A NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY

So yeah, I released my second novel a couple of weeks ago. You may have heard. It was kind of a big deal.

So far, the general consensus is, "I like the first Typo Squad, but I like Typo Squad II even more!" That's a fine consensus. I'm certainly happy with it. It means I've gotten better as a writer, and that if I follow this particular trajectory, people will be absolutely head over heels for Typo Squad VII: Shameless Cash Grab when it's released.

But I suppose part of me feels a little twinge of sadness for the first Typo Squad book. I guess it's like having that second child and everyone is ooh-ing and ahh-ing over it, while the first child sits ignored in the corner and wonders What did I do wrong?

Still, the first book will always represent the start of my career as an indie author (no offense to you, Stargazer Lilies or Nothing at All). It's where I created the Typo Squad world. It's where everyone first met Dick and Thea and Big and the rest of the gang. It's where it all began.

George Lucas is famous for saying that he much preferred The Empire Strikes Back to A New Hope, because A New Hope required him to build an entire universe from scratch, but Empire allowed him to actually play in it. I get what he means. I hear him chirpin'.

I suppose next year when Typo Squad III is released, I'll feel the same way about the second book. But that's okay. I suppose it's just a matter of me learning to love all my kids equally. I can do that.

(But I'll still always love you best, Typo Squad.)