Bittersweet

There comes a point, when you finish a novel, that you're  glad to finally have the characters out of your head. For me, it was a sense of relief and completion----after all, they're been living in my left brain, rent free, for almost six years. And while I've grown quite fond of them, and have enjoyed hosting them in my head, it was time for them to resolve the issues in the novel, and go.  

But as their dad, I miss them. I miss thinking of new and creative ways to have them interact, react and become more involved in their story. It's what makes writing so much fun-- and at the same time, so frustrating. That's because, like children, you know, one day, you have to say good bye.

And that's where the sequel comes in. Yes, I've been thinking of what happens next. And I'm starting to get a feel for it. That's why I've opened my mind once again, and allowed my characters to start visiting me on a limited basis. Their rooms will always be ready and I think I've got enough separation from the first novel that I can begin to think about their future. But I don't want to crowd my head with just the old characters. In fact, I want to bring in some new ones. That's part of the fun, getting acquainted with new members of the family, if you will.

One thing which will occur if and when I begin to work on round two--- I will work on providing more background on Sam and John. Those who have spoken to me about the novel have asked for more from them--- I will get more into their backgrounds, even provide a little more of the mucky stuff that has shaped them so far. 

For now, I've made the beds and left a hot meal in my left brain chamber. Welcome back everyone. I never wanted totally say 'goodbye', just 'au revoir'.  But I'm looking forward to getting together with you again, and taking part in the adventures that are sure to ensue.