Gearing up for No. 27

I admit I have taken my time. Unlike with past books, I have not rushed into my current work in progress like a music lover rushing into a concert venue. Instead, I have made the most of a long break.

The break is now over. With the creation of a still unfinished chapter summary, I have moved toward producing my twenty-seventh novel — and my first true stand-alone in more than a dozen years.

In my next book, two friends, recent college graduates, will stumble into the 1940s. After discovering a Florida spring that can send people through time, they will wander through the world of World War II.

Though the novel will borrow themes from earlier works, it will break some new ground. The two main protagonists, B-24 crewmen, will tell the tale of America's air war in Europe. A third character, a girlfriend, will assume the role of detective in 2026. Florida and England, minor settings in a few previous books, will get significant play.

Readers who like WWII, split time frames, difficult choices, and suspense, will find much to like in this one. They will once again get a chance to ask "What would I do?" if put in similar circumstances.

I expect to finish my chapter outline in April and begin writing the book itself in May. I hope to publish the novel before Christmas.

Credit: The photo of Alexander Springs, Florida, is a public-domain image courtesy of the National Archives and Wikimedia Commons.