The newest episode of Thieves' Honor is up at Ray Gun Revival: Episode 15: Head Games, Part 2. Head on over and check it out, rate the episode. I'd like some honest feedback, if you're inclined to leave a comment.

My mother is one of my readers, and she's been pestering me to "move the story along" and "pick up the pace" and "start revealing the secrets".

Yes, ma'am.

So, this mostly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants writer is endeavoring to do just that. I'm at work on Episode 16, which will conclude the "Head Games" arc and put the crew of the Martina Vega onto another branch of the story, one that is (I hope) surprising to readers and yet completely logical.

One thing I tend to do as a writer is people my stories with too many characters. That's one complaint from a couple readers. On the other hand, I find it boring -- as a writer and as a reader -- to too few characters. Even the most hermit-y among us has to live among other people; why not characters in fiction?

Of course, the challenge is this: how do I keep track of all those characters and still keep the readers' interest?

Another challenge is knowing when to reveal secrets. Or, as "The Gambler" advised, "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away and know when to run." This is a struggle for me, since I generally keep my cards close to the chest. That only works so long in fiction. Then the reader needs to be rewarded for his efforts, and get a chance to see what all the fuss is about.

It's also about time to throw some more science -- real or imaginary -- into the story, and I'm hoping to include a decent action scene near the end of Ep 16. Gotta give everyone a chance to show their skills.

And I think it's about time to reveal the true identity of the watcher, the spy aboard the Vega. Whaddya say?