The word “adventures” seems like their going on some swashbuckling ride across the Pacific, but I use it to describe life’s journey – its trials and tribulations. If we don’t look at life like that, then what fun can it be? What fun are we missing?
Anyway…
Yes, their adventures continue. So much so, that while I’m writing book 4, I’m plagued with the same problem I’ve had since I finished book 1. That is… I see so much going on and it’s not just from that time frame. What do I mean by that? The time line in the series. So, for example, in Falling it starts off in the fall. It’s October (the 12th to be exact). And by the time that book ends it’s December, just as Winter Break begins. (Yes, I do have an exact date for that too). Book 4 still takes place during the same school year – just later (obviously).
What sometimes makes it a challenge to write is that I “see” different points of their timeline. And I don’t see it always in chronological order. So, I know what happens to them at different points of their lives. As a writer, it’s a gift and a curse. It’s great because it gives me goals, continuity of the series, curiosity of how things got to be that way. It’s a curse because sometimes my brain won’t let go of the scene and I have to wait until it “plays out” and write it down before I can continue with the timeline I’m writing in. It’s kind of like “writer’s block” but not. I’m not stuck. It’s not that I don’t know what to write. It’s just that I’m caught up writing/thinking of other scenes that don’t belong in the current book I’m writing. So, while I’m officially working on book 4, I’m writing bits and pieces of future books/scenes as well.
While I’m about 85% done with book 4, it’s great to know that their adventures continue.
I just finished Winter Solstice and enjoyed it. I look forward to the other books in the series. I wrote a review on GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/335350741
You should consider joining GoodReads. I’d be curious to get your thoughts on my review.
All the best!
Thanks so much for the review. To address some of your comments (and I’m only doing so because you said you were interested)…
1) Describing the appearances of characters – The lack of details on how the characters look was intentional. Liz doesn’t see people as the color of their skin or any other typical descriptor. As for Patrick, since she simply sees him as a friend, she has no reaction/feeling as to him being cute or anything. He’s simply taller than her. That’s what she notices. She does describe Andy a bit and comments how he’s a little Patrick. But if she went into detail as to how Patrick looked, it would seem like she likes him. She also doesn’t really think that being Filipino is an issue. In Falling, it’s not really what’s she’s grappling with.
2) Filipinos and Filipino culture – You’re right. The intention is not to portray Filipino culture negatively. She’s in conflict with her family and her place within it and the culture. And yes, I’m Filipino. I think her issues transcends her specific culture. Also, it was intentional to not specify her ethnicity immediately. I want people to be able to identify with her (or parts of her) regardless of her ethnicity.