On Endings

February 23, 2011
Category: Uncategorized

Thanks to everyone for the ’grats on the new site, and for the mounting excitement re. the release of the final book of the Zodiac series, THE NEON GRAVEYARD (May 31). It hasn’t gone unnoticed that more than one reader has expressed sadness at the end of the series, to which I say with all sincerity: that makes me so happy. It really does. I’d much rather you rue the successful ending of the series than rue its continuation, and I was more afraid of the latter happening if I continued driving Joanna so hard and fast on her journey through the Zodiac underworld. Start strong, end stronger – that’s my motto (that I just made up. ).

The truth is, I’ve been watching Joanna closely for the last couple of books, knowing she was both getting fatigued and wondering when she’d get a breather (if not a happy ending), and the sixth book is in response to that. My hope is that after the events in THE NEON GRAVEYARD, you’re going to feel like you’ve stumbled home at dawn after a long night out with great friends, and are more than ready to rest up for a new day. Because that’s where I am with Joanna and co. We’ve had our fun (What? Fun is relative, right?), we’ve each gone home, and we’re done talking for now.

Now if you want to know why Jo’s done talking to me … well, you’ll just have to read the book. [← Insert melodramatic and villainous authorial cackle here. ]

Off to scribble.

22 comments | Print Post
Tags: Joanna Archer, Zodiac

http://twitter.com/slayerkitty slayerkitty

Oh crap, reading this book is going to make me cry just like the last two, isn’t it? But I do believe in closure and I am sure you will give Jo a great send off. And the end of Jo’s tale also means the beginning of someone else’s, so all is good! xoxox

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

Skitty -
I want you to cry me a river. *evil grin*
Srsly, while I’m not promising a pink bow on top, there’s something to be
said for closure.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=826760397 Bill West

I’ve enjoyed the trip the last couple of years, looking forward to the conclusion. Also looking forward to seeing what else you have planned for your readers in the future!

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

Thank you, Bill! It’s been quite a ride, and I hope you enjoy NG as much as
the others. Thank you for reading.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=5802760 Erin Coté

I’m sad to see the series end. It’s one of my favorites! I am looking forward to reading Celestial Blues and can’t wait for May 31st!

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

I hope to give you satisfaction then, and Jo&co. their due. After
that, I *can’t
wait* to show you CB!

Poeteach33

Love the books. I look forward to your future works outside the zodiac.

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

Thank you! I’m excited as well – thanks for coming along for the ride.

http://www.facebook.com/ailishsmom Theresa Brundage

I have moments when I realize my kid is grown up now and it’s bittersweet. I feel the same way about letting Jo go. I’m so intrigued by Celestial Blues, though! I have complete faith in your talent and ability to reel me into a new world! Can’t wait!

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

Believe me, T – the kneejerk to continue writing my bread and butter was there, but alas. That’s not why I write. I write to say something specific about specific people. When they stop talking, there’s nothing more to say.

CB, though? LOTS to say!

Krish

I’ve been following the books since the beginning. You had me enthralled with the world you had created and that your heroine was believable. I think the best part for me was you weren’t afraid to hurt your characters (and boy did you) and Jo while being the Kairos and super hot and everything in between is not a ‘Mary Sue’. I’m looking forward to the conclusion and your new works!

Cheers

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

Krish – What wonderful words to hear first thing in the morning. Thank you! And Jo is as believable to me – I think that’s key. I don’t see her as a character to do my bidding, but as a person with her own will. She’s taken me in some strange directions independent of the situations I’ve thrown at her. (I’m calling it a draw after NG. )

I hope NG delivers for you on every level. Thank you for writing!

Ming

Like many, i’ve been following the journey of our tough Jo from the beginning. Yet, I only come to check your site from time to time. (Particularly, a couple of months before the next book gets launched.) This time I came to check an update on THE NEON GRAVEYARD and found out that this book will be the last one! I must say that I am in shock; I did always think the story would go on and on! And now? There will be no more the Zodiac series to read on! As Krish commented, you are not afraid your characters (actually, your heroine!) and that makes your story tight and real!

I’m sure gonna be missing Jo, as I start to miss her even after reading THE NEON GRAVEYARD. Still, as you said you would give Jo space to breathe, I feel like I can be a slight optimist and watch her stay happy this time. Ha, is this guaranteed?

Will continue being your fan and continue reading the Celestial Blues series, but may I ask if our new heroine can feel more happiness in between ?

Best regards,
Ming Bangkok, Thailand

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

Good morning, Ming – thank you for writing! I’m sorry the news that the Zodiac series is ending has jolted you. I felt like I suffered from a form of mental vertigo for a while after finishing NG, myself. She has taken up so much of my thoughts and life these last many years. So if it’s any consolation, I hear you.

But I’d much rather her story end stong – and hard, fast, relevant climax – than fizzle simply because I was trying to get another book contract, you know? My promise to my readers is that I’ll always end a story when it’s appropriate, not convenient.

Alas, though – no guaranteed happy endings! (But nice try. *evil authorial grin*)

And my new heroine is a different personality altogether than Jo, so it’s safe to say she’s going to seek happiness in her own way. (I can’t wait to share it with you!)

Best to you – thanks for stopping by!
Vic

Ming

Thank you for replying in the speech of light Vicki!!! Thank you! Still, I have just found out I made a BIG mistake in my previous reply.

I intended to say “I’m sure gonna be missing Jo, as I start to miss her even BEFORE reading THE NEON GRAVEYARD.” I’m not yet reading the last book and so, very praying for the good and SWEET-LIFE ending by the time I read you post!

Your words “…seek happiness in her own way.” scares me and I think I’d better begin the praying for the newest heroine too !

Thank you,
Ming

Ps.By ending the series now, you making it more memorable and lasting for your readers! *reader’s grin*

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

No worries, Ming. I knew exactly what you meant!

As for the new series … well, it wouldn’t be a book if there weren’t some *koff* obstacles. And, yanno … I kinda live to hear “your words scare me.” Nice way to add fuel to the fire of my writing day.

Missmarseeya

As saddened as I am about this being the final book to the series, I do agree with you; start strong, end strong. I’d rather have a spectacular end, something Jo and the other deserve, than for the author to grow tired and the books begin to dwindle.

This series has caused a number of emotions for me, and I have to agree with another commenter on here …you were “real” with your characters. You literally put them through the ringer, and made them touch my heart; not something many authors can do.

I greatly look forward to this end, and hopefully a new begin as you move forward with your writing. Thanks for bringing us this world!

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

I feel the same as a reader – and, of course, with someone greatly invested
in Jo’s journey, I want only the best, most appropriate ending for her.
Hopefully I’ve provided that. (May 31 will tell!)

And while authors (and readers) are often of two minds as to what drives a
book – character or plot – I land firmly on the character side of things.
Plot may intrigue and interest, but characters – people – are why we keep
coming back for more. I’m so happy Jo spoke to you in such a way.

Thank you for reading!

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2B27BK52KLVEN3EBJ5UZB4YOHM Vampyre

Showgirl,

You must get over to the South East so I can buy you a cup cake. Oh and maybe you could sign my books/Kindle.

The new site is amazing.

V^^^^V

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

Hi Vampy! Thanks for stopping by the new digs! And I can’t wait to get the the SE part of the States. Though I’m still having trouble figuring out how the heck to sign a Kindle!

Dina :D

im going to miss jo … soo maybe in the future jo might be ready to talk again ??

http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

Dina – I never say never. She’s just not feeling v. chatty right now.
And I will miss her too.

On Endings

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