Are You Sad?
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- 2/14/2012 |
- 10:00 am
In a recent interview I was asked how I felt about closing the book on a series that has spanned almost eight years and six volumes. “Are you sad?” the writer asked, referring to the final installment of the Galahad series.
It’s an interesting question, and it’s one that I want to address this weekend when we host the official book launch party for The Galahad Legacy at The Tattered Cover in Highlands Ranch, CO.
We seem to have an issue in our society with the concept of “goodbye.” It’s pervasive, really, and it spans so many different themes. We hate it when our team loses the last game of the season and we know it’ll be eight months until we see them again. We don’t like it when they cancel our favorite TV show. If you want to get extreme, think about how we handle (or don’t handle) funerals. Talk about painful goodbyes...
At least three different interviews have touched on my feelings regarding the final book in the Galahad series, and I get the feeling they expect me to act like a parent who’s sending their child away to college in Europe. I’ve started to wonder if there’s something wrong with me because I’m not crushed at the thought of wrapping up something that’s been a big part of my life.
Maybe I’m wired a little differently, or maybe it’s because I’ve suffered tragic goodbyes in my life. But life has taught me to be very forward-thinking. I buried both of my parents at an early age, which toughens you up considerably, believe me. I also moved quite a bit as a child, which taught me that home is not an address but your mental sanctuary. I’ve lost touch with friends over the years, but I embrace the excitement - and curiosity - of meeting interesting new people.
The truth is, way too many people have an aversion to change, and they too often mourn the end of something instead of turning their head to see what’s coming around the bend. How do you handle change? And be honest.
Let me say for the record that I absolutely love the Galahad series. I’ve grown to think of the characters as real friends of mine, even grouchy Bon. I’ve lived with these characters for (including the original plotting and outlines) more than ten years. The books brought me real, tangible honors in the field of writing, a medium in which I always knew I would explore. I’ve had a blast.
I’m excited about the release of The Galahad Legacy because the book allowed me to say goodbye (for now) to an element of my life that inspired me to do more. And I’m thrilled that early reviewers of the book have cheered the way the story ends.
At the same time, I’m more excited than ever for the stories I have yet to tell. I’m working on short fiction, non-fiction, and even another book series for students (this one a mystery series) that has me chomping at the bit. I will continue to promote the Galahad tales because I believe they’re pretty good books with a very important message at their core. I’ll continue to speak about them at education conferences and school assemblies.
And - wait for it - there could very well be some additional “episodes” that leak out from time to time, either online, or in some other format. Not full-length novels, per se, but certainly short stories.
I expect the Galahad books to be around a long time, as more and more people - both young and old - discover the adventures. I’m appreciative of the Galahad fans who continue to share the experience with their friends; it’s the greatest compliment an author can ever receive.
So, to answer the original question: No, I’m not sad. This might be the last official volume in the saga, but the story lives on, and it still brings me constant joy. I’m just excited about what happens next!
