Don't be alarmed! This isn't bad news, not at all. Well, unless you were hoping to read Will's story next June, in which case, you might be a tad disappointed.

I've been brainstorming the series, getting ready to write Book 5 beginning in January, and had an epiphany: In order for the overall story to work best, I need to switch the order of some things that were supposed to happen in Books 5 and 6. So, here's an update on the changes I'm anticipating:

• Book 5, Sanctuary, will feature Jerusha Mankiller, Rebecca Upton's youngest daughter, and Drew Martin, one of Bobby's closest friends. There will be more action. (In fact, there might even be mountain biking in Konya Province, though I wouldn't hold my breath, if I were you.) The way this story is shaping up, it will probably be the most action-packed book of the series, with the possible exception of Book 7. It's still a romance, though, so there'll be a lot of heat. Expected publication: In or around June 2015.
• Book 6, The Gathering Storm, will feature Sigrid Glyvynsdatter and Will Corbin. These guys were supposed to have their story told in Book 5, but again, the switched focus makes a lot of sense to the larger story line. Expected publication: In or around October 2015.

I think I mentioned before that I extended the publication deadlines. If I make a firm decision on writing Redemption (Book 6.5), India's story, as part of this series, it will likely be published in February 2016 rather than in December 2015, as I originally announced. Likewise, War's Last Refuge (Book 7) will likely be published in either February 2016 (if I don't write Redemption) or in June 2016. 

I extended the likely release dates in order to give myself more time to work on each individual title, and also so I can work on other projects. I always have more ideas than time, so there's no shortage of projects I'd like to squeeze into my schedule. For example, I'll be taking a second look at the Witches of Cullowhee Series and deciding on its direction. I do, however, expect the bulk of my focus to be on writing within the story world of the People. Possible future projects could include:

• Three additional Sons of the People novels, probably not the ones you're thinking of (or will be thinking of once Say Yes is published).
• Several shorter stories, including an historical fantasy detailing how Rebecca the Blade earned her nickname and first sword.
• A second (possible seven-book) series that takes place after Book 7 in the original series concludes. Whether or not I commit to writing that series depends entirely on how readers receive the first one.

Future (already planned) stories will include familiar characters and new ones. Petey and Lali, for example, return in Say Yes, as do Levi (who's one of the main characters), Ruby, Heath, Colin, and Jordan (probably Hawthorne and Aaron as well). I love writing within this story world, and I'm so very, very happy these stories are finding good homes in the hearts of a growing group of readers. Keep an eye out for more news. In the meantime, have a safe and happy holiday season.