The Polls are Closed and the Votes are Counted
SPOILER ALERT! THIS COMMENT DISCUSSES THE SURPRISE ENDING OF ENDS OF THE EARTH! READER BEWARE!
Midnight last night marked the final deadline for voting for the conclusion of my latest novel, Ends of the Earth. If you followed the voting results along the way (by clicking on the gigantic red-white-and-blue link on my website that said “VOTE RESULTS,” in case you overlooked it) then the outcome is not exactly a surprise to you: Alena Savard shot off to an early lead and never lost it. After more than two months of voting, Alena managed to capture 51% of the total votes with Kathryn Guilford managing only 29%. Almost 13% of you thought that Nick Polchak was actually clueless enough to propose to both women at the same time, while 8% concluded that Nick is just not ready for marriage at this point in his life.
I’d like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to all of you who voted and especially to those who took the time to post comments and voice opinions on this blog. Leaving a story hanging like that was a creative experiment for me and I really wasn’t sure what kind of response to expect. I knew that everyone who read the book would have a strong opinion, but I wasn’t sure how many would bother to visit my website and cast their vote. But the response has been overwhelming, and I appreciate those of you who joined in the fun.
Now for the two questions on everyone’s mind: What happens next—and when?
As for what happens next, I’m not sure. Like any good writer, I like to keep my creative options open. I can tell you this much: If you’re counting on my next Bug Man novel to open with a wedding ceremony, you’re bound to be disappointed. All your votes have determined is that the Bug Man saga will move forward with Alena in the romantic picture. But how long will it take them to reach the altar and what hurdles will they have to overcome along the way? That’s hard to say, and I haven’t decided yet. (This is what’s known as “wiggle room”.)
As for when, I begin work on the next Bug Man novel December 1st –but I want you to know that my next novel to be published will not be a Bug Man story. My next novel is something different—something very special. It’s a story I’ve waited five years to write, and I can’t wait for you to see it. It’s called Wonders Never Cease, and it’s scheduled for release around Mother’s Day—but that’s all I can tell you for now. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you more about it just as soon as I can.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work. I have a wedding to plan, and you know how complicated that can be—especially when the bride is a witch and the groom is an insect.