Update on Book Three of Psi Squad Series
Several months into the writing process and progress is slower than desired (when isn't it?) yet I'm farther ahead than I'd expected to be.
The Psi Squad and the Unhappy Valentine -- third entry in The Psi Squad series of paranormal adventures -- brings the kids back to their middle school in Durham, NC, to solve another mystery from the school's long history.
The opportunity to develop the backstories of the main characters is proving thoroughly enjoyable. I'm also messing with the group dynamic again, although I can definitely confirm there will NOT be a new member of the Psi Squad introduced in the new book. It's a club, not an army, and I don't want the ranks to swell so greatly that I and the readers (mostly I) struggle to keep track of who is who, and who has what ability, and who gets along with who... You get the point.
The tone of the new book is in keeping with the lighter feel of its predecessors, but that doesn't mean the characters won't be dealing with some serious issues. One of the main characters has already been reduced to tears and it practically broke my heart to do it him.
Also, there is every indication that Unhappy Valentine will be the longest book in the series so far. I tend to favor shying away from maximum verbosity when fewer words can achieve the desired result, but with each new chapter I'm discovering that little bit extra here and there that helps round out a scene or set up a future event. As I continue exploring the world of J.B., Rhea, William and now Emily, I find there are more and more interesting things to relate.
My intention is to have the book completed this fall and available for purchase by the holidays. Of course, that was my intention with the two previous books and it didn't happen. Ever the optimist, however, I refuse to adjust my timeline until the clock and calendar conspire against me so convincingly that I have no alternative but to admit defeat.
Until then, happy haunting!
