Sep132019

16 Future Writing Projects I Might Try AKA Authors Don’t Need Your Ideas

I tend to talk about what I’m actually writing in the Chirrup on a monthly basis, Gentle Reader.

But in the interests of accountability, I thought I might post about some of the many projects I’m considering writing, so you can rest assured that I’ll never run out of ideas.

It’s possible someone made the mistake on social media of saying to me,

“Gail… why don’t you write X character, or X book?”

Or perhaps,

“I have this great idea for a book, you should write it, and we’ll split to profits.”

Blink. Blink. Blink.

Look, seriously? Ideas are cheap. It’s the writing that’s costly in time and sweat and tears and tea…

So to prove that, here are 16 possible ideas I’m contemplating writing right now (and some of these are multiple books or multiple story possibilities in the same universe). No promises that I’ll actually write any of them.

Pre-note on Epiphanies

I’ve talked before about the fact that I don’t start actually writing a book until I have had its epiphany. By epiphany I mean, I see a crystal clear scene in my head of two characters talking together and know their personalities and then I know what the story is. For Soulless this was Alexia and Ivy walking in the park and discussing the fact that Alexia accidentally killed a vampire the night before. (This epiphany scene is rarely the opening of a book.)

Right so here you go….

16 Things Gail Could Be Writing Right NOW

1. Delightfully Deadly #3 (novella)

PITCH: Would you wait forever for true love?
GOOD: I’ve had the epiphany for this book, it’s a long time span snippet book full of pining and lost love ending in a very late in life romance.
BAD: I need to do lots of back referencing to other parasolverse books.

2. The Enforcer Enigma (San Andreas #3 – novel) 

GOOD: I’ve had the epiphany for this book and I’ve a rough outline. Three books in a series is a marketable asset.
BAD: These books aren’t selling as well as my other stuff.

3. San Andreas #4 (novel)

GOOD: I’ve had the epiphany for this book, and I’ll be introducing the new love interest as a side character in #3.
BAD: See #3 plus #3 needs to come out first.

4. Book 1 in The Lost Animech Chronicles (mid grade series)

PITCH: A girl must find a magical familiar and control her abilities or be stripped of power and become a political pawn.
GOOD: New kind of book, agent is interested
BAD: I have no idea what I’m doing, I’m risk averse, and scared.

5. Crudrat (YA sci-fi) in Print & Digital

GOOD: It’s basically written just needs a heavy revision pass. I’d like to put some more YA out into the universe.
BAD: It’s impossible to sell YA sci-fi right now, even non-YA is a struggle for self pub.

6. Cypher (Crudrat #2 YA) in Print & Digital & Audio

GOOD: Right now, not a lot except satisfying the very few fans Crudrat has now.  It has an outline.
BAD: Time consuming, unproven, risky proposition in terms of sales. Nice to have something completely different to play with though. It would be impossible to do this one with the same cast as the first one in audio.

7. Claw & Courtship #2 (novella)

GOOD: CC is my best selling novella series, the most popular with Zon to promote and by far my best indie seller. Adding a new addition to this novella line would be fiscally sensible.
BAD: Haven’t had the epiphany yet and don’t know which character I’d like to work with.

8. Dear Lord Akeldama (compilation ebook)

GOOD: I have so many blog posts, I could form them all up into one fun ebook collection of the Dear Lord A advice column. It’d give me something to point people at who want “more Lord Akeldama.”
BAD: Does anyone really want that?

Dear Lord A Gumroad Header

9. Lord Akeldama Short Story

GOOD: It’d give me something to point people at who want “more Lord Akeldama.”
BAD: I’d have to write it from the perspective of the cat. Not super inspired by this idea. Short stories don’t sell.

10. Other Parasolverse Shorts

GOOD: It’d be fun to have a few “seasonal” offerings, I’ve had some idea featuring old favorite main characters.
BAD: Probably pretty plot-less and just fan service, worth the time to write?

11. New YA Techno-Fantasy Series

GOOD: I have several ideas set in the same techno-fantasy world, The Banded Lands.
BAD: It’s something new and different for and from me, I’m not sure readers would like it. YA is a struggle for self pub. Traditional publishers likely uninterested.

12. Queensman (early parasolverse YA series)

GOOD: Adventure YA featuring a gay knife fighter from a northern island who unexpectedly becomes the bodyguard of young Boudicia. Meanwhile, the vampire-run Roman Empire is invading. Revolves around the introduction of werewolves to the British Isles.
BAD: Is anyone interested in something like this? Plus research sucks. Still Romano-British was one of my fields of study for a while.

13. Camp Residual series

GOOD: Wet Hot American Summer meets Jane Austen. A series of lighthearted romantic comedies with supernatural elements.  Because each would stand alone, can basically drop them whenever.
BAD: No one seems as excited about this concept as me.

14. Geomage series

GOOD: Urban fantasy series based on gargoyles and geology – rocks, lots of rocks. Could be YA.
BAD: Do I want to go into UF right now? Will it sell? Do we care?

15. Alessandro Tarabotti serialization

GOOD: I’ve had the epiphany for this serialization, it’s a long time span snippet book starting with Alessandro as a kid training, including his journal entries, forming his whole life. Kind of linked short stories.
BAD: Very experimental, could be released as a serial or as a novel or both, no major arc or through line, does not have a happy ending.

16. Tinkered Stars mystery #2

GOOD: I’ve had a minor epiphany for another space station mystery for Drey and Tristol. Would be super fun to write, plus wedding plans? A few people do want more of these books.
BAD: Should I really write more in yet ANOTHER series? Don’t yet know how well The 5th Gender actually did.

So there you have it, some of the MANY options on my plate.

You can vote for your favorite, although no promises. One of the reasons I do independent projects is so that I could write what amuses me most when it amuses me and not before. Still, I do write for you and I want to make you happy so I am interested in your opinion. 

Vote for your favorite!

Which of the above story ideas are you most interested in seeing Gail Write? 

Poll is only letting you vote for one but please feel free to leave a comment with further thoughts, or to advocate for one of the above. Please note that I can not write new books featuring characters who have already been in the limelight (Alexia, Sophronia, Rue etc…)

Other short story options? Holiday fun! San Andreas Pack Thanksgiving or Halloween shenanigans. Akeldama and Maccons do Christmas (Conall insists on gifts of fish, Channing pees on the tree, and teen Rue is very angsty and sullen). What would Tristol make of human holiday traditions?

Yours (never to run out of ideas),

Miss Gail

BOOK DE JOUR!

Reticence: Custard Protocol Book 4

PICK YOUR VENDOR!

Percy is off to Japan, but will Japan survive Percy?

Bookish and proper Percival Tunstell finds himself out of his depth when floating cities, spirited plumbing, and soggy biscuits collide in this delightful conclusion the Custard Protocol series.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Quote of the Day:

“I think I’ve been looking at too many catalogs. I just read ‘The Four Tendencies’ as ‘The Four Tentacles’.”

~ Overheard at Borderlands Books in San Francisco

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144 Responses

  1. Sue said:

    I could not vote for more than one option unfortunately. The ones I really WANT, in no particular order: 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 16.

  2. Jessica said:

    I would read absolutely any of these, but I was most drawn to Queensman, Delightfully Deadly, and San Andreas.

    Beyond this-I am so super stoked about your upcoming Heroine’s Journey book and would love to see more non-fiction from you. I’d LOVE to hear/read your thoughts and processes on writing humor. I know this isn’t on the list, but I would super buy it if you wrote it.

    1. Kate said:

      I LOVE the San Andreas shifters so would love to see 3 & 4 and I thought the 5th Gender was terrific, I preordered that one after reading the San Andreas ones, the camp residual sounds intriguing but my budget for books has taken a hit from other responsibilities so I feel guilty saying I WANT THEM ALL!!!!!!!

  3. Christopher said:

    I’m also interested in Queensman. I will be reading Heroine’s Journey when it comes out. Even though I’m not a writer I find the process fascinating.

    1. Gail Carriger said:

      Oh good! I shoudl be fun if you consume any kind of pop culture, but especially books. I’m thinking the tag line might evolve to “For writers, storytellers, and consumers of pop culture”

      1. Miss Millie said:

        Miss Gail,
        Don’t get your stayes in a bunch. Hitch up your garters. Put on your tea pot. Give the kitty tuna. Get out a tart. And get writing. You know you are capable of putting several of those ideas together. You will come up with 3 to 4 great books as only you can do. So buckle up you sweet butter cup. And make us all so proud. Do what only you can do. Make it fabulous. Love everything you write. Hugs and air kisses. Millie.

      2. Nora Scully said:

        Thank you for asking readers. Definitely Lord Akeldama’s story. Why from the cat?
        I would love to know the continued story of the Wicker Chicken and her werewolf love an assassin/detective full series. We hear mention of her later but just briefly. Thank you for Poison or Protect.
        Also what happens in Egypt with Alexia she must have more adventures.

        1. Mandy Skeels said:

          I agree! I loved the finishing school series and the continued adventures of Sophronia and Soap would be amazing, only maybe up the adult content? And more from Alexia in Egypt works for me!

          1. Ariadne said:

            You can count my vote for more of Sophronia’s adventures (or misadventures) in writing. I know that she already has a book series, but I feel that the majority of her life, the most interesting parts, are missing from the Parasolverse! Perhaps that just how she would have wanted it…

  4. June Chase said:

    I couldn’t seem to vote for more than one, so I just voted to read anything you write. See you at Gaslight Expo.

  5. Aline Leal said:

    I intend to read every book you write, really.
    But now I’m really looking forward to the next San Andreas book.
    The next option for me would be Claw & Courtship.
    The Queensman sounds like a great idea too.

    1. Evie said:

      Honestly any of these! I’ve read other M/M but am not a consistent reader of them but I seriously LOVE San Andreas and am waiting for the future stories. I loved The 5th Gender as well and would love to have more stories from that world. No matter what though I would read any of them.

      1. Camille Campanile said:

        The Queensman series sounds intriguing! I also always love reading about Lord Akeldama – how fun from a cat’s perspective!

        Above all I would also especially love to read more of your parasol universe novellas – both the delightfully deadly and the claw and courtship series!!!

        I’d like to follow some of the Wicker Chicken’s adventures from Soap’s perspective. And to learn what happened to Felix too! And Agatha! Definitely Agatha!!!

        And I would adore hearing more about Spoo and also about Aggie (post-metamorphosis with those certain Scottish werewolves!)

        *Although of course I will gladly read up everything and anything Gail writes about the parasol universe – love love love this world and these characters!

        Thank you Gail – you are a steampunk rock star!

  6. Tia said:

    I definitely don’t want to rush you on it, but the next Claw and Courtship is high on my list. Aside from that the Camp Residual Series idea interested me as did the Geomage series. You don’t see a lot of Gargoyles in fantasy (at least as far as I’m aware) and I like the idea of one off supernatural infused romantic comedies.

    1. Gail Carriger said:

      Yeah that’s why I liked the Geomage idea. Also I know far too much about rocks, because of my background, so I havea great magical system in my back pocket.

  7. Kristen Beaudette said:

    Miss Gail, I adore your work and have read everything you have written. My request with regard to future writings, though, is please give the adult works priority over the YA. I understand that there needs to be more (and better quality YA) works out there, but as an adult reader, I find it harder to get as “into” the story of YA. A few authors I really enjoy have branched out into YA and I have the same difficulty with all of them. Whatever it is that authors need to do to adapt their writing to make the books YA, makes them less interesting/entertaining for me. More San Andreas, more Tinkered Stars, more … who am I kidding? If you write it, I’ll read it. 🙂

    1. Gail Carriger said:

      You’re is not an uncommon feeling. Sadly I also have several emails from teen fans in my inbox begging for more YA because their parents won’t let them read the sexy stuff (not that they should, of course). So there are counter voices. Also YA is better for the traditional market right now, so it’s an author career thing. But dont’ worry there will always be at least something adult oriented every year.

      1. Diadem Snickerdoodle said:

        There are also those of us adults who prefer to read books without “the sexy stuff”, and thus lean toward YA as an escape. That being said, my two favorite ideas here are the Camp Residual and the Akeldama story from kitty’s perspective. I think you could do some very witty and fun things with the latter!!

  8. The WOL said:

    While I would read anything you wrote, because I like your style! . . .,
    my favorite of your series is the San Andreas Shifters. I crave more of anything in the Shifterverse, Enforcer Enigma included. You have some really great characters in the Shifterverse that I want to know more about. I particularly like how you handle the consensuality that must be a part of any healthy relationship. Plus, I do like the mxm hotness. . .

  9. Stacy said:

    I’m already starting a secret savings stash to purchase all of these! Yes, yes, and more YES!!!! If you write it, I always buy it & love it. So I’m here for anything that you really want to write. I’m SO excited for all of the future joy I will have reading new books from you!!!

  10. anne j. said:

    The Queensman is an enticing ideas. A vampire/werewolf/shifter story set any time before the Victorian era is not so common.
    And of course more novellas.
    Unfortunately it is impossible to tick more than one idea in the poll.
    As long as you keep on making us smile and laugh with your books.

  11. Marissa S said:

    It would not in fact let me vote for more than one option 🙁 So, I am most interested in The Enforcer Enigma and Tinkered Stars #2, but i also love stories that are adjacent to the Parasolverse. And at this point, I’d read anything you want to try your hand at.

  12. Becky said:

    Can only vote for one in the above poll. Sad face. Delightfully Deadly, Shifters, Queensman, Tinkered Stars, oh and all the others. 🙂

  13. Billie said:

    I will certainly buy anything that you write but I, surprisingly, found the premise of The Lost Animech Chronicles most intriguing. Although, I’m not sure how I would feel about the end product as a middle grade book being an adult reader. I also really love the idea of a serial. The Innkeeper serial that Illona Andrews writes is one of my favorite series of all time. It is very interesting seeing the book happen a chapter at a time and then having the pleasure of buying it at the end and seeing the final changes. I also really enjoyed Seanan McGuire’s Indexing serial as well. Looking very forward to whatever you choose to do!

    1. Gail Carriger said:

      Ooo, thanks for letting me know you’d be interested in serialization. That’s something I would really love to try but am not sure if anyone would be interested in.

  14. Kim said:

    I stand by my vote, that I will read anything you write, but I’d love another Tinkered Stars mystery, I loved the first. I’d also be really interested to see Alessandro’s life story, even if it ends sadly. Also looking forward SO MUCH to your Heroine’s Journey book!

  15. Jim L. said:

    Sorry Gail, but I could only vote for one of your proposed projects. I voted for Tinkered Star Mystery #2, but I’d also like to vote for the Enforcer Enigma San Andreas #3 and San Andreas #4. However, I’m a big fan and will definitely read anything you write!!

  16. Julie said:

    I voted for Queensman, but I’m honestly excited about a lot of these ideas and will pick up anything you write at this point. I love the novella series and S.A. Shifters series are highly anticipated!

  17. Ryan said:

    I voted for Delightfully Deadly #3 because the premise jumped off the screen for me and made my eyes go wide and my lips mouth “YES!” but my answer truly is 17) I’ll read anything. But I wanted you to know how excited that particular idea got me.

    I also love the idea of Queensman, Alessandro shorts, and basically anything parasolverse. I also am intrigued by the Middle Grade story and would love to hear more about that. Crudrat and 5th Gender are still in my very long tbr pile and so I assume I will want more of them but can’t rank those yet (Sorry! I promise I will get to them!)

  18. Tina Koppinger said:

    I love all your books, and just finished re-reading them in chronological order.
    I adore the San Andreas Shifters series and The Fifth Gender. I’m doing my best to talk them up to anyone who will listen.
    Keep up the amazing work!

  19. Sally Wright said:

    I will read what you write but I REALLY want to continue the Crudrat story. It’s not being voted for because people haven’t heard Crudrat. Period. <3

    Having said that, you need to be able to make a living, so write what will sell and the die-hard fans will follow you where you lead us.

  20. Alyssa Thompson said:

    I voted for the Enforcer Enigma, but I’d also love to read more Delightfully Deadly and Claws and Courtship novellas as well as another Tinkered Stars mystery. Of the new series ideas, I thought Queensman sounded interesting.

  21. Kassy said:

    I will absolutely read anything you write.
    I did not vote for that, because I wanted you to know you had a lot of support for the San Andreas Shifters, at least from this straight ally. I’ve been turning some gay friends who don’t UF on to the series, so maybe that will help. Ditto Tinkered Stars.
    On the Alessandro Tarbotti loosely affiliated shorts, a series of those type of stories (I believe they were in Asimov mag) were what originally turned me on to Janet Kagan, who died far too young. I’ve now collected and read and reread her entire oeuvre, although the Miriable collected shorts, that started me off, remain my favorite. So there is an audience for that sort of thing, and it can be a way to grow your readership.
    But I’m sure you know all that.

  22. Lee Rogers said:

    Anything related to the Finishing School series (loving Delightfully Deadly) and Parasolverse, especially backstory. Claw and Courtship are so very enjoyable.

  23. Patrick Sullivan said:

    I am going to swing for the fences and say #4 the Lost Animech Chronicles.

    Here is why. You are are in a great groove now with your currently published series and you are, if you pardon the expression, kicking hind quarters and taking names.

    Which means it is time to try something new and different because you don’t want to wear out your welcome. The is something new that you can sink your teeth in. Yes, it might not sale, in which case look me up and kick me in the daddy bags.

    But a new world, a new setting, and something that you seem to feel is in your wheelhouse… You could get 9 books out of this setting.

  24. Ilse said:

    At this stage I’d read anything you write, but I forced myself to choose. 😀 I was drawn most strongly to 1,2,3,4,12 and 16. On the whole I prefer the longer novels to the shorter stories and novellas, but so far I enjoyed all of your work. (Only Crudrat to discover now)

  25. Chelsea said:

    Voted for San Andreas…also interest in 15. Honestly, I’ll read whatever you write, though. I love your work!

  26. Rachel T said:

    I so wanted to vote for more than one. I had to go for the third San Andreas book because I feel like I have been anticipating it forever. But I also want the fourth, too. And I need more Tris and Drey. But I would also love Cypher. I loved Crudrat and the 5th Gender both so much. You have such a way with Sci-fi, I am so excited for anything you write in the Tinkered Stars universe. But I’ll probably read anything you write.

  27. Andrea said:

    I LOVE Crudrat. So, a follow up to that story is highest on my list. But Queensman is certainly something I would read. And I always enjoy your novellas.

  28. Harley said:

    I personally super like the geomage idea. Gargoyles aren’t done nearly enough! And the few that I have read about are really cool and knowing how you write they would be amazing!
    Also anything to do with the parasolverse and the San Andreas.

  29. Erika S said:

    Look, I’ll read whatever you put out but aside from anything more with Biffy and Lyall, which I don’t expect because they got their happy ending already, I am always eager for more of the San Andreas Shifters. And I recommend that series (plus anything else you write) to anyone who expresses an interest in ‘something new.’

    Everyone I’ve recommended the Parasol series to has loved it. And those I’ve introduced the San Andreas pack to have loved it as well. I just need some more friends who actually read…

    1. Kate Ramos said:

      Me too! I have no one to share the books I read with. I started a new facebook page where I can join author facebook pages just so I can geek out with people.

  30. Gloria Magid said:

    How do I change the address (email) where my Chirrup goes? The old one is spammy and doesn’t always update – really want to shift to the yahoo one.

    Re next books – kind of like the flashbacks into the parasolverse that is called out in Queensman, though my first choice was for more Tinkered Stars. Will read whatever you write, but I can tell from the writing when you’re having fun with the book, so pick the one that makes you smile!

  31. Therese Marie said:

    I would read any of your books, simply because I love the way you write and the way the language flows. But the one I am absolutely most interested in is Queensman. It sounded like a really fascinating story set in an equally fascinating time.
    Would also like to read more of your already started stories, even if the sex part isn’t as interesting as the rest. Possibly the language doesn’t flow as well, and also I’m really not very interested in gay sex as such. But the characters are wonderful, so please keep them coming!

  32. flipper said:

    Re: 12 “BAD: Is anyone interested in something like this?” I would give my left foot and both kneecaps to read this

  33. Patrick landau said:

    I voted for the Geomage series probably because I finished N.K.Jemison’s Broken Earth Trilogy and watched the Gargoyles cartoon show in the 90s. I think it’d be awesome.

    That said, the Queensman series sounds wonderful. I’m also curious about the Alessandro Tarabotti serialization; I feel like I read a lot of fantasy/sci-fi and am always interested by something different, but understand the risk of doing something different. Also, who doesn’t want more Lord Akeldama?

  34. ellie said:

    I voted for Camp Residual, but I would love to see a short story featuring Felix from the Finishing School series. I’ve always wanted to know what became of him!

  35. Elizabeth said:

    It was a close run thing between San Andreas and tinkered stars but I am more concerned about where you left the pack than how Tris is doing. I’m sorry they don’t sell as well.

  36. Matthew said:

    Like many people here, I’ll read anything you write! I voted for the Enforcer Enigma because so far both books in the series just make me feel really good. Like… makes me feel more secure in the world, if that makes sense?

    Geomage sounds amazing, since I have a special love for rocks. 😉 Camp Residual caught my attention even before I finished the first sentence of the description. Queensman and Animech are intriguing, and obviously anything Parasolverse.

  37. Claire Petras said:

    Oh, HELLO, since it is entirely your fault that I’ve read Tamora Pierce series(s), and my badass 17-yo is as badass as she is because she read Tamora Pierce series(s), I have to vote for Book 1 in The Lost Animech Chronicles. I NEED a Gail version of this world. I NEED many Gail version books of this world.

  38. Sabrina said:

    I voted Delightfully Deadly, but Claw & Courtship and SA3 also very welcome. I enjoyed 5thG, would probably keep reading that. Not a big fan of YA personally, so those don’t float to the top of my wishlist. From the new ideas, I do like the sound of the Animech but then that is YA so I’m contradicting myself immediately here. Oh well, nobody ever accused me of being consistent 😉

  39. Veronika said:

    The Claw&Courtship novellas are a delight to read (more lighthearted than the actual series, and at the same time insights into deeper feelings, society and hardship .. without having to worry).

    I am also very fond of the San Andreas series, the guys (werewolves, kitsune, merpeople and all) are so alive and feel so real. I actually skip most of the sex scenes, being in a hurry to read the continuation of the story. Wonder if possibly those scenes is what lowers the sale? (They are awesomely hot and well written, the author of 50SoG should read them and learn a gazillion things, but I can imagine some audience, and def some stores, being afraid of the explicitness)

  40. Jenn said:

    I listen to the Parasol Protectorate Series, Finishing School Series, and Custard Protocol Series over and over again. I can’t get enough. I can’t wait for the next Delightfully Deadly addition with Dimity. These are my favorite. No other steampunk author holds a candle to you. Please keep this sort of theme going. It’s magic.

  41. Kate Ramos said:

    I love the san andreas shifters and the 5th gender. I also can say I own and love every single thing you write. So you do have a sure bet in sales with me!
    However, I voted for the middle school book because I work in a middle school and we need better quality books. YA is easy. But finding middle school books is hard! I would also like books that have a queer character in them for middle grades. Again, YA it’s easier to include but finding non sexual but just a person with an identity is difficult for middle grade. Any if any of your readers are reading this I would really love to hear some book suggestions if they have them. YA with no sex but romance but specifically things that have queer characters but not sexual for middle school. Much needed!

  42. Hexia said:

    I definitely would read whatever you wrote, but I voted for an actual option because that seemed more useful.

    I love the san andreas series and I hope it does better! It does seem to me to be the kind of book to become a cult favourite over time, but I’m not well-versed in book sales or the niche san andreas is in.
    I voted for Queensman because vampire roman empire and introduction of werewolves (ancient history + fantasy~, what if the werewolves outcompeted some other were-natives?), but the gay knifeman body guarding boudicca was copious icing on the cake.
    As a geology nerd, I also wanted to vote for geomage, techno-fantasy and urban fantasy are also genres I’m very interested in and more tidbits of Alessandro Tarrabotti and Lord Akeldama are fascinating to me because I still don’t really understand Alessandro (why did he marry Mrs. Loontwill??) but I do agree that those are not likely to be hugely successful.

    I haven’t read most of your books outside of the parasol protectorate yet (hard to find in Australia), so I’m looking forward to getting started on 5th gender and the custard protocol!
    Also can’t wait for Enforcer Enigma (seriously how old is Judd and what are his secrets . . .)

  43. SNabbit said:

    Ahhh this list is delightful!

    I loved your YA parasolverse series, Sophronia is arguably one of my all time favorite characters.

    So I guess I really want to see more of your YA? Because your writing is witty and brilliant and doesn’t dumb down unnecessarily, you trust your readers to keep up with you. I am also super interested in your mid grade reader idea because I want to start reading your books to my preschooler and the Finishing school is just not something I think she’s up for yet.

    That said, I’ll happily read anything by you, I’m slowly working through what my library has that I do not 🙂
    I’d try to collect everything, but our apartment is small and we need to remove other books from it before I get to buy more…

  44. Becca C said:

    I liked the 5thG a whole lot but I really love the SA. Shifters books, I like stories where males can live free and safe from toxic masculinity.

  45. Nyssa said:

    14, 13, 12, 11, 8, 7, 5, 4 are my personal favourites, but they all sound amazing.
    I can see why you are struggling to choose XD

  46. Jenny said:

    “I’ll read whatever you write” probably isn’t terribly informative, but it’s true. I’ll also probably listen to it as well.

  47. Liz H said:

    1, 2 and 7 are my top three. I love all these series. Otherwise anything in the parasolverse.
    I loved the 5th Gender as well so more of that would be pleasing.
    I’ll probably buy whatever you write.

  48. Terrythetart said:

    I voted on Tinkered Stars – however, just wanted you to know a fight ensued over I DON’T CARE – I’ll read whatever you write and Tinkered Stars

  49. Joules Perradian said:

    I honestly would read just about anything you wrote (and have!), but I voted for the Alessandro Tarabotti serialization, because if you suddenly died of a freak custard-related accident, that’s the one I would be most sad to have missed out on, followed (in rough order) by:
    9. The Lord Akeldama short story (sorry, but I do adore him AND his cat)
    16. The next Tinkered Stars installment (the first one changed my life)
    14. The geomage urban fantasy (I love urban magic)
    4. The girl who has to learn to control her abilities (I feel like this would speak to me deeply)

  50. Rhiannon Lynn said:

    Miss Gail, I have an idea fro your “Camp Remnant” doo-dah! How about…..shifter descendants are brilliant actors…but only outside and barefoot, so it means a LOT of Shakespeare in the Park..? 😉

  51. Bilby said:

    I am happy to read whatever- except for the fact that my parents only let me read YA. Please write a story about Vieve and Agatha. (In my opinion, they should fall in love). Anyway, some YA would be good, along with turtles, and sailboats. 🙂
    Thanks so much,
    Bilby

  52. Cindy said:

    I already voted for San Andreas 3 and really really want it. And the novellas would definitely get a vote. But of course I’ll read anything you write! If that weren’t the case I’d never have read The Summage Solution – very glad I did.

  53. Stephanie Burgis said:

    I voted for Delightfully Deadly #3 but would also looooove Claws & Courtship #2! (And of course I’ll happily read anything else, too. Those are just my top 2 favorites!)

  54. Catsuit Mango said:

    Voted for Queensman (because a new series), but really anything San Andreas, the Geomage and Tinkered Stars sound fantastic, also you might want a change from the Parasolverse. Still I know my real answer is 17, I’d read anything by you.

  55. Elysian said:

    Voted for more Tinkered Stars but I’m also deeply interested in more San Andreas Shifters!!

  56. Tami said:

    12, 7, 1, and 10. I voted for 12 because I think finding out how werewolves and vampires “came out” would be very interesting. Seven and ten because I’m enthralled with these novellas. Claw and Courtship – I can not remember his name and my books are packed due to painting, but he is the one that is frequently gone. It seems like he does loner intelligence assignments. Delightfully Deadly – Monique or Agatha and tie in some picklemen (they fascinated me). And some lighthearted holiday stories could be fun!

  57. Gina Gilmore said:

    I look forward to anything you write in the parasolve series. I would love to know what happened to Dimity, Pillover and Soap.

  58. Melinda Smith said:

    In addition to my vote (Queensman) I am emphatically voting for #17 – anything you write, but in the interest of bubbling up a few more favorite options…

    more Tinkered Stars (yay mysteries), Delightfully Deadly, Courtship & Claw, San Andreas, and a Lord A/cat short story. I like the Camp Residual idea, would this be Regency era setting or more broadly Georgian?

  59. Annabelle said:

    I buy pretty much everything you make! Even though I an super behind on reading but I want to support you so you can keeo writing amazing stuff! I pick “dont care ill buy anything” but Queensman sounds very good! I also love anything Jane Austen-y so that one sounded fun as well.

    1. Annabelle said:

      Sorry for all the typos… I hate typing on smartphones! And I hit submit accidentally *gasp*

      You had a few ideas of shorty stories like Lord Akeldama and the Alessandro Tarabotti serialization. Could there be a way to combine them to make it more cost effective/worth the effort and time? Just An idea/question. Im not a writer or business owner nor anything close to that.

      I love what you do and how active you are with your fans! Keep up the amazing work! <3

  60. Katruna said:

    To be honest, you’re one of three I find the money to purchase. Mercedes Lackey and the writing team of Sharon Lee & Steve Miller being the other two. I’m now on a fixed income so must be exceedingly selective.

  61. Teresa McDonald said:

    I only read m/m books so my vote went to number number 2, book 3 of the San Andreas series, but I do want book 2 of the Tinkered Star series (my first book of yours and I loved it) and book 4 of the SAN Andreas shifters.

    I love both series very much in fact I recent reread all 4 books.

  62. Suri said:

    I voted for Lost Animech because I really love middle-grade stories as a reader and librarian. They’re one of my favorite things to recommend to families to read together during summer reading. While there are several powerfully good stories in mid-grade books, the field always needs more.

    I’d also be super interested in Queensman, Camp Residual, or Geomage, or…well, yeah, I’m with everyone who says they’ll read anything you write!

  63. Dana Clemmons said:

    I find myself leaning towards a new series over novellas and short stories simply because I want a new world to explore, with you as my elegant and courteous guide. What I’m saying here is I know the quality will be amazing regardless of which I choose, so I want volume! Probably not what an author at a crossroads needs to hear, but that is where I find myself.

  64. Carina Erk said:

    Voted for Cypher, but I’d also love to see Crudrat gain a wider audience first. I dislike Sci-fi but I adore Crudrat, and the market does occasionally surprise you 🙂

  65. Ai said:

    Queensman was the one I voted for, but I’d also be incredibly happy if you chose to write CC, geomage (geology rocks!), Camp Residual, or DD. Honestly, I’d be happy with pretty much anything you write. I love the universes you let us dive into.

  66. Crinoline said:

    I votes for Tinker Stars because I LOVE Tristol. But would also Love anything with Lord A or San Andreas Shifters.

  67. Ann Brookens said:

    #1- your Parasolverse fans will love it.
    #5- I’ve wanted to read Crudrat since I first heard about it several years ago.
    If you attach #9 to #8, you’d catch all of us Lord Akeldama fans.
    #11 & #14- sound intriguing.
    #12- sounds VERY interesting!
    #13- I like it!
    And, as always, if you write it (whatever it is), I’ll buy it!

  68. Pickled Herring said:

    So, I might’ve spent a little more time than I planned on this, but here are my thoughts on the matter. Note that these are my thoughts of course, but I at least tried to think about some bigger picture.

    1. I love back referencing to parasolverse, and I loved Presheas story, so yes please!

    2 & 3. I have to be honest, I’m just not crazy about the SAS-stories. I love the story, I like the characters and I’m really invested in what happens, but somehow all the sexiness (which I do like, don’t get me wrong cause holy smokes batman!) interferes with your usually stupendous and amazing world building. It also feels like we don’t get to know the characters as well as I would have liked. Even the banter feels “less” when all of it centres around sex. It’s like it’s missing that lovely other dimension that for example Finishing school and Custard Protocol has. I know it sounds silly but I can’t explain it better than that. That said, I’ll probably buy it and read it, and I hope for more m/m and f/f love stories.

    4. I really hope you write this, if not next then at least someday for all of the kids out there that reads Dealing with Dragons and then, well, not much more. We need more really good books with exceptional writing (yes, I’m looking at you Ms. Carriger) and strong heroines/non-binary role models for this age-group.

    5. While it might not sell as well, it might also not take up as much (billable) time? AKA use it since you have it? That is of course depending on other projects.

    6. See what happens with 5.

    7. Leaving it on the back-burner, but being ready when the character tries to sneak in ready for nibbles and tea?

    8. No special opinion on this, but it sounds kind of fun though.

    9. Mjaeh-no

    10. I would love an X-mas themed one! If you do several I’m sure it could be an print omnibus at some point when the parasolverse is considered the greatest modern classic in fantasy/sci-fi (which we all know it will, of course).

    11. I’d rather have 4, 5, 12 and 14.

    12. Sounds intriguing!

    13. Not convinced by the pitch at this point, but would probably be interested enough to buy since it’s one of my favourite authors writing. Would however love if they were more along the lines of parasolverse than SAS with regards to sexiness (see 2 & 3).

    14. Yes! This! Either YA or only UF. Just because you writing about rocks and gargoyles can only be fantastic. Also, see 13 about sexiness.

    15. Definitely interesting as a serialization.

    16. No opinion since I haven’t read this yet

  69. Leslie said:

    I voted for more Drey and Tristol, but I also love the premise of Queensman. And if you get the epiphany, then I would work in the next C&C novella (#7), because money is useful stuff.

  70. Amythyst said:

    I quite like the idea of the third Delightfully Deadly novella. I am a fan of long awaited romance and pinning. Queensman and the chronicles of a young Alessio Tarabotti sound fun. I understand the reservations about seasonal short stories though they sound adorable. The gargoyles I find highly intriguing as well. In all eventuality I am certain I shall acquire and read all of your published work so I look forward to seeing what is next. Should you venture into an as yet unknown I wait with baited breath to see what comes of it.
    Best regards.

  71. Nae said:

    Heya Miss Gail, I voted but would like to add that I will also read and purchase anything you write.
    Thank you

  72. Alaina said:

    I love the Claw & Courtship, Delightfully Deadly and SAS. I would read any of those. But the thought of a Wet Hot American Summer/Jane Austin mashup sounds hilariously amazing.

  73. Jennifer Morris said:

    I voted for Queensman as my one, but I just realized you had written more than the parasolverse stories so I am looking forward to exploring. Particularly interested in the 5th Gender, which I haven’t read, but despite the struggle to get SF out there the story sounds very novel, exciting and expansive of your writerverse. Thank you for hours and hours and hours of giggling. And tea. and hats.

  74. Linda said:

    Hi Gail, I’ve just literally devoured the San Andreas shifter series after finding you as an author via 5th gender. I can’t understand why this series isn’t doing as well as you may have hoped as it’s brilliant. Please, please give us Jud and Colin’s story, plus more in the tinkered stars universe. Pretty please from an admirer in Yorkshire, England.

    1. Gail Carriger said:

      I am so glad you’ve found me. Don’t you worry I am writing Colin and Judd next and I def have an idea for another one in the series so more are coming!

  75. Erica said:

    I would love to see a lot of these ideas come to fruition (especially Lord Akeldama pieces because I adore him. Why would the story have to be written from a cat’s POV?) I’m adoring the newer Shifters series, it’s /decidedly/ more adult but beyond that, it’s compelling and interesting to see the tiny ties back to the Parasolverse. I would honestly read whatever you write Mz. Gail but it comes down to what makes the best sense for you. I’d love to see all 16 ideas published for consumption

  76. Stu-jay said:

    OK. probably read anything but have my preferences. The GeoMage idea was my vote because it sounds fun with your flair. And while UF, I expect quirkiness. (I hope I don’t offend with that comment.) The Andreas series is a favorite of mine but it’s important to me that you are able to feed yourself and those in your house. (The kitty may eat everything but probably is treated with nice food as well.) So if it’s not a big seller then perhaps put it aside. Purple is my favorite color and I do love a good wedding. But admit it falls after some other the others. It’s tough balancing my love for some of your characters and my hope for new horizons. But, whatever you choose, i’ll follow it!

  77. Sarah said:

    So exciting! I love seeing the stories you’re considering. I’d be excited for pretty much anything, but aside from the next San Andreas Shifters book, I’d be really excited about any of these (in no particular order) 12., 1., 7., 13., 8., 9., 10., 3., 11.

  78. Susan Kay-Attwood said:

    Would love anything about lord akeldama. Also more delightfully deadly or claws and courtship. San andreas shifters tho i’ve only read part of the first one so far. Geomage could be good too.

    Started off with alexia but I’m loving the finishing school too.

  79. Lee-Ann Smith-Dean said:

    You had me at ‘Jane Austen meets Wet Hot American Summer’! 🙂 Bring on the Camp Residual series!

  80. San said:

    As I had to decide upon one, I chose Dear Lord Akeldama. But really Gail I read and buy practically any writing snippet of yours, so write whatever floats your boat (or dirigible).

    Looking forward to more San Andreas Shifters and Biffy & Lyall 😉

  81. Pam said:

    Would honestly read anything you wrote ever, but I’m most obsessed with the idea of another Delightfully Deadly novella, and then the Queensman series. I loved the Parasol Protectorate series, but somehow I found the Finishing School prequels even more delicious. The idea of you writing another prequel series fills me with an ungainly amount of delight.

  82. Birdie said:

    I voted for San Andres 3 (that’s a “duh” to me, totally given, am astonished to hear they don’t sell as well as others), but Queensman has me salivating, too! You might have to do that research. For your devoted readers. Or, even better, wait for it, For Science!

  83. Jennifer said:

    I’m very interested in ALL of these ideas because I love everything Gail Carriger has written. I always give an Oooo when I see something new in the works. I would love to read another Tinkered Stars mystery. I adore Tristol and Drey and have been trying to get my friend, who is also a huge GC fan, to read it because I know she would love it too. I LOVE the San Andreas Shifters and would be super excited for more books in this series as well. And who doesn’t want more Lord A? I know I do. *insert Hermione Granger eagerly raising her hand*

  84. Helen said:

    I like the sound of Delightfully Deadly, all the young romance makes me feel old! Something older might be good.

    My second vote would be for Queensman, because Boudicca was from my neck of the woods, you could put Norwich on the map, lol! Norfolk does have lots of myths and legends about large cats (panthers) and big dogs (the famous ‘black shuck’ legends) on the loose, frightening people to death, so they could be linked to werewolves.

  85. Kyle said:

    More more more San Andreas pretty please! As much as you are willing to ever do! I have very scrap of it and it’s my absolute favorite thing you’ve ever done & also some of my favorite M/M romance of all time. Please please please write more!

    1. Gail Carriger said:

      Awes! Thank you so so much! There will be more, I promise but thanks for saying something. It’s lovely knowing you are out there reading it.

  86. Steph said:

    I sat don’t publish it as a y a sci fi. Give it a few heated scenes and publish it as a romance sci-fi. Mainly based on info that you have it mostly written and unpublished work doesn’t make you any money. Cheers

  87. Karen McCoy said:

    I voted for the MG also, because I love the premise. Also, I’m reading more Middle Grade (because I’m writing more of it) and I would love to read an MG from you.

  88. Kriselda Gray said:

    I voted for “Queensman” but am also VERY interested in the Geomage idea, and, of course, your Delightfully Deadly Novellas and Claws & Courtship.

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