It’s been quite a summer for Jane Harris. She’s survived a death curse and a crush on her stepfather. She’s met a talking dog and a dragon. And now all of her problems are solved. Right? Well, “There’s always a loose end or two,” as chapter 26 of Summer of the Netherfield Witch demonstrates.

So the story’s over. It’s not what I planned; so much for authorial control! Somewhere after the Mall of Lost Souls, the story took a different turn than I expected. In some ways that was a good thing. I suspect the original structure would have been elephantine. And yet it therefore did not become quite the comedy I wanted it to be, despite the fates of the characters at the end.

Miranda Milan II: Miranda Furiosa
(Art by E.J. Barnes, all rights reserved)

Miranda, difficult creature that she is, probably deserves another story some day. It’s impossible for her to stay out of mischief. And I could imagine another story or two about Rev. Honoria Blood. She works at what she is, without having extraordinary qualities, and yet ending up in extraordinary situations. Finally, I would like to know whether Jane ever becomes the glamorous character she may imagine she could be, or becomes a tougher person. It’s not clear to me which she really wants to be.

This blog will go off its regular schedule for the month of August. What comes next, I’m not quite sure. I have two stories in mind, but I don’t know if they’ll adapt well here. I’ll let you all know, certainly by the start of September!