I received the galley pages for The Coldest War this weekend. It’s starting to look like an actual book!
This is an exciting stage because this is the first place where I get to see the pages more-or-less as they’ll appear in the final physical hardcover, complete with elements of book design. It’s really fun to see a book at this point in the process. This is where, for me, it begins to feel more real—this is the point where it becomes easier for me to imagine the big pile of words as an actual book written not by me but by an actual writer.
The corrected galleys will go back to Tor by the end of this month.
Meanwhile I’m doing revisions on Necessary Evil and doing a polish on a short story. And trying not to let my day job send me into catatonia or a stress-plosion.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t be posting updates about every single step in the publication process of my next novel. But because my blog post from earlier this year explaining the delays became so widespread, I feel like it’s only right to continue to publicize the situation—especially now that things are going so well.
What a difference 8 months can make.
Glad to hear it’s on schedule. I loved Bitter Seeds and am looking forward to Necessary Evil.
Just to echo the earlier comment. I thought Bitter Seeds was one of the most interesting and enjoyable books of the last few years. I’m really happy to hear the sequel is getting there. I’ll pre-order as soon as I can.
Muchly pleased to hear everything’s on track. Been re-reading Bitter Seeds yet again in anticipation 🙂
Thank you, Ian! (He says, sounding as if he’s talking to himself.) I really hope you enjoy it.
And thanks for the kind words, Bob. Greatly appreciated, sir. I hope the sequel is worthy of your patience.
Alex, I feel a little guilty that you’re subjecting yourself to my book yet again. If the sequel doesn’t turn out to be the book you deserve (because y’all deserve something wickedly awesome), I’ll buy you a puppy.
That’s really good. I’m glad things have smoothed out. Looking forward to it.
Thanks, Steve!
A puppy, huh? I’d rather have you knit me a Tom Baker Doctor Who scarf… But it’s a moot point because I know the sequels are going to be made of win.
point to ponder: do you think that the expectations of Necessary Evil are higher (thus more pressure) because the first was so well received or do you believe that it’s just possible that it will be easier to exceed expectations simple because our culture is so trained to expect the middle of any trilogy to basically suck eggs? LOL
I’m sure that it will be great and in general, I expect it to be better than most sequels!
My main concern is that people who liked Bitter Seeds — and who kindly waited through all the delays to finally read the sequel! — will feel a heightened sense of expectation owing to all the hullabaloo regarding the publication saga of these books.
In other words, my worst fear is that people will say, “I waited two years for THIS?!?”
I feel anxiety because I want to give people who enjoyed Bitter Seeds the cool and fun sequel they deserve, but I can’t see The Coldest War from anybody’s perspective but mine and I’m way too close to the book.
Need Next Book Now
The Colonel is not good at delayed gratification.
Launching the Data Pirates in 10 – 9 – 8 – 7……..
Don’t worry Ian, only the book, I promise.
Peace, Bob
Hey, if you can steal the short story I’m writing and figure out how to fix it, be my guest…
Ian, when you write: “I feel anxiety because I want to give people who enjoyed Bitter Seeds the cool and fun sequel they deserve”.. don’t worry about it. I’m sure it will be great.
Thanks, very much Ian. I appreciate your confidence!
If you enjoy long discussions of 1960s tax-code reform — with superpowers! — then you are in for a treat, my friend 🙂
Sounds like my Chronicle of Sorrows payoff will finally be realized.
Yes, indeed. Someday you will receive your prize– that signed coupon for $0.50 off Shake-n-Bake will be yours!
I’ve had the good fortune to read THE COLDEST WAR. It’s brilliant. You’re all in for a treat. I’ve also read NECESSARY EVIL, and it brings it all to a stunning conclusion. But I can’t wait to buy the real book too.
Thanks, Melinda. The check is in the mail 🙂