Charting a new course

Once upon a time, I had a plan. I would retire at 65, go through my storage chest of story ideas, and write the Great American Novel. I would check off one of the biggest items on my bucket list.

I'm so glad I did not stick to the script. Had I done so, I might now be plotting my first novel and not my twenty-seventh. I might be starting my writing journey rather than pushing it into its fifteenth year.

Even so, there comes a time when every author must slow down, assess his or her current path, and decide whether or how to continue. For me, that time is now. After six series and twenty-six novels, I have decided to make a significant change. I will take a new approach to writing and publishing books, my passion since 2011.

First, for those who care, I will continue. I love writing novels far too much to give it up for blogging, traveling, collecting, or other priorities. (Though I admit when it comes to visiting grandchildren, it is a close call.) I hope to publish my next novel before the end of 2026. What I will give up is writing series, at least for now. Producing even a trilogy of historical fiction works is a massive undertaking — one that requires gobs of time and an interest in writing backstory, something I have never enjoyed and something many readers don't like or need.

Instead of writing series, I will write stand-alone novels, stories that begin with the first page and end with the last. I will produce one-and-done books and turn what has been a small business into a more relaxing hobby. I will start with my next story, another World War II yarn I have kicked around in my head for months. I hope to begin work on the novel, my first stand-alone in years, sometime this summer.

In the meantime, I will look back at my six series. Using a treasure trove of trivia, facts, anecdotes, and stories I have compiled over the years, I will provide readers with an in-depth and sometimes deeply personal examination of my novels. For each book, I will list favorite passages, insights, regrets, quirks, and sources of inspiration. I intend to begin with a look back at the Northwest Passage series later this month.

Many thanks to the readers who have supported my journey over the years. You are the reason I keep going. Happy New Year to all!

Photo: Reading a Minnie Mouse book to granddaughter Sarah.