Since I'm a person who works best when I'm working on multiple things, I'm tempted to say go for it - write all three!

However, I also realise that not everyone is like me, and thus that isn't very helpful.

Since you've been working so hard drafting and redrafting both Heroes 5 and the Team Book, I'd say go have some fun and play with the UF. You deserve some enjoyment. Let it run as long as it lets you, then get back to the hard graft.

I'd read anything from you, no matter what the setting.

Or, alternatively... TARO! WRITE MORE TARO NOW! *ahem*

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"I'd read anything from you, no matter what the setting."

That's one of the most amazing things anyone has said to me about my writing. Thank you.

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*flail* You want me to DECIDE? Uuuummmmm!!!

Urban Fantasy.

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It's always good to get another person's perspective.

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I would say write the one you know is probably be under contract - I guess that's book 6 - I like that series, so there's my bias.

As for the urban fantasy/team book - I'd say do the urban fantasy because it sounds like you need a little more time to decide where you want that book in the series - usually I find I work out those problems while my minds on something else, so I get more stuff done quicker. That's what I would do, anyway, unless you need time between the drafts.

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Actually, that's an interesting idea, working on the UF while letting the standing of the team book percolate.

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All three but prioritise book 6 :) Because if your contract isn't renewed, it could be hthe one more likely to be picked up by someone else.

Then the team book!

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The problem is, I can never work on different projects at the same time. I'm a little too single minded. I wish I could work on more than one project at a time.

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It sounds like the practical answer would be book six, since there seems to already be a market for that series, you're already making good progress, and you may find yourself with a deadline.

That said, I think it may largely depend on which project excites you the most.

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To be honest, the UF is most exciting right now, but I have the least amount of detail about it set up in my head.

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I would say urban fantasy, but only in hopes that you're doing something other than the "as strong as she is beautiful" heroine who falls for at least two guys, "neither/none of whom are completely human".

When I write (which isn't often lately), I tend to like to get one "world" out of my head before starting on another, but writing is a hugely subjective thing. I'd say go with whatever one you have the most ideas and drive for at the moment.

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I have a bit of a bias against the principal character being breathtakingly beautiful, nor is she going to be a hard ass. And I promise, everyone's human.

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It depends on which one has its claws more tightly into you, I suppose.

From your post, I'd probably suggest Book six, then the UF that won't let go. Unless the UF is doing one of those pesky things where it just won't leave your mind until you write something of it...

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I have to admit the UF is the most exciting to me, but the practical side of my nature is pushing book six. Plus, book six is going so well.

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Like the above, I figure that it would be best to do what you feel most comfortable with. If you think you can write out all three, then go for it!

If it were me though, I would probably keep working on the other projects, but perhaps wait until I conclude the first series before pitching it and/or getting it published.

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I guess part of my motivation is that I want to have the fresh book waiting in the wings and ready to be offered once book six is accepted (if it is accepted.)

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I'd say the team book, but I'm biased. I'm tired of all the urban fantasy books flooding the market.

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I can sympathize with you on the multitude of UF out there. I never really thought I'd right it, but the idea just bit me.

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I think the problem is a lot of it is so much alike, and at some point the books turn into one big orgy fest. Which sucks, because otherwise I like that genre. So it would be interesting to see what you'd do with it.

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I would say to finish what you're writing. It might give you ideas of what to put in the prequel. But finish what you have fresh in your mind and then hit the other book. Still, it doesn't hurt to jot down tidbits that can be used in the other books.

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It's a good idea to have some kind of idea diary while I work on other things. I got hit with a significant idea while I was visiting my friends this weekend, and had nowhere to put it.

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I am answering this without looking at anyone else's answers, and I'm drawing on my own (unpublished) experiences with the writing process here, but I hope this is useful.

First - does the team book *really* have to be second or third, or would it work if you could publish this and then write a prequel, as so many authors have done?

My gut reaction is to write book six first. Get that done, especially because you've said elsewhere that the last two books of eight are under another character, which will require getting into a completely different head. It's probably easiest.

If you hit any ruts and you need a break from it, go back to the team series.

As for the urban fantasy novel, unless it is so shiny and new that it is dragging you away from everything else at full-speed (and even if it is), put it aside. Make copious notes if you have to. I've personally been distracted by a few shiny ideas that, if I need to I keep making notes, but I don't start writing yet. For one thing, the really big shiny idea needs more time to percolate, so I am gathering thoughts and notes as I go. For another thing, if I let myself get distracted I won't finish my current project.

Hope that helps. :)

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I'm pretty good about going back and finishing stuff I've put a significant amount of work into, but I agree that finishing book six is the sensible thing to do.

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Upon reflection, I think I'm going to echo several others and vote for book 6 and then the UF. The one that may very well get contracted and the one that's got its claws into you. :) Also, UF I selling so well right now (and I love it) that it would be awesome to reach that audience and then feed them your previous books.

And now I will echo the first commenter's last words. MORE TARO! ;-)

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Heh, there will always be more Taro, poor boy.

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Yay! Poor, sweet Taro...

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Part of me says,"Go write the UF book while you still can, because there will either be a backlash or a total flooding of the market for UF very soon" while the other part of me says,"I'd rather see the Hero series because I really like it." I overdosed on fantasy books as a teenager and now I cannot stand most straight fantasy books these days. Your Heroes series is one of the very VERY few I still enjoy.

Just don't pull a David Gerrold on us. That's my worst nightmare with any series I enjoy. :)

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I do love reading the next books in a series so I really want to get my hands on book 5 and 6 as soon as possible. But I have a soft spot in my heart for urban fantasy. I say when Lee and Taro need a break go to work in the UF novel.

Truthfully I devour everything you write so whatever you decide is cool with me!!

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