Hello again!

I just hit 20,000 words! That's like writing 'Wow, I'm really exhausted now' four thousand times. 

In fact, I might have to go back and check I haven't just been writing that over and over ...

No, we're good — I've actually been writing 'All write and no play makes Timmy a dull boy' over and over, as intended.

Life gets busy, and stressful, and hectic sometimes. I often feel like I'm not writing enough, and I beat myself up, because of all the days I miss.

The good news is that, looking back, I'm still on track to finish this huge project on time. Currently the working title is still 'An Elvish Rebel's Field Guide to the Art of Hit & Run'.

I've mentioned it but it's still strange to me—I've written seven other books, but this is my first sequel. This makes me quite strange among writers, and especially among fantasy writers.

The most common question I get when people finish one of my books is, "When's the sequel coming out?"

Not: "Will there be a sequel?"

Not: "Do you have any intention of ever not writing a stand-alone book?"

People always assume I'm going to write a sequel — it's just a matter of time. Most people think every book is always going to have a sequel, and then another sequel, and end up as part of some 10-book extravaganza.

The truth is, I used to have some very big concerns and hang-ups about sequels. I used to think that sequels tend to get worse and worse with each new installment, and that every series that goes on too long runs the risk of making the original less 'magical'.

I still think that. But I used to, too.

The truth is that we live in an age of content, and tik-toks, and binge-watching, and endless series and sequels and reboots. A lot of people passionately follow sequels and reboots of stories they love, but I've gotten to the point where they turn me off.

How many times can the hero ride off into the sunset, and then be told: 'Oh, wait — sorry — this is awkward ... we actually need you to save the world again' ?

I think sequels and series and reboots all have potential to be wonderful things, but I don't think they should be the main way stories are told. I think stories that have a definitive end have more meaning. Every precious experience in life is special because it's finite, right? We don't tend to treasure the things that go on and on forever; we treasure fleeting things most.

I know I'm the odd one out, and I'm just talking about my own tastes.

So, here I am, writing part 2 in a trilogy, and I'm quite enjoying it. This is because (in my mind) I'm writing one big, three-part story, which is more in line with my values.

I think planning out a trilogy before getting started is important. I think consistently sticking to the same artistic goals is important. And most of all, I think saying 'The End' shouldn't be a lie. All of those things put the author and the audience on shaky ground if you keep adding endless sequels.

Who knows what the future will bring? Maybe I'll change my mind one day!

But as things stand now—I think I'll leave the world of 'The Elixir of Power' alone once I'm done with Book 3.

After all, every end is really the beginning of a new adventure.

Below are some books I hope you might like reading.

Book Spotlight

The Tyranny of Shadows

This one is very special to me, because it was the first one I ever wrote. It was also the first one I ever re-wrote.

Two assassins become unlikely friends—but then one is instructed to kill the other. Going through with it feels impossible. Backing out means death.

Would you kill a friend to save your own skin?

Buy your copy of The Tyranny of Shadows now!

Don't forget to leave a review.

$2.99 (USD)

Buy The Tyranny of Shadows

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Until next time!

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