I expected a certain amount of relief when I finished Before Winter, the last book in The Wolves of Llise trilogy. Yes, it’s nice to have finished all the edits and proofreading but I feel a sense of loss, too. I have lived daily with these characters for three years, had them brewing in my head for lots longer than that and it’s hard to shift gears to start something else.

My computer is filled with ideas – everything from full manuscripts to first sentences and catchy titles. I have one completed YA novel, a nearly finished historical novel, ideas for three middle grade novels, and about a zillion picture books just waiting for me to touch them with my magic keyboard and bring them to life! There is no lack of ideas. I’ve just lost my momentum.

When dialogue creeps in my head, as it does constantly, I hear Devin’s and Marcus’ voices. I think of new quips for Gaspard, waving his wine bottle in hand. I want to probe the depths of Angelique’s soul, and find out what really makes her tick. And where is Armand’s orange cat? That remains unresolved and I am a cat lover, so I want to know. I want to explore the other provinces of Llise! They  are still a mystery and as tantalizing as anything else I have lined up for attention on my computer.

With just under a month until Before Winter is released in eBook, I want to bask a little in the glow of having finished three novels! But I will still dream of Llise and imagine what will happen to my beloved characters next. Could Before Winter be the ending or is it just the beginning? Only time will tell!