February came through for me. I kept to my basic plan of 2,000 new words every day and using the rest of the day to work on second drafts, production, etc. I didn’t get as much walking in as I needed to, but there’s next month. Early on, I was still recovering from the January surgery. I got more walks in–and more talks in–near the end of the month.
Statistics:
| February: | 63,534 |
| For the Year: | 141,480 |
| Current WIP: | 117,500 |
| Streak Words: | 375,614 |
| Days in a Row: | 139 |
| Average words per day: | 2,702 |
Status:
Audio:
- Home Run is currently available for pre-order on Audible. It drops March 3.
- South Coast is in production at Podium. No word yet on narrator or schedule. I’ve contracted with Podium to produce all three Shaman’s Tales.
Paper:
- Cape Grace is currently available in a non-refeshable cellulose display edition.
Ebook:
- No new books dropped in February.
WIP:
- The Wizard’s Butler is with the editor and I’m still waiting for the cover art.
- Hostage (Book 1 of the Barbarians series) is in second draft. This book will be a while in production because I’m co-writing it and we both need to agree on the draft before we give it to the editor.
- Dark Knight Station: Origins remains the current first draft, new words project. I should find an end here in the next couple of days. When I do, it’ll slide into the “afternoon” queue.
- Next project might be Troy Harbor – the last of the Shaman’s Tales. I’d like to wrap that series up before I forget too much about the story line.
What Am I Reading?
I neglected to recommend a book in February so let me recommend Carol Van Natta’s Central Galactic Concordance series. I inhaled the first two and forced myself to put down the series and address some of the samples waiting in my TBR pile. Great world building. Interesting characters, but (fair warning) there’s kissing. Which – for the record – I support.
Last Words
Two months into the “2k for 2020” campaign, I’m keeping up with the words. Shifting gears to work on a different book in the afternoon is more hampered by my ability to actually get the 2k in before lunch than my ability to shift my brain to a different story line.
Mid-month I felt the rise of incipient burn-out. I pushed too hard and neglected some of the self-care that I need. I’ve made some adjustments on calendar and expectation. The burn-out seems to be averted for the moment.
I feel good. I’m happy with the work. I’m looking forward to publishing at least one of these WIPs before April and I’m ready to roar into March.
Hi, Nathan!
I’ve been listening again to all of the Seeker’s and Smuggler’s Tales so I’ll be ready when Home Run drops this week. It’s been really hard not to open my ebook version, but my reading time has been spent on proofreading a huge novel. I’ve been carrot-and-sticking myself by having to wait for the audio of your book.
I know, I’m a weirdo, but it works for me. 😉
Hi i have been hoping you would start narrating your own books again. I think you would sell alot more audiobooks if you where the one to narrate. The suicide run series where great to listen to however i think most people would agree you would do a better job. Jeffrey kaffer kind of ruined the seeker tales for me. I know you have been pumping out books like crazy. And i dont read much i like to listen more. I would glady pay more for your audiobooks if you read them and i think others would agree. Keep up the great work.
I try to never say never but the likelihood is extremely small.
Well, shucks! Add us to the list of people who were introduced to Ish & Co. through your podcasts, and consider you the standard by which others are measured. Stay safe, Cap’n, and please keep writing!
After your smooth intersection of the Smuggler’s Tales and the Seeker’s Tales, that’s the thread I want to see continued. This seems to provide the right vehicle to fold in other supporting characters from the earlier books: Sarah, Stacy Arellone, Al, and others. The story seems on a trajectory for a happy emotional resolution, maybe a corporate merger, too.
Excited for the smugglers tales, all the shaman tales I can get, and anything else you feel like working on. Glad you averted that burnout and that you’re feeling better! That’s top priority.
Please stay well. Just starting on Butler.
Nathan, I love the Wizard’s Butler, and I am ready for the next one 😉 any idea when you will be writing a volume 2?
Not right away.
I’m finishing Troy Harbor now. I really need to write an Ishmael & Co story. After that maybe. 🙂