Yesterday, I wrote the last two words of The Forgotten Years saga.
“The End.”
No, mind you, I don’t actually include “The End” in any of my books. The end of the book is always pretty apparent when it happens, so there’s never any question. But this actually is the end–not merely the end of a book, but the end of the quadrilogy (it’s a word now).
I realize I have no idea how to feel about it. I’ve worked on this series for years (don’t forget, I began writing The Call of Chaos a long time ago). These characters have lived inside my head for probably half my life and, in that time, they’ve become my friends and family of sorts.
We’ve done a lot together–adventured, uncovered mysteries, laughed, cried… even argued about the direction of the story (arguments I usually lost). We had good times and we had bad times together.
But all things eventually come to an end and, soon, I will have to say goodbye to the characters who have journeyed with me as I embark on another adventure and theirs comes to an end.
And, as I pointed out, I have no idea how to feel about it. I thought I would feel a huge catharsis and I’d jump up and cheer, having completed a four-book series. I thought I’d also feel sad because I would be leaving behind something I’d worked so diligently on. I thought I’d feel a sense of accomplishment. I thought I’d sit back and beam with pride. But what did I actually feel?
None of this.
Or all of it in tiny amounts. I’m not really sure. It’s confusing, to say the least. I’m attached to these books. These books are my babies and I really do love them but, at the same time, they’ve run their course. The story has been told to my satisfaction and, hopefully, readers’ satisfaction.
So, in the end, that’s what I’m feeling–a deep sense of satisfaction. I can always look back on these four Forgotten Years books and know that I told a fun, engaging story with an amazing cast of characters.
So, yes, satisfaction… and maybe a little excitement.
To everyone who’s taken the journey through The Forgotten Years, I thank you. I thank you for giving them a shot and I thank you for continuing to read. I thank you for your feedback and your criticisms and your support and your advice.
You won’t have to wait long. Ascent Into Light will be out in a few months for you to devour. After that… well, as Arnold said in Jurassic Park (before he was completely devoured by velociraptors), “Hold onto your butts.”
What’s next? I’ve got plans, and I’m just getting started.
<3
Wow! I can’t imagine how I would feel in your shoes, either. I’m definitely looking forward to this, though! Even if I’ve been terrible and haven’t yet read the third book. I promise I’m going to!
Thank you for sharing this world and these characters with us. It’s been quite a journey for us readers, too!
I really enjoyed the magic that you’ve created, the world you’ve built, and the characters that you’ve so carefully designed. I fell in love with them. As much as I am sad to see it end, I’m excited to see what you’ll create next.
Congratulations on this milestone, friend. I’m super proud of you and will continue to be your cheerleader!