An update on the fourth novel

A couple of folks have kindly asked about the status of the fourth "Venus" novel. For now, it will remain a trilogy. I've been working for the past several years trying to get the story off the ground, but it just isn't working. I had a breakthrough a year or so ago on the plot, which helped me get through a few more chapters, but my work has since ground to a halt. 

The novel is set in the present day with retired assassin, poet, and bookstore owner Juliette Lacombe (who was introduced in "Leaving Paris") picking up her gun again to foil a terrorist attack at the Louvre. Irene, Martin, and Christian have long cameos, but are not the central focus of the plot. Diane and her private detective husband also come out of retirement to help Juliette. 

 For those who read "Leaving Paris," there is a not-so-subtle hint that Juliette is the daughter of Claude Lacombe, the scientist character played by Francois Truffaut in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (pictured). How to further that storyline without getting sued by Steven Spielberg has long been a question. I've tried writing around it, making it not so obvious, but the best chapter(s) in the book are Juliette's time-bending reunion with her dad (facilitated, in part, by Irene and Martin, thus their cameo). And, no, this isn't a UFO story, but they obviously exist in this shared universe. 

 So, for now, the book goes back in the drawer while I work on other projects that are much further along toward fruition. One of those projects is already complete, and I'll have an announcement soon about its release. Onward.

P.S. If you'd like to read the original Venus Trilogy novels, they are available via your local bookseller or you can order the paperbacks or ebooks directly from Sibling Rivalry Press. 

P.P.S. We've got another virtual reading for White Wined Doves coming up at the end of August. More details soon!