Debating the pros and cons of a sequel. *may contain spoilers*

[Cat]

IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS is currently a standalone novel, but I occasionally debate whether or not more of this story needs to be told. Here's your chance to weigh in on whether or not a sequel would be ideal.

[[deleted user]]

I think it is perfect as a standalone. Of course I want more Mary Shelley, but it would be strange without Stephen, and the whole plot that went with the book. You wrapped it up, I don't think that story has much more to tell. The only thing I wondered about was Mary Shelley's father. What happened to him? Did he die? Did he get out of jail now that the war is over? If he did, did Mary Shelley go back to Portland to live with him? If so, with or without aunt Eva? Or did he go to California? I think that if you wanted to continue writing Mary Shelly she would be the new Nancy Drew. I can totally see her in a different plot every book solving mysteries with Jones by her side. Even though I said I am glad you didn't add another love interest (and I am, that would have been horrible) I like to think that after where the book ended, Mary Shelley continued to help at the Red Cross, especially rehabilitating Jones (or whatever his name really is). In my head, after maybe 3-4 years, during which Mary Shelley becomes a scientist of the paranormal, they become friends and fall in love, they get married and Mary Shelley can feel Stephen looking on with love and happiness. Ugh, I just made myself almost cry. Usually I am NEVER able to imagine a: "What happened after?" for characters, even though I want to know how their lives ended, but this just popped into my head after I finished ISOB, it just seemed right. What do you think of my extended ending? Where did you picture Mary Shelley's life going?

[Cat]

Technically, I wasn't going to start answering questions until July 8, but I have a moment to tackle this longer one right now. I do agree that a sequel without Stephen would probably trouble most readers, which is one of the reasons the book is still a standalone. I do get asked about Mary Shelley's father quite a bit, so if I were to ever have the chance to make some alterations to the Author's Note at the end of the book, I would include a section on the men and women who were arrested for violating the Espionage and Sedition Acts during the WWI era (I'm kicking myself for not including that info in the note to begin with).

When the book ends on November 11, 1918, Mary Shelley would not have know the fate of her father. Some Americans weren't even convicted of their anti-war crimes until after the war ended. In 1919, President Wilson did pardon or commute the sentences of several prisoners, and by the early 1920s, many of the people who served time (and paid large fines) were released. Mary Shelley's father would have likely been released somewhere between 1919 and 1921. As you can see, if I had written an epilogue explaining that info, I would have also needed to include what Mary Shelley was doing during all that time, and I wanted her future to be open ended. I felt the last lines of the book let readers know she had undergone a rebirth and was in a place where she was ready to fight for her father, herself, Stephen, and people like the boys in the Red Cross House. I imagine her returning to the convalescent home to look for Jones, Carlos, and Paul, but I didn't want to give her a new romance at the end of the book. I love that you're able to imagine a future for her. That's exactly what I wanted.

And yes, she would definitely be going to college!

[Jane]

Cat wrote: "Technically, I wasn't going to start answering questions until July 8, but I have a moment to tackle this longer one right now. I do agree that a sequel without Stephen would probably trouble most ..."

I know why I love your book. I agree so much with your responses. Readers don't need a new romance for a happy ending. With Mary Shelley's spunk and determinedness, we can imagine a great future for her. Yes, I would greatly miss Stephen, if there were a sequel. I would prefer a prequel with those two!

Thanks for the extra information on your website. It's amazing that I can totally immerse myself in that world at that time. That map with photos is cool. Since your next book is not coming out until over a year from now, do you have any other published works that I can read?

[Cat]

Thank you for your very kind comments! I'm thrilled you're also able to imagine her future for her. Another reason why I would be hesitant to write a sequel is because I wouldn't want to ruin anything readers are already envisioning for her.

I'm happy to hear you enjoyed all my extra goodies on my website!

Unfortunately, you'll have to wait over a year to read anything else from me. I'd love to eventually participate in short-story anthologies with other writers to make up for the lag time between my books, but for now, I only have IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS available, until Fall 2014. Thank you for asking!