Looking Ahead to What’s Next
Can you believe summer is almost here? This year is flying by. Before it gets any older, the time has come to share with you a little about what I’ve been busy working on for… well, a good long while now.
I’ve just signed a new contract with WaterBrook Press for two more novels set on the 18th Century frontier. One of them I wrote in 2012, and it’s been waiting for its moment. The other I’m writing now.
I’ll be revisiting the Mohawk Valley of New York in this two book series, the first to be released in 2015, the second in 2016. There are no firm release dates yet, but most likely they will fall early in the year.
The first book is tentatively titled The Wood’s Edge though of course that could change, as titles often do (for instance, did you know that Burning Sky was originally titled The Quiet in the Land (by me), then for a little while it was called Willa (by my publisher), then we all finally agreed that Burning Sky was best).
It’s far too early to be delving into the plot, or giving away spoilers, so what can I tell you about these two books?
~ The first book begins during the era of the French & Indian War (1757) and, over the course of both books, continues on into the Revolutionary War (1777). So together these books cover approximately 20 years.
~ At least one or two familiar characters from Burning Sky will make appearances in the pages, but this story centers around a new cast of characters. Two families. One of them white, the other Native American.
~ Among other things, these books will explore the history of the second easternmost nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), the Oneidas, and their largely overlooked contributing role in the United States becoming independent of Great Britain.
I look forward to sharing this history and the story of these two families with readers. I hope you will find them worth the wait. And of course between now and early 2015 there will be more details forthcoming.
What does this photo of two hawks have to do with these stories?
Guess you’ll have to wait and see!
Edited to add: I wrote this on FB, but wanted to add it here too… a heartfelt thank you for the well wishes for the
new books. Your excitement and welcome for this news is a blessing to me. I’m thankful to God for this new opportunity, praising Him
for the doors He’s opened, praying He will use these new stories to
touch hearts and minds, and provide some gripping entertainment for YOU,
reader friends. I’m a blessed writer, in my publisher, and in my readers. So THANK YOU so much for words of encouragement, prayers, and happiness in sharing this good news!
Wonderful news!! I am looking forward to reading both books. Congratulations.
Thank you, Katrina, for being a such a constant support and encouragement!
What exciting news, Lori! You are such a gifted writer and storyteller, so I'm not surprised in the least. 🙂 I look forward to these upcoming adventures.
Thank you so much, Sallie. It means a lot to me to know you are looking forward to these stories.
This fan is overjoyed! YAY! Congratulations and blessings to you, Lori!
Janette, thank you! Your joy is infectious. I appreciate you so much!
Yay!!! I haven't read Willa' s story yet, but will soon! I adored The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn. I'm so thrilled that we can look forward to new books from you and am glad that I have Burning Sky to tide me over until then. Tamsen's story is definitely on my favorites of all time list!
Beth, your words have brightened my Saturday. Thank you. I'm thrilled to know you connected like that with Tamsen's story, and I hope you enjoy Willa's as well. Burning Sky will be a good introduction to the world I'll be sharing with readers in these next two stories. In fact, the historical aspects behind these new stories are things I uncovered while researching Burning Sky. Blessings to you!
PS: I have more North Carolina stories in me, too. So many stories, so little time. I seem to be bouncing from NY to NC and back. 🙂
Congratulations, Lori! Such wonderful news!! 🙂
Thank you, Amanda. I relieved to finally be able to share it. 🙂
Congratulations Lori ! I loved the characters from Burning Sky so I am looking forward to seeing them again !
Jackie, thank you! I seem to be a world-builder at heart, even though I don't write in the fantasy genre, where that is well known concept. In all the books I write, if it is suitable to the story, I like to let a character or two wander in from another book, even if its just for a cameo.
Oh, Lori! This is so very exciting. Thanks so much for sharing! Will be praying for you as you move forward through these new doors the Lord has opened for you and the stories He's given you.
Kiersti, thank you so much for your prayers. It's a big undertaking. Big in story, big in history, just… big. 🙂 By far the most "historical" historical fiction I've ever written.
I can't wait to read your two new books! I'll be first in line buying them! 🙂 (And your first two books since mine have disappeared to my friends and family as they are read them! 🙂
Lisa, thank you! It's more encouraging than you know to hear that. 🙂
Woo Hoo! Mother and I can't wait! We love your books!
Thanks, Zan Marie. And your mom, too. 🙂 I wish you didn't have to wait. But as you well know, writing a book is a much longer process than reading one. I'm finally to the point where I've signed a contract for a book that isn't already written. I've had deadlines aplenty before, but this is new. Writing a first draft with a deadline is a whole new sort of pressure. But I've seen God's hand in stretching me out of my comfort zone this past year. Actually it would be more accurate to say He's enlarged my comfort zone. Things that used to distract and rattle me, now I take a little more in stride. I'm trusting that writing to deadline will become one more of those things.
Congratulations, Lori! They're already on to "to read" list. 🙂
Thank you, Mona!
Congrats, Lori! I am so happy for you. I know how precious these books are to you and I just know they are going to be as amazing as the first two!
Thank you, Joanne!
Congrats Lori!! So excited about your two new books. Loved your first two and can't wait for these! 🙂
Thank you, Kate! It's so encouraging knowing you are waiting. 🙂
I'm thrilled for you, Lori. The books sound amazing and intriguing. I can't wait until they are out. I am so happy for you seeing your dream come true!
Carla, God is good, and so's His timing. 🙂
Um, can these come out, like, now? Can't wait!
Ha, if only they could be written as fast as they can be read. Tamsen and Willa will have to hold down the fort for a while. 🙂
I'm so excited. Only thing is I wished they would come out in large print at the same time. Nevertheless, I await these new publications patiently. Maybe. I thank God for His gift of writing to you.
Thank you, Mary! I hope there will be a large print version of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn. I THINK so, but I haven't heard a release date yet. I'll check on that and see if one is known.
What great news, Lori. Congratulations! That means I'll have more Lori Benton books to read. Color me happy!