I’m almost 90% done with the second draft. I had planned for this book to be out in August. But life threw me a nice big curve ball this July. And then another in September. However, the man is now back, and we’re humming along. A number of fine folks have volunteered to be beta readers, and I expect the edits for their comments to go smoothly. Frank’s new adventure will be out just in time for the holidays.
I just finished chapter 50 and am heading into the climax sequence. I have only 9 chapters left, and they should go fast. Right now I’m at 170,000 words. I’m going to finish a little over my target word length, but I don’t think it’s anything I can’t edit back down.
In this book, Talen has to deal with the fact that he was fashioned to be a tool. Sugar gets some kick-butt skills. There’s a little romance. We also get to meet the woodikin, only mentioned in book one, and their wasp lords, as well as a new character named Harnock, who is a sleth blended by Lumen for battle. There are other bit characters: a woman who reminds me of the Wife of Bath and a some sleth from the Old World. The Bone Faces come back in force. And you get to find out what happens to Nettle. Lots of great stuff. I really think those who liked Servant of a Dark God are going to enjoy this.
Oh, yeah. And the Dogmen of Toth, some nasty pieces of work.
Here’s a review by Charlene Hirschi of Cache Magazine. I tweeted about it last week, but pointed everyone to the wrong site.
Like another reviewer, I picked up this book with reluctance, but by the third chapter I found myself completely under its spell. Full Review.
Luc Reid is the author of, among other things, Talk the Talk: The Slang of 65 American Subcultures. He is also the lizard king of Codex, which he started and of which I’m so happy to be a member. He’s always starting provocative threads on Codex, making us all think and reexamine the principles of story and the whole writing business. He recently posted some insights about what makes memorable stories. A lot of other fellow Codexians joined in the discussion. Happily, he asked me to share some of my thoughts on his site, ReidWrite. They begin as follows:
YOU’RE MINE, DEAR READER
Mwuhahaha.
Okay, maybe not. But you are wired to be mine. And you wouldn’t have it any other way.
Let’s back up. Luc wrote about writing memorable. I agree with the idea that the stories that produce a strong emotional reaction are the most memorable. In fact, I believe that triggering of emotion is THE reason why linear narrative that puts us into the trance has lasted so long in so many forms and makes so much money.
But can writers guide reader emotions? Or is it all just by accident?
Read the rest here: http://reidwrite.livejournal.com/8331.html.
BTW, when you’ve finished that, you might want to check out Luc’s new site, WillpowerEngine.com. It’s a place where he shares what he’s found in his research for his current book project, The Willpower Engine, on how self-motivation works. I think you’ll find a number of the posts there very interesting.
Raveler is now up on Audible! The other two books are getting excellent reviews so far for both the story and performance by Alex Wyndham. So happy to have these up in audio. Many readers have been asking for audio versions for years.
I will be doing a book tour this Fall. Many of the events will be with David Farland (Runelords) and Larry Correia (Monster Hunters International). Here’s the list so far. I will be making updates as we get closer.
Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association Trade Show at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Denver International Airport More
Sugarhouse Barnes & Noble, will include panel and multiple SF/Fantasy authors.
Yea!
In truth it’s not a firm, fast day. The books will begin shipping from the warehouses in late September, so your bookstore may have the books a bit earlier.
University Books, Seattle, WA
4326 University Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
206.634.3400
Borders, Redmond, WA
Redmond Town Center
16549 N.E. 74th St.
Redmond, WA, 98052
425.869.1907 (Near Microsoft Campus)
Powell’s Books, Beaverton, OR
3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.
Beaverton, OR 97005
503.228.4651
Starting on Monday, October 19th and running all week long, X96 will be doing book giveaways of Servant of a Dark God. Listen to the morning Radio From Hell program (Gina, Bill, & Kerry), Kerry Jackson’s Geek Show, and Todd Nuke ‘Ems afternoon shows.
Logan Borders, 6-8pm
435-787-0678
Orem Barnes and Noble, 4-6pm
Layton Barnes & Noble, 12-2pm
West Jordan Barnes & Noble, 3-5pm
Books Inc., Mountain View, CA
301 Castro St.
Mountain View, CA 94041
650.428.1234
Bay Book Company in Half-Moon Bay
Or
Barnes & Noble, Fairfield, CA
1600 Gateway Boulevard
Fairfield, CA 94533
707.435.0484
We’ll also be hooking up with editors at World Fantasy in San Jose.
Mysterious Galaxy, San Diego, CA
7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
Suite #302
San Diego, CA 92111
858.268.4747
Borders
3700 Torrance Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: 310.540.7000
Locations TBD
Locations TBD
Locations TBD (this one is still iffy with my schedule)
Dixon Leavitt is an amazing artist. He recently emailed me saying: “Sometimes I just start sketching with no plan in mind. This just popped out. Thought you’d like to see it.” It’s Hunger from Servant of a Dark God.
Duuuuuuuuuuuude!
Dixon explains the step by step of the creation of this painting at dixondoodles.blogspot.com. You’ll want to noodle around that blog to see the other artwork he’s done.
