It’s not Baru 4, and it’s not Exordia 2 (if such a beast ever comes to pass), and in fact it’s work for hire for an IP. It also wasn’t supposed to be a novel — the contract was for a novella, I just went badly over the word count.

But this is still a big deal for me. I wrote this book in just a few months, while holding down a full time job, at a steady sustainable pace, without any great suffering or psychic distress. I did engage in some of my worst habits (throwing everything out and starting over; going very long) but they did not stop me from hitting the deadline. It’s really rebuilt some of my confidence. I feel more certain I can finish the books I owe you all, and less afraid that I’ll vanish into a hole of self-punishment for years like I did with Baru 2 and 3.

I know it’s disappointing and frustrating that I haven’t had firm news on Baru 4, but I promise that I fully intend and hope to deliver a good book. And this is some evidence that I will succeed.