Wow.
I can’t believe that we’re here.
Although I can’t remember the exact day I began working on the series, I think it can be narrowed down to sometime during March 2019.
Haven can trace its roots all the way back to February 2016. Back then, my body of work was much smaller. I knew that I wanted to launch another universe, something that was post-apocalyptic. So I thought up an idea that would fulfill this notion, as well as what was then more strongly my brand of ‘regular human guy fucks hot inhuman women’.
What I came up with was the groundwork for what became the Post-Apocalyptic Universe.
I launched a pilot episode for a series called Homestead, but it didn’t do well and I didn’t feel good about it, so I took it down and let it stew for awhile. A long while, apparently. Finally, in July 2017, I launched what would be the first series in this new universe: Sex & Survival. Throughout that trilogy, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t a sustainable universe. Zombies and jerks with guns just weren’t an interesting enough consistent threat for a protagonist to face. After I wrapped up Sex & Survival in early 2018, I let it sit for awhile and focused on other things.
Then, an idea came to me, out of nowhere: what if the inhumans started turning into zombies, too? Much more dangerous zombies. That, combined with the fact that I really wanted to write some kind of winter survival story, meant that Haven was born.
Even when I first started writing it back then, I didn’t think it would be more than a trilogy. But after writing the first book, I began to get a notion that it was going to be bigger, and I should let it be bigger. A lot bigger. So I kept going.
Honestly, I definitely could have kept going. In a way, the last two titles, 8 & Epilogue, really make it feel like there’s more to come. But I think Haven needs to be allowed to rest. David and the others need to rest, and settle into their lives. Eventually, it will be time for someone else to pick up the mantle. And don’t worry, we’ll hear from David and the girls again before this is all over.
At present, I’m debating about what to do next for the Post-Apocalyptic Universe. Although I have three solid ideas, I’m debating about which should come next.
But as for what comes next for me, as a writer, right now? That’s A Warm Place. Also wrapping up Like A Fine Wine (if possible, as mentioned previously, it may take longer than anticipated due to circumstances beyond my control.)
I hope you enjoyed Haven! I had a lot of fun writing it.