Well, April flew, anyway. It was not a great month here. First, the numbers.
| Month: | 43,932 |
| Year: | 269,758 |
| WIP: | 72,154 |
| Streak: | 508,988 |
| Days: | 200 |
| Average: | 2,542 |
I tried to write three thousand words a day. I cratered when I finished the draft for Troy Harbor. After six months of writing every day, I’ve had a few – ahem – minimal days. Technically, my streak is intact at 200 days because my average is over 2k a day. This is the first month since last October that I failed to reach my goal.
Status Updates:
After all that work, I’m feeling burned out. I’ve been having a bit of a stay-cation and avoiding the word processor to try to recharge. Sadly, that also means my planner with all the careful notes has gone MIA.
Shaman’s Tales Audio I’ve signed a deal with Podium to produce the Shaman’s Tales for Audible. Jeffrey Kafer will read them. I still have no dates on the releases.
Cape Grace Ebook and paper are both out. Audio will be coming from Podium.
The Wizard’s Butler Released on March 22. I sent out a notice to the list. As usual, the paperback is lagging but there’s no contagion problem with ebooks.
Barbarians: Book 1: Hostage – I finished my edits and passed the manuscript over to my co-writer. She’s still working through it.
Troy Harbor Yes, the last in the line of Shaman’s Tales. First draft done. Cover in the works.
Dark Knight Station: Origins First draft done. Will need a cover artist for this one.
What’s Next:
I’m struggling with this. I’ve started the next Ishmael book. I have a rough plot outline for the next Ishmael trilogy. I’m not happy with it. It feels too much like work.
I want to follow up on the Butler book and Tanyth is calling me.
Reminder: I’ve got plans for Ishmael and Pip, Zoya and Natalya. I’ll be getting back to them. Probably in 2020. I’m not sure what – exactly – they’re going to do, but I didn’t spend five years putting them together only to let them sail off into the Deep Dark.
I’ve been reading a lot of stuff. More Glynn Stewart. More of the Paranormal Women’s Fiction. More Krista D. Ball. I go through them really quickly these days—when I can pull myself out of Fallout 4.
Last Words
I’ve had a bit of a respite for the last couple of weeks. A flood of green on my progress calendar has a line of red x’s on it where I’ve just kind of drawn in on myself and let the world go for a few days.
I’m planning on getting back on the horse today and seeing how far I can ride before it bucks me off again.
In the meantime, stay safe, keep reading, and hug any of your loved ones within reach.
Nobody is a machine. Finishing a book is something to celebrate. 🙂
Since you’re just getting started on Ismael I’ll put in my request – I’d really like to see an Ismael story told in something other than first-person, perhaps in the Smugglers Tales style. I want to see him through other characters eyes. I don’t know if that would make the writing more or less enjoyable but it would be different.
Loved The Wizard’s Butler, and would definately love to read more in that world. One of the best books I’ve read this year.
Cap’n, do what you feel like doing, unless you have an obligation to meet. Ish & Co. will still be there if you elect to work in another universe for a bit. Enjoyed the heck out of The Wizard’s Butler.
Well, I bit the bullet and got into The Seeker’s Tales, my first non-Nathan Lowell-narrated series. So, I’m reading this one rather than listening. Sorry, but that audible narrator does not sound like Ishmael to me. He’s got the kind of larger-than-life, dramatic voice that suits other stories better. That being said, I’m loving taking in the writing visually almost as much as aurally.
One thing I do miss is the interstitial music. Especially when there’s a particular wonderful chapter ending/transition.
Ever think about recommending pieces of music to accompany the non-narrated works? Just beloved songs or one’s you’d easily associate in your mind with the different books? I’m not sure I’d be quite desperate enough to play them at the ending of every chapter, but who knows?
Thoroughly enjoyed Butler. It dropped for me as a surprise fun read at the perfect time of needing one. I’d certainly read more of this if you feel so inclined. Thanks!
I discovered the Ismael series recently and devoured them! Would be very happy to have more of his story told. In the meantime, will be reading the Butler book, and probably will start your Smuggler series too. Great stories! Thank you for writing them 🙂
By the way, I heard of your books from someone who recommended them to my husband, who is a Heinlein fan and enjoys science fiction and naval stories. I also love science fiction, and what with all this time at home lately, decided I’d just try “Quarter Share” while he was otherwise occupied. Now I’m addicted. :-/ Fortunately I *STILL* have a lot of time on my hands.
Nearly four years ago I found and devoured the Solar Clipper series. I loved the detail of the everyday lives etc. A few days ago I stumbled on the Wizard’s Butler and consumed in two days. I couldn’t stop reading it for many of the same reasons why I loved the Solar Clipper series. It is very nice finding a good comforting book during these interesting times. Thanks! I can’t wait to read the next installment of the Wizard’s Butler.
I just discovered
the Ishmael books. They have been such a gift during this time. I have escaped into another world. I am one of those at risk because of my age. Stuck at home and isolated they have been a great escape.
I think that most people are feeling mentally fried by the universal angst floating around.
Just stopping in to say I absolutely loved the wizard’s butler!
You always surprise me, and I recommend you to my friends. The Wizard’s Butler seemed like a gamble, but as I got into it, I found more and more to like. Another along these lines would be well received. You mentioned Glynn Stewart, who is one of my regular reads. A couple of others are CJ Williams (the h/w duet,) and David Drake.
Oh, please more of the butler! I actually slipped some reading of it in at work, and I can’t recall the last time I let that happen! Thank you for a marvelous read!
As a thought about what comes next logical progression would be the challenge of a growing shipping company with the need for good officers and toe hold space along with Pip’s desire to start a school and Intigration with highline
Hmm. Ish and co. cleaned out the Telluride system of pirates, and there is a huge, essentially immobile freighter stuck there. Rather than trying to move it, could they strike a deal to convert it into the basis of a Toehold Academy?
Just read “The Wizard’s Butler”. My first by you. Came up in “recommended” after I read the latest Rimworld book by Curtis. Thoroughly enjoyed it and looking forward to reading more of your books. Former Navy myself.
As a current high school math teacher I have to ask, any professional advice on distance learning for us right now?
Love the The Wizard’s Butler the first book of yours I have read. Hope to see this the start of a series.
Years ago, at a library convention, I asked Orson Scott Card when the next Alvin Maker book was coming out. He looked pensive and said something like, “sometimes i just wanna kill the little bastard!” All this is to say, I love the Ishmael stories, but if they aren’t drawing you, don’t force yourself. Don’t burn out. Tell the stories that call you.
From a new fan who has devoured 12 of your books in the last 2 or 3 weeks, Mike
Just finished The Wizards Butler. Yet another fantastic read. I’m sure I will read it again in a few weeks. Your books are so hard to put down. Thank You.