September saw the return of “regular writing.” I didn’t exactly burn up the pages but progress has been made.
STATUS
New Ishmael
It’s three books. I finished my first clean up pass through the 1150 pages and marked out where the stories break. They’re going to take some work but it’s definitely three books.
The Wizard’s Cat
Over 30k words into this baby. I’ve got some plot holes that tripped me up over the last couple of days but the story is beginning to gel for me. This is very good.
AUDIO
Zypheria’s Call is on its way. Hermit of Lammas Wood is not far behind.
Salt? Not in production yet. This one is going to take a while.
What Am I Reading?
I’ve been reading like a fiend. Sixty-seven titles between July 1 and September 15. Over 150 so far this year. I’ve picked up a lot of new stuff but one that really sticks out over the last couple of weeks is M. C. Burnell’s Three Faces of Dissatisfaction. It’s the first book in a four book series and it’s staggeringly well done.
Great world building. A fantasy setting that doesn’t rely on the usual tropes. Rich political threads. Wonderful characters in a really large ensemble. I’m looking forward to digging back into this universe as soon as I clear some of the long-standing TBR titles off my pile.
Maybe grab a sample and see what you think.
Looking Ahead
I’m really looking forward to clearing the Tanyth audiobooks off my desk. They’ve been hanging open for years and it’ll be a load off my mind to finally have them out in the world.
The new Ishmael calls me, distracts me from the Cat, but I need to sort out the Cat. I was doing well, getting the story down … then it crashed into a solid wall of plotonium and I’m still trying to sort out the pieces.
Regardless, October is going to be cool – and I’m not just talking about the weather.
Fingers crossed.
Safe Voyage.
Maybe a new Ishmael for Christmas? (Hint Hint) I am rereading the series again – Lately I have not been able to find anything that grabs me – I find myself rereading my favorites – all of your stories set in the universe of the Ish series, The Godwhale by TJ Bass, anything by Jerry Pournelle, old Travis McGee, etc. I really have been waiting as patiently as I can for the next in Ish’s series.
Hope to hear soon – take care of yourself and be well!
So happy to hear about the progress on 3 more books featuring Ishmael! Like Christopher, I find myself returning to old favourites more often lately, as nothing new has really grabbed my attention, and all of your books certainly rank among my favourites!
Will definitely check out “The Three Faces of Dissatisfaction” based on your recommendation, though. 😉
Excited to hear more from Ish and Co. Thank you for continuing the story.
I’m so excited to hear Zypheria’s Call! Glad you’re making progress on the Ish books, too. Mostly I dropped by to write: Miss you on your morning walks. You’ve mentioned how it helps with everything else and I hope everything else is OK, maybe just technical difficulty that’s keeping the ‘casts from being casted(?)
Since I’m here anyway, count me as one who would like to hear more about Sara Krugg- perhaps an encounter with her great-grandmother on the orbital leads to a visit with Rachel? Perhaps she learns of the settlement and the female shaman policy change. Perhaps The change in leadership aboard the Lois precipitates changes in her life. I get that you don’t think she has any reason to return to St Cloud, although I had hoped for her character to experience growth and closure. For years I could not fathom how Otto’s daughter could be so hurt, and thought she must turn out to be a cousin. Cape Grace was rough reading, yet we all make mistakes and Otto was portrayed realistically making a doozy. Still hoped for news of contact if not reconciliation in Finwell Bay, and as a parent my heart hurt for Otto and Rachel (does she never see her only grandchild ever again? Why must she be cut out of Sara’s life too?)
Anyway, hope to hear you walking again, soon!
In your spare (ha!) time you might want to try Jerry Boyd’s Bob and Nikki Series. First if Bob’s Saucer Repair. Currently 20 book series. Light with not so light undertones, and funny. BTW I love the Ishmael saga! You work has been a blessing to me.
At the start of the pandemic when you talked about struggling with your Ishmael story was when I last checked in here to see how things were going. It appears things have improved greatly. I’m looking forward to reading all of your efforts. It’s a little ironic, last year, despite the pandemic, was not too bad for me. This year has been pretty overwhelming. I live in a pretty rural community and self isolation is pretty normal. This year my employer is restructuring and combining three departments, so a bit overwhelmed. Reading is my escape, so thank you for this update. And for indulging this greedy reader.
i got ‘the wizard’s butler’ in actual print on real paper. because i had read the kindle version 4 times.
i am anxiously awaiting the cat, as i loved the butler so much.
it’s my go to comfort reading now, and the real book is packed in my go bag.
Found you by the sheer dumb luck of audible recommending The Wizards Butler about 6 months ago. Absolutely loved it- A top 10 audiobook for me just based on the performance alone, hope he will be coming back for book 2. Have stopped in from time to time to check on the sequel and am glad to see it’s going well. Your updates here are much appreciated.
Nathan … I’m praying The Wizard’s Cat is a sequel to The Wizard’s Butler, a real gem of a book. It’s a wonderful concept that I hope really has a future. Thank you for writing it.