I've been working on setting a production (writing and publishing) schedule for 2015. This is actually something I fiddle with on a regular basis while I try to figure out what works best for me, as far as writing goes. My loose plan right now is to focus primarily on finishing the last four books in the Daughters of the People Series, which I've discussed before (somewhere). I'm also trying to leave room for other projects without compromising the set publication schedule, so I'll be spreading the work out a little more. 

Right now, the only set projects I'll be working on in 2015 are Books 5-7 in the DotP Series, plus the last two installments in a series I'm writing under another name. I have a host of other projects I'd like to squeeze in, such as continuing work on the Witches of Cullowhee Series, making better headway with the Appalachian Christmas Spirit Series, and compiling an anthology of shorter works set in the world of the People. 

Like many writers, inspiration continues to hit faster than I can write stories. Here are a few of the other projects I've "soft" scheduled, meaning I'll work on them as I have time and the stories pull me to them:

• A speculative fiction novel set in a parallel dimension. I've tentatively earmarked this one to send to a traditional publisher. *gasp* Yes, you heard me right. I even have a couple in mind. Nothing may come of it, but it's an intriguing concept and I'd like to pursue it.
• An Urban Fantasy set locally and written in the local dialect, which should be interesting. This one is nearly fully plotted (as much as I ever do), has fairly detailed character profiles (again, as much as I ever do), and the first two chapters are written. The good thing is, I really can write this one in my spare time, so expect to hear more about it next year.
• A SciFi Romance set in a galaxy far, far away. This is a fairly new idea. It sprang into my head nearly fully developed one morning as I was playing with characters and, as you can probably tell from the progress meter to the right, it won't let go.
• Three possible (and mostly undeveloped) novels set in the same story universe as the ones I'm writing elsewhere. Still thinking about these and whether or not I want to invest time in them. (Though truthfully, those stories earn their keep and then some, so it would be a tad foolish for me to not pursue them.)
• And yes, my son is still developing the epic fantasy he and I are supposed to be working on. 

I never feel too badly about having more projects to work on than I can reasonably complete. For one, when I'm stuck on one project, I always have something else to work on. For another, um...there is no other. I enjoy having a surfeit of ideas and characters floating around in my head. It's usually fairly entertaining. The trick is to find time to work on them. Right now, I'm dividing my time and work space between home and an office. After the first of the year, I hope to spend much more time at home, which will free up more time for writing and the requisite supporting activities, like editing and revising. At the very least, I truly do hope to complete the first drafts of the final four books in the DotP Series next year, which will be an accomplishment all on its own.

This time last year, I was in the middle of writing my first novel. My life has changed dramatically in that time. Since completing the first draft of The Prophecy, I've gone on to write and publish nearly two dozen stories total, between short stories published here or through my newsletter and those published under this and two other pen names. This isn't bragging; it's me saying, Wow, I can actually do this. I'm having a blast using my imagination, and hope readers will enjoy the stories springing from my mind for many years to come.