Dear New Idea,

When inspiration struck, I wanted to drop everything. I promise. I saw those wonderful, perfect stock images and you came to me immediately.

Really, you’re everything I love in a story. Everything. From the books I read to the movies I watch. Except you came together in one image, actually several images, because of course there will be more than one book.

You are more than a one-book idea.

For about half a day, I planned on putting you in the forefront, dropping all the others that have patiently waited their turn, percolating, simmering in the background. You were going to be next.

Then I realized how unfair that is to the other ideas, who thought they were next. I realized that you will be better off for it with time to percolate in my thoughts. The ideas that have waited their turn are more fully formed, the characters ready, the tone ready.

Don’t you want that too? I know you do. You might not think you do, but trust me.

I’m sorry. I know that makes you sad. Fine. Okay. There’s a slight chance, an eensy, teensy chance that you could jump ahead after this next one. We’ll see. I’ll leave you with that tiny bit of hope.

But thank you for popping in. Literally. Soon. Very soon. We’ll chat again.

If you need some encouragement, New Idea, then stick around, because on Monday, you’ll see the cover reveal of an idea that started off just like you. One that had to wait its turn. You guys should grab some coffee or something.

What?

I can hear you grumbling.

Go percolate!