Jeff Schanz, Author



Questions and Answers





Q: How many books will be in the Merrick Hull series?





A: I haven't decided yet. More than 3. I have several adventures in mind already if the series continues to do well. Should it stall, I might find a comfortable exit for our reluctant hero. I also had in mind a crossover story since Merrick lives in The Saints universe, but I am cautious with that idea.



Q: When is the next Merrick book coming out?





A: I do plan other Merrick books, however, the 3 current books complete much of the original arc. There are still unanswered questions, and certainly more adventures to be had, so a new arc will begin with book #4. That said, I need to attend to 1 or 2 other book ideas first, then I’ll get back to Merrick. I do not have solid plans as to when that will be.



Q: Is Sebastian going to get any more books?





A: I envisioned him and The Saints as a long-running, episodic series. His popularity hasn’t taken off as much as Merrick, who happens to be in the same “universe,” so future books are on hold. But I’d like to see a crossover book with him and Merrick. So, maybe.



Q: Do you plan more standalone books?





A: I have a couple in mind at the moment. MystikQuest and The Eternity Project are my only standalones to date, and will probably stay standalones unless folks get a hankerin’ for more about those characters. I like to leave wiggle room for more if enough folks tell me they need it.
I have a few new ideas I want to explore after Merrick 3, so I envision at least 2 standalones in the future.



Q: Are you going to write any more Vampyre books?





A: I do plan to eventually. I had imagined a 3 book series to finish the characters’ story arcs, and then a possible offshoot series. Right now the 3rd book is still in concept phase. I’ve always had a plan for it, so wouldn’t be hard to dive back into. All depends on demand, so Lia and Brandt fans, lemme hear it!



Q: Do you plan a sequel to The Eternity Project?





A:

It was intended to be a standalone book. There are places I could go with a sequel, so it's not a definitive No, but it isn't my intention unless there is a swell of requests that I can't ignore. As it stands, it's a one and done.



Q: What is the biggest criticism you get?





A: That would be for "The Eternity Project." A number of readers have complained that the love arc is immature. I can understand it's not agreeable to everyone, but it is intentional. I was going for something a little offbeat since all these people are ultra smart professionals, no flaws is their brainpower, yet they've been isolated, deprived. Socially inexperienced in a way, too wrapped up in their science and niche interests. So I felt that their dealings with sex, love, attraction, etc. would be awkward, underdeveloped, essentially teen-like in many ways. Some readers like it, some don't, but there was method to it.



Q: What are you working on next?





A:

I'll announce it here when I have the next book far enough along to have a title and date available.