Hello,

I’ve finished most of the research on my next book (at least until I need to do more on some area in the story I know very little about) it’s a good thing because I’ve set a target date to have the book ready. Was this a smart thing to do? Probably not, but it was necessary. First, because people have asked when the next book in the trilogy would be ready so I have to give a date. I don’t want to keep telling folks: “I don’t know”; “I have no idea” or “I’m not sure”, they all sound lame and—to me—unprofessional; not to let those who have read the first story know when to expect the next when they know a second novel has to come in a trilogy. Secondly, I like having an idea when to have the book ready because it’ll make me do the thing.

Though I am so into writing the new book, can’t wait to write everyday, it still can be hard getting to it for a thousand reasons—we writers have a thousand reasons—to keep pen from paper so by having this date its easier to get around those reasons and just do it. Lastly, I can’t wait to get the entire story told as fast as I can because it’s a wonderful story, fast, rich, surprising, exciting and I can’t wait to get all those pieces together to solidify the novel. I can’t really hurry my writing—its not in me—but by having the date I have a path, even a beacon I’m heading toward which makes it a little easier—even exciting--to write knowing where I’m headed: toward that date.

So, I’m writing, enjoying it and keeping at it headed for that special time, not day because that’s impossible, a specific month in a specific year that’s all and for me its more than enough.

Please, keep writing.

If you have any comments or suggestions I have a new e-mail address at: mathewsla@hotmail.com

Until next time, God willing,