I'm extremely fortunate as a writer not just because I make enough money to live on, but because my books receive increasingly positive reviews that most often end with; "now I just want to read more!" or "Where's the next one?"
While some people may see that as criticism, I see it as an invitation. The reviewers have paid for my work, read it and want another. That's an open door if I've ever seen one.
The good news is that I have ideas for all four of these titles, I even have ideas that are pretty much whole book outlines. The bad news is that it takes time to write, edit and get these to retailers, time which is absolutely finite. We're half way through the year now (roughly) and I've only managed to release one novella while I continue to work on Broadcast 10. Sure, there are at least two more books coming this year, but I know I'm not going to make my deadlines for Broadcasts 11 and 12 in 2016. There's still a chance Broadcast 11 will come out this year, but since I don't have any of that written yet, I can't make guarantees.
Looking over the history of this blog, I see a pattern. In January and February I always make some grand plans about how many books I'll be able to finish. Then, around June or July, I write a post about how I'm modifying my expectations and may make it through one or two books instead. This pattern comes up over and over, and I think I've finally learned my lesson. So, on to the good news and the annual adjustment of expectations...
In this year I can promise that Broadcast 10 will be released and it's going to be a large book with more than one story within. Broadcast 10 is really like two novels and a novella that are strung along one timeline and then trapped together in one book, that's one of the main reasons why Spinward Fringe novels take longer to write, but I know Broadcast 10 will be finished sooner rather than later.
Another Chaos Core novella called Cool Pursuit will be released this year, that's for sure. It's easier to write these shorter novellas with simpler story telling, so I can write Broadcast 10 and those at the same time for a while. Not forever, my brain needs some time to formulate new ideas, but for a few more weeks. Cool Pursuit will be in your faces sometime in 2016.
The Dark Arts sequel will make it's appearance this Halloween, or at least, I'm going to try my hardest to get that done. This isn't a guarantee. The first Dark Arts novel started with a simple plan, it was only going to be seven chapters, and then it got extremely complicated for a while before I got the story back under control. That's the tendency with these books, I'm sure, so who knows if I'll hit my deadline?
Regardless of whether or not I meet the deadline for Dark Arts II to come out at the end of October, I will be working on Broadcast 11 by the end of the year, probably at the beginning or end of September. Broadcast 11 will take less time to write than 10 because it will be a simpler novel that follows fewer characters and it won't be as long. In fact, I hope the days of writing long 140,000+ word novels are over for me for a few years because I find it's much more fun to write shorter works, and my finances take a massive hit if I don't release a book at least every six months.
In 2017 I'll be ready to write the second Brightwill novel, Broadcast 12 and another Chaos Core novella. the Brightwill and Chaos Core series' may end after three to four books each, that's the plan as it stands now. I would like to finish the Chaos Core series in 2017, and write another Dark Arts novel in addition to what I've already listed, but I'll have to see how it goes.
Overall, I'm really excited about the new, achievable plan, because I'll be bringing you more stuff overall, and I'll be writing different genres throughout the year. A quick recap is in order!
Spinward Fringe Broadcast 10: Freeground will come out this year (2016).
Cool Pursuit (Chaos Core Book 2) will also come out this year (2016).
Dark Arts II may come out this year if I finish the final draft in time for an October release.
Work on Spinward Fringe Broadcast 11 will start this year (2016).
If all goes well, more books will be released this year, but I believe I'll be busy enough with those aforementioned projects.
2017 looks like more Spinward Fringe, Brightwill, Chaos Core and maybe more Dark Arts.
I love writing this stuff, and I enjoy presenting it to you more than you know, so I truly want the same thing you want: more. What thrills me to no end is bringing you more and being able to make sure that it's more of the good stuff, not just another one like the last one, so that's what I concentrate on.
RL
12 comments:
No worries, take your time. One thing tho', less characters in B-11, that sounds ominous. I hope my all favourite main characters are still alive at the end of B-10. I'm glad to hear that there will be more Dark Arts. I do love it. I've just started Chaos Core and it's looking really good so far. Keep calm and keep writing. I'm enjoying the ride. :)
Alright now, Cap'n... you're REALLY not helping my addiction... :D More! MORE! LOL You create characters we fall in love with... some we'd personally love to reach through the pages of the books (or screens on the various e-readers) and kill ourselves.. and manage to do it in many DIFFERENT genres! It's a win-win for us! Thank you! :)
I am on a second book of yours & was pleased to see where you reside. If your around Old Rock I'll buy you a coffee.
Excited about the new books. Your writing continues to evolve, each new book is interesting and can stand on its own. Can we clone your brain so that we get a series of each one? Spinward Fringe and Dark Arts could have many more books as well as the Chaos book. Although I have to say, Spinward Fringe is still my favourite. I want to know more about the characters I love, see how they cope in new situations and in a future that is yet to be written. You have a gift.
Really looking forward to B-10. I'm addicted.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the excellent writing. Spinward Fringe now brings up the same feelings as Harry Potter, The Hobbit & LOTR series when I think back on what I've read. They are very deep with characters and plot lines. I recommend your books every chance I get. Great work keep it up!
I just keep checking my nook library everyday crossing my fingers that B-10 will appear! Since Disney has basically destroyed Star Wars, I am limited with space opera authors. Randolph and Orson really hold the fort down. BV, I won't even go there. Fantasy is not as fulfilling anymore, but I am going to give Dark Arts a chance to restore my faith. Keep up the great writing and keep us on the edge of our seats!
I blame Stephen King for tainting my view of Fantasy. Dark Tower was amazing and then I did not listen and pitched a fit. I thought I was permanently damaged and told myself that I would never read more than a trilogy. Randolph has restored my faith in epic adventures. I am staying on this wagon!!!
So I stumbled upon spinward fringe as a free book, and then bought and read each of the follow ups in the series, probably in a matter of two weeks.
Now, here I am a week after reading the last installment, going through withdrawal and finding myself utterly disinterested in any other book, as they all seem bland and shallow in comparison.
The only saving grace is that I haven't had to wait as long as other fans because I'm new to series, nevertheless I must say, I will have broadcast 10 on its release day, and will most likely read it in one sitting, sleep be damned.
Okay, I know that you want to keep Chaos Core short and sweet. The only problem is that Spin is way too awesome and space pirates are exactly what the universe needs. I will be really sad if Spin's story ends in 3 short books. It is an awesome story with deep roots. Her merry band of pirates must reach Freeground! Viva la Revolution!
Okay Just about to finish Broadcast 9....I believe I will start the Core Series Hope it JUST AT GOOD..Love your books.
as a reader of the Spinward fringe series I have always found it frustrating that is takes so long to write the book and only a week at most to read it, but I do appreciate the efforts keep them coming.
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