The countdown for release of “The Things in Heaven and Earth” is getting shorter by the day. July 8 is less than four months away, but I already find myself missing the characters and writing about them. It’s a bit like missing old friends. And while I wrapped the story up with no loose ends, I – perhaps unconsciously – left the door slightly ajar for a sequel. Well, about two weeks ago, I pushed the door the rest of the way open and began the sequel, letting some supporting characters take the lead. I’m about 10,000 words in. I’d say, roughly, about 80,000 to go. At this pace, I should wrap the sequel up about the time “The Things and Heaven and Earth” is released.

I’m finding it a new challenge writing a sequel. First, I am conscious of the fact that I have to write something that will stand on its own. Yet, I also have to tie it into the first book enough for the two books to go together as well, without letting inconsistencies creep in. So, I’m locked into the original story while writing something completely new. Frankly, I’m having fun. I had to put another novel aside to do it, but the timing is right.

For now, I’ll give up the title, which I doubt will change: “The Demons Jack.”

Let’s hope “The Things in Heaven and Earth” sells enough copies that my publisher will give “The Demons Jack” its own shake.