Last Measure of Devotion (TCOTU, Book 5) (This Corner of the Universe) (35 page)

This
concludes the original This Corner of the Universe series.  It’s been quite a
learning experience for me and I thank you for your patience as I went through
the process of becoming an author.

Garrett Heskan, Stacy
Vernay and the entire crew have been a part of my life for several years now
and it’s hard to let them go.  However, I think it’s necessary.  Heskan and company
have earned a nice break from mortal danger.

So what
is next?

You’ve undoubtedly
noticed by now that I place the title of my next book into the one I wrote before
it.  The obvious exception was my very first book, although I inserted “this
corner of the universe” very early in that one too (the second to last
paragraph of Chapter 3, to be exact).  My next book’s title is comfortably
resting inside the ninety seven thousand plus words of the novel you just
finished.

So
when does the next book come out and what’s it about?

That’s
harder to answer.  You see, three novels are competing for my attention.  The
first is something completely different from sci-fi.  Now, I, personally, hate
it when an author I read makes a genre jump, but this is a novel I’ve been
dying to write for a couple years now.  It might be time.  Lawrence (see my
list of beta readers) also once told me, “Show them you can write something
other than science fiction.”  He has a point.

The
other two possibilities are closer to what you might expect.  Both options are
sci-fi and reside within the TCOTU universe.  The most obvious project moves
forward and addresses the unanswered questions left in Heskan’s wake.  When I
wrote the TCOTU series, I was insistent on sticking with Garrett Heskan.  It
was
his
story.  The side effect was to leave a number of storylines
open.  One of them probably
bugs
you as much as it does me (see what I
did there?).

I’m
determined to answer those major questions and the story in my head is just
dying to come out.  However, for reasons that will become obvious if you
eventually read that series, the story has not yet ripened.  So I will let it
mature on the vine while I work on other projects.

Project Two inside
the sci-fi realm is similar to the first but works backward.  The Brevic
Republic has an interesting and rich history that’s given it a notorious
reputation among the other major governments.  Given Heskan’s family and the
dealings he’s had with other characters in the TCOTU series, I believe there is
plenty of room for a prequel with interesting ties to the series you’ve just
read.  I relish the thought of future moments where readers of that prequel who
have read the original series are rewarded with gems that make them think back
to TCOTU and say, “DAMN,” as they realize that a character’s reaction or
discussion of a past event was directly correlated to what they’ve just read. 
My goal has always been to reward my readers’ loyalty and make sure that books
they have read in the past have meaning in the books they’re currently
reading.  I believe doing it in reverse (in a prequel series) would be a very
challenging experience.

So
when will the next book come out?

Good question.  Maybe
Summer of 2016?  A break would be nice and help recharge the batteries. 
However, I enjoy writing too much to stay away for long.  If you’re really
curious as to when you can expect a new book, please visit thiscorneroftheuniverse.com. 
You can also follow me on Facebook or Twitter (the links are on the website).  I’d
love to hear your opinions on what you’d like to read next!

Parting
thoughts?

Gratitude. 
I cannot thank you enough for reading my stories.  An even bigger thank you for
those of you that have given me reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Goodreads
or sent me private comments through my website.  I’ve read every word from all
my fans and critics and I’ve tried to take all the feedback to heart.  You’ve
helped shape this series.  A lot.  It’s my most ardent hope that you will help
me with the next one too.

(Link to
Chapter 8
, to continue reading.)

(Link to
Chapter 25
, to continue reading.)