As a reader, I'm happy to wait for another Bell or Rimworld novel. And 'Thank you' for letting us know when things will be delayed. The worst thing for this reader is not knowing what is going on with my favorite writers. Everyone could use a prayer now and then. 🙏
I'm also glad that you're self-pubbing because you're not limited by the tradpub-controlled pace that targets bookstores. I haven't bought a book from a brick and mortar bookstore in over 10 years. Unless it's a museum, or national park, gift shop. Publishing at that pace is leaving money on the table, IMHO, which is why Larry Correia is probably working with the two hybrid publishers now.
Writing. I enjoy writing, wordsmithing. I wrote professionally in the Navy. That wasn't much fun at all. The smallest typo that went out via Orestes or official correspondence was viewed by the CO as a career ender. It was no such thing, but the Captain's wrath would make the sky fall on you. Being a good writer in the Navy was both a blessing and a curse. As a civilian, I wrote reams of daily reports when I was a road-building/asphalt inspector. Waxing eloquent delighted my boss. Only had one opportunity to get published when a friend, Michael Z. Williamson, published a military SF anthology and charitably let me co-author a short story with him. Mein Gott, that was hard work. Terrifying work. I have the highest regard for writers, the good, the bad and the ugly. It takes great discipline, moxie, stamina and bravery to put it all out there in full view and to await a response that either crushes your ego or inflates it beyond its true worth. I guess it helps if a writer has brains, is a good storyteller and can get his thoughts transmitted to a paper book via the keyboard. Hat's off to all of you writers. You are made of stern stuff. Do you ever get stage fright writing as a civilian?
My last tour was on a CG out of Mayport. I left my family in Pensacola. I'd commute on the rare weekend off. Among my collateral duties was to review every CASREP message for errors and to write the accompanying SORTS message. That was a real sleep stealer at sea and occasionally worse inport. I can recall being at home on one of those rare weekends and getting a call from the ship telling me to come in and write a SORTS message. (Because I was "the only one who knew how". I could give a Cub Scout a piece of paper and a crayon and teach him how in 10 minutes.) I told the CDO I was 401 miles away. He asked me, "And what's your point, Lieutenant?" I suggested an answer of "No" and dictated the message to him over the phone. I never again answered my phone at home until I retired some 9 months later. Yup, being able to write was both a curse and a blessing in the Navy. The best part was penning evals, citations and recommendations. But I'm telling you stuff you already know, Sir. ☺
As a reader, I'm happy to wait for another Bell or Rimworld novel. And 'Thank you' for letting us know when things will be delayed. The worst thing for this reader is not knowing what is going on with my favorite writers. Everyone could use a prayer now and then. 🙏
I'm also glad that you're self-pubbing because you're not limited by the tradpub-controlled pace that targets bookstores. I haven't bought a book from a brick and mortar bookstore in over 10 years. Unless it's a museum, or national park, gift shop. Publishing at that pace is leaving money on the table, IMHO, which is why Larry Correia is probably working with the two hybrid publishers now.
Writing. I enjoy writing, wordsmithing. I wrote professionally in the Navy. That wasn't much fun at all. The smallest typo that went out via Orestes or official correspondence was viewed by the CO as a career ender. It was no such thing, but the Captain's wrath would make the sky fall on you. Being a good writer in the Navy was both a blessing and a curse. As a civilian, I wrote reams of daily reports when I was a road-building/asphalt inspector. Waxing eloquent delighted my boss. Only had one opportunity to get published when a friend, Michael Z. Williamson, published a military SF anthology and charitably let me co-author a short story with him. Mein Gott, that was hard work. Terrifying work. I have the highest regard for writers, the good, the bad and the ugly. It takes great discipline, moxie, stamina and bravery to put it all out there in full view and to await a response that either crushes your ego or inflates it beyond its true worth. I guess it helps if a writer has brains, is a good storyteller and can get his thoughts transmitted to a paper book via the keyboard. Hat's off to all of you writers. You are made of stern stuff. Do you ever get stage fright writing as a civilian?
Ha ha... EVERY damned release of anything... sigh
My last tour was on a CG out of Mayport. I left my family in Pensacola. I'd commute on the rare weekend off. Among my collateral duties was to review every CASREP message for errors and to write the accompanying SORTS message. That was a real sleep stealer at sea and occasionally worse inport. I can recall being at home on one of those rare weekends and getting a call from the ship telling me to come in and write a SORTS message. (Because I was "the only one who knew how". I could give a Cub Scout a piece of paper and a crayon and teach him how in 10 minutes.) I told the CDO I was 401 miles away. He asked me, "And what's your point, Lieutenant?" I suggested an answer of "No" and dictated the message to him over the phone. I never again answered my phone at home until I retired some 9 months later. Yup, being able to write was both a curse and a blessing in the Navy. The best part was penning evals, citations and recommendations. But I'm telling you stuff you already know, Sir. ☺