New Year Thoughts on Writing

I haven't seriously written anything since my last book, Garnet, was published in October 2025. I have toyed with ideas and taken many notes, but I haven't sat down yet to seriously begin writing. 

Once Garnet was published back in October of 2025, my attention was on school. I gained another prep and became a co-advisor for another group, so I had more to focus on as the school year was beginning.

I also haven't focused on anything in particular because I can't decide what to work on next.

Unintended Travelers

When I first finished writing the Unintended Travelers Series,  I assumed I was finished with it. The series seemed wrapped up nicely after the first book, which started the series with Brooke and Bently getting sent back in time to 1922, then Henry's story after he accidentally went through the portal, and then Pete's story after Henry was gone. Since then, I have several people ask if I was going to write a back story about any of the other characters in the series, too.

I hadn't considered it at first, but then I started thinking about some of the supporting characters.

I have Father Ted, who isn't really a minister at all, but came from the future where he had worked with the Witness Protection Program. This was why he knew so much about keeping Brooke and Bently hidden from Robert Fenton. What was his story? What led him to the portal and why did he choose to be a minister?

Then there's Liz, who was a bad-ass woman who came from several timelines in the past, and at one time even participated in the long drives. She's mysterious and doesn't take any crap from Fenton when he shows up looking for Brooke and Bently. She's actually my favorite supporting character and the one I've given a lot of thought to writing her back story.

Another character who I've considered also writing a back story for, is the antagonist, Robert Fenton. He has his reasons for why he's so ruthless and does this particular job. Plus the fact that he and Henry's paths cross more than once before Brooke and Bently even arrive, is a story in itself. It would be fun to explore who he is and why Robert does the things that he does, and even extend it to later on when he and Liz cross paths one last time.

An Aspen Marcus Series

I've also thought a lot about what the next book in this series would look like. 

In the book, Garnet, I introduce Aspen, Oliver, and Jim, and set the stage for Aspen to be able to see spirits. At first Garnet is attached to her ring, and that's how Aspen first sees her, but as time progresses, Aspen learns that she doesn't need to have the ring with her to be able to see Garnet or any other spirits.

My challenge was what do I focus on next?

When I was a little girl, still losing my baby teeth, I was able to gain possession of my Uncle Danny's army-issued typewriter. Over time, I've lost track of it and to this day don't know what happened to it. It had sentimental value for me, having been owned by my uncle who died in Vietnam when I was just turning a year old. I grew up with my Mémère telling me all about him and his unexpected death. For obvious reasons, his death was a horrible experience for her and my mom's family, and I wish I still had that typewriter, even if I would never end up actually using it.

One of the middle school classes I teach is a GT writing class. We're a small group and enjoy tossing around ideas and exploring them together. I also write along with them and we all share what we've written. During one of our brainstorming sessions, I wrote about a typewriter, specifically, my Uncle Danny's typewriter, and even gave it some special skills. I told my students his story and how I wish I still had it, and now they all think it should be the topic for my next book in this series.

I won't lie. I've considered it.

I also can't stop thinking about a character in Garnet who Aspen meets through her student, Roxxanne; the boy in the school library named William. What's his story? I could always write a whole book about him, or I could use future books to tease out his story, too. 

The possibilities are endless.

Balancing Act

Another option I have is writing both books at the same time. I know it could be a challenge, but I don't think it will be as difficult as it might seem. I've been writing both storylines in my head since October this whole time. So, if anything, it will probably be easier on me than focusing on one and trying to ignore the other one in the meantime. 

I have options, and that's the problem. 

Since my 20s when I first started wanting to write, I struggled with what to write about. When I went to college and was given writing assignments, that was easy. It was structured, being provided the topic, style, and length requirements. But when you sit down to write with all the freedom in the world, it's like going to the ice cream booth for the first time in the summer and not being able to choose the ice cream you want to start the season with. You want to make it special, but you just can't commit to the one you want to have first. 

There is still time to decide. I don't have any deadlines, other than any that I put on myself. I just want to make sure that I have time to write and not have to go long stretches between writing sessions because I end up losing any momentum I might gain.

I have time. I have lots going on between now and March that I need to focus on at school, so I'm going to keep writing down my ideas and consider my options until then.

What are your thoughts? What back story would you like to know more about in the Unintended Travelers Series? What adventure do you feel Aspen, Oliver, and Jim should experience in my next book? 

Let me know if the comments what you would like to see.

Until next time, 

Happy New Year!!!