What Should I Write Next?

As I mentioned in my prior post, the latest Kid Sensation novel, Revelation, is finished.  It is now in the hands of my editor, and - with the cover also done - this is normally the time period during which I enjoy a few days of down time before I start writing the next book.

Historically, I've typically known what the next book was going to be at this juncture. Frankly speaking, one novel is usually making more noise in my head than the others, crying to be "born." That's what happened with my previous book, Terminus (Fringe Worlds #1).  The story had been in my mind for years and finally demanded to be released (in more ways than one).

If I were to go back to the pattern I initially established, a new Warden book usually follows on the heels of a Kid Sensation release, so having that next on the agenda would not be surprising. However, I'm severely tempted to buck the order.  Not only do I have the outline of a new Fringe Worlds book essentially laid out, but I've also had the story of the character Mouse (from the Kid Sensation books) pretty much completed - at least in my head - for a while now.  In fact, the Mouse book would probably be the quickest and easiest for me to finish.  (Of course, none of this is meant to say that I don't have anything in mind for Warden #4, because I've got the groundwork for that one established as well.)

All in all, I'm blessed to have three series that can all be considered successful (although to varying degrees) and which have found audiences. Still, having to single one out for special treatment - even if only temporarily - feels a little like being in the Twilight Zone for me:

Oh well, I'll probably just see which I feel like writing on the day I wrap up my R&R and that will probably be the next novel.  Hopefully it will be a book in one of the three aforementioned series, and not one of the many others that I've begun writing. (Speaking of which, I was actually inspired to put in a little work yesterday on a post-apocalyptic/dystopian novel that I started a while back.) However, I'm not making any promises at this point.

Update on Kid Sensation #4: Finished!

I am extremely happy to report that Revelation (Kid Sensation #4) is finally finished! I still have to do my usual read-through (not to mention getting it to my editor) but the manuscript is done! 

I can honestly say that this one has truly been a labor of love, as I have had to deal with a number of delays. One of the most prevalent of late has been the fact that my wife's computer, which she and our kids normally use for their work and projects, has been on the fritz for a while now. The result of that has been a detrimental effect on my output; basically, everyone has had to use the computer that I normally do my writing on to complete their regular activities. (There's not a whole lot you can do when your kid says, "Dad, I've got a project due tomorrow so I need to use the computer..." There's a lot more wiggle room in the writing schedule than there is in the deadline for school projects. Ergo, school takes precedence.)

That aside, I really want to stay in my thanks to everyone - readers, my editor, etc. - for the patience and understanding they've displayed. It is my hope that the next book won't take nearly as long. (Needless to say, one of the first things I'm going to do with any profits from the current book is to buy a dedicated computer for the wife and kiddies.)