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.
Seth Dickinson
science fiction and fantasy
Far better to have a healthy relationship with writing and fewer, slower novels than the reverse. No one wants to see you flay yourself!
I am sure that any work of yours will be celebrated!
Speaking personally, I am happy to read work-for-hire, sequels, new works.
Congrats! I’m stoked.
Congratulations!
I am so happy it did give you a confidence boost, and I am very much looking forward to reading that book! Will it be under your author name?
Take care. Celebrate!
Congrats! This is great to hear Seth. I’m sure no matter what it is, wherever I’m familiar with the IP or not, I will enjoy it!
Most importantly I’m so happy you’re taking care of yourself and things are going well. Very proud of you and truthfully you don’t owe us anything, but I know you will do the characters you have created justice. Thank you for all your amazing work!
That’s so exciting! Congrats!
awesome job omg, I’m looking forward to reading it! super curious to find out what this is going to be, your writing is magnetically interesting in whatever genre you take on
This is nothing but great, great news. Keep it up!
Exciting! Looking forward to seeing what it is
“disappointing and frustrating”? ABSOLUTELY NOT AND NEVER
That you’re rebuilding your confidence, fears are lessening, AND that you did it in a sustainable way? That’s some of the best news I’ve heard this end of the year. It would be more than enough if you’d made those strides without a book, but you had!
I can’t wait to read it!
this is so fucking awesome!! congrats!!
looking forward to reading whatever this mystery novel is, congrats! it always feels great to lock in and be able to manage work that well
Congratulations! This is great news.
You go, Seth!
Excited to find out what this novel is, and very happy you found a good pace that felt healthy for you.
oh fuck yeah (I visit your blog site infrequently but I’m happy to hear this was a good experience when writing up a book! Looking forward to seeing whatever it is too, since I’m fascinated w whatever you put out)
What awesome news! I’ve checked on your blog periodically but am commenting for the first time because I just reread Baru (for the fourth time) and wanted to check up on you. I hope you know you are so appreciated, Seth. I appreciate your incredible books (the Baru series remain some of my all time favorites) and I appreciate the transparency with which you share about your experience of being a person and a writer here. I look forward to any more updates you post!