So I’ve been pretty quiet. Why, you ask? Because I’ve been writing. What have I been writing, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. I’ve been hard at work on the follow-up to Chuggie and the Desecration of Stagwater. It’s called Chuggie and the Bleeding Gateways.
Chuggie and the Bleeding Gateways is the account of what happens to Chuggie right after the Desecration of Stagwater. The Bleeding Gateways has just been sent to my editor. We’ll rake it over the coals for a month or two until we think it’s ready to publish, and then… well, then we’ll publish it. I don’t have a release date for you yet, but I assure you, when I know the date, YOU’LL know the date. I plan to go on and on and on and on and on and on about it as soon as I know the date. I’m pretty excited about this story, and I absolutely can’t wait to share it with you. I wish I could be there to see the look on your face when you reach the end.
To answer some technical questions:
How long did it take? It took about a year to write, but that’s because I wasn’t writing the whole time. From about mid-April to August, I didn’t get much writing done. From November to mid-December, I didn’t get much writing done. I’m pretty sure the next book will take much less time.
How long is it? In its present form, the manuscript is just over 99,000 words. If you figure a paperback averages 250 words per page, that’s about 397 pages. I expect it to be trimmed quite a bit in editing, though.
Do I need anybody to beta read? No. I have that taken care of. I’m glad you’re interested, but it’s not in the cards. Advance copies for reviewing purposes can be discussed closer to the release date.
Why should you read Chuggie and the Bleeding Gateways? Because it describes a series of wild events that will resonate across the world of Mag Mell for millenia. And also because of Chuggie’s profanity-packed monologues. I love those, and you do, too!
What’s the synopsis? I’m not telling. At this point some things can change. If I tell you anything, it guarantees that whatever I’ve told you will be cut or edited.
I think I mentioned I’m excited about this book, and it remains true. My editor is brilliant, and I can’t wait to see what kind of sweet action we end up with for the final draft. The word “Kachonga” comes to mind… Whatever. As long as it makes me several million dollars, I’m sure I’ll be happy.
I’ll tell you more about Chuggie and the Bleeding Gateways when I have more to tell. Keep it classy, comrades!
PS. I may have some other mind-blowing projects to tinker with along with Chuggie. If you buy enough copies and get enough friends and family members to buy enough copies, maybe some of these other super-secret projects can come to life!
PPS. That picture at the top of this post? I made that with the Pulp-O-Mizer. Have fun with that!
Chuggie is sure to entertain, I can’t wait to hear about his new adventures!! Chuggie is my hero and I am sure he will still be my hero in the next book. Tell me he doesn’t die, or worse lose his chain and lucky anchor!