Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Next!... or: where'd he go?

One would think that after setting off on an exciting journey half way across the world's smallest continent/largest island to attend WorldCon 68/AussieCon 4, that a certain person who for today's purposes shall remain nameless, might return to immediately post an enthusiastic rant about how much fun it was, how baffling it was, how great it was to be taken care of by Chris and Ed and Dim and Brie and all the writers of the (what I have dubbed them) Melbourne Writers Conventicle; what a delight it was to meet one determined E.K. Vollmer all the way from a town called (would you believe it) Sebastipole!; how cool it was to receive encouragement and honest critique from Kit (and by extension Patience St.James - there are two Herbroulesse in the Sundergird: the one we find in Lamplighter was named after the much older one you find on the "BIG" map, honest); how exciting and rewarding each panel - with such lights as Kate Forsyth, Shaun Tan, Ian Irvine, Juliet Marillier, Lara Morgan, Richard Harland, Russell Kirkpatrick, to name(drop) only some - I was on actually was... but apparently no.

Apparently said nameless soul has waited 2 - maybe even 3! - weeks to post something.

Why is that? you may not actually be asking yourself (if indeed you are still even visiting this barely-a-blog).

Well, not sure actually: I think maybe it is a great tumbling collapsing relief that after so long above person has actually produced what they were tasked to produce (both by their original publisher and ultimately by themselves); also it is the great wilderness that it seems often comes after a writer has completed a long project (I cite here the great talent, Michael Pryor , who said at the con that, having this very moment finished his own 6(!) book series, he now feels bereft

So here he sits, hiding in his room, playing too many computer games (and thus inviting judgement from all non-gamers), squeezing out a post to you all, actually very excited that MBT Book 3 is almost here. indeed that some folks might even have copies right now and that all the speculation and wait will (I most earnestly hope) be rewarded.

As to those projects mentioned in previous posts, the Next! of this blogs title - well, they are sitting there, waiting to be picked up soon: for, Lord willing, the penner of this post surely want to write more Half-Continent stories, but right now and just for a little bit finds it necessary to let the "field lie fallow" as it were.

As to why I spoke of myself in the third person for much of this post, I do not know either - Jung would have a field day, I am sure... T'was and interesting writing exercise never-the-less: I have been told that this is a good thing for a writer to do after finishing a big work, to write short things, try stuff out, keep your hand in but keep your goals small so you still feel like a writer who can achieve stuff. All very helpful - now it remains for me to put it in to practice...

BTW, you may not have noticed, but I LOVE ellipses...

23 comments:

smudgeon said...

I'm pleased to have a copy of Factotum right now. Good thing you posted today, Cap'n Cornish, otherwise I would have left it 'til Friday to get the last instalment of your Magnificent Octopus.

Are the pages extra yellow for this one? Maybe it's just the light in my office.

Thankyou again for providing us with a glimpse of the H-c and it's residents. Here's to more goodness in the not-too-distant future (after you've had a nap, of course)

smudgeon said...

...and...I agree: you can never have too many ellipses...

...am I right?

...!

Baedeker said...

A good day for all who read Cornish returns from the fog and Terry Pratchett's new book is released in the US

Wendy said...

I was thinking of starting a 2nd read of Lamplighter tonight, in prep for MBT 3.

Enjoy the break. Soon enough, you'll be in the creative trenches again.

tradgardmastare said...

I too (like Jeff) was introduced to your books through some Historical Miniature Wargamers...
I am nearly finished the first volume and just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your most evocative world.The 18th century is a period that is fascinating to me ( I was given an 18th century writing slope for my 50th this year) and your fantasy "take"on the period is most exciting to enter. I look forward to exploring it more in the next volumes...
best wishes
Alan from Scotland

Heather said...

Time to begin the great Re-read! I'm in the US, so I've got a bit more time... but not much!

I can't wait for the next installment. Your books are seriously some of the best I've read. I posted about them on my blog and seemed to have Garnered quite a bit of interest... I intend on posting about them again!

General Jack D. Ripper said...

Hello, I've just discovered this blog, and I just wanted to you to know how much I love your books. Keep up the good work!

Now, it would appear I have some prep work to do in regards for Factotum's release. Lamplighter, here I come!


Greetings from California!

Anonymous said...

I cannot WAIT until I get my copy of Factotum...very close to my birthday...YAY! Can't imagine a better present! (yes, I like ellipses too...)

Jodie

Alyosha said...

About your writing in third person, I notice that Numps often talks about himself in that fashion. And, in a couple of your earlier posts you have ocassionally shifted into - though not necessarily third person - a manner of speaking that feels like Numps-mode. Every reader needs a character with whom they can identify in order to really step into a story. Maybe a writer does too, even for their own story? I wouldn't know. But if Numps is your personal doorway into the story, I'll have to pay more attention to his role in the scheme of things...

Wolf Blood said...

You deserve a break, Mr. Cornish. Perhaps I'll get a copy of Factotum for my birthday when they're less expensive. Is there any chance of a boxed set?

Ali (Patience St. James) said...

I greatly appreciate the shoutout for my map obsession. More than I have words to say, dear sir!

portals said...

I'm in the middle of my re-read. I'm desparate for factotum.

M. Walker said...

I am sure that 'Factotum' will be the first needle-scented present to be opened this year, I can't wait! Rereading Lamplighter now, and enjoying it even more than the first time.

As for your "letting the field lie fallow", recall that even the diligent Lamplighters are entitled to their Domesday Vigil.

Anonymous said...

Mr Cornish!
Third Book was an absolute masterpiece! Am sadly lacking the second book as I lent it to a friend some time ago and he is still to read and return it! Any ideas as to how I might reclaim my book?

smudgeon said...

Okay, now I'm finished and I'm pleased. The whole story went off in a direction I didn't expect. And the ending? Quite surprising in a way.

Pity my theory didn't hold up. I think I owe me a coke.

You done good, Cap'n Cornish. Hope you're enjoying that nap.

Anna (Sweden) said...

I have about a month until book 3 lands here. Sigh. Also, i haven´t given up the idea to lay my hands on "Legends..". Have found a sci-fi bookstore that might be promesing.

Anonymous said...

I've told my English teacher bout these books, and I'm kinda excited to see what she thinks :) Maybe they will convert her to liking fiction (cuz apparently she doesn't) b ut in the meantime I'll keep reading lots of other random books and counting down the days....until it finally arrives!!

Zakk said...

Good to see you mentioning the immensely talented Michael Pryor. His books are amazing (at least the Laws of Magic ones are) but the series was recently released in a new, kiddy cover (Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!). Exact release date for Factotum please? Or is it already out?

noelle said...

I honestly don't think that I can wait until November 11 for Factotum, and it just makes it worse knowing that those lucky Aussies have already gotten to enjoy it :( It also annoys me that when I do get it, I'll have a set of books with entirely different covers...one paperback, one hardcover, and the last with those fancy-shmancy buildings on the front. Anyone in Australia want to send me a copy of the beautiful silhouette version? :)

monday said...

Factotum is released the day before my birthday! Happiness!

AC said...

Noelle,

You can have the Australian edition shipped to you from boomerang books. They had it shipped to me within just a few days. It was definitely worth it.

RoPunky said...

About computer games...
I'd really love to know if there is World of Warcraft among your favorite games.
I started playing it after reading Foundling, and I'm sure I wouldn't have grown so fond of it if I hadn't met Europe before creating my blood elf mage :)

Robi

camilla said...

Does anybody know when the third book comes out in SWEDISH here in finland? I've waited for so long now! :)