Well, for whatever reason, I'm getting more email lately asking if I'm writing another story. I figure I should address the issue for all who care. For those of you with ADD, the short answer is yes, and you can skip the rest.
For those wanting to know what's taking so long, the answer is a bit more complex. Although, there were a few other factors that played a part. I'll just focus on the big ones.
First, the process of writing, publishing, and promoting Marysvale, really took it out of me. I'd spent nearly all my available time working on some aspect of the series. After nearly 5 years of writing, editing, querying agents, publishers, promoting, emotional roleercosters, and so on, I just wanted a break. I'd forgotten what it was like to have free time, time to pursue other interests. I had worked on Marysvale for so long, I had a hard time remembering what I did for fun. Go ahead and laugh, but it's true. It was quite the adjustment. There were times I literally sat there trying to think of what I did in the past for fun. 5 years of neglected house projects got me started.
I originally planned on only taking one year off. However, once I got going, I found that I didn't really miss writing. Before I knew it, the year stretched to two. I found that I had some soul searching to do. Should I quit for good, or start writing again? There were times I found myself solidly in both camps. It took quite a bit of time to settle that question. Many of your letters helped me. And they are sooo appreciated!! Even the nagging ones, and you know who you are!
I decided to start writing again. The problem is, by the time I decided, I was already in the middle of another multi year project. I really don't have the time, desire, or energy to work on both. I'm close to being complete with said project and want to finish it before dedicating lot's of time to another story. Although, I do occasionally write nowadays.
So, what's the project that's taking so much free time? Well, I've been fascinated by tiny homes. I've talked about building one, but more in a future, bucked list sort of context. I mentioned a few times that someone could even start with a cargo trailer and customize it like a tiny home. It would be light weight, much lighter than a traditional tiny home. Something that could be moved easily behind an average half ton truck. In other words, my truck. Sort of like a travel trailer. But more useful and custom to what I needed, and of higher quality than your run of the mill trailer.
Unlike a travel trailer, it could be truly off the grid. Most travel trailers still rely on the grid. Eventually you need to refill propane to run your furnace, water heater, and fridge. You need to fill water, drain waste holding tanks, etc.. And because most trailers are not insulated, they are not capable of cold weather duty. Well, after hearing me talk about it, my wife said one day, "Why don't you do it?"
It kind of took me by surprise. Surprised because it was just conversation, something I planned on doing someday in the future. But once she said it, it took hold. A few days later, I sold my travel trailer and ordered a new cargo trailer. One that fit what I had in mind.
That was a few years ago, after many hours, it's getting close. About 3/4th done. I hope to have it completed by summer. Since I always underestimate things, it could realistically be fall.
Maybe I'll post some photos of it sometime.
For those wanting to know what's taking so long, the answer is a bit more complex. Although, there were a few other factors that played a part. I'll just focus on the big ones.
First, the process of writing, publishing, and promoting Marysvale, really took it out of me. I'd spent nearly all my available time working on some aspect of the series. After nearly 5 years of writing, editing, querying agents, publishers, promoting, emotional roleercosters, and so on, I just wanted a break. I'd forgotten what it was like to have free time, time to pursue other interests. I had worked on Marysvale for so long, I had a hard time remembering what I did for fun. Go ahead and laugh, but it's true. It was quite the adjustment. There were times I literally sat there trying to think of what I did in the past for fun. 5 years of neglected house projects got me started.
I originally planned on only taking one year off. However, once I got going, I found that I didn't really miss writing. Before I knew it, the year stretched to two. I found that I had some soul searching to do. Should I quit for good, or start writing again? There were times I found myself solidly in both camps. It took quite a bit of time to settle that question. Many of your letters helped me. And they are sooo appreciated!! Even the nagging ones, and you know who you are!
I decided to start writing again. The problem is, by the time I decided, I was already in the middle of another multi year project. I really don't have the time, desire, or energy to work on both. I'm close to being complete with said project and want to finish it before dedicating lot's of time to another story. Although, I do occasionally write nowadays.
So, what's the project that's taking so much free time? Well, I've been fascinated by tiny homes. I've talked about building one, but more in a future, bucked list sort of context. I mentioned a few times that someone could even start with a cargo trailer and customize it like a tiny home. It would be light weight, much lighter than a traditional tiny home. Something that could be moved easily behind an average half ton truck. In other words, my truck. Sort of like a travel trailer. But more useful and custom to what I needed, and of higher quality than your run of the mill trailer.
Unlike a travel trailer, it could be truly off the grid. Most travel trailers still rely on the grid. Eventually you need to refill propane to run your furnace, water heater, and fridge. You need to fill water, drain waste holding tanks, etc.. And because most trailers are not insulated, they are not capable of cold weather duty. Well, after hearing me talk about it, my wife said one day, "Why don't you do it?"
It kind of took me by surprise. Surprised because it was just conversation, something I planned on doing someday in the future. But once she said it, it took hold. A few days later, I sold my travel trailer and ordered a new cargo trailer. One that fit what I had in mind.
That was a few years ago, after many hours, it's getting close. About 3/4th done. I hope to have it completed by summer. Since I always underestimate things, it could realistically be fall.
Maybe I'll post some photos of it sometime.