant-ch-12-undue-process
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/362560254-manticore-rampant
          
          -in which legal(ish) shenanigans ensue.
          
          Seven days and two(ish) chapter to bring this sucker home. Fingers crossed. Although it can be tough to type that way.

Chapter 11 of my ONC story, Manticore Rampant:-
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/1438776750-manticore-rampant-ch-11-the-long-arm-of-the-troll
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/362560254-manticore-rampant
          
          -in which...well, it's a bit hard to describe. Might be best just to read it.
          
          And in further news, huzzah for the weekend!

Chapter 10 of my ONC story, Manticore Rampant:-
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/1437519120-manticore-rampant-ch-10-eejits-and-assassins
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/362560254-manticore-rampant
          
          -in which there are no manticores but quite a bit of rampancy.
          
          After a bit of a scare it turns out I am through to round 3, and with about 5k words to go am actually still on track to get this thing done by the final deadline. My last two attempts at novellas kind of wound up as novels, so we'll see if third time's the charm. There should hopefully be only three chapters to go. Four, tops. Five is way off.
          
          Congrats to all the other third rounders and happy weekend, people.

Chapter 9 of my ONC tale, Manticore Rampant
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/1436227653-manticore-rampant-ch-9-interpretive-dance
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/story/362560254-manticore-rampant
          
          -in which some surprising talents are revealed.
          
          Happy Monday, people.