Baen books publishes some of my favorite science fiction authors like Eric Flint where you can buy the book in advance of publication. So you get the new book in your favorite series a month or so before it is actually published. Now I buy it but I don't read it on the computer or a kindle or whatever. I print out the pages and read it like a regular book. The problem is that it is on regular 8 1/2 by 11 paper which is a lot bigger than a regular book. Plus if you drop them on the floor you are screwed. Anyway what sucks is that when the book finally comes out in hardcover, you already have read it. That sucks.
Also the practice of putting sample chapters or snippets on the net sucks moose cock. I mean SM Stirling put 10 chapters of his latest The Scourge of God online and then only added about four more chapters. I already read most of the book online. WTF. Don't put more than two or three chapters up and let us get something for our money. Jeeez.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
12 comments:
Troop--
Eh. They're trying at least, you know.
Old media's response to the 'net has been less than inspiring in numerous ways.
Actually it was 10 chapters of 20, and almost precisely half the book by word-count.
The theory is that nobody's going to read 10 chapters and then stop... 8-).
Wow, if this is really S.M. Stirling let me just say I am a big admirer of your work. I read and reread many of your series and really hate the fact that you have dropped some of them.
The Island in the Sea of time series was great and seemed to be left open ended. And the General series was great as well especially the last two books with the Reformer and the Tyrant. Good Stuff.
The current series (Emberverse II) is wonderful and I look forward to it continuing as soon as possible. But the Mar’s stuff, not so much. But hey it must interest you so who the hell am I to tell you what to do?
Thanks for all the many hours of reading pleasure you have given to all your readers.
But the tease chapters is really killing me man. I get to reading them and half the book is gone already. It just seemed like you are giving up too much of the book before your publish it. Get cracking dude I want the next book tomorrow!
Writing as fast as I can... 8-). Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by. I can't wait to see how it comes out. What gets me though is how you can be put in a box with your characters. I mean you really can't kill off any of your main characters, specifically Rudi or Mattie? So they are going on this mythical quest and always be safe? Are all or most of the supporting characters going to get killed off to make it minimally realistic? Because that's kinda of what happens in real life. Will you change the focus or follow the convention where the heroes fight through impossible odds without any significant casualties? That's a tough one. I always thought that was a big weakness in the Lord of the Rings for instance. I bet you have an endgame in mind and I can't wait to see it.
"I bet you have an endgame in mind and I can't wait to see it."
-- bear in mind the title of the last book in this series: THE GIVEN SACRIFICE.
Oh I know you are setting that up so we know it's coming. I thought one of the best parts of your previous series was that Mike Havel died in the final duel with Norman. That was unusual for a series that you kill one of the main characters although you did seem to shift the focus of the series to Juniper and young Rudi. But what would be different and radically cool and a real head turner would be if you killed off Rudi and someone else picked up the sword. Sort of Samwise with the ring writ large. It could be the priest. Or Mattie as the warrior queen. Or even Baron Odard redeemed. Or Mary or Ritkva. I know that sounds crazy but when I read something as good as the books you write I wonder if you will ever take the next step and really push the envelope. Not to say that the way you have set this up is not great. It is in the great tradition of heroic literature ever since Beowulf pooped his pants looking at Grendel. I just like curveballs is all.
And you know if you pull a sacrifice in the middle innings you can still score the winning run.
By the way, the scene where Rudi is riding the buffalo to escape the Cutters: insane.
You never know... 8-).
Cool, I have my fingers crossed.
Post a Comment