Author of ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ has new novel coming

This book cover image released by Razorbill shows “What Light,” the latest book by Jay Asher, his first solo work of fiction in nearly a decade. The book is set for release on Oct. 11, 2016. (Razorbill via AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — The author of “Thirteen Reasons Why,” the million-selling young adult novel being developed as a Netflix series, has finished his first solo work of fiction in nearly a decade.

Penguin Young Readers told The Associated Press on Wednesday it would be publishing Jay Asher’s “What Light,” billed as a “contemporary romance” in northern California that features a Christmas tree lot. According to Penguin, Asher was inspired to write the book after reading about a family in Oregon with a Christmas tree lot. No release date has been set.

“Thirteen Reasons Why,” his first book, was published in 2007 and sold more than 2 million copies. Selena Gomez is serving as executive director of the Netflix project.

Asher has also collaborated with Carolyn Mackler on “The Future Of Us.”