Sequels

When I wrote ‘One Summer in the Sun,’ I had no idea whether there would be a sequel. The novel does stand on its own, with its own resolution. Yes, our three protagonists would go on with their lives. Yes, a reader might well be curious about those lives. But ‘One Summer’ does not need more than what I wrote.

None the less, I thought about the young women’s future quite a bit as I was writing, coming up with all sorts of ideas and scenarios—ones interesting enough (to me) fuel a sequel or two. Maybe more than two! So I wrote ‘One Christmas in the Sun,’ set a few months later and continued their stories, added new characters, new situations. Again, the second novel can stand on its own, requiring no sequel. It could be advantageous to read ‘One Summer’ first, but it is certainly not essential.

Where might I take the series next? It is a series now, I suppose! The next summer (1969) is the most likely setting, when everyone is together again, home in Naples, done with the first year of college. I am in no hurry to write that book, but I have been working on ideas for it. I’ve played with various titles. Maybe ‘Third Avenue’ or ‘The Sophisty-Kates Club.’ Or something else; the story itself will ultimately determine that.