Being a fiction writer is a lot like being an academic. The maxim driving your entire career is “publish or perish”. So, while I’m waiting on edits for RETURN OF THE HANTU (and to take my mind off things), I’ve begun writing the sequel to IN ENEMY HANDS, titled BALANCE OF TERROR.

So far, I’ve crafted a rough cover blurb and am 5,000 words in. I’m aiming at a total of 75,000 words but we’ll see if I hit it.
What’s that? What’s the blurb? Okay, you asked for it!

Save one man? Or save billions? It’s Moon’s choice.

Stellar physicist Moon Thadin and amnesiac savant Srin Flerovs are on their way to possible sanctuary with an old research partner of Moon’s. But between them and safety lie a cunning arms dealer, a suspicious pirate captain, and a universe of unfamiliarity.

Refusing to turn her research into a weapon, Moon and Srin outran the Republic in IN ENEMY HANDS, only to find that the anti-Republic rebels they’re heading for want her knowledge for the same reason and they’re willing to trade critical gene therapy for it. Withhold the therapy and Srin will die. Share the research and billions will die.

Can the needs of one ever truly outweigh the needs of many?

The synopsis found approval in DevEd’s august eyes (with only a few minor tweaks) and so I’m powering ahead. I’m planning a tentative release for July or August.

On that note, have a great weekend and I’ll catch you next week.

PS Last week, I told you I’d be talking about samplers today. I screwed up. I posted that one over at the Sandal Press blog by mistake. I suppose that’s what happens when you mix up your hats. But if you’re still interested in hearing about my take on samplers, and why I was disappointed with a recent one that crossed my path, follow this link and make a comment. It’ll be the first non-spam one I’ve received!