An Unexpected Pivot

Important Announcement

Greetings, Talebones Readers!

This is my second unusual housekeeping post in a matter of weeks, and you may have some idea of what it’s about…

Okay, folks. I’ve asked you to trust me before, and I’m going to need to dig deep into my goodwill bucket and ask for your trust again. 😬

Two weeks ago, I decided to postpone my summer serial, Ivy On The Trail, because it felt inappropriate to continue it due to the recent events in Texas (since the story centers around a summer camp, missing children, and camp staff in peril). Last week I announced another postponement. Today, I’m making the executive decision to put the story on a semi-permanent pause.

Ultimately, it’s not so much about not wanting to upset anyone else—though that’s certainly on my mind—but at this point it’s mostly that the fun and verve has gone out of the story for me as the writer. Every time I try to dig back into it, I’m haunted by the personal sorrow I’ve felt in the wake of the tragedy in Texas, both as an outside observer and a former camp staffer. It’s making me second-guess all of my instincts in the storytelling, and I don’t see a repair for that anytime soon.

This is my first time leaving a planned full-length serial un-ended, and I don’t relish the feeling at all. I really pride myself on the ability to finish what I start, but I know I won’t give you the right story if I try to force it and continue forward. And the quality of the story—and your experience in the reading of it—means more to me than anything else.

I will be shelving Ivy’s story for now, but I’m not content to stop serializing altogether this summer. I’ve been working on another idea behind the scenes, one not connected to Ferris Island so I can cleanse my palate for a bit. If it comes out the way I think it will, it should be a multi-part serial/novella similar to The Shell or Imp in overall style and scope.

I may have the first episode ready by this Friday/Saturday; that’s at least what I’m shooting for. So stay tuned for that!

If you were on board for Ivy On The Trail and the idea of a pivot to a new serial doesn’t appeal to you, that’s perfectly okay and I don’t blame you! I understand your disappointment. Hopefully you’ll rejoin us later on, in future projects; I’m hoping to post a few more short stories before the season is over.

But for those still willing to stick with me this summer, I’m going to do my best to get back on a new track and give you something to look forward to for the next several weeks.

Thank you for understanding, and I hope this week treats you well! Please feel free to leave any questions you’ve got in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer.

Your grateful storyteller,

S.E. Reid