As you may have guessed by my previous Changes-related entry, I've got several balls in the air right now. Since I only tossed a couple of them skyward myself, only a few are actually destined to continue to remain part of my eye-defying juggling repertoire. What, you didn't know I could juggle? Well, I can, but let's not get distracted with topics suggested by poor metaphors.
Anyway, I began writing another Forgotten Realms novel outline a few days ago. It'll be my ninth novel, assuming the latest deal memo leads to a contract. I've got some great ideas for it, and it picks up threads from the novel that proceeds it (Sword of the Gods, April 2011).
But so far, it's proved to be more difficult than previous outlines. Which is due to a few things, but here's a big reason: Susan J Morris, the editor of my last six novels, with whom I've developed great trust and a great friendship, is stretching her wings and leaving Wizards publishing for a sorceress position at Amazon! Not to mention several other exciting possibilities she's got in mind.
An author-editor relationship is a partnership. And I've had a great partner in my worlds-of-make-believe these last several years. I'm grateful I got to experience it. I wish Susan all the luck in the world with her new ventures, and I'm sure she'll succeed brilliantly in whatever she sets her hand to. I could say more on the subject, but I'd run the risk of becoming maudlin.
Anyway, the fact remains: This novel outline will eventually find the desk of an editor I've never worked with before. And I'm a little trepidatious about that. I mean, what if my new editor is the sort of person who would frown on me using the word 'trepidatious?' Because, I'm not even sure it's a word, and you know, some people are picky that way when it comes to published content.
Alright, big breath. What did I just say in my previous Changes entry? Oh yes. Suck it up and rely on another talent I like to believe I possess: The ability to roll with change while looking for new opportunities in the upheaval.
And besides, when it comes down to it, I'm excited to write this next scene. I set it up in the last novel, just so I could introduce a character that'll be the perfect foil for my main character Demascus. Oh yeah, plus . . . Well, I probably shouldn't spill all the beans on that one. What I should do is get back to that outline.
Stay tuned for a 3rd chapter in the Changes series of blog entries, which will hopefully prove to be the last (Changes-themed) one for a while. Too many changes too quickly, and the juggling act runs the risk of ending when someone gets a ball in the eye.
4 comments:
Best of luck with the new editor. I do have a question about the new book Sword of the Gods. I have noticed that it will be book 2 in The Abyssal Plague series, I am wondering how that is going to work out? Is it going to span differing worlds since the first one seems to be just a D&D novel not connected directly to the realms, or will it eventually just become a part of the FR.
Quick comment about using big/not often used words in writing. I have posted a criticism on Amazon.com about this with Richard Lee Byers book The Captive Flame. I do feel it is a double-edged sword. For one, I have to take the time to look the words up and it breaks the flow of the story, but at the same time, it is helping me to increase my vocabulary and so I don't mind it too much. Advice, don't use them during the action sequences.
I really am enjoying Key of Stars right now. Keep up the great work.
Rob
Hey Rob,
The main Abyssal Plague story will stay in the D&D line, but 'story branches' will extend into other worlds, and the first branch into another world is Sword of the Gods. But not to worry, it's not a loop; if you haven't read any Abyssal Plague books before Sword of the Gods, this will get you up to speed enough.
And, thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying Key of Stars :-)
Actually, I really enjoyed Key of Stars. I was skeptical at first after reading Travis' review on Amazon.com, but it definitely proves he and I have different tastes when it comes to enjoying fantasy. Thank you for a well written book.
It makes me sad when the first review out the door on Amazon is someone who wants to pan a book. I didn't actually read the review when I saw it was 2 stars :-). Again, glad the book found an audience with you and others!
brc
Post a Comment