It’s alive, I tell you…It’s alive. Okay, and that’s what a lack of caffeine does. I hit the publish button yesterday afternoon and it was ready almost before I could turn around. This was an interesting series to write. At times it flowed and felt like I could finish the books in a day, and at others, I was creating dents in my forehead from the keyboard. It started off as a short story in an anthology with a bunch of great writers, and after that was published, the tale wouldn’t leave my head and blossomed. I had to sit down and finish it. Along the way, the emphasis of the story changed, becoming story-concentric as opposed to character-based. This made so many moving parts that I was on the edge of becoming lost. I had calendars, time lines, flow charts with arrows pointing everywhere, star charts, and a magic 8-ball. If I altered one little thing, the ramifications were huge and I spend entire days tracking down everywhere something was mentioned with small changes. I really hope that I caught all of them.
So, this is the final book in the ARES Virus trilogy…yes, I was able to keep it to three. Overall, it was a joy to write, although I did bitch about it often. Emily is just awesome. I feel that I could have devoted an entire book to her. I hope that you enjoy this final installment and I appreciate all of your support. Next up is a stand-alone book I’m almost four-fifths of the way through. I love the creatures in this one. Once I figure out a couple of transitions, it will be sent off to the editor. And then, I’ll probably start on the third Shrouded World book with Mark Tufo. No, I haven’t forgotten the 11th book in A New World. I will eventually get to it once I clear these other stories out of my head.
I hope this year is treating you well so far and is a prosperous one!
John
