Fractured Steel is out in the world. Karen and my beloved Five Alarm are in the wilds, waiting for people to read.

And I'm still recovering.

I've found, for me, that sometimes I get so attached to characters, it's very hard to come back to earth, and find the next story to write.

That's not to say I don't have more. Aiden is up next in Twisted Iron, and I've started. But I keep thinking about Karen, and especially about Five. Two characters that I mourn, no longer living in my head, or yelling at me in dreams to get the story out.

Of all the characters I've ever written, I think these two hit me the hardest. From my personal demons and battles with PTSD, to memories of horses that still haunt my heart, the loss of my best friend at the very beginning of Fractured Steel ... it all swirls together in a potent cocktail I can't seem to walk away from.

But, I will. I have more to talk about, more stories to tell.

Just as soon as I recover.