Recap
Hi everyone, by the end of July, I had published the last chapter of the novella “My Favorite Suspects” (story guide at this link) and announced the next series for the MFS Substack, along with a cover art teaser, titled “They Also Breathe Fire.”
However…
As I mentioned in my last update post, I felt that the “My Favorite Suspects” story could benefit from expanding some elements into full subplots. I began planning the expansion before I actually completed and released the last chapter here on MFS, and I’ve continued working on those expansions.
I really believe these expansions enrich the main storyline and provide some additional perspective and background for Terry’s character. They also help to show how Terry’s character changes from his growing awareness of, and interactions with, criminals.
As an additional result, there have been significant changes to the story, which I think will be interesting to people who may actually have read the chapters published so far.
I’ll publish the completed novel to my usual channel (currently Amazon) as an e-book, paperback, and hardcover. I’ll also provide some free copies as a benefit and thank-you to my most loyal subscribers (and to people who wouldn’t mind writing a review… hint hint).
What’s the plan, again?
As I wrote in my last update, if my plan works, then I may have found the formula that I can follow to accomplish my long-term publishing goals while managing a separate career and raising a family. MFS will become the place where you can read and give feedback—and help to shape—the stories published here. I’ll then take the stories, expand and enrich them, and publish them as full-length novels.
By enriching the serialized books specifically for longer-format publishing, I’ll be able to provide more value to my readers than if I had simply reformatted the MFS-serialized manuscript. I can also use the books for nice gifts to my most avid readers!
My changes and expansion of “My Favorite Suspects” are the first attempt at putting that plan into action.
Welcome New Subscribers!
Lastly, I’d like to give my sincere regards to the new subscribers and followers! I hope you’re able to find everything you want to see. Be sure to check out the Story Guides for chapter-by-chapter listings of the fiction on this site.
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your update on "My Favourite Suspects." The decision to expand the novella into an entire novel sounds fantastic, and I’m excited about the enriched subplots and deeper character insights.
Todd, I love your writing! I think it’s a great idea to expand your story and I look forward to reading more!