Well, I'm back to work on Troubleshooters. In fact, I just finished Chapter 26 today and got a good start on Chapter 27. For those of you keeping score, I'm about 650 words shy of 80,000 words. I still think realistically I've got between 25 and 35 thousand words still to write, which would make this the longest book I've written to date. I'm still hopeful I can finish it by the end of July, although given the craziness of my home life, that's going to depend largely on my ability to keep sneaking off to write while I'm at work (three pages today, in fact).
Claudia asked me to give an update on a bunch of things, so here they are in no particular order.
- My store is doing well. I've direct-sold a few signed books from it since I opened it a few months ago. I think most of the people who read this blog already have a copy of The Milkman (currently the only thing for sale in the store). If you don't, though, why not go here and order a signed copy direct from me (I'll personalize it and everything!)?
- Claudia asked about the free download. I'm honestly not sure what she means - I have some stories (but not all that I've written) available to read in the Free Stuff section of my store. Those are there as samples - shareware, as it were. The reason I haven't shared all of my stories is because I'm probably going to release an anthology of my short stories after second edition of The Milkman. And marketing wisdom dictates that I don't give away everything for free and then expect people to pay for it. Look for this as-yet-untitled anthology to show up sometime in early 2009, along with the first collection of The Adventures of the S-Team.
- Speaking of my webcomic...If you've been following along, I'll give a little teaser here: The answer to the Biggest Question of 2008, Who Shot Tyrant?! will be answered in strip #580 (#571 is current as of Monday July 7). After that, expect some sweeping changes. We're talking epic here.
- Right before the long weekend, I got an encouraging phone call from an agent who started reading Deep Six. She told me she'd really enjoyed the beginning and wanted to know if I'd heard back from the editor at Random House who I pitched to at this year's PPWC. When I said the editor rejected it, she said "Okay, we'll cross her off the list then" - which kind of implies to me she's thinking about offering me representation. I haven't heard back from her yet, but cross your fingers.
- And last, my hair is growing out nicely. I never have to cut it again if I don't want to - writers are allowed to have eccentric hairstyles. So there.
6 Critics:
Wow, you've been busy. Sorry I haven't been around lately. Boating seems to be the norm in the summer. Good luck on getting the book finished on time and you can wear you hair any length you like. Have a great day Ian. :)
That sure sounds like a hectic schedule. Oh, anyway, I was just curious if The Milkman is being sold in bookstores outside of the US?
I was GIVEN a copy! I feel so privileged! All shall bow down before the boy who was given a copy of The Milkman!
Just catching up - you sre have been busy. Sounds like the writing is going well?
I don't see how you write so much! I have enough trouble coming up with short blog entries two or three times a week. I can't imagine trying to write books.
Good luck with the writing and with the agent!
Sandee: Well thanks!
Terra: I've done a little research. Your cheapest option would be to get an eBook version. Check the store on my website for the link. An online retailer might be able to get you a hard copy without paying too much freight - you'll have to research that on your own. On a whim, I checked freight rates for me to send a signed copy to you - UPS would be between $90 and $100 USD, so really not a very good option unless you're rolling in the dough. Hope you get one though!
Woozie: Yeah you did, and I'm still waiting to see your concept for the next edition cover. Slacker.
CotW: Yeah, it really is.
Thinker: Simple, really - I want to do this and nothing but this for the rest of my life. :)
Ian
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