Bingham's Notebook: Considerations for an Expanded Midas Files Universe

Seriously, I've been hard at work on Call of The Minotaur: Midas Files Book Two. Of course, progress has been slow since January as I adapt to a new workflow that incorporates AI technology. There's no avoiding it, but I am committed to mastering this new approach.

There is a proper way for fiction writers to utilize it: for world-building, brainstorming, structuring, suggesting plot ideas, and copy editing. It excels in these areas. However, as an author, you still need to have a story to tell.

AI can't create a truly original narrative that captures the essence of a great story. Yes, you can generate a story by inputting a few ideas, but AI in fiction is similar to AI in image generation; just as you get malformed elements in images, fiction produced this way often lacks coherence. Therefore, you need to write the story yourself, using AI as a tool to assist rather than replace your creative process.

As I labor through refining a new workflow that incorporates AI for copyediting and related tasks, I still find myself dreaming about the potential of the Midas Files series. That is the true focus of what I want to discuss, or rather, blog about today.

Could a Midas Files Series Be In The Works?

One exciting possibility for expanding The Midas Files universe is through episodic stories about Caroline Friday and other characters. However, Caroline Friday seems ready made for the first expansion. Now I will be the first to admit, this is a case of getting way ahead of myself, but dang, a Midas Files series on Netflix based on one of the characters - enough to keep me writing for sure. 

But from a more practical fiction point, there is ample room for expansion mostly because the Midas Files series is essentially a trilogy that take place with at least ten years in between them. So in those ten year gaps, there is plenty of room to explore what some of those characters were doing in between in that time. But, which gap offers the most promise for an expanded series? Let's look at those gaps. 

The Ten Years Between Book One and Book Two, 1990s - 2001s

In this gap, 1991 and the years that lead up to 2001, Caroline is building her career in New York City and at the outset of Call of The Minotaur: Midas Files Book Two, she is at an inflection point and her life drastically changes with 9/11 (Yes, she is there for it). So, because this period of her life is mostly routine journalism and career ladder climbing, as an author, I am not big on expanding into this part of her story. 

The Gap After Book Two and Book Three, 2001s - 2010s and Beyond

After Book Two, there will be a significant time gap before Hank Raglan returns in Book Three to bring everything together. This interval, spanning from the early 2000s to around 2012, presents a unique opportunity for Caroline. During this period, she can delve into the paranormal, creating a series of adventures reminiscent of The X-Files and Harry Potter. I could also explore stories about the primary antagonist, the alien Mortimer Vanterpool, or perhaps about The Watcher, B'yob Oberon, and go full science fiction Star Wars of that but I think it comes back to Caroline's story. She seems like she would do well to run an X-Files like bureau called the Midas Files. You remember the X-Files, right? 

Distinguishing Between The X-Files and The Midas Files

So the X-Files was a popular TV show about the unexplained and paranormal investigations conducted by FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Premiering in the 1990s, The X-Files captured audiences with its blend of science fiction, horror, and conspiracy theories. 

Fox Mulder, a firm believer in extraterrestrial life and government conspiracies, often found himself at odds with his partner, Dana Scully, a medical doctor and skeptic who looked for logical explanations. The series' success lay in its ability to weave intricate narratives that balanced standalone monster-of-the-week episodes with an overarching mythology that delved into the existence of alien life and the enigmatic government cover-ups. The dynamic between Mulder's unwavering faith and Scully's scientific rationalism created a captivating tension that defined the show's enduring appeal.

How Would The Midas Files Be Different?

To differentiate The Midas Files, led by Caroline Friday, from The X-Files while still paying homage to it, we could focus on the integration of historical mysteries and mythological elements with contemporary investigative techniques. Unlike the purely paranormal focus of The X-Files, The Midas Files could delve into the exploration of ancient artifacts, forgotten civilizations, and cryptic historical records that merge with modern-day enigmas. 

Caroline, as an investigative journalist with a knack for uncovering the truth, could approach these mysteries not just through a scientific lens, but also by utilizing her background in journalism to uncover hidden stories and secret societies. 

This blend of journalistic instinct with a deep reverence for history and myth could provide a rich narrative texture that separates it from The X-Files' more modern and extraterrestrial-centric plots. Furthermore, instead of focusing primarily on government conspiracies, The Midas Files could explore how ancient secrets and knowledge influence the present, giving it a unique twist while still honoring the sense of intrigue and adventure that made The X-Files a beloved classic.

These stories could delve into her dynamic and challenging tenure as the head of the Midas Files department at the FBI, offering readers a deeper look into her character and the intricate cases she handles. Set between the events of Book Two and Book Three, this series could provide rich backstory and context, enhancing the overall narrative and giving fans a more comprehensive understanding of the world and its characters.

Final Thoughts: I Must Finish the Call of The Minotaur: Midas Files Book Two First! 

Before we get too ahead of ourselves weaving tales of ancient artifacts and secret societies, I should probably focus on getting through the epic journeys of Book Two and Book Three first. But hey, who's to say a little imagination and brainstorming of future possibilities isn't part of the fun? After all, it's the boundless creativity and endless what-ifs that make storytelling such a thrilling adventure. 

So, let's dive into the pages of our unfinished books with the knowledge that there's a whole universe waiting to unfold once we're done. Cheers to dreaming big and making the magic happen, one chapter at a time! Now then, back see how my Minotaur is faring in Book Two.