I’ve got all the pieces gathered up. There are soooooooo many threads in this one, and if I don’t keep them coherent and related to each other, it could all explode.
Betsy says sales are holding up, and she is definitely interested in more.
Past the halfway mark on the book…
by CJ | Sep 13, 2010 | Journal | 22 comments
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Do you have a thought or two in the back of your mind on how to end the series neatly if/when the sales drop off and they want something else? Just an idle thought.
No, I never plan that sort of thing. I could. But I don’t want to. So if or when it ever happens, hopefully I’ll think of something.
Congratulations on reaching this major milestone!
At least two mystery writers (Doyle and Christie) got so tired of their most popular character that they kill him off. I hope that you never get tired of any character, but if you do, please, just put him/her aside and go on to some other protagonist. Remember that Doyle had to bring Holmes back from the dead. (And Christie probably would have had to do the same had she not been near death herself when the book was finally published.)
Yay for you! and all the hard work you do.
Yay for your readers! We’re going to get more Bren!Jago!Cajeiri!etc.!
Yay for Betsy! One smart woman, that Betsy!
There will of course always be a buying public at Closed Circle for these (and any other) books.
I think I can safely say that we all hope that C.J. will not tire of Bren and Co. for a long time. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable series thus far, with no sign of flagging. I look forward to each new episode. The characters and stories are rich and full. I love Ilisidi (althrough she would not understand that). She certanlly makes Bren’s life interesting. Long Live Ilsisdi
Doyle not only grew tired of Holmes, but felt that he over shadowed his better and more important work. His son, was quoted ,in an interview some time ago, that Doyle always regarded the “White Company” as his finest work, but not many Holmes fans have ever heard of it let alone read it.
“it could all explode”
If it did, it would doubtless go kabui!
Yes, sorry, couldn’t help myself. The urge to pun is strong….
Hey, here’s hoping all those neat ideas all coalesce into a… something-or-other.
I have a feeling that with all the characters and stories, if CJ gets tired of one set, she can always pick up another, or come up with something brand new.
A truly auspicious occasion!
Aside from the stories themselves, I love the depth and texture of the world of Foreigner. I feel like you are telling us about a real place with a rich culture and history, CJ. I particularly enjoy the passing references to the Artists’ Guild. 😀 (Should artists’ have an extra s? 8) )
This is news that is making me very happy, not just for you personally, but for everybody – writers and readers – who loves this kind of book and wants to see more of them.
Any tips for handling this kind of complexity?
Keep a notebook as you go! OSG keeps me supplied in pretty, distinctive and sturdy little books.
Like the human mind, which cannot visualize its own end, I cannot visualize the end of any of CJ’s series. I can’t wait for the eBook versions of Finistierre, Rusalka, Merovingen Nights, and of course, more Morgaine!!!!!
More books for us to read, and a sure (I hope) income for you – a double happiness!!!
I am in about the same place, halfway-ish, writing a book like that. Zodgillions of threads. Like weaving in n-dimensional space. I realized yesterday that I’ve got to keep it fun for me or I won’t be able to finish. Fun, not just an exercise in snake theory (and if there isn’t such a thing there should be).
Whoever gave me the gravatar deserves my thanks. I’ve always felt I should be, besides the arms, tail, mouth, single eye and mouse ears, an arrow pointing up.
While I agree with Smartcat that, the world of “Foreigner” is particulary good in its depth and feel, the worlds C.J. creates have always had that kind of attention to detail. The rich cultures she writes is practically her signature. It is part of what has kept me comming back since I first read “Brothers of Earth” in the mid 70s. That and the stories and the great characters.
Just recently discovered that Foreigner continues! I had left off at the sixth book many years ago. I found myself saying many times, “Ooooh I’d love to see what happens next!”. Then I’d sigh, thinking the series was over (my husband thought it was done, and silly me, I believed him). Just a few months back I found it was continuing — and well beyond six! I’m on Deliverer now, thoroughly enjoying Cajeiri’s perspective. (I have an easily bored 7-year-old who is also prone to mischief. He may not like my admonishments, but at least he can’t file intent on me!)
So pleased to hear those comments from Betsy. I recently finished reading Conspirator and loved every minute – and totally agree with the other comments about the richness of CJ’s worlds! Like joekc6nlx I’d love to see many of the different series continued…
@Busifer -se! -se, nandi! One never leaves infelicitous two when discussing Foreigner. 🙂
This is great news, nadiin. One believes finding Ariane Emory PR to clone CJ several times so all book threads may be continued simultaneously is a priority.
after the cliff hanger is the current book i can’t WAIT for the next one!!!! and yes, ilisidi is a fabulously formidable elder, cajeiri a lovable, irritating, impetuous imp and bren is afflicted with the good will of them plus tabini ;P looking forward to the next installment!