I’m getting revved up for next week’s publication, Hedge Doctor: Omnibus Edition.

This particular story started as a whim. I was curious about Jeff, the adolescent healer who lived in Pittsburgh. I wondered how he handled school and healing monster hunters. What kind of home life did he have? I knew Rita was his grandmother, but where were his parents?

So I started writing, as I do.  And this minor character, this plot point with a personality took on a life. I’m really proud of him. Jeff isn’t your typical main character. He’s not a fighter, he’s not aggressive, he’s not self-assured.  He’s just an eighteen year old with a skill.

And more than that, Jeff, Courtney, Nicole, and Dave gave me an excuse to remember my own time in high school. And that’s always worth the time.