I know. I know. I promised to keep you more informed. Which, I argue, does happen from time to time on Instagram. But here I am, providing answers before one of you becomes violent. (Said with the utmost affection.)

How many Emma volumes will there be?

When I set out to write The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, I wanted to give readers a format with a twist. Something fresh. Just a touch different. Also, I wanted Emma to live a large swath of her life with the reader fully taking part. It is a journal, after all. And so I approached the story as if it were a television series. There are about four seasons of Emma, give or take a volume or three, each “season” comprising a year. For example: Vol 1-5 (March - December of 1883) is the first season of Emma.

As you know by now, a volume covers two months, and so, for example, the second season will have 6 volumes. As will the third. And possibly the fourth.

There are arcs for individual volumes, there are arcs for seasons, and the arc of the over all story. It is important for the readers to note, therefore, that there is A LOT of room for ups and downs, ins and outs. I hope you enjoy the journey—it will most certainly be one.

Are you insane?

I mean, that’s arguable.

Do you know what happens?

I do! I do know everything that happens. With all the characters. I’ve not told ANYONE. I’m considering telling the cat. When readers tell me their thoughts, opinions, or predictions, I smile and try not to give anything away. When the entire series is finished and you reread the volumes, I hope you enjoy the easter eggs.

We just want to know when Vol. 6 coming out.

Okay. Here’s the thing. Soon. Really soon. Vol. 6 is fully written, has been read by my betas, and is in editing mode. But also…Vol. 7 is almost half way written. Vol. 8 is pretty thoroughly mapped out. With Vol. 9, 10, & 11 waking around my head like they own the place. All this to say, I am putting solid work into the entire year because that will ideally allow the volumes to be released closer together. Which, dear reader, you are going to want. I promise.

An announcement has not been made yet for my own sanity. I could not handle the stress of not having Vol. 6 to a certain place before the official date is released. This is due to some aspects of my personal life. Shall I share? Here goes.

The first being that I am in a very slow recovery from a severe illness of several years. This recovery means that I have to behave as if I’m not yet in recovery for me to make any headway. My body needs so much rest and calm and care. And salad, because vitamins are good. Minimizing stress is essential. So when I know I have all my ducks in a row, the date will be announced. And when I say soon, I mean that. Also, there is the cover reveal to come…which for Emma is really a color reveal. Always fun.

The second reason a date is not yet announced is that we had to move unexpectedly earlier this year. It’s a story. A funny story. Worthy of Cousin Archibald. I kept my mother laughing with the accounts of all that happened. (Landlords, gotta love ‘em.) That did take up a month or two between packing, moving to a temporary situation, and physically recovering. It’s turning out to be a bit of a nomadic year for us (fun, unexpected, up in the air!) as we will stay in a few different places before Official Housing Decisions are made. Now, writing has continued through all this, but moving has contributed to a slight delay.

What is Mary’s back story?

That is a random question. I’m charmed by it. You’ll find out.

Anything else of note you wish to share?

Guys. So much. I have SO MANY PLANS. You have no idea. I’m trying to figure out the best way to balance writing Emma, and some of my other books (like Crow), and roll out other projects that directly pertain to Emma. I need a personal assistant. Lol. But I’m excited about these plans and hope you will be too.

Thoughts? Questions? Comments? Leave them below. I’ve got to got to get back to London, 1884.

Cheers,

Beth