I got news today that will cause major delays in my planning of book 6. I have at least, come up with the name for the new book: Free Magus.
I found out earlier this evening that my ex-wife, who left me with our two children in 2003, is having surgery in the next month or so. Worse, she has so many medical issues that ... well, frankly, she didn't sound too good over the phone. After the surgery, she's going to be moving in with her Mother out in Virginia both to recover and to continue to treat her other ailments. There is even the possibility that she has one or two forms of cancer. I believe she agreed to the move (because she can be very stubborn) only so the kids won't watch her deteriorate further.
For those who don't know, she and the twins (boy/girl - they turn 18 this December) currently live in Wichita Falls, Texas. They moved there because she believed Wichita's High Schools offered the level and sophisticated curriculum the kids needed. Both of the kids are very smart - taking more after their mother than me - though both suffer from their own problems. Morgan (our son) is a high-functioning Autistic. My ex noticed certain behavior patterns when he was a toddler and used her connections as a pharmacy tech in hospitals to figure out the best things to do. I don't believe he would be as well adjusted as he is if she hadn't acted as early as she did. Brenna (our daughter) suffers from Bi-Polar Depression. She's attempted twice, but neither instance required more than some band-aides to stop the bleeding. She has an emotional-support dog, Lillith, and works at a pet clinic, bathing people's dogs. She even went so far as to move into a room at the back of the clinic so she wouldn't feel like her mother's slave for the last few months. When she found out what her mother was suffering from, though, she got scared. Now, knowing her mom is moving to Virginia and I'm going to be handling the responsibilities, she plans to move back into the apartment.
I'm moving to Wichita Falls. The twins won't be transferred to a new school - which is good for both of them scholastically, and to maintain the day-to-day for Morgan. The twins are in their Senior year of high school. I don't know what will happen after they graduate. We may move back to East Texas, or simply stay in Wichita Falls.
In the past, I have always been reluctant to do any writing when my kids were visiting. Mostly because I was spending every minute I could with them. I can only hope to get into a good routine where I'm writing again soon, but I'm not going to hold my breath. It could be a while before I'm able to post anything again simply because I don't have anything to post. Have no fears though. I do not intend to leave the series hanging in limbo as it currently is. As a matter of fact, I have plans already for at least seven more books after Free Magus. So, it will come. It may take a while, but it will come.
Thank you for reading,
TD