The Big Idea: Griffin BarberThey say writing can be a good outlet for grief, but feelings might get complicated when the person you’re grieving was supposed to co-author the book you’re writing. Despite author Griffin Barber’s deep, personal loss of his mentor and friend Eric Flint, he managed to complete 1637: Pilgrim’s Passage in a way that would make them both proud. Eric and I worked out the outline for 1637: Pilgrim’s Passage shortly after 1636: The Peacock Throne came out in 2021. Pilgrim’s Passage reveals the ongoing consequences of Jahanara Begum’s actions; for her, the USE Mission, and for the wider world. In the process, Jahanara Begum learns some hard lessons and moves to change some things she thought foundational to her existence.