So I’ve told you that I intend to write a short story for an anthology and that this is set in a cemetery where the gravestones whisper to a sorcerer-like character called Verdant. Also that the cemetery is situated just before his home. You also know that the last story I wrote was done so in a Lovecraftian style. Well, I’ve spent the past few days trying to make some decisions.

The first decision was the perspective. I did not want to write first person for this one. My last short story was narrated by a very pompous and narcissistic character. I wanted something a bit more neutral. Third person it is.

Time. Perhaps a year or so before the novel begins. After all, my last short story is set immediately after the novel finishes.

Also, I did not want to have Verdant as the protagonist. He already plays a major role in the novel. I do have a young girl – a child – who is a minor character in the novel. She is essentially a street waif caught up in an Oliver Twist style of existence. In my first draft of the novel I grew to like her but really could not use her much. So here is her chance.

As soon as I changed the protagonist suddenly the plot became apparent to me.