It Seemed Like a Good Idea At the Time

I know that the voices in my head aren’t real, at least to anyone but me. However, like the meme I stole that line from says, they do have some pretty good ideas. As a pantser, I rely on those voices to do any planning that goes on. I currently have four book series. Only the “Moon” books were intended to be a series from the start.

I don’t see into the future of the storylines well enough to intentionally plant a next door. The Moon books were supposed “stand-alones” connected only by the presence of Ed Landry. If I had achieved that goal, I wouldn’t need a catalog of characters as badly as I do now. And would spend less time looking things up for my WIP.

Trails of Trouble became a trilogy when the story ran too long. The Red River and Mann of God series were supposed to be one and out. The ongoing series are the product of editors and readers asking for more, and the characters pointing out, “Say, here’s a nice little door that opens to another book.” I did not intentionally plant those doors. I blame the voices and the timing, which also may be their handiwork.

Every Fall, someone in the Mann of God books pointed out that NaNoWriMo was approaching and that it was a good time for a new book. Coincidently my editor was wanting more in the series. In my defense, it did seem like a good idea at the time. Now there are four, and the word I get is that there’s no quitting in the immediate future. Kit says that the Spanish-American War is drawing closer on that timeline. Woohoo, war story—maybe.

If it sounds like writing isn’t the only thing I do by the seat of my pants, you’re right. Although I think it’s more the nature of writing. Once you start down that road, no telling where you’ll end up. At least there are those voices with good ideas to keep you company on the trip.

Jack LaFountain