Sunday, May 15, 2011

The New and Improved Schedule

Well, whether you consider this an improved schedule or not is probably a matter of opinion. I don't even know if I consider it improved, I just know I needed to give myself a little more breathing room.

So without further fuss, here's what's lined up for the rest of the year.

Come Unto These Yellow Sands

DG4: Double Down (we had a title change on that one) releases September 13th from Loose Id.

The XO Files: Mummy Dearest releases September 30th from Samhain

My final Petit Mort story also releases sometime in September.

Lone Star part of a Christmas anthology with Harper Fox and KA Mitchell releases in December from Carina Press.

A Shot in the Dark 2: Blue Moon releases December 20th from Loose Id.



And that's pretty much it for this year. I know that's significantly reduced from what I'd hoped to do but it turns out that case of burn-out was a little worse than I thought. And while, ironically, I think I'm turning out some of my best work right now, it's a lot harder than it should be. Not that I subscribe to the idea that writing should be easy (U r doin' it rong!) but it shouldn't be painful. As in I think I sprained my brain.

So that's where we are. That's still six stories to come this year, so it's still a busy year for me -- and hopefully a reasonably satisfying year for you.


releases June 14th from Samhain.

42 comments:

  1. Thanks for the schedule! I've updated my calendar :) Looking forward to them all, but really glad DG4 made it on the list :)

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  2. Me too, Mariana. I'd hate to leave those boys in that pickle for another year!

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  3. Thank you for the schedule. Mainstream authors only write once a year or sometimes once in every five years *lol*. So, even if you only write once or twice a year, I will still be satisfied. Hey, you're one of my favorite authors, so I'm grateful for new stories.

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  4. As a reader, well, the schedule is a bit of a bummer, I suppose.... but as Ami pointed out, it's still a lot more than we'd get from "mainstream" authors! As an Internet friend, I say good for you - you really do need to balance work with personal time, something I found out the hard way last summer. Now that I take the time to spend with hubby dearest and relax, I advise time off work for all!

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  5. Thank you, Ami. I keep reminding myself that by mainstream terms this schedule is ferocious.

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  6. I know you're right, Traci. It's hard to admit because my way of dealing with such things is to just push right on through. But there's a limit to how much pushing you can do without...er...throwing your back out, for example. :-P

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  7. Dear Josh,

    The list is (simply put) heroic! Remember dear man that good writing such as yours with it's intricate plot lines, solid and well thought out characters and oft times poetic prose takes time--time we as readers are willing to give. What a delight to savor each novel without the need to run frantically to the next. It's much like a fine wine Josh--to be savored! Please rest and restore the joy in your writing process--we your fans will be the richer for it!

    Best to you!

    Sammy

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  8. Aw. Thanks, Sammy. Such a kind thought.

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  9. I find nothing disappointing and everything to cheer about this schedule. I just read the excerpt for Mummy Dearest on your web site, and I am really looking forward to seeing how these guys get together. And a petit mort to boot - so aptly named, as your offerings have been truly delicious.

    My wish is for your health, peace of mind and joy in your work and life.

    All the best,
    Ashley

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  10. Thank you, Ashley. Mummy Dearest is definitely one of the fun ones! Well, of course I hope they'll all be fun for readers. :-)

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  11. Josh - There's nothing disappointing about you writing fewer books this year. I know that I am very happy that you are able to write as much as you do, and your health and well being are far more important than cranking out a few more books. And you are writing some really wonderful stories. I LOVED This Rough Magic. Well done sir. Now go relax and recharge!

    Best
    Tj

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  12. I'm so glad! Thanks, TJ.

    Maybe the disappointment is my own. I know you guys are always supportive -- and patient.

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  13. Hi Josh,
    I don't think I can say anything more than what has already been said. I only found you a few months back when a friend recommended you to me, so I still have several books from your back list to read and I'm loving it all so far! Six books is monumental as far as I'm concerned.

    I've learned the hard way that life is too short-so do take care of yourself and your loved ones. Your true fans will always be there for you.

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  14. Thanks, Helyce. Sometimes it's those simple truths that are sometimes the hardest to grasp.

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  15. Brilliant. I eagerly anticipate them all.

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  16. Just another thought to encourage...

    From Emerson:

    To laugh often and much;
    To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
    To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
    To appreciate beauty;
    To find the best in others;
    To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
    To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
    This is to have succeeded.

    What a fine way to measure our success--not by the world's (or publisher's) standard but by pursuit of all things noble and true.

    Sammy

    Sammy

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  17. That's beautiful. And very encouraging. Thanks, Sammy.

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  18. Just read your post and have to say 6 books are quiet a lot! I only knew about "Yellow Sands" and "Mummy Dearest" so you made me very happy with 4 more! I'm especially looking forward to the DG follow up :-) Absolutely no disappointed reader here! It's hard to find books as good as yours and I enjoyed every single one (love the 1930's/40's mysteries). It's not about quantity but quality :-) Take care! Enjoy your personal time off writing!

    Stormy

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  19. oh noes. so many goodies to come! And I just started reading your works! so many things to read, such a little time to do it all! Better less and with excellent quality. If it's good it's always worth waiting for!

    The brain overload - I know the pain personally. Usually when it comes to that state I ditch my work and go on walks, watch movies, tv shows (lots and lots of tv shows) - I do everything that can reset the brain. If the simple pleasures do not work I'm drawing maps for the stories/writings ;) It's lots of fun, especially if you do a chara chart (draw the relations bewteen the characters) and want to shred the piece of papers since it should damn be in 3D XD

    Best wishes,
    your new fan!

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  20. Thank you, Stormy. Six books feels like a lot right now, that's for sure! I'm so glad you're enjoying the stories I do have out.

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  21. Agata, you've still got plenty to plow through, so take your time. :-D

    Yes, the brain drain has reached the critical stage, so there's nothing to do but give in. I like your ideas for jump starting the creative urge!

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  22. I am excited about the new books yet a little sad to hear that this will be your last Petit Mort story. I just loved that series and your will be missed. I am also glad you linked this page to the other site. I like it so much more. :0) thanks

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  23. Thanks, Bex. So glad you're enjoying the stories and the new site!

    With a series like the Petit Morts there's always going to be a finite story and character arc, but I think Jordan has been clever in her handling of it. I've been proud to be part of the series.

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  24. Oh, the books I'm dying to read! So many, so many! And I have a nasty habit of reading few simultanously too... ;)

    Glad that you liked the idea. Hope it can help a bit! The problem with artistic desire to write is that it's really bitchy - that ddamn Muse comes and goes as she pleases. Damn woman. Anyway, a good book to read can also help with the art problems ;) Something really alluring on the plot level or just in the writing style level. Something just has to work! ^-^

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  25. Josh,

    Probably the wrong place to post this but just stumbled across one of your old videos which had a song by Poets of the Fall---never heard these guys before--now LOVE them--thanks for the music--currently rereading some of your treasures while eagerly awaiting...Yellow sands...

    Hope you and yours are well--and the writing more enjoyable and soothing to your soul!

    Sammy

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  26. Hey Josh,

    I notice on your schedule "A Shot In The Dark 2" and I can't find the first book anywhere... was it published under a different name?

    Mike

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  27. Mike, the first Shot in the Dark story is the short novel THIS ROUGH MAGIC. It's currently only available through Loose Id.

    http://www.loose-id.com/This-Rough-Magic.aspx

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  28. Sammy, I'm so glad these trailers are serving to introduce readers to some of my favorite bands and artists. I love Poets of the Fall.

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  29. Thanks for posting your schedule, I wish more authors would, hell Im lucky if my favorite's even have a blog to follow.

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  30. Loved Yellow Sands, and thanks so much. You could not satisfy me if you were putting out a book a week, but your work these days is stunning. I thought the English series was so amazing and that you would never top it - and, well...
    Hope your life is great these days and thanks for your contributions to this fan's reading pleasure.

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  31. Thank you very much, Anonymous. That gives me such a great feeling.

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  32. Josh, I have almost all your books, and you're an amazing writer. Can you tell me if you have more books/stories planned for Christopher and J.X.? Those boys are my faves!

    Sarah

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  33. How nice of you to say so, Sarah! Yes, there are more books planned with Kit and JX. The third book is titled All About the Author and it follows Kit and JX moving in together. Naturally things will not go smoothly for those two!

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  34. Josh,

    Thanks for the update! Any idea when All About the Author will be released? I've friended you on LJ, as well (taken_with_you). I just re-read "All She Wrote" and I love Christopher's vulnerability and you make his journey into self-actualization so realistic and organic. I'll be reading your books for many years to come. Thanks for being so accessible and fun.

    Sarah

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  35. Hi Sarah,

    To be honest I've not committed to any deadlines for next year so it's possible the next book won't be out until end of 2012 or spring 2013.

    Thank you for those kind words!

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  36. Josh,

    I have recently discovered you (2 weeks ago) in my search for stories for my Nook. In the 2 weeks since I downloaded the first book, I have now read about Kit and JX, "Fair Game", I know everything so far about Adrien and Jake and I am beginning the The "Dark Horse" series as I get into bed tonite.

    I have to say that you have entered my list of favorite authors at the top as I cannot seem to put your books down and get anything else accomplished. Your characters seem to grab my heart and just try to pull it out of my chest (Jake and Adrien) on many occaisions and I have shed a tear or two during my reading. Mostt authors are not able to get that much emotion from me.

    Thank you for all the writing you do. I was not aware how much you accomplish in a year. The schedule you have for the remaining year looks daunting to me and all I do is read the books. If you are able to compplete it as scheduled I am grateful to you as i love all I have read so far. Thank you for giving the community, especially myself and my husband something that includes us.

    Best Regards,

    David

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  37. David, I'm in the midst of a writing deadline marathon at the moment so your words couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you.

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  38. Josh, any more books for Adrien?

    Corinda

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  39. Corinda, nothing planned at this time -- perhaps a Christmas story next year. Thanks for asking!

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