A quick chat about The Earth Saga Universe, Focal Point, and the state of play.
I’ll admit I haven’t been in the mood to write a blog lately. In fact, it’s been over a year since I’ve penned one. And frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.
Focal Point, the 9th instalment in the Earth Saga Series, just dropped. This concludes Phase 1 of the Earth Saga Series. When I started the series in 2013, I always saw the series taking nine books to accomplish. I’m happy with where the main characters ended up, and I think that, in theory, I’ve told the story I wanted to tell.
BUT. There’s always a but.
I think there is room to expand on the story. Hence stealing the notion of Phase 1 from Marvel. With that in mind, I certainly believe that Phase 1 can stand on its own, while Phase 2 could also serve as an independent series, but for anyone who enjoyed the first nine books and wants a continuation of that story, I think there is room to grow.
I envision Phase 2 taking place maybe a year or two after the conclusion of Focal Point. How many books this will encompass is TBD; regardless, I also see a potential Phase 3 taking place well beyond that with a whole new cast, bringing to a conclusion The Earth Saga Series. Time will tell where things go.
Either way, I don’t see work starting on Earth Saga X until 2026.
Looking at other work in progress, there are currently, technically, three books in some phase of the writing/editing process: Standish 4 and The Rescue 2 & 3.
Standish 4 and the second Rescue book are both complete and going through the lengthy editing process. I’m looking at a late 2024 release for Standish and an April-ish release date for the Rescue 2. The Rescue 3 is 40% written, and I’ll get back punching the keys on that project once I get Standish 4 to the editor.
Going forward, there are several projects that I would like to work on. Two standalone titles I’m keen on are a Fairlight novel and one on Render. I recently rewatched The Raid (brilliant film) and would want to create a real hard-hitting action story. Minimal faffing about. An 80s-style thrill ride. Somewhat like Escape from Jarosis, but at a full novel length. You know, someone complained that EFJ was just one long action sequence. That was the idea!
I’m also toying with writing a series set several thousand years in the past, looking at the establishment of ‘The Empire’ and the bloody war that started that as a political force.
Either way, I’ll be aiming to deliver crisp action and adventure stories that the readers will hopefully enjoy.
Until next time, enjoy the summer, and stay safe out there.
I’ve just read 2 of the earth saga series (starting the 3rd). Like most of what I see so far. One thing: at least twice, maybe 3 or even more times, I have seen “discrete” meaning specific and identifiable things when I believe “discreet” was intended (meaning quiet and unobtrusive), in referring to the approach of the ships. They do sound the same. And function the same, but do not mean the same things at all.