News: Skysworn and OKAK

6/21/2017

No surprise, but the question I've been asked the most over the last few weeks is "Which one are you writing next, Cradle or Elder Empire?"

And the answer is, it depends!

I wrote the first portion of Skysworn while writing Blackflame, as well as about 70,000 extra words of Blackflame. If I can still use the chapters I've written for SS and repurpose some of the extra scenes from BF, then I'm almost done with Skysworn already.

If that's true, then Cradle's next, and I'll be done with it soon. Because it won't impact OKAK much.

If I keep working on it over the next couple of weeks and I find that I don't have most of Skysworn done already, then I'm writing Of Kings and Killers next.

Whether Skysworn is coming out soon or not, I'm aiming for an Elder Empire release around Christmas / New Year's.

-Will

67 Comments

Tievel1

6/21/2017 11:29:32 am

Sounds like it's time to throw up a Skysworn progress bar :D

Titus

6/22/2017 10:24:49 pm

Yup.....that seems like the right thing to do...YAY!!!!! I can get my fix of cradle in a couple of months! Appreciate the quickness of the work sir!.....question though......

When Lindon reaches High Gold, will his body change again like Yerin did with her extra limb?...

If so please don't give him a turtle shell...a " hero in a halfshell" would kill me lol!!!!!

Thank you sir!......." Turtle Power."

Enkidu

6/28/2017 09:17:12 am

I'm sorry, Sir. What you meant to say was: Please give him a turtle shell so he can be a teenage martial madra turtle. I'm pretty sure that's what you meant.

Will link

6/30/2017 11:31:01 am

Then I'd have to find him a colored blindfold with eyeholes cut out, though.

Yosef

6/21/2017 11:35:35 am

so either Skysworn in about 2 months and OKAK in about 5 months or just OKAK in about 5 months??
I see this as good news either way but one question will it be a double release of OKAK or will they be a few weeks/months apart?

Will link

6/21/2017 11:40:53 am

Most likely a double release.

Noam link

7/8/2017 01:07:04 pm

Nice can't wait for the next books. Specially the skysworn

Jacob Michener

6/21/2017 11:38:26 am

I love how fast you get these books out. Which ever it ends up, even 5 months to the next release is awesome!

Will link

6/21/2017 11:41:22 am

Thanks, Jacob! I do my best to keep it coming as fast as I can.

Other Devin

6/22/2017 06:27:29 am

And this is why you are the only author I buy your books on kindle after reading it on unlimited!

Jeremiah H

6/21/2017 11:40:09 am

I thought we would get a little more substance than what you had posted in comments... oh well. Let us know, mkay?

Will link

6/21/2017 11:41:58 am

No, not really, just a longer version of the same answer.

Tyler V

6/21/2017 11:43:01 am

This is FANTASTIC NEWS!!! I love both series, actually was just rereading all my highlighted passages for Elder Empire and I have to say that is by far your funniest series.

I think Elder Empire is severely under appreciated and am ready for OKAK to blow me away. Especially now that a lot of the crazy questions about how the elders got there, the tears in the sky, and everything makes a ton more sense with the cradle context. Cant wait!

As for Skysworn...this may not be the most popular point of view but I felt while reading Blackflame you could tell there was some serious edits & content removed... It would make sense to repurpose that into Skysworn, but I honestly prefer you take a tiny bit more time to add the details and smooth out the story-telling than rush a new book into my very willing hands...That being said, I probably only feel that way having read blackflame easily 10 times by now.

Jacob Michener

6/21/2017 03:01:55 pm

Did you notice the "Wanderer" quotes in EE? Valin?? Maybe??

Jacob Santos

6/23/2017 06:38:45 am

I had speculated that all of the book series could be connected. House of Blades specifically allows for an universe before or at least formed from pieces of other universes. It makes sense that the power that the magic comes from could be the Way or the Void, most likely the Void. Cradle and Blackflame do go into the multiple worlds, so it is possible that House of Blades is one iteration or worlds that crashed together and were reformed in the Void.

It isn't exactly useful however, unless the magic systems can interact. If I see characters from House of Blade or at least the magic systems, then I might orgasm and hard. I doubt this possibility, but it is something that Brandon Sanderson has been doing for years and it is just now paying off in Stormlight Archive. The speculation and hints are that there are many other characters in the books that are in fact worldhoppers, but we probably won't confirm that until after the characters are revealed in future books.

The Way as a magic system allows for many different disciplines, so House of Blades could definitely be one of the sword arts. Not sure how going insane could affect House of Blades, but perhaps the Void does that, if you draw too much power or if the characters aren't cycling correctly or it is just easter eggs and the book series aren't connected.

Corey

6/23/2017 08:40:57 am

All of Wills universes are connected he has told us this before in previous threads! House of Blades takes place in an Iteration called Amalgam and EE is actually mentioned briefly at the end of Blackflame (Asylum).

Sean K

6/21/2017 11:51:34 am

Just know that my bank account is ready for you to make the withdrawal as soon as we get the goods!

Keep up the great work! As excited as I am for Skysworn, OKaK is also sure to be a great book! Hopefully we can get a 3 way deathmatch between Simon, Lindon, and Sherra once both these next books come out! I'm sure it'd be quite the fight!

Will link

6/30/2017 11:31:42 am

I do need to get back on those Deathmatches. They're fun to write, and I only stopped to focus on Blackflame.

Devin

6/21/2017 12:07:56 pm

A potentialdouble Will Wight release? This is a good day.

Nocturniquet

6/21/2017 12:09:26 pm

Skysworn FUCK YE BOIIII

Nega-Alex

6/21/2017 12:58:36 pm

FUCK YO BOIIII

Alex

6/21/2017 01:00:39 pm

NEGA-ALEX WHY AREN'T YOU PLAYING FOOTBALL!!?

Poly_core

6/21/2017 12:59:50 pm

Hehe... I knew that something fishy was going on :D

Will link

6/30/2017 11:32:00 am

With me, it's always fishy.

Noam link

6/21/2017 01:02:20 pm

I love it 😍, I have reread Blackflame twice already - and actually - can't wait for the next one.

Regarding okak the ideas of the points of view and the books are amazing🙏🏻🙏🏻

Will link

6/30/2017 11:32:41 am

Thanks, Noam! I'm glad you're enjoying the books; every reread adds to my sorcerous power.

Enkidu

7/1/2017 02:13:44 pm

Then I have given you way too much power at this point...

Chris N

6/21/2017 01:02:22 pm

I posted this question in a previous post but thought I'd do so again on the latest, but didn't you say in a previous blog post thread that December is often your worst time to do a release and that it's better in January or February? I wonder if you should give yourself that extra month or so to finish up Skysworn, and then plan on OKAK release for late January-ish?

That'll give you an extra release this year, help keep you funded through the rest of 2017, plus allow you to release OKAK at a better date, which isn't really all that much later anyway.

Will link

6/30/2017 11:33:39 am

It is not a good time to release, no, but my attitude is always "Well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!"

And I go through that every year. I really need to just pretend that Thanksgiving through New Year's is a void of time that doesn't exist.

Adarsh

6/21/2017 03:39:57 pm

Im hoping for Skysworn really soon. I likes Shera's side of Elder Empire, but i felt that EE doesn't have as much re-read value as Cradle or Travelers Gate.

Will link

6/30/2017 11:34:02 am

I'll be interested to hear what you think when the series is finished, Adarsh!

Darren

6/21/2017 03:40:13 pm

Crossing my fingers for some luck so that skysworn gets done first. I need a cradle fix!!!!!

Will link

6/30/2017 11:34:21 am

It probably will be. I had what I THINK was a breakthrough yesterday.

Chris N

6/30/2017 11:59:12 am

Really?? Details, details!! :-)

-Chris

Jessica

6/21/2017 04:02:40 pm

It will be a Christmas miracle! I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for the last set of Elder Empire books. I love reading both POV and have been slightly boycotting you because you haven't finished them yet. I told my husband I wasn't starting your new series until you finished Elder Empire. He says I'm missing out, but I'm staying strong. (ok, I did read the first chapter of Cradle the other day, but I will not let it pull me in! For Calder and Shera!)

Will link

6/30/2017 11:35:04 am

I understand, Jessica! I've let you down until now, but I'm hoping to earn your trust back very soon!

Ken N

6/21/2017 04:44:17 pm

Why don't you put up a poll to see people want, I mean what would make more money ;)

Will link

6/30/2017 11:35:53 am

I know exactly what the poll would say. So I say, screw the poll! Defy destiny! ROW ROW, FIGHT THE POWAH.

Brian S

6/21/2017 05:22:42 pm

How do we know this post wasn't written by Nega-Will. He could be impersonating the real Will and misleading all of Wills fans.

Jacob

6/21/2017 07:41:58 pm

That does sound like something he would do...

Nega-Will link

6/30/2017 11:36:21 am

Unlike Will, I always tell the truth. Don't let him deceive you! He's the evil one!

Diego link

7/2/2017 05:04:38 pm

U sir are dirty liar!!!! . Normal Will writes books and gives us our fix!!! What do u do?!!! Lock him out of his house which delays his writing progress. Nega-Will = enemy of all the Will-verse

Keith

6/21/2017 07:42:49 pm

Stick to what makes you happiest. Even though EE is my 3rd favourite of your series I still love it. EE is still better than 99% of what's out there. Can't wait for whatever you release!

Will link

6/30/2017 11:36:59 am

I would enjoy writing any of the stories, but EE is the hardest to write and has the smallest fanbase. Which is why I've delayed it for so long.

But I really want to finish it!

6/22/2017 08:02:42 am

This one thanks you humbly and is ready for Skysworn next

Will link

6/30/2017 11:37:42 am

Shouldn't be too much longer!

Jacob Santos

6/22/2017 10:06:22 pm

I put the second book down, because I really didn't have time for kindle books. I am more of an Audible person. I had the book on unlimited for a long time, so I decided to finally read it and return it. Loved it and bought the third book and worked through Blackflame in a few days.

I looked at the release and realized the 4th book was 6 to 8 months out and I will be honest and say I cried a little. I haven't read your other series. Not sure I will enjoy it or not. Can't really get invested in a Kindle series that is 4 to 6 books. Plan on waiting until the empire series is complete, reading the reviews and deciding.

Waiting sucks. I should have waited until you came out with Skysworn. You had a good stopping point with the second book ending. The ending with the third is going to kill me for a couple more days, then I will stop caring until I receive a notification for the 4th book. I hope I remember that I want to read it. I probably will. Blackflame notification is part of the reason I finally finished the second book.

Oh well, keep up the good work I guess. Hope you are able to do audible versions soon.

Will link

6/30/2017 11:39:19 am

Hahaha, you sound so gloomy, Jacob! Cheer up! It won't be too long until the next book; most traditionally published releases are more than a year between installments.

I'm always pushing myself to write faster, but I can certainly beat THAT!

Jacob Santos

6/30/2017 11:55:06 am

It is cool. Usually I go into withdraw after I finish a book. I need my fix man! After a few weeks, I am past the withdrawal and forget about the series until the next book comes out.

I like that you come out with multiple books per year. I can get my fix and have a few days of sweet euphoria.

My general policy is that I am okay waiting as long as is required to get a good book.

I do feel that a lot of your series might be better as manga.

Will link

6/30/2017 04:36:26 pm

Just between you, me, and the entire Internet, I'd rather write a manga. If only I could draw more than a vague stick figure, I'd probably be a webcomic author rather than a novelist.

Titus

6/22/2017 10:41:39 pm

Man!!!!! My fix is being made!!........I haven't read the EE series yet.....just Cradle and Traveler Hate books. Love those sir!!

Quick question though...

1) How did the Blood line powers originate and how come the Jae Clan don't have any? Are they not one the "Great Families?"

Okay....I cheated....that was actually two....thanks on the updates sir!!!

THAT guy

6/23/2017 02:52:14 pm

I strongly suspect that the Aurelius detection abilities are actually tapping into the Way. It is probably why Suriel is familiar with the Aurelius family ancestors. Such natural ability probably produced Abidan in the past, most likely Spiders. Also would explain why Ozriel might be tracking Eithan.

As to why they have such natural affinity for it, it may have nothing to do with advancement. Culd simply be genetic.

Will link

6/30/2017 11:41:53 am

>Traveler Hate books

I should do some sort of story called Traveler's Hate. If nothing else, I'd get a kick out of it.

Not everyone inherits a bloodline legacy. Higher-level sacred beasts can take human form, so some people have sacred beast lineage that gives them certain innate supernatural abilities. That includes the Arelius family, but not the Jai clan.

In most cases, a bloodline legacy means that you're naturally inclined more toward one Path than another, though. Your madra might not be entirely pure, even at birth.

The Arelius are an exception to that.

Nitin

7/1/2017 09:26:24 am

Here I was hoping that Ozriel might be that famed Arelius Patriarch.

Ryan

6/23/2017 12:39:54 am

I've reread this book more than any other book in my lifeeeeeee!!!! (Granted I'm only 16) But I consider myself an avid reader who knows which authors deserves to be appreciated and showered with praise (Trust me I'd rather read an enticing book like yours than hang out with friends).And you!!! My good sir are one of the very few... use it wisely...

P.S. I've always felt like the Travelers Gate series had more of an ending... Are you hiding your secrets from us Will??? If so just slide me a quick copy, huh?;)

Will link

6/30/2017 11:42:53 am

Thanks, Ryan!

What do you mean it had more of an ending? If you mean that it has a more concrete ending than Cradle or Elder Empire, then you're right!

James link

6/23/2017 05:17:29 am

According to Soulsmith and Blackflame, the Jai clan only recently became a Great Family, so they would not have a chance to gain the "bloodline powers" that I am going to assume come from being descended from ancestors of > Sage Level.

Jacob

6/23/2017 07:00:24 am

I don't remember blackflame mentioning the ancestor bit for why the Aerulius family has a bloodline trait, where did you get that info?
And doesn't it specifically say that the Aerulius only recently became equal with the great families because Eithan (an Underlord) was made patriarch?

James

6/27/2017 04:51:10 pm

In Blackflame, it says that the patriarch was the one who created the library of information. This likely means that he left other powers behind through his bloodline. Also, it is said only blood Arelius have these abilities, and the one who has been shown to give gifts to his descendants is most likely.

Jacob

6/23/2017 07:01:25 am

Just saw you said you assuming

Scott Pike

6/23/2017 07:01:04 am

Hey will loved blackflame, but I'm wondering when the next audio book version for one of your books is coming out. I got the first two travelers gate and am still waiting for more. Of any series on audio.

Will link

6/30/2017 11:43:53 am

I'm not sure, Scott!

When I get too busy, the audiobook is one of the first things I drop. I need to come up with a better system for producing them, because they sell quite well, and City of Light (at least) is overdue.

Some Dude

6/25/2017 11:18:51 pm

Skysworn! Skysworn! Skysworn! Skysworn! Skysworn! Skysworn!

Loved every bit of BlackFlame can't wait for more great content! Elder Empire or Cradle
.......( leaning towards Cradle if the message above didn't get through)

Will link

6/30/2017 11:44:10 am

Reading you loud and clear, Some Dude!

Another guy

7/3/2017 06:40:05 am

Hey Will,
Have just finished reading the Calder EE books (will go back and read the Shera books now) after having read travellers gate and cradle series and just want to say well done and thanks. From some of the comments on here I thought I wouldn't enjoy the EE books and also wasn't as drawn to the sailor type theme (if that makes sense) but I really enjoyed. I'm now really happy that either way you go with the next books it'll work for me. I also love how you make the time to get on the blog to talk to the fans - although the greedy part of me thinks "get back and write me another story" ;) Hope you're enjoying the new home. No questions in this post just thanks and perhaps a suggestion to others who have read these comments like me and were put off starting EE to give it a go.

Lightsyde link

7/5/2017 04:14:15 am

Will: I know exactly what the poll would say. So I say, screw the poll! Defy destiny! ROW ROW, FIGHT THE POWAH

That's just too hilarious, haha. Keep up the good work Will!! I'm hoping Skysworn will really blow my mind. I'm hungry for more Lindon and Yerin epicness Will. Famished!! Starved!!

I'll read anything you write, but I can't help preferring Cradle, partly because the power levels are more clearly defined (or at least I have a firmer grasp on them). I also know Of Killers And Kings will take more time... (by the way, do I detect a Coiling Dragon reference in the naming of the last books in the series?)

There's something I never really got about Traveler's Gate, which was Simon's decision at the end to serve Leah. I think if both Traveler's Gate and Cradle were written with the same level of writing experience, I'd be faced with a truly difficult decision about which to prefer.

13-year old

7/26/2017 02:29:55 am

Pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase Will, I normally read like 3 books per day but since Blackflame came out I can't even look at another book without disgust because I know it won't be as good as blackflame! I NEEEEEEEEEED SKYSWORN!!!!!!!!!

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