Saturn County

Important Update: 6/22/2020

Hi everyone: 

As you're probably well aware, in March 2020 I put this story on hold in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It felt irresponsible and tone deaf to write about a fictional disease leading to the collapse of civilization. I began writing The Grove—the story which this is based on—in 2017, so obviously Coronavirus was not at all a concern, and I started Saturn County in December 2019, which at that point the virus had not reportedly entered the United States and again, was not on my mind at all. 

That being said, I've decided to restart this story. As schools and states are beginning to reopen, I feel confident that we won't reach the disarray described in these books. In March it felt uncomfortable to write a story where a main character had been sent home from college due to a disease—it was all too real. Obviously the pandemic is not over, and I understand that this story might prove difficult for some people to read at this time—I don't want to pretend that we aren't still struggling with this and that people aren't still getting sick. I still encourage everyone to wear face masks, social distance, and all-in-all follow the public health principles in your city/state/country. 

Taking a hiatus from this story has also allowed me to reconsider how I want it to compare to the  Ravens trilogy. Initially it was supposed to take inspiration from but not reflect the originals, however I've decided that this really will be more of a second draft (although Saturn County in particular is more of a prequel). This means that I'm going to be making some edits to the cast page and first two chapters in order to make it fit closer. For example, a core aspect of the Ravens is the relationship between Sebastian and Emma, which I'd originally decided to remove from this book to make it different. I will be bringing Sebastian back. 

I also am going to leave this update up indefinitely because I want future readers to realize the current events taking place as this was written, as well as what some of my original ideas/plans were for this story. For example, I initially planned on Hayden being Emma's older brother. (At this point I'm not 100% sure how I'm going to incorporate Hayden back into this story, but he will always have a special place in all of our hearts). Mai was also not originally in this story, but I want to incorporate her back in as well. 

Anyways, that was what I wanted to say for the most part. I'm going to restart this story and I encourage you to send me any comments or ideas you might have. If there were specific characters from the Ravens who you'd like to see again, other backstory information you feel is lacking, or any other advice PLEASE let me know!! 

I hope you all continue to stay safe and healthy!

Yours,

Spacey