Listen To My Voice, Minions...On The Radio!

3/14/2014

This Sunday, at 12PM Eastern (or 9AM Pacific, for the heathens), I'll be a guest on the Plucky and Woo-Woo radio show!

Their show airs on the Public Service Network, and they like to interview "plucky" people with cool success stories. They also apparently enjoy talking about sci-fi and fantasy novels, so I might have something to say after all.

The show begins at 12PM (my time), and they tell me I should be on the air by 12:20.

I don't know what we'll be talking about. They told me to say something about my books, and then just "join the conversation." So we'll likely end up talking about some random stuff. Feel free to stop by, listen to my words of dubious wisdom, and depart enlightened.

Here's a link! You may notice that the radio station starts playing as soon as you visit the page, so all you have to do is follow this link on Sunday at noon (again, Eastern Time) and turn on your ears.

http://www.psn-radio.com/

81 Comments

colin

3/14/2014 01:12:33 am

So... does that mean you're done writing CoL :)?

Otherwise, you better be writing during this radio show.

Will Wight link

3/14/2014 01:27:03 am

"I'm sorry...what was your question? I had to finish that scene, but I'm listening now."

"I asked what--"

"Actually, no, hold on. I thought of a good line. Give me a second..."

Dave

3/14/2014 06:41:48 pm

Wait, are you implying that that's NOT how it will go?

Adam

3/14/2014 01:38:51 pm

So I'm the one who has to say it? Shouldn't you be writing?

Jeff

3/15/2014 01:03:51 am

I have finished every book on my reading list waiting for CoL. So shouldn't you be writing? lol

Plucky link

3/16/2014 03:47:54 am

WE LOVE YOU!! Thank you so much for being on our Plucky and Woo Woo show!! You were the most awesome guest!!

https://www.facebook.com/pluckyandwoowoo

Loves!!

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 08:54:21 am

Thanks, Plucky! Sorry it took me so long to reply. Writing. You know how it goes.

And thanks for having me on the show! I had fun.

Jack S

3/16/2014 12:29:28 pm

I'm so bummed that I missed it.

Hayden Desrosiers

3/17/2014 09:11:02 am

Mr.Wight, is there any chance of you getting a copy of the show to publish here? So that us dweebs who missed it can check it out?

Jack S

3/18/2014 01:36:56 pm

Mr. Wight hasn't responded for awhile my hypothesis is that he's busy writing and the book will come out soon.

Hayden Desrosiers

3/19/2014 01:50:19 am

If that's the case, I should prepare to through my money at him.

Will Wight link

3/19/2014 02:44:55 am

Okay, I'm on a break from writing, so I came to say this:

Yes, I'm working as hard as humanly possible on this book. I haven't done anything else in weeks. My fingers are falling off.

And I'm TOLD that there will eventually be a recording of the show available, so that I can post it on this site. Once they get it to me, I'll get it to you.

Back to the book!

A person

3/19/2014 11:32:17 am

For goodness sakes!!! When will CoL come out. I need a date! I'm dying here. I have been waiting for 100000 years! The series is the best ever but I need an ending.

Will Wight link

3/19/2014 11:49:13 am

May I recommend a judicious dose of Elysia's Green Light?

In all seriousness, I'm working on it. I am working all day every day to get Book 3 out ASAP. I expect that the book will be "done" this weekend, after which I let it out of my hands so my beta readers can ravage it. If I can then make their changes and get a decent product in a week's time, I will have it out before the end of March.

If not, I'll delay it. It's all about creating a book that you'll enjoy as much as possible...within a reasonable time frame, of course.

Incidentally, and I'll probably do a blog post about this at some point, the reason why traditionally published authors can put up an accurate release date way ahead of time is because they have to finish their books way ahead of time. They have to completely finish the book before the long, arduous process that stretches between the end of the writing process and the complete book going up on store shelves.

They know six months ahead of time when the book is coming out because they know the publication process takes six months. The book is written long before it ends up in your hands.

In my case, since there is no long publication process--just a half-day of me formatting and reformatting, and then a few hours' delay before it goes up on Amazon--whenever I'm done writing the book is when the book goes up. So I'll only know the actual, accurate release date roughly 24 hours before it goes live. Before that, it's always some degree of estimation.

Believe me, I COMPLETELY understand your frustration. That's one of the reasons why the wait between my books is measured in months, not years. But the only way for me to give you an absolutely accurate release date for the next book is to set it a ridiculously long time from now. If I had said City of Light was going to come out on November 10th, 2014, for instance, it would be easy for me to make that deadline happen. I would have been done with the book for months, and I'm just sitting on it for the sake of handing out a real release date.

Instead of that, I'm going to get you the book absolutely the first second that I can. But the very nature of the process is unpredictable, so one consequence of speed is a little inaccuracy.

I'm thrilled that you're looking forward to the release of this book. I am too! It's the only thing I've been doing with my life for what feels like forever.

And I promise you: when I know, you'll know.

Bryce

3/20/2014 05:10:01 am

Perfect example is Words of Radiance. Sanderson posted on his website when the book was done being written and that we then only had to wait a few months for it to be out.....

william

3/19/2014 12:16:50 pm

Do you best on the book and make the time a mystery until the day before you publish it

Hayden Desrosiers

3/19/2014 01:26:28 pm

Guys, he will be done it soon! If he works on it any faster, the flesh upon his fingers will catch fire and end his career! We should only push him so much!

Tempmine

3/19/2014 01:32:46 pm

So in the billion year wait for CoL i was doing some rereading and compiling info and i thought id share some it with you and have will fill in the blanks ....

Elysian, City of Light, a winged sword, point-down, set against a rising sun on gold

Helgard, TOWER OF WINTER
Violet #1
Honesty
Gate banishment(Like the Glass Bell/Frozen Horn)/??? Gate crawler ???

Avernus, THE FEATHERED PLAINS, A fan of four feathers on brown-and-white
Orange #2
Loyalty
Flight/Telekinesis

Lirial, THE CRYSTAL FIELDS, two crescent moons bracketing a full moon with a star burst in the center on ???
Silver #3
Wisdom
Clairvoyance

Asphodel, GARDENS OF MIST, a purple flower on gray
Rose
Compassion
Healing

Ornheim, MAELSTROM OF STONE, a mountain and two crossed hammers on ???
Green
Patience
Defense power (shield, Handcuffs)

Tartarus, THE STEEL LABYRINTH, three silver keys on ???
Red
Humility
Strength

Endross, THE LIGHTNING WASTES, a snake eating its own tail around a thunderstorm on green
Gold #7
Valor
Offence power (sword, Ball of light)

Naraka, CAVERNS OF FLAME, A clawed fist clutched a ball of flame on red
Blue #8
Mercy
Drain Energy

Ragnarus, THE CRIMSON VAULT
White #9
Self sacrifice
??? Power Level (of all the other powers)???

Valinhall, HOUSE OF BLADES, ???
???Black???

i have more info on Valinhall room / powers but it isnt anyway near as neat as the CoL info.

Tempmine

3/19/2014 01:37:19 pm

Oh yea will you need to add a form/wiki to your website.

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 08:55:16 am

Yeah, I probably do. I've thought of adding a magic system glossary in the back of the books, like Brandon Sanderson sometimes does, but somehow I've just never found the time...

Adam

3/19/2014 02:01:49 pm

Take your time and release great work product like you always do. We'll be here when it's ready!

Jack S

3/19/2014 02:10:17 pm

Yeah take your time, dude. We can be patient. It's worth it.

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 08:56:12 am

Thanks, guys! It's important to me that I get you all something that's as good as I can make it...within a reasonable time frame. Waiting sucks, I totally get it. Thanks for your patience!

Ken from New Zealand ( There are orcs here)

3/20/2014 11:00:43 pm

Hey Will, just wanted to offer my support. I've been into fantasy since I started reading and I like to think I know my way around a fantasy. Don't get me wrong, I love the ridiculously long intricate style ala Robert Jordan, Steven Erikson and the stormlight archive I mean wow frickin wow WOR was awesome but I think action fantasy like the traveler's gate is the way of the future, and you're leading the way. I tip my hat to you sir, take your time with City of Light. We all know it will be worth it.

Ken from New Zealand ( There are orcs here)

3/20/2014 11:31:42 pm

Some pretty repetitive wording there, I may or may not have had a smallish amount of mead before posting.

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 09:10:08 am

Thanks for the encouragement, Ken! I was going to make a New Zealand joke, but then I realized I could only think of Lord of the Rings jokes, and I gave up.

It is interesting to me how few fantasy series are really action-oriented. There are dozens of amazing series in fantasy, and most of them have incredible action scenes...just not MANY action scenes. Sometimes it feels like there are 10 political explanations for each depiction of fireball-throwing or axe-wielding. I do feel like there's a market out there for some lighter, faster, action-oriented fantasy.

I mean, obviously there is, or I wouldn't have sold books. I'd be teaching an English class somewhere as we speak.

As Colin points out below, there are some other fantastic series in the action fantasy sub-genre, in case you were looking for something else to read. He and I disagreed about some of the specific entries on his list (though everything and everyone he mentioned is well worth checking out on their own merits).

Here's my (partial) list of some action-fantasy that you might want to check out, if you haven't already:

Jim Butcher - The Dresden Files OR The Codex Alera (either one).

Michael Sullivan - Riyria Revelations

Scott Lynch - The Lies of Locke Lamora

Brent Weeks - Anything he's written. Seriously, he loves action.

Matthew Stover - His Acts of Caine series is original fantasy, but it is quite dark, so be prepared for that. He's also written several Star Wars books, notably Shatterpoint and the novelization of Star Wars: Episode III, and they're well worth reading even if you're not a huge Star Wars fan. He writes my favorite action scenes of all time.

Douglas Hulick - Among Thieves. This one's not as well-known, and it's not exactly cinematic action, but it's fast-paced and filled with fight scenes, mysteries, revelations, and double-crossing. I enjoyed it.

Those are a few of my recommendations, but hey, it's possible you've read all of them already. In any case, thanks a lot for dropping me a line! I'm always in the market for positive reinforcement.

P.S. The next time you drink mead, let it be in Valhalla, noble warrior!

Mordin

3/22/2014 09:17:05 am

Wow... it's not many times you see an author wishing for the death of his fans!? Not that The Great Will of The unnamed Elysian Wight Light is any old author.

P.S. I could not find a reply button on Wills comment and I do not know if this is intentional, so that the comment threads do not get too long, or if I have a big birthmark spelling out the word Stupid on my forehead.

P.P.S I have mentioned this before but feel compelled to do so again; I am from Sweden and also have dysslexsia (A word I still do not know how to spell) so if my comment is filled with grammatical errors I have a pretty good excuse :)

colin

3/21/2014 04:48:41 am

Hey ken, you need to hit libraries, bookstores and goodreads more.
I'm not sure if I should do this here but read books by
L.e. modesitt, robin hobb, Brandon Sanderson,
Series like the riyria chronicles, tigana, name of the wind, lies of lamora Locke, and that's from the top of my head..
All have an emphasis on characterization and action!
Not to take anything from Mr. Wight, but he's not really leading the way..but he has made a very cool series with tons of potential and a cool magic system.

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 08:43:16 am

I certainly wouldn't call Tigana or Name of the Wind action books. Not at all. They're both incredible books (well, I wasn't a huge Tigana fan, but I AM a Guy Gavriel Kay fan, so the point remains), but they're neither fast-paced nor full of action.

Let me be clear: that is in no way a criticism of those books or those authors. They're WAY better than anything I'm putting out, IMHO. I grovel before Rothfuss and GGK. But they're in a different sub-genre.

Now, Riyria? The Gentlemen Bastards? Anything by Brent Weeks? THOSE are action books, and well worth recommending. If Lynch, Sullivan, or Weeks released anything on the same day as City of Light, I would recommend you read their books twice before picking mine up.

And again, L.E. Modesitt and Robin Hobb...they don't write action much. A+ authors, well out of my league, but they write character-driven stories with a huge emphasis on world-building. Very few action scenes.

If you're looking for excellent fantasy, any of those writers you listed are off-the-charts fantastic. But I think you missed the mark on the "action" part.

P.S. Jim Butcher, either Codex Alera or Dresden Files, is famous for his fast pace and large number of action scenes. Matthew Stover writes my favorite fantasy action scenes, and he's not quite as well-known. There are a lot of great action fantasy writers, I just thought that your list deserved amendment.

colin

3/21/2014 09:43:09 am

Huh I forgot i was thinking of action, then I realized every book has action but not "fast" paced action.
Woops, I simply ended up listing most of my favorite books...
I wrote this in class while I was bored on my phone, but yeah the list I wrote out is not correct. Will Wight points out my errors fairly well.

Trevor

3/23/2014 11:13:12 pm

I could also say you can read any of the David Gemmel books. They are not the best written, and can be somewhat repetitive, but they are good for what I refer to as "bubblegum" reading. There is not a lot there, but very enjoyable overall!

Brian Son of Andy

3/21/2014 05:52:48 am

Wow tough crowd on some of the posts. I want to thank you for the sample chapter, it was awesome. Do people realize how fast you pump out books. Its been years between George RR Martin books and Anthony Ryan's Tower Lord people need to relax a little. Keep up the good work. When its ready its ready don't rush, your books have been amazing so far.

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 09:14:39 am

Glad you liked it, Brian! Honestly, I even appreciate the "OMG HURRY UP AND WRITE" posts: they mean that people are excited for the next book, which is a great message for me to hear.

Then again, sometimes it does get hard when I take my first break from writing in eight hours, and log in to three "Is it ready yet!?" emails and five "How much longer!?" comments. It's only been six months, and that's a remarkably quick turnaround.

However, again, I'm glad they're excited for the book. It just stresses me out sometimes, so I might be a little less gracious than I should. If someone were faced with the choice between giving me a "HURRY UP" comment and no comment at all, I'd say leave the comment!

But it's nice to read encouragement like yours in the midst of that. So thanks again!

Mark jaeger

3/21/2014 09:11:58 am

You forgot jim butcher. His books have kick ass fight scenes though I think the best fight scene I've ever read was Drizzt Do'Urden vs Artemis Enteri. (R a Salvatore) #2 is probably from this book called weapon of flesh. Which is small time but still magnificent. I very much like simon and his fight scenes.

Though I think simon would probably fight like a shard bearer. With long sweeping motions since azura is so huge

Mark jaeger

3/21/2014 09:13:55 am

Oh shit nvm u didn't forget jim butcher I just didn't read the PS.
My bad

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 09:16:12 am

Oh man, I forgot R.A. Salvatore! Yeah, he's another great action writer to add.

And Simon does fight like a Shardbearer. Just one without heavy armor, and with slightly-less-cool Windrunner powers.

bryan

4/2/2014 03:28:37 pm

I'm wholly loving Stormlight Archive (can't wait for #3!) but I'd rather be from Valinhall or Helgard than Alethkar. However, if we (and by we I of course mean you and Mr Sanderson) could have a cross-book combined effort...

colin

3/21/2014 09:58:37 am

Just wondering Mr. Wight...
What is CoL going to focus more on?
For example~
Is CoL going to feature a lot more world building? Is it going to be more about fleshing out Simon, Leah, etc? Or sticking them with the pointy end? Or some Otoku-Caela action??? Please please please

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 10:05:12 am

I think, more than anything, City of Light focuses on the deaths of Simon, Alin, and Leah, and how their tragic loss paves the way for the real hero: Overlord Lysander.

In all honesty, though, it's mostly about advancing the plot. I know where I want the major characters to end up, and who I want them to be, and this book is about getting them there.

colin

3/21/2014 10:59:50 am

Chapter 23 -
* * *
Lysander bided his time.
He stood perfectly still, hands outstretched, as he was immobilized by the crystal stasis the Heiress had casted on him.
He was unmobile, but not helpless. Lysander's flock of Avernus birds had been spread out throughout the realm...the Heiress may have killed so many of his precious ones but the few remaining had come to him to sing. They tweeted to him names, Endross, Ornheim, Naraka and Ragnarus. They sang to him of destruction and blood, of the chaos and the fear. They told him what he already knew would come to pass.
The birds chirped the fall of Damasca.
Flats of death came out now as the birds recounted the fallen, but an unexpected note came out, the flat of Talos.... Lysander rattled against his crystal imprisonment. Talos was not supposed to die here!
Every Avernus Traveler had the ability of sight, to see something more and deeper. Lysander could see snippets of consequence. He knew by siding with Enosh would lead to the terrible King's death but not this. This was not suppose to happen.
He yelled with his mind at the remnants of his flock. FREE ME. LET ME SET THIS RIGHT. The birds chipped at his enclosure with ferocity equal to his own. They moved like a black wave, smashing over and over into the Lirial crystal, which slowly gave in, chip by chip. His ambitions and dreams with Talos were gone, but Lysander still had one thing left to him, the title of Overlord. He owed something to his people. And Lysander knew what was expected of him. He would protect them and then marry Otoku.

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 11:49:48 am

I can't believe you saw my Lysander/Otoku twist coming...get out of my head, sorcerer!

Woah

12/19/2016 01:19:01 pm

No! I was shipping Kai and Otaku!

Hayden Desrosiers

3/21/2014 10:54:49 am

"...and on that day, the man known as Will Wight, would become the first person ever to conquer the world without ever trying. All he ever did was promise the release of books in under a year. The people of the world rejoiced and elected him Supreme Emperor of the Universe..."

-History class of 2307

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 11:48:01 am

"...and we still serve our immortal Emperor today. All hail the Empire Eternal! All our base are belong to him!"

--Mandatory Propaganda Program #7, Universal Empire Network

Ken From New Zealand

3/21/2014 11:21:18 am

Obviously I've read everything Brent Weeks has put out, the name of the wind was ok but hardly action fantasy, I mean nothing happened in the second book... Robin Hobb and Fritz.. Alright as a space filler but not re-reading that series any time soon. What I meant was there are no other fantasys that spring to mind that have such a frantic pace. Jim Butcher comes close I guess. Acts of Caine wasn't bad, but at least half of it was soul searching about how he was a bad guy but came to terms with it... Jeez guys, cant I compliment an author with a style I like without you recommending ( in your opinion) better books? On said author's blog no less? And to the dude who recommended visiting a library to me its 2014 man, do they even still have those?

Will Wight link

3/21/2014 11:45:20 am

Hey, I know exactly what you meant, and I was glad of the compliment! In my opinion, there aren't nearly enough action fantasy books. They're far outweighed by the contemplative, world-building types.

Like you said, I love those kinds of books, but the lack of action in most fantasy is one of the main reasons I wrote the Traveler's Gate Trilogy the way I did.

Thanks to you and your mead for the encouragement!

Also, since you're in New Zealand...tell an Orc I said hi.

Hayden Desrosiers

3/21/2014 11:57:59 am

Fun New Zealand fact: NZ produces Mordor's than any other country.

Mark jaeger

3/21/2014 04:59:25 pm

I do you like action try the legend of drizzt. Story about a badass dark elf with morals raised in an evil society. Also weapon of flesh kicks ass. It is about a boy covered in magical runes meant to become a weapon for a twisted guildmaster

Mark jaeger

3/21/2014 04:53:17 pm

Ok this is meant as a compliment. I love that you're small time. I feel like authors with fame have more time for the little people. (Ever try getting a question to jim butcher or Brandon Sanderson very unlikely) I hope you continue writing after the trilogy comes to a close

Will Wight link

3/22/2014 02:51:13 am

Thanks, Mark! I, too, am glad that I have enough time to address everyone individually. If Butcher or Sanderson tried to answer every question they were asked, they'd never get any writing done.

Also, I'm going to begin my next series pretty much the instant CoL goes online. I'm hoping to have it out late this summer/early this fall.

I made enough money from the Traveler's Gate Trilogy that I'm doing this full-time now. If I don't continue writing after this trilogy, I will undoubtedly starve and die in a gutter.

Mark jaeger

3/23/2014 07:55:39 pm

How many copies have you sold? And what does sharing the book do for u and how? Also have you tried getting it published? I mean I like kindle but there is nothing like a real book! :D

Will Wight link

3/23/2014 11:40:03 pm

Roughly 70,000 novel sales. Not counting the short stories.

And no, I have no reason to try and get it published by a traditional publisher. They're not going to offer me more than I'm making now, on my own. It would be ridiculous for them to make a deal like that, and I would be an idiot to accept anything less.

So, basically, I'm doing too well on my own to go through a publisher. The only thing they could offer me that I can't do on my own is access to the major book retailers, and I'm not confident that is enough of a benefit. Let me rephrase that: I'm confident that's not enough of a benefit.

As cool as it would be to see my books on store shelves, it's not worth shackling myself to a traditional publishing company. That could change in the future, but at the moment I don't see it happening. I have no reason to do it.

Again from Ecuador

3/21/2014 07:17:50 pm

I've just finished B. Sanderson Steelheart. It's actually an awsome story with lots of action potential. The only thing i didn't like about it is that in some parts of the book i felt the story moved too fast. Anyway i wanted to tell you that besides been a great book and written by a fantasy master like B. Sanderson, travelers gate trilogy is far better. I love the pace of the story, the characters, the world, everything. I'm not a literature autorithy just an MD. but your books are addictive and i can't wait for COL and a supersayayin Simon

Will Wight link

3/22/2014 02:47:12 am

Thanks, person from Ecuador! I enjoyed Steelheart, and I'm looking forward to Book 2 (Firefight, I think it's called) later this year.

Just for you, I'll make sure that Simon gets spiky blond hair and a golden aura in this book. The first fifteen chapters are just him powering up.

Josh

3/22/2014 01:16:52 am

Quick question off topic. Will, if someone borrows one of your books from Amazon prime do you get any kickback for that? If not then I will make sure the people I recommend it to buy the book instead of borrowing it (I have some cheep friends). I heard other authors getting something for borrowing so I was just making sure because I want you to keep getting the financial support so all of us can enjoy your awesome books! And for the above conversations: not only is Brent weeks' The Lightbringers series full of action but the light drafting concept is freaking awesome.

Will Wight link

3/22/2014 02:45:09 am

As a matter of fact, because my novels are only three dollars, most months I make slightly MORE from a borrow than from a sale.

So tell your friends to borrow! Borrow away!

Mike S

3/23/2014 05:30:23 am

I can't wait for COL!!! Keep up the good work.

Will Wight link

3/23/2014 07:51:44 am

Thanks, Mike! Now, back to work with me!

Bruce Wayne

3/23/2014 12:16:14 pm

When do we get to see the cover? I'll let you in the bat cave if you show it early.

Will Wight link

3/23/2014 11:40:48 pm

Oh, Bruce, you're hilarious. Everyone knows that Batman is Harvey Dent.

Elder III

3/23/2014 03:37:38 pm

Take your time my friend, we want you stress free so that the words pour forth like a flood of Biblical proportions. So eat right, sleep at least 8 hours each night and ignore the fact that I'm sounding like your grandma.

Will Wight link

3/23/2014 11:42:31 pm

Hey, Grandma, you finally figured out how to use the computer! Don't worry; I'm eating as badly as ever, I haven't slept in six days, and I think I'm drowning in that flood you mentioned.

Seth

3/24/2014 02:13:32 am

Hey!

Greetings from Lebanon!
Among all the atrocities around us books like urs r what keep the light flowing...

Keep up the good work and take u r time!
But not like GRRM!!
:)

Will Wight link

3/24/2014 11:48:42 am

Greetings from the U.S., Seth!

I'm humbled and glad that my books brought some light into your world, and that you enjoyed them. That's fantastic! There's no higher praise for me. It's just always a...really strange feeling to hear that my books about fantasy violence are being read by people who live in an atmosphere of real violence.

Hey, thanks for the compliment!

And no, I would never end up on a release schedule like GRRM. Can you imagine how boring that would be? Working on ONE book and ONE series for years and years at a time? I'd rather get a job at a grocery store and write fanfiction as a hobby.

I guess he likes it, though, so I can't blame him.

Jason

3/24/2014 05:49:20 am

The dinosaurs like myself appreciate that you've released House of Blades and Crimson Vault in paperback (hard to beat the weight of a book in your hands and the smell of a new book - like I said, dinosaur). Do you think you'll ever release the Traveler's Gate Chronicles in paperback as well?

Don't get me wrong, I'm too impatient to wait for the paperback to come out so I buy the kindle version of your books and read them right away, I just buy the paperback once it's an option too.

Will Wight link

3/24/2014 11:51:57 am

Ebooks are the way of the future, grandpa! Join us in the clean, cold light of new technology!

But for real, I am going to release City of Light in paperback as soon as I can (it requires a new graphic designer and an entirely different formatting process, so it takes a few weeks, but it should be up within a couple months of the ebook's release).

Also, at this time, I do plan on releasing all three books in one big "Traveler's Gate Trilogy" volume. That might be a limited-time thing, where I print 250 signed copies and that's it. I haven't decided yet, but I'll let you know if/when it happens.

Also, just FYI: I make roughly the same amount on an ebook sale as I do on a paperback sale. Weird, right? It reflects the amount of money that goes into printing and shipping the book; I make a much lower percentage cut than I do on an ebook sale.

So if you or your friends are thrifty spenders, and you want to stop with the ebook version, that's fine with me!

...or, you know, buy both. I definitely won't stop you from doing that.

Jeremiah Halstead

3/25/2014 09:16:34 pm

If you do that, I would have to drive down and pick up a copy... and buy you dinner. But if I did that you dinner would come from the McDonalds Value menu or, if I really scrimped, the Wendy's value menu.

April

3/25/2014 12:07:02 pm

Not sure where to post this so it has a chance to be seen, but as the most recent post, this probably has the best chance. First, a little explanation of the following post. My husband Jeremiah wanted to get me Gardens of Mist of Christmas. When Christmas Eve rolled around with no sign of it, he sent an email to the scribe of Library of Wight, requesting a paragraph for his wife. The response he received follows.

April

3/25/2014 12:08:11 pm

Sticky with drying blood, Jeremiah kicked open the door to the Library of Wight. He would have sheathed his sword, but the blood would just gum up his scabbard. He left the blade bare.

Perhaps that was best anyway. He wasn't here to make friends, after all.

The Library stretched back farther than his eye could make out, an endless forest of mahogany shelves and leather-bound tomes. The books were lit by flameless magical lanterns that floated up and down the aisles.

Just inside the door, only a few feet in front of Jeremiah, sat a rather ordinary-looking man in a brown robe. He leaned over a desk, scribbling furiously with a black quill pen.

He looked up, not seeming particularly surprised to see a huge, bloody man carrying a sword. "I am but a humble scribe in the service of this library. You may call me Wight."

Wight's eyes narrowed in confusion as though he were trying to figure out a particularly difficult math problem. "Didn't we have a squad of orcs guarding that door?"

Jeremiah shrugged. They hadn't slowed him down much. He gestured to the blood drenching his clothes.

Wight cleared his throat. "I see. And you are?"

"Jeremiah."

"Ahem. Yes, well, how may I help you, Jeremiah?"

"I was promised a book, Wight." Not to brag, but Jeremiah knew he had a stentorian voice to match his Herculean frame. He didn't need to say much to intimidate the average man, and this scribe looked distinctly below average.

Wight's quill trembled, so he placed it carefully on the table. "There are plenty of other books here, master Jeremiah. Take your pick."

Jeremiah leaned over the scribe's desk for maximum effect. His impressive muscles rippled beneath his blood-stained leather armor. "You promised."

Wight's face fell. He suddenly looked as though he might cry. "I tried, Jeremiah," he whispered. "Stars know I tried. It will be out soon, I promise, but now...I simply don't have it ready."

Frustration rose up in Jeremiah's chest. Had he made this long journey for nothing? He had to push down the urge to cleave Wight in twain with his mighty broadsword.

"I will take anything you have, scribe," Jeremiah said. "Even a paragraph. Not for me, you understand. For my wife."

Jeremiah's wife was an angel. Literally. She had descended from the heavens to express her admiration for Jeremiah's many heroic deeds. They had been married on the spot, by a passing Dragon Highlord. Her otherworldly beauty, unsurpassed by any mere human, was matched only by her earth-shattering magical power.

She deserved every gift and honor in the world. If his wife wanted a story from this Wight fellow, then by all the stars, Jeremiah would get her such a story. Even if it was only a paragraph.

Wight met Jeremiah's eyes, and for a moment they only looked at one another. Then Wight seemed to sense Jeremiah's mountainous determination. He rubbed at the bridge of his nose as though to fight a headache.

"I do have...something," he said. He reached beneath his desk, withdrawing a single flame-charred corner of yellow parchment.

"It's not much," Wight admitted. "But maybe your wife will enjoy it. And I'll be done with the book by the end of the month, I swear on all the lights in the heavens."

Jeremiah snatched the parchment with two red, sticky fingers.

"I'll be back in a week."

April

3/25/2014 12:13:42 pm

Some good news for those hoping that Will gets us a book soon. My husband told me some time back he would get me City of Light for my birthday, which is Friday. He just left grumbling about needing to go clean his sword "to keep that Wight chap motivated." Don't worry, his 'motivation' won't include any sort of damage that would keep Will from writing.

Will Wight link

3/25/2014 01:11:57 pm

No! Please! I just hired new orcs!

Will Wight link

3/25/2014 01:23:35 pm

Also, for anyone stumbling onto this story without context:

I don't know April or Jeremiah IRL. As far as I know, we've never met except online; I hardly count that one incident at the hidden library. I'd been staring at my scroll so long I could barely see, and I was too frightened to look Jeremiah in his eyes. They seemed to glow like sullen stars, and they are all that I remember of his face.

So when I mention Jeremiah's "Herculean frame" or "stentorian voice," am I sure that it's accurate? No. He may, instead, be "built like a god," or "sculpted as if from a boulder," with a "voice like Gabriel's trumpet."

It's those little details that I had to make up.

For instance, with April, do I know that she's a literal angel? I do not. She may be a goddess or nature spirit, descending to our physical plane in order to teach us mere mortals a lesson in selfless charity and flawless posture.

Or she may be nothing more than a wandering warrior-queen on an eternal quest to avenge her forgotten people. How am I to know?

The point of it is, I hope you'll forgive me my artistic license. I was doing what I could to bring these characters down to earth, so that you could identify with them a bit, and see them as more than just towering avatars of perfection.

...avatars that I will shortly have to placate again, with a birthday apology, unless my All-Seeing Crystal has failed me.

Krog Hellscream

3/25/2014 03:31:12 pm

Mr. Wight, Due to the above conversation, I am going to need to take the next two weeks off using a portion of my total PTO. I hope this is not a problem, but this is clearly covered in section 3: article B of my Orcish Union Contract.

Warchief Drall link

3/27/2014 02:55:51 am

NO, GRUNT! BACK TO POST, OR DRALL--

*ahem* Excuse me, I just woke up. As you will clearly see in Section 3: Article C of the contract you so accurately referenced, lethal peril and/or threat of heroic attack does not excuse you from duty. Indeed, that was the very reason you were hired in the first place.

Now get back to your post, and while you're at it, bring me some of that succulent bloodrat stew.

Josh

3/27/2014 03:54:00 am

^ Awesome.

Tim K

3/25/2014 11:01:11 pm

Oh man. These posts are entertaining. Allow posting of pictures, reddit better look out.

Will Wight link

3/27/2014 02:52:53 am

Man, I really do want to be able to post pictures in comments. I'd do it all the time.

At some point, I'm going to have to upgrade the website, but that's not likely to happen this year. Plate...too...full...

Newkev

3/26/2014 12:46:02 am

Hi Will,

Thanks for the great series, I'm eager to see CoL. I'm French and I'd like to say that you have people from all over the world waiting for your book. I don't want to put pressure on you but... Take your time and make it GREAT!

Will Wight link

3/27/2014 02:56:47 am

France! That's awesome! I certainly wouldn't want to disappoint an international audience: I'll do everything I can to make the conclusion as satisfying as possible.

Just for you.

Noah

3/27/2014 12:15:18 am

Just wanted to say that I am really enjoying your books so far. They remind me a bit of a cross between a really good action packed anime, and a particularly fun role playing session I hope never ends.

A table - top, pen and paper role playing game based on your series should probably happen soon. Like tomorrow maybe? Make it so Ensign Wight.

Anime, role playing AND a Star Trek reference? Yuo, my geek is showing.

- Noah

Will Wight link

3/27/2014 03:01:05 am

Anime/RPG, eh? That's...fairly accurate, actually.

Several people have contacted me about information for a homebrew pen-and-paper RPG running on the FATE system, which I think is an awesome idea. I'd play that.

Of course, if you come up with anything interesting in the course of the game, I'll steal it. Your biological and technological distinctiveness will be added to our own. YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED. RESISTANCE IS FUTILE.

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