Soulsmith Critic Reviews!

9/13/2016

The first round of beta readers has read Soulsmith in its rough, unpolished form, giving me a new handful of cracks to fill in before the second wave seizes it in their filthy jaws.

And just listen to the praise from these discerning, steely-eyed critics who have analyzed the book thus far:

"Soulsmith was really good, and I loved the conversations between Lindon and Yerin, but it's so fast-paced and there's so much going on that I couldn't take a break and I couldn't breathe and it really stressed me out."
-My mom

"Your characters sound slightly less like they're quoting dubbed anime at each other."
-Devin

"You have to write a romance this time, Will. You can't avoid it. Don't hang up on m--"
-My sister

"This was the best unreleased, half-finished book based on Chinese mythology and written by you that I've read this month. So far."
-Devin again

"Stop using me as the butt of all your jokes. I'm a real person, and I have real feelings."
-Your mom

73 Comments

Your Father

9/13/2016 12:18:09 pm

If you don't quit making fun of your Mom I'm going to feed you to a Hanging Tree!
--YOUR DAD

Will link

9/13/2016 12:20:29 pm

"Write as if your parents are dead."

-Anne Lamott

Scott

9/13/2016 12:51:21 pm

This is where I wish I could upvote.

Will link

9/13/2016 01:04:34 pm

I've taken your upvote and counted it toward the reddit karma of my heart, Scott.

Andrew

9/13/2016 12:56:52 pm

Yes! My hourly refreshing had paid off. Now I know the book is real..... Out there somewhere in ether.

Will link

9/13/2016 01:05:29 pm

Or is it? Maybe it's some elaborate ruse, and I'm going to vanish to Mexico at the end of the month at which point you'll never hear from me again.

All as a part of my elaborate scheme to make NO MONEY!

Josh

9/13/2016 04:48:42 pm

You joke, but I can think of authors who have done exactly that as far as I can tell :P

John

9/13/2016 07:01:54 pm

Josh:

This guy springs to mind:

http://www.edwardmknight.com/blog

Will link

9/13/2016 09:20:54 pm

Oh man, I actually read Edward Knights books (book? It was really just one book divided in half), but I didn't know what happened to him. I'd kind of forgotten.

Now I know.

Here's why I find it weird that so many people are afraid I'll up and vanish: because this is my job now. I write full-time. Most writers who vanish do so because they were writing as a hobby and their real lives got in the way (like Edward Knight, apparently). And then there are the ones that made so much money they don't have to write anymore, like Christopher Paolini.

I'm in the middle of those two. I still have to write or I'll run out of money, but as long as I do, I'll keep earning a comfortable living. And books come out regularly.

Everybody wins!

TL;DR - I won't vanish. Not of my own free will, anyway; I might get dragged into a rift.

Greg

9/13/2016 10:52:41 pm

For me, talk like this always brings this guy to mind:

http://www.bjustinshier.com/

Two great books, then... nothing. Wouldn't have been a problem if authors would just tell their readers that the series is dead, but so many just disappear.

Patrick

9/14/2016 07:59:45 am

B Justin Shier! It's been so long!

I loved those books too, but even when he was actually writing them he made it clear that he was only doing so because he just finished med school and wanted to write a book before being a doctor made it impossible for him to find time to write. I was actually surprised we got a second one and when he stopped I wasn't shocked.

Disappointed, but not shocked.

Noah

9/19/2016 09:37:58 pm

Just an FYI on Edward Knight, I have actually talked with him over I'd say a couple years (infrequently I may add) he actually didn't "vanish," he changed to writing romance then I believe he went to YA is what I remember. He writes under a pen name, I can't remember what it is. His books in other genres have actually done really well on Amazon, more so than A Thirst for Vengence (sadly, as I've been dying to read the rest!) He said it is still one of his favorites that he's written and wants to get back to it, but he believes the money's in other genres right now, mainly YA and personally I can't blame him considering writing isn't an easy job. Well maybe soon he'll pick it back up? It's been a while, I'll shoot him another email and see. Also I can't wait for your next book!

Will link

9/20/2016 07:05:34 am

Noah,

I'm absolutely not saying that I blame him at all. Whatever the reason, he stopped writing this series because he had to make a living and didn't have the spare time anymore. I get it.

He's right about the other genres, though romance is the big moneymaker. If you want to be purely mercenary about it, which may be the right decision if you don't have a firm foundation in another genre, there's way more money in romance than anywhere else. If you look at the difference between romance sales and any other genre, it's staggering.

But I'm a fantasy guy. Dragons4lyfe.

...and I'm making plenty of money, so long as the books keep coming out. That helps.

david

9/13/2016 01:12:27 pm

Great news what up for the shirr stiry

Will link

9/13/2016 09:22:30 pm

Two stories coming before the end of the month, and they'll probably be Cradle-related because that's the world I'm in. But maybe not.

Jeremiah Halstead

9/13/2016 01:14:37 pm

We have been waiting not so patiently. April got me to read Mistborn from Sanderson, so I've been placated and had *ALMOST* forgotten that you have dashed my hopes of reading OKAK this year. I will have to settle for Soulsmith and sending you another badger

Jeremiah Halstead

9/13/2016 01:18:35 pm

I guess it's better than Sanderson, for whom I will have to wait who knows how long for the next mistborn.

*SOUND OF RABID BADGER*

Into the box, Richard!

Will link

9/13/2016 09:23:32 pm

Come on, Sanderson writes so quickly and with such skill that I'm convinced he's a wizard.

Jeremiah Halstead

9/14/2016 08:08:25 am

Well, April is pretty convienced I don't have the patience for Stormlight and they are so long that I agree with her. So that leaves me with some shorter works. But the next thing I want to read will be after Stormlight 3 is finished, so, like, 2018 or something. That's a long time when I've read six of them in two weeks. :) You are the lucky dog, I've read your stuff as it came out so I am used to the pacing

Jim

9/13/2016 07:14:16 pm

Can I second on what your sister said?

Will link

9/13/2016 09:27:16 pm

I can hang up on you too, Jim.

For real, though, I know I need to. And I'm not even against it, in theory; a well-crafted romance can make any story better.

But they're not normally well-crafted, and that's what makes me nervous. They're normally a distraction from the plot, tossed in as a bland afterthought because the recipe said to add half a cup of romance.

Why should I think I can succeed when so many others have failed? WHO AM I TO DASH MY SHIP AGAINST THE ROCKS OF ROMANCE?

Jim Chu

9/13/2016 11:11:22 pm

haha i actually hope for romance in traveler's gate rather than in soulsmith (simon is just too lonely, if he keeps only talking to the dolls, he'll become kai).
Anyhow, I think Codex Alera did a great job blend in the romance sub-plot with the main storyline, the romance actually pushed the story forward.

James T

9/14/2016 10:13:35 pm

Are we going back to the traveler's gate series? Just reread the series after finding out you had made more books. and is there a place to find all the short stories? Someone said Indrial's daughter got a short story or something. Sorry for rambling.

Madeline

9/15/2016 10:19:37 am

I second the whole desire for romance in Traveler's Gate thing, although in my case it's because I'm curious what the Nye would say to Simon being "distracted" from his responsibilities of looking after the Territory, because of a romance. I don't think they'd approve no matter who he ends up with, whether they're a Valinhall traveller or not. And it would be interesting to see if the possibility of Simon turning into Kai if he keeps on only talking to the dolls would influence them to finally approve of a romance or not.

Nikk

9/15/2016 01:53:03 pm

I agree on all counts of counting!
I like a well-crafted romance, BUT a romance is hard to craft. And I agree, I think Simon is too lonely. Not sure how that would play out though- He'd never pick up on hints or flirting or anything subtle or not too subtle. She'd have to literally punch him in the face and be like "SIMON! I LIKE YOU! GO OUT WITH ME!' for him to get it. And even though it's unpopular, I don't mind if Simon goes for a Bromance. I don't really see Simon liking a guy, but who knows? Or maybe Meia liking another woman? Maybe..

Adarsh

9/15/2016 03:01:51 pm

Im totally shipping Simon+Leah. Its a little cliche, the whole Queen falling in love with her bodyguard thing, but It would totally be hilarious if his dolls plotted to get them together to irritate the Eldest.

Madeline

9/15/2016 03:11:42 pm

I also like Leah+Simon. Because again, I want to see the Nye Eldest's reaction more than any romance. And Nye Eldest's reaction to Simon being romantically involved with the Queen of Danasca would be priceless.

Jose

9/16/2016 05:48:19 pm

I think that if Simon were to have some sort of Romantic interest, she should have a better relationship with the dolls than him. That would be hilarious. The dolls could be giving him advice on how he screwed up I. Get middle of battles...

Will link

9/17/2016 07:28:06 am

If I've learned anything today, it's that people have very strong opinions about romance.

Which means I've learned nothing today, because I already knew that. It's one reason why I'm hesitant to throw my hat into this crowded ring.

Jeff

9/17/2016 11:01:33 am

The reason I'm in favor of a romantic plot/subplot is that it fleshes out the characters more fully and makes them more believable.

For instance, Lindon is a teenage boy. He should at least have SOME interest in girls at that age, and yet he is laser focused on his mission. A romantic subplot in my mind could humanize him more, even if it's as simple as him noticing a girl, expressing interest, and getting rejected.

Love your writing though and especially your world building. Cheers!

Gage

9/24/2016 02:45:15 pm

I think you have a rare opportunity when it comes to the Cradle series when it comes to romance. You have an undetermined end, and therefore can actually take time with the progress of your characters, which can allow a romance to bloom more organically rather then 'oh I need romance so bam'.

I mean both of his current candidates for being love interests are literally out of his league, and so focused on their own things its unlikely they would notice Lindon until he gets much stronger. He has time to grow into himself and for us to watch him grow before any romance sets in.

I think some romance could really do well in this story, but you dont even have to touch on it for a long time and itd still work.

Mahfuz

9/13/2016 09:35:49 pm

I'm all for the lobe Lindon's getting but damn do I miss Simon *sniff*
Cradle does keep me engaged so the wait for Traveler's blade is bearable. Keep up the good work Will!

Mahfuz

9/13/2016 09:37:17 pm

*love not lobe xD

Will link

9/14/2016 11:54:23 am

One of the things I've enjoyed about writing Cradle is exploring all the little ways in which Lindon and Simon are different. It's helped me to understand Simon better, to his benefit.

Jordan

9/14/2016 10:33:29 pm

It seems to me that they both strive to be a good person because ot was expected of them, or still is. Simon wants to live up to everyones expectations, as does Lindon, just with fewer people. The reasoning for that is what differs in my eyes. Simon doesn't really want to, he does it solely because it's expected, but Lindon wants to live up to everyones' expectations of a good person, because he genuinely wants to be one. In short, Simon seems dragged along, or manipulated, and Lindon leaping towards, seemingly the same place, whatever heroism may be to those they care about.

Sophia

9/13/2016 10:23:40 pm

I know this is going to sound funny, since I am a girl who enjoys a good romance; but to be honest, I don't read many romance books. I feel that usually the romance comes off as too contrived and unrealistic. I enjoy a good romance subplot in fantasy books; however, I tend to agree with Will. Most of the time the romance is just too cheesy and unbelievable for me. This may be a matter of taste, but I think I prefer romance in books where it is understated and not exactly a torrid love affair. When it is an important bond between two characters that funnels each character's personal development in the story in an important way, it's very believable for me and rewarding. So far I've been relieved at the lack of romance in Will's books. However, if it can be achieved in his books the way I described without overshadowing the story, I'd love it.

Jim

9/13/2016 11:13:43 pm

try Codex Alera and The Chaos Walking Trilogy. In both series the romance sub-plots are blend in skillfully and actually help push the story.

Will link

9/14/2016 11:58:55 am

I agree with you completely. When romance and character growth and plot are all tied seamlessly together, they all benefit.

But I have a tendency to skimp on character development to make room for action, which makes it hard to sustain an effective romance.

Makenna

9/14/2016 10:13:32 am

So do we have a release date now and do we get to see that date?

Will link

9/14/2016 12:00:47 pm

No and also no.

I have a date that I'm confident I can hit, but I'm not announcing it in case I'm wrong. Or in case I happen to change my mind. I'm fickle.

Makenna

9/16/2016 08:17:05 pm

Hey Will, I am currently pondering through a bleak expense waiting for Soulsmith, as the day's drag on the situation gets more desperate. I check Amazon multiple time a day praying for salvation. I may have a slight problem. To help me survive the wait till the book is released I thought I should ask you some questions: Unsouled you mentioned some really cool sounding characters some of them too interesting to be left alone, specifically the Red haired young queen with the rainbow sword and the 7 man empire ( i think that what it was called) and maybe that guy who was eating sea-monsters/remnants. Hmm in retrospect this comment seems incredibly dramatic.... Oh well.

Makenna

9/16/2016 08:20:02 pm

Make that Wandering not Pondering XP

Will link

9/17/2016 07:26:50 am

Makenna, I think your question may have run away without you. Are you asking if these characters will be in book two, or if they will come back later, or...?

Makenna

9/17/2016 02:05:20 pm

any of the upcoming books in the series

Will link

9/19/2016 08:04:20 pm

Yes, absolutely! At least one of those three will make another appearance in the series. Maybe more than one, but I haven't decided yet.

Glad you enjoyed them!

Elfishpirat

9/14/2016 07:19:20 pm

You could always pull a George RR Martin and have one of the hopeful romantic interests die in a horrifyingly unexpected manner.

Except I think you want readers to like you....I get that vibe :P

Will link

9/14/2016 08:42:04 pm

I've taken that emergency exit already.

Jordan

9/14/2016 10:37:27 pm

You have? I can't think of the specific instance(s). Having central characters die is a delicate balance however, too few and the book appears unrealistic, and difficult to relate to. On the other hand, too many and not only do you not want to bond to new characters, but it weakens those who remain, as those moments they shared with the recently deceased are tainted. I'm just now thinking of Lorcan, I think that's the name, I'm quite terrible with them, are there other instances, if that one counts?

Mahfuz

9/14/2016 11:03:58 pm

Jordan how could you forget about Kai and Otoku man?

Elfishpirat

9/15/2016 01:29:04 pm

Oh come on. Why did you have to mention Kai and Otoku? Just run a dragon's fang through me next time instead.

Devin

9/15/2016 08:16:29 am

Hey guys, if you're a reddit user, and want to talk about Unsouled or spread it's awesomeness. Help me Nominate Will's book over at /r/Fantasy for book of the month! Thanks!

https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/52g5fm/nominations_for_october_book_of_the_month/

Armand

9/17/2016 08:45:44 pm

I can't wait for soulsmith. I really want to see how Lindon progresses as a sacred artist. I'm also assuming by the title there going to be a lot of soul smithing stuff which I find very intresting.

And finally, I can't wait to find out more about Cradle. I can't help but wonder what he is going to see beyond the valley.

Will link

9/19/2016 08:05:31 pm

Despite the title, not what I would call a LOT of Soulsmithing. It's mostly setting up for him developing and using those skills in the future.

Josh

9/17/2016 10:23:01 pm

Aaaaargh! I keep refreshing the blog, but not yet!

Looking forward to Soulsmith :)

Will link

9/19/2016 08:06:03 pm

Soon now, my children! Soooooon!

Kaden

9/18/2016 08:56:38 am

Can't wait for OKAK probably my favorite of your series

Jeremiah

9/18/2016 10:34:35 am

Let me 2nd this... again. Not like I've not already made this clear with badgers

Kaden

9/21/2016 09:38:13 pm

A badger might kill him though we need something that will maim not kill

Will link

9/19/2016 08:06:57 pm

I really enjoyed writing Soulsmith, but I do want to finish OKAK. I feel like I've left that world and those characters hanging, so I want to go back and save them.

Andrew

9/18/2016 09:33:59 am

Ooooh a short story on Lindon's sister would be cool.

Will link

9/19/2016 08:07:28 pm

That is, in fact, one of the many options I'm considering for the short stories I'm going to write this week.

Hunter Thompson

9/18/2016 12:46:50 pm

Can someone actually become a beta reader? And if so, how can I become one?

Andrew

9/18/2016 01:21:03 pm

Dibbs on being a beta

Jack

9/19/2016 06:58:11 pm

Double Dibbs! Or Second Dibbs!! Or maybe Dibbs squared? Either way me too!

Will link

9/19/2016 08:14:30 pm

I do get this question a lot, which is totally understandable, but I'll respond in a little detail here:

Every one of my beta readers is someone I know in real life. Both because I happen to know a wide variety of people skilled in giving me different areas of feedback, and because I can count on them to actually read the book when I say "I FINISHED LATE AND I NEED YOUR FEEDBACK IN THREE DAYS, GO."

If I did more drafts of each book than I do, and if I finished the first draft earlier than I usually do, I would have a more open beta phase in which I would include readers like you. That's a system I'm slowly drifting towards, because I finished this book in nine weeks, but I'm not there yet.

Perhaps someday.

(Also, there's a prerequisite: you have to be cool if I don't take your feedback or if I don't ask you to beta read the NEXT book. All of my current beta readers are onboard with that.)

In the case of Soulsmith, despite the terminology I used in the post, the people who read the book this early were more like alpha readers. Which I normally don't do, I just felt like I could use the early feedback. So the draft still had my notes in it, scenes missing, etc.

That's why my mom is one of them. I just wanted quick feedback on the direction I was going, so I basically took anyone among my family and friends who answered 'yes' to "Can you read this RIGHT NOW?"

The real beta readers, with a complete copy of the book that just needs proofed, are reading it now.

Devin

9/20/2016 08:43:47 am

I AM THE OMEGA READER. FEAR MY GREAT POWER!

ANDREW LUSCOMB

9/25/2016 01:53:50 pm

So will i was reading crimson vault did the eldest release valin just to test simon or did he take advantage of the situation? Basically im wondering how tricky he is cause it seems like he wanted to get a founder who'd be his puppet over vailin.

Will link

9/26/2016 12:19:31 pm

It's a win-win situation for him. He either gets his original Founder back (somewhat the worse for wear), or a new, non-crazy Founder who will do what he says.

9/26/2016 06:20:23 am

You've got 4 days buddy...

4days..

James T

9/26/2016 07:24:13 am

Well that means only 4 more days of uncertainty. I'm hoping for tomorrow as everything on Amazon comes out on like Tuesdays.

Will link

9/26/2016 12:18:29 pm

And James, you win the prize!

April

4/28/2017 08:17:47 pm

How did I miss this post the first time around?

Will link

4/28/2017 09:01:12 pm

An intricate web of distraction.

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