Mailing List Story is Live!

3/1/2016

I just sent an original Traveler's Gate story, entitled A Collection of Swords, to everyone on my mailing list!

If you got it, or didn't get it, let me know in the comments! Tell me what you thought, and if you'd like to see more content like this in the future.

If you missed this one, sign up for the mailing list at the bottom-right of this page, or the bottom of the home page (beneath my bio).

And most importantly, thanks for reading!

-Will

92 Comments

Ravi link

3/1/2016 01:12:52 pm

Hi Will!

As a fan of the series, I really enjoyed the short story. It's of my opinion that authors need to write stories like this to break up writing a full novel, so I was happy to see it! Although some people may complain about the length, I believe it was very "day in the life" feel. I would enjoy similar stories from our other POV characters as well, especially with their new stations in life. More Simon is fine of course.

As a (slightly) more objective reader at large, I only have one minor quibble. I would have like a bit more about how the Islands are run and where they are/what they look like. We don't know anything about them from the series so a little more about them would have been great since it's a new locale!

Will link

3/2/2016 07:35:13 am

It definitely was a "day in the life" story, and I had actually considered a title to that effect. As for the length, it's funny you mention it: this is a fairly moderate length for a short story. I was actually aiming for something HALF this long, but I couldn't do it. I needed to write.

You're absolutely right about the Isles! It needs fleshing out, because it's a neat new setting. I'm considering starting the new trilogy over there, and if I do, I'd spend some time building the background.

Ravi link

3/2/2016 10:07:10 pm

Thank you so much for the reply, Will! I'm always happy to see amazing authors like you who keep in touch with your fans! I eagerly await your next short story (and the Book 3s of course). Maybe next time we can see how Leah's doing :)

Faris

3/1/2016 01:26:58 pm

Hi Will,

I loved that story. The Traveler's Gate world is one of the best one's I've read, and I really hope you continue to write the short stories.

Will link

3/2/2016 07:36:22 am

It's a little early to call, Faris, but I probably will! I enjoyed writing this one, and the whole process only took a day. One day off a month to write a short story isn't too bad.

Jeremiah

3/1/2016 02:25:14 pm

Loved it. Really loved the last line or two!

Will link

3/2/2016 07:36:54 am

Thanks, Jeremiah! I knew I needed to leave it on a joke.

Thomas

3/1/2016 03:25:55 pm

Really enjoyed it. Brought back memories of reading the other books in the series. Can not wait for the return of The Traveler's Gate series. I am really enjoying your new series, have not got my hands on books 2 yet, but I am eagerly awaiting the finish The Elder Empire series so we can get back to Simon. Keep up the great work Mr. Wight.

Will link

3/2/2016 07:38:04 am

Thanks for reading them both, Thomas! I can't wait to get back to Simon either!

Chase Jacobsen

3/1/2016 03:44:58 pm

Big fan of the series. but I haven't received the short story, please resend. Keep up the awesome work.

Will link

3/2/2016 07:40:05 am

Hm. Would you mind checking your Junk folder for me? I've heard from two or three people who didn't get the email, so I'm trying to figure out why so I can do better next time. Two or three out of 400+ isn't that much, but it means there's a problem somewhere.

Either way, if you didn't get the story, send me an email at will@willwight.com. I'll send you the story immediately.

Sorry about that, Chase!

Zach

3/1/2016 03:46:14 pm

Just got, and read, the short story. I loved it! Please please please continue Simon's story, or another Valinhall Traveler's story. I love the world you created.

Will link

3/2/2016 07:41:39 am

Thanks, Zach! Just so you know: if I do continue writing these stories, they'll be more "episodes" like this one. Not so much a continuation of the main story.

But late this year, I do intend to start a new Simon trilogy! Stay tuned!

Angel

3/1/2016 05:10:12 pm

That was really cute. Make another one.

Will link

3/2/2016 07:42:04 am

I like the way you get straight to the point, Angel. Glad you enjoyed it!

3/1/2016 07:03:07 pm

given how little time i devote to pleasure reading these days, your story was just what i needed to feel connected to your characters. thanks!

Will link

3/2/2016 07:42:37 am

Perfect, SD! That's what I was going for!

Thanks for reading!

Kinkaid

3/1/2016 07:42:25 pm

So excellent! I cannot describe how excited I was to see you sent out that email. There are very few authors i actively follow - you, Rothfuss, and Sanderson. Keep up the excellent writing. You have a serious gift and I look forward to each book you write.

Will link

3/2/2016 07:43:24 am

Wow, that's some illustrious company. Thanks for your time, and I'll try to keep you entertained!

Also, Kinkaid, please don't snipe me.

MENTATDGT link

3/1/2016 09:04:10 pm

That was a nice surprise.

It's been a while since I finished the Traveler's Gate trilogy but it's great how everything came back in the 9 pages of the story. The world building and magic systems are wonderful and when blended with some of the characters becomes a potent narrative.

More short stories would be wonderful but I also do hope that a new series will continue the story where you left it off at. The short story only whet my appetite for deeper narratives, plots, new characters and more character development. I remain intrigued at what additional challenges and powers lurk within Valinhall, and how much more each of the characters have to develop. I really like the Elder Empire series, but the original series has a special place in my Kindle and heart.

Best Regards from Singapore,
MENTATDGT

Will link

3/2/2016 07:48:30 am

This might come a little out of nowhere, but I appreciate the Dune reference, Mentat.

It's always amazing to me when I hear people enjoy my stories so much. My sister listened to my audiobook recently, and she kept calling me with comments like, "Why did you kill Malachi!" and "Alin is the WORST!" It's hard for me to realize that there are people out there who enjoy my stories just as much as I enjoy others.

So when I get comments like yours, from someone who lives on the other side of the world, it's the best praise I could get! Thanks, Mentat!

Jeffery

3/1/2016 09:52:13 pm

OMG! The world in which you have created the travelers gate series is seriously my favorite! I have been desperately waiting for more. This was the perfect teaser and has me chomping at the bit for another tale.

Will link

3/2/2016 07:51:03 am

Awesome, Jeffery! Is there something specific you'd like to see in a future short story?

dave

3/1/2016 11:11:58 pm

Really love the travalers gate trilogy and reading the short story was wonderful brought back
memories and i just cant wait until the next book is released
Would love if you continued these short story's i was waiting in anticapation the whole month for the short story and it was very worth it thank you and can't wait for the new books

Will link

3/2/2016 07:53:19 am

I'm glad it met your expectations, Dave! I'll announce the next one soon!

Scott

3/2/2016 08:28:36 am

Hah! That was great :D

If you're going to do more short stories, will you compile them into a single collection for publication at some point?

Will link

3/3/2016 07:31:09 am

Probably! I've only written this one, so it's going to be a while before I have to make that decision, but I don't see why not!

lupus7

3/2/2016 01:54:23 pm

to gooodddddddddddddd jjajajjaja

Alessandra Porta

3/2/2016 02:26:21 pm

Great teaser. I really, really loved it! I've read everything I could grab in the Traveler's Gate universe, included all your short stories... Just keep writing, great world building, great characters. I love the Elder Empire, but those Travelers stole my heart!

Greetings from Como, Italy

Will link

3/5/2016 11:32:32 am

Greetings from Orlando, Florida!

Thanks for reading, Alessandra! I'm glad you enjoyed the story, and there's more on the way!

John

3/2/2016 03:05:26 pm

This was a great short story, and now I'm waiting for more!!! Keep up the great storytelling, and thank you for providing this to your fans. It's nice to see someone give something back, and you will continue to receive my financial support for your incredible books!!!

John

3/2/2016 04:53:48 pm

Will link

3/5/2016 11:33:24 am

Thanks, John! I'll be doing more stuff like this in the future, including an ongoing original story for the site...

3/2/2016 04:22:19 pm

Loved it. I'd appreciate it if you could summon some more from your territory of awesome.

Will link

3/5/2016 11:44:05 am

The Awesome Territory is far more treacherous than you may have heard. Last time I Traveled through, I lost a hand in a tragic rocket-shark accident.

Bryce

3/2/2016 04:23:17 pm

Didn't get the email =(

Will link

3/5/2016 11:45:06 am

If you haven't already (and I think you have), email me! I'll send you your own personalized copy of the short story, with every instance of "Simon" replaced by "Rhys."

(DISCLAIMER: I will not actually replace any words in the story.)

Rhys

3/15/2016 05:30:33 am

Why Rhys, if I may ask Will? Not that I object to having my name in the Traveller's gate series. At all. In fact go right ahead, I like this idea more and more.

Connor

3/2/2016 04:51:30 pm

Looks like I just missed it :( I can't wait until the next ones!!

Will link

3/5/2016 11:45:29 am

Email me, Connor! will@willwight.com

Christina

3/2/2016 09:12:22 pm

The story was absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much for it. I certainly look forward to the future stories you write.

Will link

3/5/2016 11:45:55 am

Delighted that you enjoyed it, Christina! Looks like I'll be doing some more of these fairly soon!

Andrew

3/2/2016 09:25:28 pm

Didn't get the email :(

Will link

3/5/2016 11:46:40 am

That sucks, Andrew! Email me at will@willwight.com and I'll send you a replacement.

Ken

3/3/2016 09:35:36 am

Hi,
I missed the deadline for the story but just subscribed to your list. Is it possible to get it even though I was late?
Thanks

Will link

3/5/2016 11:47:14 am

It is, Ken! Email me at will@willwight.com, let me know you didn't get the story, and I'll send it to you directly!

Just for you, though, because you're special.

kain

3/3/2016 09:56:01 pm

Great story! I think I might have to re-read the series now, thanks a lot

Will link

3/5/2016 11:47:36 am

You've unearthed my diabolical plan, Kain. YOU MUST BE SILENCED.

Rhys

3/4/2016 12:55:02 pm

Thanks Will, it was brilliant. It made me go back and read the whole trilogy again. So many hours when I should have been working swallowed by Simon and his dolls!

Will link

3/5/2016 11:43:18 am

I approve, Rhys! Even now, I'm procrastinating by harvesting corn in Stardew Valley.

Procrastinators unite! Tomorrow!

Jason

3/4/2016 02:47:04 pm

I will try to keep this short, but...

I actually loved the story. I'm usually not a fan of things like this but it was really done well. I'm also amazed that you didn't make it longer and throw it up for some quick cash which makes it priceless.
Simon to me is one of the BEST characters in a story. Its not often that you meet a simple and yet amazingly complex character in a book that doesn't bore the hell out of you. Its a perspective of what most writers would consider a supporting character that truly works.
So all that being said I really do enjoy the series and I am constantly hoping for more of this particular one. Not that there's anything wrong with the Elder Empire. "DOOM" (Snuffles is hilarious).
So in keeping this medium please keep it up as I'm sure your entire fan base would agree.

Will link

3/5/2016 11:42:24 am

Thanks, Jason!

I know I'm running a business, and money is necessary if I want to keep writing, but stories and readers motivate me way more than sales. I wanted to give you guys something fun, because I know it's a slightly longer wait between EE books than I'd like. If I can keep you guys entertained with some free, quick content, so much the better!

And I'd already set up a mailing list, which is a much better medium for sending a PDF than this blog, so the stars kind of aligned in that way.

As for Simon, I'm glad you enjoy him! This story was a fun project for me, because in the process of writing it, I was able to explore what makes Simon a unique, interesting character. I had to dive back into what sets him apart from Shera, or Calder, or new-guy-I'm-secretly-writing-about.

Plus, I love writing for the dolls.

Since the response has been great, I'll keep doing some short stories! I doubt if they'll all be post-CoL Simon, since it will probably be whatever I feel like writing about that week, but I think you can expect regular content like this in the future!

chris

3/4/2016 06:54:27 pm

Loved getting a story to tide me over until the next novel but missed the full fleshing out of motivations and back story of the islands. Interesting to see an option of where you might be going.

Will link

3/5/2016 11:35:40 am

You're not going to get a whole lot of fleshing out in a short story, but I'm glad you enjoyed the glimpse! I'm looking for an excuse to explore the Isles, but there's still a long time before the next TG book. I may change my mind.

Readstoomuch link

3/4/2016 10:29:02 pm

Loved the short story! Can't wait for more Traveler's Gate! And Elder Empire, of course.

On a different note, I also was unable to find the email at first, but I use Gmail, and was able to find it by searching for "will wight" in my inbox.Hope it helps.

Will link

3/5/2016 11:34:27 am

That's great to know! I wasn't sure what to tell people who didn't get the email, because most people DID get it. I got it. So I don't know if it's a junk mail thing, or if the Internet imps ate it.

Glad you enjoyed the story! More on the way!

Readstoomuch link

3/10/2016 09:43:26 pm

Knowing your stories, it took at least an internet arch-demon, who is now running away from Simon and a horde of dolls in terror.

Steve

3/6/2016 07:37:49 am

Dude was in that first thousand back in 13' reading you..watching you trend Amazon...glad you finally revisiting Simion and especially Valinhall..wishing you would come to NY ComicCon..hey use it as an excuse to meet the girls whom do the book covers..aren't they from Boston? Better yet make a comic book with them..Hugh Howie did with Wool..and it's by far one of the best things in our collection...just wishing you could let Valinhall grow into a multiuniverse..... ISJ. 😇 from a fanzie

Will link

3/6/2016 12:39:04 pm

That's awesome, Steve! Honored to still have you onboard!

I have friends in and around Boston, but I never considered attending NY ComicCon. It's quite a hike, but I did go to PAX East last year. Maybe I should look into NYCC...

James

3/7/2016 04:39:04 am

Dude,

That story was great. I loved the banter between Simon and the doll. And the way the people are starting to see him as a national hero. I hope to maybe see some new Valinhall travelers and Simon becoming a great leader. keep up the good work.

Will link

3/7/2016 08:18:51 am

Thanks, James! Glad you enjoyed it!

I'm excited to explore a Simon who's getting a little more attention, because it will be interesting to see how he reacts to that. He doesn't particularly enjoy the spotlight, after all.

Jeff J

3/7/2016 09:16:11 am

I tried signing up for the mailing list on the 29th and never got the email to verify it until today. So now I'm on the mailing list but missed the story. Any chance of sending it out to me? Really want to read it.

Will link

3/8/2016 08:44:52 pm

Np, Jeff! Send me an email, and I'll respond with the story!

Jeff J

3/9/2016 09:07:08 am

Thanks a lot! Read the story as soon as I saw it in my inbox. My wife thought I was crazy for sitting up in bed at 2am and reading it on my phone, but a good story isn't bound by trivial things like "time" or "having to work in 4 hours".

Loved the story and the irony of the whole thing. It made me chuckle. Keep up the awesome writing.

Liam

3/8/2016 02:57:40 pm

Tried to get the new short story from Will but was unable get receive it. Sad face....Anyone want to help me out and send it to me please??

Will link

3/8/2016 08:44:23 pm

Happy Birthday, Liam! I got your email, but when I responded with the story, I got a "failed to deliver to this address" message. Is there another address I can use?

Zach

3/10/2016 06:05:57 pm

I didn't get the story can you help? I could have sworn I was on the mailing list

Liam

3/10/2016 08:28:08 pm

Sure wicph@aol.com. Thanks you are not the only one having a problem with my email lately

Will link

3/11/2016 09:20:51 am

Send me an email, Zach!

scott pike

3/10/2016 06:26:56 am

I really liked the short story. Read it quickly in one night and I was hungry for more. I hope more come soon. It will be nice to see how he handles his powers now that it isn't always a world ending emergency.

Will link

3/11/2016 09:20:28 am

Yeah, I'm interested to explore that as well. Although in the book to come later this year, there will (of course) be a world-ending emergency.

Andrew

3/11/2016 05:56:54 pm

I am a big fan of your books. Especially the traveler's gate trilogy. I think this is yet another fine example of a great literary work and i can't wait to read more. I also can't wait for the next traveler's gate to come out

Will link

3/12/2016 06:02:44 am

Thanks, Andrew! Glad you enjoyed the books, and I'll be writing another one later this year!

Brett

3/12/2016 12:57:41 pm

I have added my name to the mailing list. I had been away for some time and happened to stop in to find out that I missed out on this wondrous opportunity. Is there no way I could get a back copy of this short story? Please let me know.

Will link

3/14/2016 07:27:18 am

No way at all! Unless, of course, you emailed me and asked for it. That would show me.

Jim

3/13/2016 07:54:44 pm

Thanks for sending me the story, love it! Simon is one of my favorite protagonist out of all the fictions I read. Hope the new traveler's gate series will arrive soon!

Will link

3/14/2016 07:27:54 am

Glad you liked it, Jim! There's a lot of work between me and the new Traveler's Gate, but I'm working hard!

Chris

3/14/2016 06:57:52 am

I just realized I had signed up for the mailing list, but never received a confirmation email. I am going to assume that was because I signed up on my iphone. I had been a little mean to my iphone that day, so I think it was just trying to get back at me the best way possible...screwing out of this story. Life goes on, but I will be signing up now. Looking forward to the future stories Mr. Wight! As I have stated before you are in my top 3 authors.

Will link

3/14/2016 07:28:52 am

You know, I was wondering what the common denominator was between people who signed up and didn't get the confirmation, and maybe that's it...it might not work properly on mobile. More data required.

Anyway, send me an email (will@willwight.com), and I'll send you the story!

Chris

3/14/2016 09:20:37 am

The email has been sent! I appreciate you sending me the story, as does my phone. I was preparing to start the torture process to my phone, but I will give it one more chance now that it didn't cost me the story. Next time I will not be so forgiving!

Brian Cody

3/14/2016 08:43:19 am

Great short story!! I'm a huge fan of Simon and the Travelers' Gate Trilogy and can't wait for more stories in that universe.

Will link

3/20/2016 06:01:45 pm

Thanks, Brian!

New short story on April 1st, though honestly I haven't even decided what universe it's going to be in. Maybe TGT, maybe Elder Empire, maybe a new one. I don't know.

There's so much adventure in the world when you procrastinate!

Harlequin

3/14/2016 11:06:21 pm

T.T I should have not gone on vacation....I thought i had suscribed a week or two prior, thinking that to do so in gmail you just had to click on the link in the vertifcation email, but it seems you had to click on a subscribe button in the inbox itself...

don't suppose you'd send me a copy?

Will link

3/20/2016 06:02:11 pm

Never, you forgetful wretch! Never!

Mick

3/17/2016 05:46:02 pm

I'm re-reading the Traveller's series again after first picking it up a while back. I really enjoy the way you crafted the two hero's stories of Simon and Alin, demonstrating how the best of intentions doesn't always end the way you want it.

I also enjoyed the little short stories which provided greater insight into how the other Territories worked.

I saw the blog and realised I had put myself of the mailing list. I've now done so and would love to get a look at another 'Traveller's' piece.

Will link

3/20/2016 06:03:21 pm

Send me an email, Mick! I'll toss the short story your way, just because I like your look.

will@willwight.com

Harlequin

3/18/2016 02:39:46 pm

Thought the story was rather good!
Glad he seems to be making headway tracking down the swords. Wonder if he should try tracking down that blacksmith who everyone believed forged it? Wonder how they lost the swords in the first place, were they stolen?

Also i thought of something when i tried thinking on what to comment on. What happens to the Incarnations corpses? I mean i know the Nye Eldest collected Valin's body to revive him. But the others, i wonder how they were disposed of. Seems like their bodies would be great at channeling the powers of the different territories even after their deaths.. you could make some great artifacts using some of them as materials, right? But i guess that'd be frowned upon....they were once human too i guess.They could just transport and bury their bodies in their territories, better then just leaving them were anyone could dig them up one day.

Will link

3/20/2016 06:04:46 pm

That's a cool question! I'm writing a story now that involves making magical things out of magical corpses, but I hadn't applied that to the Incarnations. For the Naraka Incarnations we saw destroyed, they were mostly piles of ash. For the others, it's not really explored.

Could be a short story!

Joey

3/21/2016 02:09:54 pm

Loved the short story Will! Really cannot wait for the next installment of the series to come out. This is the only thing keeping me alive while I wait for that last Rothfuss book to come out. Are we expecting to see new powers that you haven't touched upon yet in Valinhall?

Will link

3/21/2016 08:04:33 pm

You'll definitely see more of Valinhall. As for new powers...maybe. I mean, Simon got a lot of his powers offscreen, so to speak. If I give him TOO many powers, he'll be even more OP, and I'll have to nerf him in Patch 3.4.

The Rothfuss book is never coming out. Give up on your hopes and dreams.

jamalle

4/11/2016 08:46:27 am

um just singed up and I have not got the email yet

Will link

4/11/2016 08:08:34 pm

I sent this story out on March 1st, so if you weren't signed up then, you wouldn't have received it.

However, if you're signed up now, you should get any I send in the future...including the one I'm going to be sending out on the fifteenth (this Friday)!

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