Blogs Also Take A Long Time To Write

11/29/2022

...not really, I've just been busy.

With what, you ask?

1.) I finished my first draft of Waybound.

2.) While waiting on edits for that, I continued work on my upcoming space fantasy series. In fact, that's what I'm writing today.

Now, I do want you to understand where we are, so you don't start thinking Waybound is coming out tomorrow. It's only an alpha draft right now. Not even all the beta readers have gotten to read it yet, and there are still scenes to add.

But we're making solid progress. In fact, even without being scene-complete, Waybound is currently second in length only to Wintersteel.

I just like working on books beginning with W, I guess. Probably has to do with my natural affinity for the power of W.

I have to say, it's really blowing my mind that I've been writing full-time for almost ten years. Now I'm wrapping up the ending to my most popular series and beginning a brand-new series that has to follow Cradle. No pressure.

That makes me very nervous. My tiny heart trembles.

Seriously, it's nerve-wracking to be writing the end to a best-selling series and the beginning of a totally new, untested concept. I'm anxious about both, though for different reasons.

What if you don't enjoy the ending to Cradle? What if the text of the new series accidentally forms an incantation that conjures an elder being whose true form mortal minds cannot perceive?

Lots to worry about.

-Will

P.S. Pokémon Violet is really good, dangit. Everyone's talking about the bugs, but hey, I love Skyrim too.

Meanwhile, I'm having tons of fun running around catching Pokémon in an open world. Sure, I sometimes inexplicably turn invisible while throwing a Pokéball. That's part of the charm.

69 Comments

UnlikelyEngineer

11/29/2022 01:41:22 pm

At what point do you lose the nerves and shed the remnant of the nervous writer? Hmmm?
Even Lindon started to believe in his own abilities in Ghostwater. We are currently on book 12.
You need a shell.

Will link

11/29/2022 01:44:40 pm

Honestly, I don't think I'll ever NOT be nervous about book releases, because I'm invested in them. I don't know if that's something to get over so much as something to get used to.

Having said that, I think what I REALLY need is a high-stakes three-act adventure so I can complete a character arc and overcome my internal weaknesses.

The OPG

11/29/2022 01:52:42 pm

... have you heard of hypersigiling?

Ken

11/29/2022 03:44:24 pm

I agree with Engineer. A shell is mandatory.

Brett

12/8/2022 04:32:19 am

Totally reasonable feelings. Honestly, the fact that you're nervous is actually a good sign (as far as I'm concerned, at least). Cradle has always been amazing on so many fronts, be it the sleek editing, character development, plot direction, or just about anything else, but the thing that's always kept me so invested and ravenous for more has been the pure passion behind it. Anyone reading this series can tell you really, really care about it. So if you're worried, that just means you still care deeply about it, which means it's already great :)

Seth Perry

1/4/2023 09:18:29 am

WE NEED AN ANIMATION! CALL NETFLIX PLEASE

Kev

11/29/2022 01:51:43 pm

But but... travelers gate :( I need more

11/29/2022 01:51:55 pm

For the record even if the ending to Cradle is terrible & I hate it, I'll still like you and show up to your Dragoncon panels

Eric

11/29/2022 02:57:21 pm

And I’ll still watch them on YouTube… some of us may burn effigies but that’s ok. Purely for catharsis.

Mike

11/29/2022 05:48:36 pm

I think most of us will be sad to see cradle ending, the book I'm sure will be amazing but cradle ending is a terrible thing lol, it will be difficult to find a new series im as interested in. but all good things must end

LunaticHaven

1/4/2023 11:39:18 pm

I’m in the other camp. If I you don’t stick the landing I’ll hate you forever and burn you in effigy at least once a week. Or maybe not, effigies are surprisingly resource intensive on the crafty side of things.

Best of luck, looking forward to your inevitable success. Or else…

Drossfan110

11/29/2022 01:52:46 pm

Does this mean Waybound is going to be your next release? I wasn’t sure if the new series was dropping before it

Skyrift

12/10/2022 10:51:02 am

Will’s brother answered this exact question on Reddit. No, Waybound will come out AFTER Lindon Dies In Space, or whatever lesser name Will comes up with :)
In all seriousness though, it was confirmed Waybound will come out after the space book.

Storm

1/29/2023 01:43:55 pm

Wait so I’m confused. Is the new series a continuation to Cradle? Like the Cradle gang in space being Reapers (although somehow I see Yerin being anti abdian and just being a helpful fiend)

jhaxx

11/29/2022 01:54:56 pm

Does Cradle really need to end? Or perhaps start new adventures in "Space"?

Benjamin

11/29/2022 04:28:57 pm

What is a bar of blackflame shooting through the heavens, if not a space laser? Yep I'm convinced. 100% the new series is Lindon and crew in space.

Diego

11/29/2022 05:27:04 pm

The new series follows Kelsa & Jai Chen in Space after Lindon ascends and they have nothing to do but go on a wild west adventure to overcome their deppression.

Desmond

1/8/2023 12:55:00 pm

I don't understand why cradle have to end, I feel it would be lazy writing, will introduced us to bengs outside cradle he did not do justice to explaining their concept or the power they wield, he keeps talking about silverlords, fiends and we should not forget the explanation of how it feels when a monarch ascends, how did fury feel? What is it like with power structure when a monarch ascends.

It leaves me more frustrated and to cap it all he said Lindon dies, I don't want a sad ending like that but the author knows best tho

Vedcikk

11/29/2022 02:03:15 pm

Can't wait for Waybound and your next series!!
Ps~ Will the new series set inside the Abidan universe?

Sari-Not-Sorry

11/29/2022 02:35:33 pm

Obviously I'm not the author so take this with a tiny grain of salt, but so far all his books have been in the Abidan universe so it's unlikely that'll change now.

It's also heavily implied to be in Fathom (where the judges battled The Mad King in Reaper). He's mentioned the book will have a setting where dragons are born in stars, and The Angler tries to steal the horn of a dragon sleeping in a star during that battle. Plus the iteration spans thousands of inhabited planets so clearly they have space travel.

stephen

11/29/2022 02:11:48 pm

Don't worry. It's the same thing with stage fright. No matter how often you do it, you still get nervous. You just gotta go out and do it.

Conor Mac

11/29/2022 02:30:00 pm

"Now I'm wrapping up the ending to my most popular series and beginning a follow-up series."

Confirmed next series, at the minimum, exists in the Cradle universe? 🧐

Unklebeavis

11/29/2022 03:16:13 pm

Please, please, please... Include one blooper in the main storyline.

Cameron S-L.

11/29/2022 03:17:33 pm

You've keep us all hooked this long, the likelyhood that the ending is in any way unsatisfying, even if it's not what we thought we wanted, is exceedingly remote, so close to 0 as make no odds. Just give it to me

Mitchell S

11/29/2022 03:41:35 pm

I cant wait for when little blue takes out her knife and kills Reigan Shen

Tony B

12/19/2022 02:16:03 pm

Now that would be hilarious! I can just picture it. She launches herself out of Lindon's soul space at just the right moment and delivers the final blow.

jessiewessie

11/29/2022 04:12:26 pm

Your tiny heart trembles? Will, it's nearly Christmas. Your heart should have grown 3 sizes by now.

Lost1

11/29/2022 04:30:35 pm

I understand, to an extent, your anxiety. Every time I sign a contract obligating millions of dollars (unfortunately not my own) towards some specific end, I'm always nervous that we've somehow missed some obvious error despite the months, or sometimes years, of preparation. When I start feeling that way, it helps to remember what Confucius said, "Finished is better than rothfussed".

Excited for Waybound whenever we get it, and just as excited for whatever adventure you take us on next!

For the last ten-ish years of amazing adventures, Gratitude.

fearertofarer

12/1/2022 12:12:33 am

That Confucius was a wise man.

PokeFan

11/29/2022 05:01:49 pm

What is your favorite Pokémon of this gen? Im torn between Ceruledge and Kingambit.

11/29/2022 05:32:31 pm

First of all, thank you for asking, because I’m excited to answer: I’m torn between Ceruledge and Tinkaton, but I think there are lots of S-tier Pokèmon designs this time around.

I was disappointed in Sw/Sh because my favorite monster designs were Zacian and Eternatus. The two mandatory legendaries. Most of the others I was pretty “meh” about.

But this time there were a lot of standouts to me aesthetically, which is exciting.

TL;DR - Wiglett.

Kat

11/30/2022 11:36:19 am

Tinkaton is in my top-three all time. OP as heck and super cute. And she sleeps on her massive hammer when you’re picnicking. What’s not to love?

Kroz1776

12/1/2022 02:55:16 pm

Annihilape is also pretty darn good.

Kaitlyn

11/29/2022 05:17:09 pm

I’m sorry that it stresses you out, but I have complete confidence in the Cradle finale AND your new series. Your books are like comfort food for my brain, and even if nothing ever resolved I would keep feasting on your characters. I’ll even read one about space, since that’s apparently happening…. and I was super mad when aliens landed in Recluce… 🤷‍♀️😂

11/29/2022 05:44:55 pm

Really looking forward to this, I am a bit disappointed by the current length of the book, was hoping it would be twice as long, though I do understand it isn't finished, looking forward it. I'm really hoping for a series with the main characters from all the willverse come together and go on abidan level adventures, that would be awesome! Can't wait for the new series, I hope it's as addictive as cradle.

Ben

12/6/2022 11:29:43 am

I second this on all fronts!! I was hoping for double the length of winter steel. I am excited for the next series too and nervous because I feel like Lindon and Yerin are my friends, that I will never see again 😭 haha

Nico

11/29/2022 05:53:21 pm

Pokémon violet is where it’s at. Ever want to trade, let me know! The blue duck reminds me of Eithan.

R Johnson

11/29/2022 06:37:17 pm

If an old lady’s two cents helps out ... YOU are an excellent writer! I’m old and I’ve read everything. I majored in English Literature years ago and taught it some ... I’ve read the very best, have little patience for mediocre writing and I would pick up anything you wrote. I like that you’re nervous - tells me you’ve put your heart & soul into it.
FWIW, I appreciate your work and am thankful there’s more to come!

HeWhoEnjoys2xW

11/29/2022 06:38:45 pm

I speak for myself, and I’m sure not a few others when I say... I am along for the journey. The long haul as sails blazes behind you. One that's filled with adventure, naturally, and chills and... Not going off a cliff. So no pressure!!! Have I mentioned that I, we, us, we all trust you. We just like to have fun and relax. Send warm hugs... From a distance, no one likes physical contact, of course. You have nothing to prove. To late, we already like you... And your writing, so back to it!!

Heidi

11/29/2022 07:17:01 pm

Yay! I'm so enjoying Pokémon Violet as well! I think this is the best story Pokémon has put out yet. And I love the new Pokémon.

Thanks for the update!

Solidstate

11/29/2022 09:57:21 pm

Dear Will,
Not every hit after a home run has to be another home run :-)

Also just because the series is ending, doesn’t mean I don’t expect to hear more about Lindon and co. TV series, anime, manga, movies… I’m hopeful !

Peter

11/30/2022 04:26:35 am

i think we are all excited for both!!!!!

Adam

11/30/2022 05:13:59 am

I feel like ive read dreadgod 4x in anticipation. But hey, ive got the new spellmonger book coming next week to hold me off until yours does.

ThisHunbledOne

11/30/2022 10:44:43 am

I read (listened) to the first 11 books at an unknown pace to me. Never had I been so excited about cleaning and driving to get as much advancement done. By far my favorite book series. Looking forward to the conclusion.

Also, I have Scarlet and I am forgiving of all the bugs because this is the open world I always imagined (even if it could be better).
So, you want to do Charizard raids with me and a couple of friends in January. No way we can be ready for the first round of raids, but looking for a fourth buddy when we all advance like dragons and are ready for the raids. Or just to trade pokemon or whatever. We can all be friends.

Matt

11/30/2022 02:49:06 pm

I will be very sad to see Cradle end. This has been my favorite series since I discovered it years ago. I've reread the entire series probably 6 times already and will read them all again when the new book comes out, I don't usually re-read anything at all. So thank you for giving us such a great world and fantastic characters to spark our imaginations. I look forward to all of your future work as well as I am sure it will be just as stimulating.

Tanish Shrivastava link

12/1/2022 04:50:46 am

As someone who is about to start publishing his web serial starting from next year, I can kind of get this anxiety. When will this story end? Will I be able to write another good story, which people enjoy reading? Also some other question, but these two are the ones which primarily haunt me.

Ronnman

12/1/2022 10:48:32 am

Is they the new novel going to have titled chapters? If not then ty

Bill Bight

12/1/2022 02:24:51 pm

So it's coming out in time for XMas, right??? PLEASE!?!?

Forbes link

12/1/2022 07:23:15 pm

Not sure how I will motivate myself to get out of bed in the morning once there are no more new Cradle books to look forward to.

Robert

12/2/2022 08:21:48 pm

It's crazy to me that you've been writing Cradle for over 6 years now. That's almost as long as it takes Rothfuss to release a single novel!

Mike W

12/3/2022 10:20:45 am

I mean, as long as you weren't one of the writers for the last season of GoT, you've got nothing to worry about. Seriously man, I've been totally thrilled with everything you've written. Sure, I'm but one dude, but you ARE a best selling author. You got this. Super excited for the new series.

Charles

1/13/2023 06:37:42 pm

The ending of GoT was the result of the series getting ahead of the the author and TV producers writing the ending. So Will, learn from their mistake. If you ever sell the rights to produce a TV series based on any of your books, make sure you finish the series before they do.

That said, I am sure the ending of Cradle will be spectacular! I anticipate an ending similar to House of Blades in which we end at a good point, but open for future sequels.

I am also looking forward to the new series. Sounds like a nice change in scenery. Excited to see your take on space adventures,

infidale

12/3/2022 03:03:55 pm

I feel like as long as the ending does not see Lindon step into a mirror and begin his quest again, I will be mostly satisfied - especially given the journey has been an absolute blast.

12/6/2022 12:31:06 am

Take the time you need. You mentioned pokemon and using that as a example, please take all the time you need. Also I to love the new pokemon, it sparked something I haven't felt since I was younger. It needs work though like a half baked bun in the oven. So let your bun cook Will, I am beyond hyped for Waybound and I have brought on 3 people to the cradle hype train. All of us adore your works across the board and can't wait for the final cradle book.

Tyler

12/6/2022 07:58:34 am

Will, other than Subnautica are you into other survival builder type games? I ask because I've been lost in my current playthrough of Valheim and can't help but compare the two for their similarities and differences.

Hmmm

12/9/2022 04:00:01 pm

I haven't heard from Simon for a while.

Irvinwop

12/12/2022 09:32:12 am

The power of W. Oh no you set it to M for mini when it should be set to W for Wumbo

Mike Harms

12/13/2022 04:30:35 pm

I just wanted to tell you the reason I love the cradle series (besides your indepth world building and the way you desribe little blue's language)... it is the character and team building. Too often writers feel the need to build drama and tension between the main characters. If I wanted drama I would watch the news. The way you built your characters without them fighting with each other was great. I read a trilogy called Red Rising... same thing great characters and great team was built. The second trilogy of that series came out and all the characters started fighting with and betraying each other... it was horrible! Please keep writing this way! I hope this makes sense! I have read and listened to the Cradle series over ten times and the comradary and team work just makes me feel good! Thanks!

Bobby

12/14/2022 09:52:19 am

Don't worry about what comes next, you have already done a lot. The degree of success of media often depends on the timing of it as much as the actual quality. I have been watching a lot of Adam Savage's Tested, and on thing that comes across is that MythBusters was so successful in part because it was an amazing show, but also because it arose during a time where technologies that allow individuals to access what only companies could do before, such as 3d printers, Arduinos, and internet access, were becoming available. It also didn't have Youtube competing with television, and because of that it found monumental success. If your next project doesn't succeed as much as Cradle, don't take it too hard, some factors are out of your control. (assuming you are set with money) It only matters that the people who read the book like it, not how many people read the book. Anyway, good luck!

Chris

12/16/2022 03:27:23 pm

I’ll be reading whatever you write!

RequiredName

12/19/2022 01:14:13 pm

Sure Waybound is not coming out yet, but what about the merch!? I need Waybound merch to trade with the interdimensional entities who took my Sect of Twin Stars hat

Dasugo

12/20/2022 07:52:07 am

Let me be clear. I have read your Cradle series 3 times over. I have truly enjoyed it. Endings are hard to write but I have enjoyed this journey and i will be there for Waybound and whatever your mind cooks up.

Cuz it is your mind that tickled me. I am here for it

12/21/2022 12:26:02 am

Somewhere in all that i read only this: Waybound is coming out tomorrow. So now every day i check for new blog posts about waybound

Richard

12/21/2022 06:10:34 pm

Nooooooo I don't want it to end 😫

Joshua Howell

12/23/2022 07:51:49 pm

Space fantasy!? Sounds good, I love Cradle but I’m up for to a new series. Magic in space done right is a guilty pleasure for sure.

Effort_Fulcrum_Load

12/25/2022 12:55:25 pm

Happy Holidays Mr. Wight. I hope that Santa didn't eat all your Oreos. If Santa visited Cradle, would Lindon get a present or coal? He was a bit naughty in Dreadgod. My daughter just got caught up on all the books and we are both brimming with anticipation for Waybound.

Mark Lawrence

12/27/2022 02:05:59 am

Greatly enjoyed all of your works to date. Please let the physics be RIGHT for your space sci-fi, even if you're not strictly writing sci-fi.

David Deden

12/31/2022 12:55:09 pm

It appears that Will has posted at least once a month for the last 9 years. It is 4pm on the 31st…. Are we about to get a big reveal? Is Will the Sage of Procrastination? or is he just skipping a month and it’s no big deal?

Smokey the Bear

1/22/2023 10:04:41 pm

In an effort to bring in new readers Will Wight has been selling his ass on Orange Blossom Trail. The results so far, have been positive. There have been many repeat customers. I love Will because he always takes the proper precautions to prevent forest fires.

In which we ramble on.
And by we, I mean me.