What About 3.5? Where is Birthmarked 4?
I’ve been asked quite a bit if I plan to write a story for “Birthmarked 3.5” or another novel for Birthmarked 4. The truth is, I’ve given the possibility considerable thought. My editor at Square Fish, Lauren Burniac, invited me to create new content for the extra bonus material that goes in the back matter of the paperback, due out in September, 2013, and kicking around the idea of another story definitely came up.
The problem is, I like where the trilogy ends with Promised, and I fear that tacking on an extra story would dilute it. I agonized over the ending for months, actually, and I was aware that I was taking a significant risk including certain events. I’ve paid for my choice, too, if the mix of strong reactions is anything to go by, but I’m still convinced it was the right ending, and I’m continually grateful that I’ve had the support of the MacKids team behind me. They’re not afraid of the unconventional.
Creating a whole new novel for Birthmarked 4 would involve turning my mind back to old, beloved characters and spinning them forward into new problems. It could be a rich experience, but I’m not ready to do it. I’m no longer the same writer I was a year ago when I finished the Birthmarked trilogy, and I don’t yet have the perspective to see Gaia and her world with fresh eyes. Put simply, I’m both too far away from them already, and too close still.
Our world has changed in the last year, too. We’ve had Newtown and the Boston Marathon bombs since then, and they’ve changed my sense of urgency about safety, childhood, and imagination. I feel a need to write different stories now, and they are pulling me deep into new paths. I want to go forward, exploring where I am now, the way I did when I first wrote Birthmarked.
So, for now, Gaia’s story ends where it ends.
This weekend, I’ll be at the Teen Book Con in Houston, Texas. If you’re there and you’d like to meet me, please come say hello. I especially want to encourage you if you’re normally shy. It should be a great, inspiring day!
8 Responses to What About 3.5? Where is Birthmarked 4?
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Book Trailer for Promised
I can’t wait to meet you at the Teen Book Con and finally get to read Promised!
Any chance you’ll ever come up near Manitoba (Canada)? Even North Dakota would be awesome! You’re one of my all time favourite authors… But I can’t meet you – you’re too far away. 🙁
Julie ~ Yay! I’ll be happy to meet you, too!
Emily ~ I would love to come to Manitoba. Never say never!
Hugs,
Caragh
Loved seeing you at Teen Book Con, thanks so much for attending!…. I wondered about Birthmarked 3.5 or 4, but I understand your reasoning. For now the wedding of Gaia and Leon will be in my imagination.
No matter what you write next, I can’t wait to read it 🙂
Charla ~ I so enjoyed Teen Book Con! That wedding does sort of hover out there, doesn’t it? 🙂
Joan ~ Thank you! I’m plunging into revisions again now. Watch for a YA sci fi trilogy starting in fall 2014.
All best,
Caragh
Hi, Caragh–
I wish I had known earlier that you were going to be at the Teen Book Con. I would have come (I live in Spring).
I ran across your name while I was researching Kirby Kim. I’m going to be pitching him my thriller at the Writers League of Texas Agents Conference in June. I just finished reading Birthmarked, and it’s wonderful. I’ve ordered Prized and Promised, and hope they get here soon so I can find out what happens next.
Michael
Michael ~
Thanks for the kind words about Birthmarked.
I can’t say enough about Kirby. I wish you all the best with your pitch.
Take care,
Caragh