Time Crystals Sandbox

Time Crystals wasn't initially meant to be. Arkham Files was designed to be a four-story arc, concluding with Cinereous Skies where Neal learns the truth about his hybrid nature. But I've learned that plans can often go awry when writing meta works. The characters in Caffrey Conversation rose in revolt. How could I abandon the stories when Rolf and Klaus are still a force to be reckoned with? And then there are all the romantic conspiracies that have yet to be resolved. Mozzie sent me a document highlighting comments from readers who were asking about Neal's childhood. So here we are, with the sixth story now completed. Times Crystals is at the intersection of two arcs. By going back in time, Neal and his friends lay the framework for what will happen in the future.

The Animals of Arkham Files

In Arkham Files, the characters from Caffrey Conversation acquire new skills. Neal is a linguistics scholar, Peter an archaeologist, Mozzie an astrophysicist, and Elizabeth a neurologist. But people aren't are only characters in our series as Penna pointed out in her post, The Animals of Caffrey Conversation. Animals feature prominently in my Arkham Files stories and they too have enhanced abilities.

Worldbuilding: Tirelia

Tirelia is the third exoplanet to join the Arkham Files universe. Like Celaeno and Merope, its roots can be traced to the Cthulhu Mythos. H.P. Lovecraft created a world called the Dreamlands that could be accessed through one's dreams. In Arkham Files, that dream has become a physical world. I christened it Tirelia.

Arkham's Odd Couple

Fathers have been much on my mind recently, and not just because Father's Day will be next weekend. In Time Crystals, Neal's father was Zophar, but Neal didn't realize it. The Meropian was only an occasional visitor to the household. The only family members Neal thought he had were his mother and her father, and both of them were dead by the time the story begins. When Peter and Mozzie enter Neal's life, he quickly latches onto them to fill the void.

Henry: A Man for All Series

Those of you who are familiar with Henry Winslow would say that his inclusion in Arkham Files was inevitable. Neal's cousin is the most popular of all the Caffrey Conversation original characters. Penna introduced him in the very first story of the series, Caffrey Conversation. From that mysterious beginning when it was hard to know if he was a real person or simply an alias, Henry's role has steadily increased in importance. Readers have been lavish in their praise of Penna's creation. One compliment, among many, which Henry especially loved was that he seemed such a natural addition the reader had difficulty remembering he wasn't a canon character.

Memorial Day thoughts

Somewhat to my surprise, we haven't written a post featuring Memorial Day. I suspect the reason is that this weekend falls close to my mother's birthday. The onslaught of memories and the focus on loss often hits me hard. And yet, exploring that grief has been important to me in the Caffrey Conversation series.

Vault Acquistion: Time Crystals

Time Crystals is the latest acquisition to the library vault at Miskatonic University. It is the sequel to Lion's Lair in the Arkham Files series. At the beginning of the story, the winter holidays are fast approaching in Arkham, Massachusetts. Peter is laying the groundwork for a field expedition to Egypt which is scheduled to take place later in the month, but it may have to be postponed if the toxin in Neal's body can't be neutralized.