We are already closing in on the end of March, and I have yet to deliver anything of any real significance. Sure, there has been a ton of flash and drabble pieces posted, but if I am to build out my shop, I need to start thinking about bigger projects. With that in mind, let me share with you my realistic goals for the remainder of this year, with a little glimpse into 2027.
Nerve Damage
I got started on Substack with the idea of doing a serial novel. I got 7 chapters in and found that life started getting in the way a little. The goal here is to knuckle down, remove the serial aspect, and just write the entire damn thing. Given how this has gone, I will likely end up releasing the finished work as a freebie with donations turned on. It was supposed to be free anyway, so doing that is no biggie. I’m not sure if this one will go to print. I am setting end of June as the finish point for this one, but hopefully earlier.
Nightlight Stories
I have always loved the idea of doing a Goosebumps style series of YA books, and I have decided that Nightlight Stories will be the banner these fall under. As soon as Nerve Damage is finished, I will crank out one of these. I have a very good story idea for at least one of them, but I am open to you guys choosing, so perhaps I will do a poll. I’m looking at 20-25K words here, which I can reasonably do in 30-45 days.
Long Pig
This story was my wife’s idea, and since she has been prodding me to get it written, I want to have it done for her by the end of this year, hopefully in time for Christmas. I also want to have this one as a paperback, so this will give me time to decide between the multiple print on demand places.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The first order of business for 2027 will be another of the Nightlight Stories, as I think I can crank those out quickly. I will then jump to another novel called The Midnight Monster Club. This one will be short stories and a wraparound tale that I think is very cool. Many of the shorts are already written, so I should be able to get a good jump on this.
Finally, I want to get a start on the Matt Collins Chronicles series of standalone books. This is about a guy who lives the van life and had dreams that leads him to haunted and mysterious locations. Think of it as a supernatural Reacher set of books. If I push myself, I might also be able to get another Nightlight Stories book done, but that would be a bonus.
I am feeling really creatively alive at the moment, and while this seems like a lot, I think I can get most of it accomplished if I just knuckle down and get to it. Thank you all for your support and for helping set that creative fire alight once again.
I know what you mean about the creative fire being lit again. I'm feeling much that way myself since joining Substack. I look forward to reading all of these awesome sounding stories!!
Best of luck! Sounds like a lot on paper but you clearly have the ideas percolating, and I know how quickly writing can come when the ideas are all there.