Desert Spear Update
Patrick Rothfuss had a recent blog post about the status of his second book, The Wise Man’s Fear. It was a post that really touched me, because while I do not know Mr. Rothfuss personally, his story in many ways felt like my story. I don’t have a legion of fanatics harassing me, but I know well the stress of suddenly having your hobby become your life, and how it can knock your feet out from under you, even as you put immense pressure on yourself to measure up against a successful first novel.
But Pat wrote a long post about the status of his book, and I think it lifted some of the weight off him. George RR Martin did something similar a few weeks ago.
So in that tradition, I would like to take a moment to update everyone on the status of The Desert Spear.
It’s done.
Sort of.
I woke up this morning knowing I was going to finish the book. I went to sleep at 3am last night, my eyes practically closing by themselves, knowing that I only had a little bit left to write, and that there would be no real obstacles left in doing so. Dani knew it, too, and packed up the baby to go to her parents’ house, so I could finish up in peace.
But then an interesting thing happened. I had an anxiety attack. A pretty bad one, as these things are measured. Usually these came when I was despairing that the book would never be finished, but I never imagined I would have one at the idea of writing “the end”.
Of course, it was the first time in my life I ever wrote the words “the end” knowing there was a paycheck on the other side of them. Not to mention the crippling fear that people won’t like Desert Spear because I didn’t just re-use the proven-successful template of The Painted Man/The Warded Man.
When Kermit the Frog was nervous before his movie audition in The Muppet Movie, Dr. Teeth gave him a valuable piece of advice: “Ain’t nothin’ to it, but to do it,” he said.
Despite the fact that it came from a gold-toothed drug addict made of felt, I never forgot that advice, and I cling to it whenever fear or anxiety or nerves try to stop me from doing something. It’s gotten me through some difficult times.
So I pushed forward and did it. It’s done.
Sort of.
By “done”, I mean I have a complete first draft, beginning to end, that I finished mere minutes ago, and will shortly be sending to my editors at Del Rey and Voyager.
It does NOT mean the book is finalized, or that it will be out anytime soon, which includes the entirely arbitrary dates you see on Amazon.co.uk, where it is currently listed to publish in August/September. It may yet be out by then, or not. I don’t know and no one else does, either.
Why? Because there will be edits. Rewrites. More edits. More rewrites. Typesetting. Copyediting. Proofreading. It may be many months before the manuscript meets everyone’s standards, and don’t think I am exaggerating when I say my own standards will be twice as high as anyone else’s. Thrice as high. It’s my name on the damn thing, not to mention my grandfather’s name, and that is something I take very seriously. I will scrutinize every sentence, every word, every piece of punctuation in that massive 231,000 word file until I am convinced it is fit to stay. I daresay the final version released into the world will be a good deal shorter, and much better for it.
What I will say now, though, is that despite all the anxiety I have had (and will have in the future) over this manuscript, I look back at what I’ve done, and I am damn proud of it.
Can you picture that?
I’ve been reading along for a while now. I just wanted to drop you a comment to say keep up the good work.
I believe that everybody is eager to read the next book in a series, because they got attached to the characters and settings. I know that I am that way. But I know how hard the work you are doing it is and not everytime we get the things to work how we would like and therefore a precise date is hard to be set.
But no matter what I am certain that all that wait will be worth. Keep up the great work, Peat. I am certain the “The Desert Spear” will be great, whenever is the release date
I think it goes without saying that I am incredibly proud of you (and love you even more for taking advice from the Muppets!). But here’s an interesting fact: Jim Henson performed both Kermit and Dr. Teeth. So, essentially, he was talking to himself. Perhaps giving himself some much-needed advice. It reminds me of another Muppet’s teaching: “Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Well, you did. And I’m kvelling.
Wonderful, wonderful news, Peat! We all know you’ve put your heart and soul into it, and we’re not worried at all about how it’s going to be – I honestly don’t think you could write a crap book if you tried.
We wait in blissfull patience!
P.S. You’ve got to be the coolest wife and mom ever, Danielle, quoting Yoda!
[...] But before you start asking when The Desert Spear will be available, read this honest, heart-felt post from Peat. [...]
So so much to celebrate tonight! Bravo!
It doesn’t matter how long we have to wait for it, congratulations for finishing it!!!
Whoot, it will be awesome. I have all faith that it will be great and well worth the wait.
Great work Mr Brett!! It is news a wanna-be author loves to hear – DRAFT DONE!
Recently read on D.M Cornish’s blog earlier in the week that he too had finished the draft of his latest.
It does make me want to find more time away from the full-time job to find time to get more editing done…
Hoping the process to finalise the draft goes quickly and painlessly for you!
Congrats Peat! The news makes me all sorts of excited.
(I’ve checked the comments here so…) Allow me to be the first to offer a free proof-reading… Seriously… Well, worth a try eh?
If Peat’s life is the Muppet Movie, then am I the Orson Welles character (should have had more cake and booze at party then to help gain weight), Doc Hopper (should have had more of the frogs leg bruschetta), or The Swedish Chef (wait until end of party, then after everyone’s gone and nobody will notice, told author “the book is okey dokey” in my very best Swedish Chef accent). It’s too late for me to be Big Bird, make just a brief cameo, and then walk off.
I think you’re more like Scooter, the Electric Mayhem’s road manager.
He’s the man with the van.
Hi Peter! I saw your web address from patrick rothfuss blog and decided to dropped by. I read your book late last year and I’ve got to say that it is one of the best fantasy debut book I’ve read. My only problem was that it was too short.
Which will be remedied the minute I get my hands on your second book, Desert Spear.
Thanks Sherryl! I can’t say when exactly The Desert Spear will publish (it’s not really my decision), but I can assure of one thing: it will be considerably longer than The Warded/Painted Man. The unedited draft is half again as big as the Warded Man final. It will get shorter in editing, but it will still be big enough to choke a rock demon.
I loved your book so much I saved up all my pennies and bought the painted man collectors copy 1 of 25. ITS UNREAD AND TAKES PRIDE ON MY BOOKSHELF WITH TERRY PRATCHETT. I cannot wait for the 2nd book and look up all the time. I can wait forever if it is as good, please let me know if you will be signed copies again. THANK YOU
Chris
Thanks, Chris. That’s a wonderful compliment. So far as I know, Goldsboro books, who did the limited edition books stamped with the character avatars, still have the stamps, and based on how well The Painted Man did for them, they may well want to do a Desert Spear limited edition, too. Regardless, I will probably go back to London for the Desert Spear launch, and will happily personalize a copy for you at a signing.
We’re still determining the Desert Spear launch date, but it will definitely be a few months later than the August 2 date on Amazon to account for rewriting and publishing schedules. I’m really happy with how it’s turned out, though, so I think it will be worth the wait.
Hi Peat
Glad to hear you have the first draft done, a bit disappointed to hear that it will not be published in August since I thought that would still be doable given what you finished now. Contrary to someone who posted above I do care about when it will come out, I’m really keen on reading it after all. Hopefully it will not be too much later than August then.
P.S.
Loved to hear the size of this one! Sounds like the UK hardcover will be between 600 and 700 pages.
Taliesin
I hear ya, Taliesin. I’m as eager to have it out as anyone, but there are two factors at work here. One is my desire to deliver the best book possible, which requires that I take some time to discuss the book with my editors (on both sides of the Atlantic) and test readers before doing a very meticulous rewrite, and the other is publishers’ schedules. Contrary to popular belief, publishers don’t put books out ASAP once they are done for a number of legitimate business reasons.
The good news is that we are close to solidifying a worldwide English language release date, and when that happens, I will post it on the blog along with as detailed an explanation of how it came about as I can without violating the privacy of the publishers’ inner workings.
Hi Peat,
So Del Rey and Harper Voyager will be releasing simultaneously you think? That would still be in this year then right, even if August is out?
I’m asking also since Del Rey only just published the Warded Man and if they would not be bothered releasing two of your books in the same year.
Thans Pete for saying you would personalise a copy of the desert spear for me. I am a member of Godsboro book club so will keep my ears open for your return, and will speak to Goldsboro and see what they can do for me.
GOOD LUCK WITH THE NEXT TWO BOOKS. CAN’T WAIT FOR THEM YIPEE CHRIS
I’d like to give an answer, Taliesin, but right now I just don’t know. Del Rey was planning to release in January 2010, but since the manuscript needs to be finished in both markets before it can publish in either (i.e. we want the books to be identical in both markets), they are trying to agree on a worldwide release date so no one has an unfair advantage, which is perfectly reasonable.
When a firm date is given to me, I will put up a post about it. In the meantime, I will stop guessing, because it’s just putting out misinformation.
Any delays will give me more time to work on The Daylight War, though, thus shortening the gap between books two and three, which might otherwise be considerably longer than the gap between one and two.
Hi Peat
I received an e-mail from Goldsboro books today to say that they met with your editor yesterday and he indicated that you will not be looking to release the Desert Spear until April 2010. They also said that they will look to issuing limited editions then. Is this true that we will have to wait until then it’s another year?
Love Chris
I know April 2010 is one of the dates the publishers are discussing, but I have not had definite word yet. Believe me, I won’t be thrilled if it’s another year either, but it’s no one person’s decision, and I’d rather wait than try to rush out a version that hasn’t been properly edited and revised.
As I said before, when I have definite word, I will put up a post about it. In the meantime, I have a 14,000 word Arlen story to release this year, and another couple of shorts I will knock out when I have the chance to tide people over.
Wow, I sure hope it won’t be 2010, or April 2010. One of the draws of the series was that it seemed to come out relatively fast.
Everybody wants the best book possible I’m sure. but I have to say I hope Harper Voyager are not ok with a worldwide release because I’m sure they can release quicker than Del Rey. For one because English publishers generally have a quicker turnaround in the processing of the book, you see this with many books, the UK release is usually several months ahead. For two because publishers often say they don’t want to release two books from the same series in one year. Which basically means that if we are talking about “worldwide release” dates we are talking about a big delay caused by Del Rey.
For me as a reader I have no benefits from a worldwide release date. As for unfair advantages, It doesn’t strike me that many American fans of the series would be buying the UK version when it comes out and have that shipped across the pond, a vast majority will wait for a US release anyway.
Hi Taliesin
I’m not sure if I agree with your comments about the American people. I am english, and normally buy signed collectors editions to leave on the shelf. I then buy a normal copy read it and sell it on e-bay (yea shame on me). However, I have numerous American buyers who want English Copies because overall they are generally worth more than American copies for some bizarre reason.
Peat
Can I ask if you can name the Arlen package and potential release including publishers then we can check and order. I am sure that others who are great fans of yours would appreaciate this so that we can pre-order and get ahead of others. I am sad about the 2010 release date and hope you don’t mind me posting it, it’s the only way we can communicate. I was so enthralled with The Painted Man and will only be satisfied to know that you have others to tempt us. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LET US HAVE THE INFO SO THAT WE CAN GET THESE BOOKS. Your people need you to keep them sane.
Sorry to go on
Love Chris
WOW
Just read another persons review who offered you a free proof reading, I AGREE maybe myself and Taliesin can also offer. Everybody needs them and to be honest so many people abuse this privilege by selling them on websites.
Just realised I love writing this blog, hope everyones not getting bored.
IF YOU ARE PLEASE DROP THE HINT GENTLY
Chris
Taliesin, I have found in my short time in the fiction publishing business (I used to be in medical publishing), that a lot of the assumptions I had about how the industry worked were off base.
In this case, neither publisher is causing any unnecessary delays. Both want the book out as soon as reasonably possible, and are not trying to force it into different years. The issue is more that they plan their schedules WAY in advance, and while they and their sales/marketing people may be willing to reshuffle budgets and plans at the drop of the hat to hurry out a guaranteed bestseller like George RR Martin, for a Peter V. Brett… not so much.
As I mentioned in my February 2 blog post, I delivered the manuscript somewhat later than expected, and I am paying the consequences for that. This is not the fault of the publishers, it is mine.
I would also note that a fairly large number of people in the US ordered the UK edition rather than wait the extra six months. With websites like Book Depository offering free worldwide shipping and still charging less than cover price, it’s not surprising, though neither publisher has noted this as a factor in their current plans.
Chris, Harper Voyager will be releasing a Painted Man special deluxe edition sometime this year when they launch their new website. Every copy will be signed and numbered (limited to 500 copies), and will include 4 full color illustrations by Painted Man cover artist Larry Rostant, a slip case & page ribbon, color maps, a glossary, and the Arlen backup story, The Great Bazaar, which takes place during his Messenger days, just before he finds the Spear of Kaji in the ruins of Anoch Sun. The story is a fast-paced adventure that explains how Arlen got the map to the lost city in the first place.
I have other short stories planned as well, filling in some of the gaps in the lives of Arlen, Rojer, and Leesha. I will write them as opportunity presents itself.
Still not sure how/when The Great Bazaar will release in the US. I’m working on it.
FANTASTIC NEWS, THANK YOU I AM GOING TO GET ONTO THEIR WEBSITE AND ASK THEM FOR POTENTIAL DATES. IT CAN THEN GO WITH MY COLLECTION. IT’S FABULOUS NEWS, BEEN PLUGGING YOU BOOK AT WORK AND KNOW A FEW EXTRA PEOPLE WHO WILL BE BUYING THE PAINTED MAN, SO THATS ALL GOOD NEWS.
THANKS FOR THE INFO AND WILL WRITE MORE SOON.
LOVE CHRIS
All you’ll get on the Voyager site right now is an “under construction” notice. I will give a shout on the blog when it is up and running.
Hi
Got on the harper/collins site and e-mailed them, but would be brilliant if you could let us know when. EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM as the saying goes.
I’ve just had a brilliant idea, i can’t get to New York this weekend in case you didn’t know its the last round of the 6 nations rugby. However, that aside when you come to England next year why don’t you do a little touring and come to Bristol, that way I can come to a signing, and you will get more fans. BRILLIANT IDEA?
Hope so, have a lovely weekend and hope you meet many fantastic fans, I have a wonderful feeling your going to around for a very long time.
Chris
[...] Peter V. Brett, author of The Painted Man (REVIEW) is on the other side of the fence. He’s writing a sequel to his successful debut novel, but is inundated with the pressure that comes from having to move from hobbyist to full time writer, while satisfying a newfound legion of fans. He writes: [...]
Hi
Dribble of Ink you’ve lost me care to expand on what you mean – or am I thick?
Chris
That was an excerpt from a post on Aidan Moher’s blog, A Dribble of Ink. Whenever someone links directly to one of my blog posts, I get what’s called a “pingback” comment, that shows a portion of the text and a hyperlink to the original.
Aidan’s article is about why authors write. It’s interesting and worth reading, I think.
Cheers
Chris
Hi Peat
Tell us how the weekend went – did you meet lots of new fans etc.,?
Chris
[...] can’t wait to find out when The Desert Spear hits the [...]
Finishing your book tonight. I love it. I also love that its your first and we have more to look forward to. No Pressure…
Also, I manage the local bookstore, so all fantasy browsers will be beat upon the head with your book. Happy writing!
Just read the painted man last night, and i have to say mr peat you did a hell of a job! Thank god i have’nt got work today, up till 5 o’clock this morning trying to finish it, i was captivated! I really hope we don’t have to wait long for the next installment, but either way i beleive you’re right up there wif my top authers of fantasy! Keep up the damn good work sir.
I’ve just read The Warded Man a fe days ago and it was great! I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Just finished “The Warded Man” and couldn’t have enjoyed myself more. Thank you for writing such a great book. You are going to be one rich fellow. Any thoughts about who will play Arlen on the big screen? I think Keira Knightley would make a great Leesha. This series is going to be epic. Thanks again for all the lost sleep.
I loved the painted man, I read it last month and have already re-read it 3 times… I’ve never done that before! It was marked in the bookstore with a sticker that said “love it or your money back” and they were right! I’m waiting as patiently as I can for the next one, I don’t mind if you’ve changed the “proven template” (pot boilers annoy me) as long as it continues the story’s of the characters that I’ve fallen in love with I will be delighted – thank you
hi i absolutly loved the first book one of the best i’ve read in a long time and cant wait for the second. I saw something in ur blog and wanted to ask when you say you had trouble with the idea of writing “the end” you do only mean the end of desert spear right? not the end of the series? it just sounded really final lol. Anyway if you need someone to read it and tell you if its up to painted man standerds i would be more than happy to help and promis i will give you a completely honest oppinion lol
SWP: That is so awesome. What bookstore is using those stickers? Give ‘em a shout out!
Nia: If you’re asking if the series will continue, the answer is yes. I think my biggest problem with writing “the end” is that I am a control freak, and don’t like letting go of a manuscript. I had many long years to work on The Painted Man with no one looking over my shoulder. Now, as my books publish and become somewhat popular, there is increasing pressure to deliver things quickly, which is hard on people like me.
I’m not one for reading blogs generally (even though I’m in the tech business) but I was recently in the UK where I bought the Painted Man. I loved it, so did my son. I’ve been reading fantasy and science fiction for forty years, I’ve read many great books in that time (including Mr. Rothfuss’ novel) and I count this book among them. I am naturally anxious to read the Desert Spear but certainly understand the immensity of your task and applaud your dedication. We will wait, knowing it will be well worth it. Thank you for the experience.
Keep up the good work and take all the time you need(just don’t pull a R. Jordan or G. Martin on us!). I recently finished the Warded Man and it was pretty damned awesome and felt a lot different then others in this genre. I have been highly recommending it to all my friends.
Very much enjoyed Painted Man, take your time getting it right and I very much look forward to reading your latest effort.
It has been a joy finding a ‘new’ author that I enjoy as I am still mourning David Gemmell who I have enjoyed for years and am still coming to terms that there will be no new novels from him.
Best of luck
yea i love your first book it was so amazing like my name says im an aspiring writer, is there any tip you could give me on writing a novel? like i never have trouble coming up with ideas its actually doing something with them that troubles me any tip would be helpful and keep up the good work i am so looking forward to your desert spear
Hey Aspiring,
The best advice I can give is to read this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Sell-Scott-Meredith/dp/0898797500/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252691934&sr=1-20
You don’t have to do everything it says, but it’s the best breakdown of the storytelling and publishing process I know of, and it helped me improve my own game considerably.
Also, if you search the “Craft” category on my blog, those are the entries where I discuss writing craft in some way. Also the Excisions page, where I go into detail about my editing process.
Most of all, though, practice, practice, practice. Write every chance you get.
Good luck!
thanks for answering i went ahead and bought that book and imm check out the section of your site
your book has been a huge inspiration to me and my love for writing, when i pick it up i cant put it down and it always seems to make me want to continue writing my own story. I am so excited to read the next book and know that nothing u do will be bad!!
much love and peace on your journey Mr Brett!
Thanks, Christy. I’ve always found that the authors I love the most are the ones who inspire me in my own work. I’m honored to have done the same for you. Good luck to you.
Just for that book thats supposed to teach you:
I know someone who tried to write a book by those rules and it didnt work at all, she had no ideas and a book without visions is not fascinating. Only when she first wrote her book and then used the lecturing to rewrite parts and make the second draft. That helped a lot, althought her book surely wont become a published one.
All the how-to books in the world can’t help without hard work and perseverance. even a bad book takes literally hundreds of hours to write, and good ones often take quite a bit more.
Most professional authors I know wrote one or more practice books before reaching a point where their work was good enough to sell. I wrote FOUR practice books, myself.
What’s important is to never give up, and keep striving to improve.
Hi there !
I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing book that you gave us. I ran onto “The Painted Man” by looking for a book during my holidays (in a Croatian Bookstore !)
Just by the cover and title i was eager to read it…and i spent 48h bent over it, stopping only to eat (reading until 4am drove my girlfriend mad ^^)
So please keep going as i haven’t read anything that good since the Terry Goodkind’s “Sword of Truth” !
And as soon as possible keep us informed of the releasing date of “The Desert Spear” (cause Amazon is always “cheating” about releasing dates
)
Thanks again for your work, hope you have fully recovered from your anxiety problems !
A French Fan
Ps: oh and by the way, if the painted man is really made into a movie, PLEASE don’t let ANYONE tell you what to do…so many books are adapted to the big screen and ruined, i’d hate to see your book turning into a stupid blockbuster…it has loads more to offer to the audience !
Hey Florian. The Painted Man is on sale in Croatian bookstores? That is awesome.
The Amazon.co.uk date for The Desert Spear, April 5, 2010, is correct. Chances are some stores will even stock it on their shelves a few days before that. They have some leeway. Make friends with your local bookseller!
Thanks so much for the comment.
Hello!
Just want to thank you for writing the best book i have read in years.The Painted Man was absolutely fantastic!! I ran in to it in a Finnish bookstore on my lunchbreak from work. I read it in 3 days straight… It was mindblowingly good
Thank you and i hope The Desert Spear will be published on time.. because we’re all waiting!!!
Your Finnish Fan
Now it’s on sale in Finland? Awesome. I need to update the map on my news page.
Thanks, Nino!
Hi,
Picked up your book at an airport bookshop in Sydney/Australia, and devoured it over a 4 hour flight and the rest of a sleepless night. I thought it was one of the most gripping books I have read ….. Was delighted to see ( according to the inside cover ) that the next book was due out in August ‘09, and plunged into the depths of despair to find that it wasn’t out yet.
Really looking forward to the next installment, and trying very hard to be patient! Keep up the good work…
Steve in Oz
There have been a surprising number of people who have said the book carried them through a long flight. I should tell the marketing people to use that. Everyone needs an escape from cramped seating and bad food now and again. Thanks, Steve.
Cant wait for the next book to come out.. Actually I had a sudden fever last night was burning up… Anyway I woke up instantly thinking about the first book, re-read the entire thing and was driven to look for information on the next book on the series to come out.. Now that I found the info however I fear it will be painful to have to wait.
Hi Pete – purchased The Painted Man this week in Melbourne and just finished. I have read more SF books than I can remember – started with Edgar Riceborough – Mars series (hope the spelling is right). I truly loved your story – my heart went out to Arlen. So having read the comments ahead of me, I look forward to your story on Arlen and am very disappointed (but understand) the April 2010 release date for Desert Spear.
PS Loved the cover
Wow I loved the Painted Man I haven’t read much lately and accidently picked it up in a train station. I was disappointed when I arrived at my destination…..and like everyone else I was addicted and carried on throught the night stopping only for tea. I’m thirsty to read more, thanks for getting back to reading and I look forward to the desert spear. Congratulations on your success with this 1st novel and try forget the added pressures and concentrate on what your good at….writing!
Hello there
I am very much new here, however i have been a fanatsy/sci-fi fan from the age of 12. The author that hooked me up to this genre (no it wasn’t JRR Tolkein) was the late Robert Jordan.
Sir i dont know if you have read his work (of course you have ignore that) but his series The Wheel of Time is absolutely fantastic howver some of the latter books were a bit anti-climatic but still brilliant books. What I am tring to say is that the demon trilogy has one of the best and most original fantasy plots ever written and I ceratinly speak for myself when i say that i can undestand how difficult it is to write books that can fullfill the expectaions of such a high class series and even if The Desert Spear is by any off chance a slight bit awry, well i will just say you have already immortalised the series along with the likes of The Wheel Of Time, The lord of The Rings, The Dragonmaster, the Rift Wars, the Shadowleague and so many more. So just keep up the good work and dont worry about us naging fans.
P.S. By the way when IS it coming out, just joking!!!!!….no seriously tell the publishers to hurry up, just cant wait!
Thanks everyone!
Sabbir, I am actually a big Jordan fan myself. It’s an honor to be considered in such company. The early WoT books are unstoppable. I think he lost the thread a bit in the latter books, but there’s a lesson there about trying to juggle too many ongoing POV characters. A similar lesson can be learned by A Song of Ice and Fire, though GRRM has managed to keep it together so far.
I know well the temptation to constantly keep changing POV’s (The Desert Spear will have 8: 4 major and 4 minor), but having learned from the missteps of better authors than I, I am going to try and dodge that spear and rein it in before they get out of control.
Thank you for writing such an excellent book.
Well, what can one say about that book other than wow, a lovely compelling tale, once I picked it up I quite literally couldnt put it down. I bought the book in England, waterstones in a town called Southport and had finished it 3 hours later a small problem of mine when I’ve begun reading a series that isnt complete, looking forward to the next one and the staff at the waterstones now dread me coming to ask, now I have a date they will be pleased thank you for such a story
Valentin, thanks for reading!
Mark, you read The Painted Man in 3 hours?! That’s… a page ever 20 seconds. Good lord. It’s okay to come up for air now and then.
But I take it as a great compliment that you didn’t.
that sounds about right, downside is I never get to finish a story, unless the complete set is out. I have a small library of which your book is a centerpiece along with the complete set of Terry Brooks shannara stories including “the Word and the Void” and “Genesis of Shannara”
the painted man was a great book and i look forward to the rest of the series. thank you for your contributions to my brain.
Good news. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series and so is a friend of mine who I convinced to read the first book and is also now hanging out for the second as well.
I’d rather wait a bit for a well written book than get something rushed that’s just ordinary.
Hi i’m from Portugal and i would just like to say that the Painted Man, was one of the best books i have ever read, i’m anxious to read the next one!
Thank you very much!
First time I’ve flet the need to blog about a book, but wow! I never thought I would read a book i’ve enjoyed more than the WoT series. Just like to say thanks for writing such a master piece!!
Hey Peter,
On the one hand I have to say: I really can’t wait for the second part of the series to be hold in my hands. The first one was a page turner I read in no time though English is not my mother tongue.
On the other hand I’d like to say: Even though your blog post implies that you seem to have the second book done: Take all the time you need!
Peter,
I just finished The Warded Man a couple of days ago; for me that was a feat in itself. I so rarely have the time to read anymore. You know how it is…work, kids, mortgage, more work. It is enough to make one forget that they used to have a slower paced life B.R. (Before Responsibility), one that allowed them to curl up with a good book, and put it down when it was an appropriate place in the tale, when it made sense to do that, not because you had to.
But with The Warded man…I found myself there again. Your story pulled me in, as if it was I who had gone insubstantial and was heading down to your core, the root of your tale. I read, and I read…and I read. I made time for myself, and for your worlds’ inhabitants who were afraid of the night. This time I did not always set a book down because the kids, or my wife needed my time, interrupting the flow and feeling. This time I stayed with it, until the feeling that your story generated permeated completely, until I felt I could get no more from the wordplay at that sitting…and that is a testament to your skill, Sir.
You have something there, and it is more than a tale. You made a world; believeable, interesting, and at times mesmerizing. I am not just “interested” in your characters; I find myself empathizing with them. And for a few brief moments at times, I can see what they see; the fear, the terror, the joys…the hope. I look forward to their future; and now mine, since you have given me a reason to truly read again.
And for that I thank you.
Sincerely, Russell
Wow, Russel. That’s really nice of you to say. Thank you.
Thanks to everyone, really, for all the praise and support. I know I don’t chime in enough and say it, but these comments have meant a lot to me.
hey
just thought id say that Painted Man was a great book, filled with all the stuff a young reader requires, good story line, action, some romance and a great cast of characters. i haven’t got to reading your other work but if they are of similar quality ill have the whole collection on my book self no problem.
just thought i write that message
Just thought I’d post to say I have finished the book for the Painted Man for the second time and can’t wait for the Desert Spear.
As a man who owns over 100 fantasy books it is one of my favourite books coming close to my all time fave the Wheel of Time books.
It’s about time someone came up with a way to portray fantasy in an exsiting new format.
Good luck with the launch
Hi There
Although i know better than to pay attention to Amazon release dates as usually they have no basis in fact we are however getting so very very close to the current one. Do we know if this is actually acurate and all my waiting on tender hocks for the next installment is actually nearly at an end? Do i dare to dream? The Painted Man was fantastic and i must have read it 10 times just waiting for the next book (which i will prbably read another 10 times) PLease don’t let my hopes be dashed (i don’t blame you, Peter, i blame silly Amazon for printing rubbish release dates)
Thanks, everyone!
Holly, if you’re in the US, the April 13 date is solid. I think the books are already printed, so barring some unforeseen disaster, we’re good. The UK date of April 5 I am not positive about. Some UK stores put books out a little early, or there might be a slight delay, but I am flying to England for London Book Fair on April 15 and have been assured the book will be out then.
Anyone in the London area will be able to get signed copies in April, BTW. There will be public signings, and I will also try to hit all the big bookstores personally and sign their shelf stock.
I’ll be doing the same in Manhattan on April 13, with a public signing in NYC later in the month.
Hi Peat,
I loved “The Painted Man”, can’t wait to read the next one.
I would like to ask you something, i hear about and intention of making a movie out of the novel, what could you tell us about it.
Regards,
Portuguese fan