The Dresden Files > DF Spoilers
Should Jim skip to the BAT?
g33k:
--- Quote from: Mira on April 07, 2022, 10:50:15 AM --- ... The long stretch between Skin Game and Peace Talks is a perfect case in point, making loyal fans wait years for the next book in the series isn't fair. Only Jim can answer why the reason for that was, but that cries out for edit,edit,edit!
--- End quote ---
I had thought that most DF fans (at least those here on the Paranet, where it seems to be pretty common knowledge) had understood that the long gap was heavily driven by RL issues getting in the way of his productivity... a divorce, a long stint with no home (staying in a friend's spare bedroom), death of a beloved pet, &c.
Writing fiction isn't really a "job" like most of us have, where you can "show up" and "go through the motions," and managerial "productivity metrics" may not even notice a dip. For a writer, emotional turmoil/depression/etc -- and lack of the "right" workspace -- can deliver a HUGE hit to productivity.
Then there's the BG/PT "size" issue. That was a *LOT* of words written, and having to then go back and revise it into TWO books added yet more delay. But, just looking at a "productivity timetable," it's worth noting that "twofer'ing" a PAIR of DF novels (on an 18month/per timing) is three years' wait, exclusive of RL delays & distractions...
--- Quote from: Yuillegan on April 07, 2022, 07:30:54 AM --- ... We've been told there are (as per latest information) at least 4 to 5 more books (including Twelve months). At the old rate of one every ~1.5 years that would 6-7.5 years away approximately. At the current rate...it could be double that or more.
Each of the books of the BAT are supposed to be BIG novels. So even were Jim writing at his own rate each book would take 2-5 years each. And there are THREE of them.
So worst case scenario, we could be looking at a 30 year window. Which puts Jim in his 80s. Not brilliant I would think for anyone ...
--- End quote ---
I'm pretty sure Jim has stated that he plans to alternate between DF novels & OS novels. We'll have to see if he can hit his old "18 months per" productivity rate. And, of course, he's a free agent and could change his mind... if inspiration strikes, he may do 2 in a row (or more) for either DF or OS... with consequent delays to the other series.
But I think it's a fair working estimate to say 18mo, and alternate DF/OS titles. So that's three years wait between DF novels. To get through 4 more DF "Casefiles" will take (about) 12 years.
Then there is the BAT...
I am pretty sure I recall a WOJ stating that he really saw the BAT as one big story, and expected to write it as a single project, NOT interspersed with other novels. My WOJ-archive Fu is weak, however, and my cursory search didn't find anything. OTOH, 3 novels * 18mo = 4.5 year wait; round it up to 5 years, just because.
But... RL: there is NO guarantee that something else won't come along to knock Jim off his stride!
Still, I think something more like 20 years (than 30) years is a "reasonable estimate" to see the end of the Casefiles + BAT.
And maybe Jim will get run over by a bus next week, and it's all moot.
hiddendotgif:
That is a very good point; the "current" rate was the byproduct of many things stacking against Jim. I feel like some of us forget that he is a person too, with a life and such, and sometimes life gets the best of us. Regardless, I'll be here til the end
Mira:
--- Quote ---I had thought that most DF fans (at least those here on the Paranet, where it seems to be pretty common knowledge) had understood that the long gap was heavily driven by RL issues getting in the way of his productivity... a divorce, a long stint with no home (staying in a friend's spare bedroom), death of a beloved pet, &c.
--- End quote ---
All of that is hard, I will grant that, and difficult to be creative in those times. However having said that, he did write the first of a decently long novel in a new series during that time. He also had a lot of personal appearances during that time, this is where all the WOJs come from.
--- Quote ---
Writing fiction isn't really a "job" like most of us have, where you can "show up" and "go through the motions," and managerial "productivity metrics" may not even notice a dip. For a writer, emotional turmoil/depression/etc -- and lack of the "right" workspace -- can deliver a HUGE hit to productivity.
--- End quote ---
True, but he did write and complete a new novel in that time.
--- Quote ---
Then there's the BG/PT "size" issue. That was a *LOT* of words written, and having to then go back and revise it into TWO books added yet more delay. But, just looking at a "productivity timetable," it's worth noting that "twofer'ing" a PAIR of DF novels (on an 18month/per timing) is three years' wait, exclusive of RL delays & distractions...
--- End quote ---
Splitting the last novel into two wasn't really necessary, at least not for the reason given, because doing it really didn't save us fans any money..
--- Quote ---I'm pretty sure Jim has stated that he plans to alternate between DF novels & OS novels. We'll have to see if he can hit his old "18 months per" productivity rate. And, of course, he's a free agent and could change his mind... if inspiration strikes, he may do 2 in a row (or more) for either DF or OS... with consequent delays to the other series.
--- End quote ---
Or finish one before he goes on to the other! Like all of us, Jim is aging, we change with age, he may never be able to be as productive as he was as a young man. He does have choices, and spreading himself too thin as you suggest does nothing but piss off his fans, pissed off fans don't buy books..
--- Quote ---That is a very good point; the "current" rate was the byproduct of many things stacking against Jim. I feel like some of us forget that he is a person too, with a life and such, and sometimes life gets the best of us. Regardless, I'll be here til the end
--- End quote ---
However he was creative during that, he made creative choices and was productive... And no, given his success, please don't paint a picture of him as some poor slob sleeping on a friend's sofa because his marriage split up.. He might be hurt, hurt badly by his marriage break up, but physically he will have a roof over his head unless he chooses not to.
--- Quote ---Still, I think something more like 20 years (than 30) years is a "reasonable estimate" to see the end of the Casefiles + BAT.
And maybe Jim will get run over by a bus next week, and it's all moot.
--- End quote ---
Or his son can finish it..
morriswalters:
Sons need not pay for the sins of the father. This Butcher's task.
While I'm sympathetic to the idea that he is having a hard time personally that would seem to indicate a need to simplify rather than complicate. His steam punk series is suffering worse then the Files. It was released in 2015 some seven or so years ago.
--- Quote ---I'm pretty sure Jim has stated that he plans to alternate between DF novels & OS novels. We'll have to see if he can hit his old "18 months per" productivity rate. And, of course, he's a free agent and could change his mind... if inspiration strikes, he may do 2 in a row (or more) for either DF or OS... with consequent delays to the other series.
--- End quote ---
You need to adjust your calendar. He already overtime on your schedule. By his own pronouncement CS was suppose to be done in October.
Mira:
--- Quote from: morriswalters on April 08, 2022, 12:35:18 PM ---Sons need not pay for the sins of the father. This Butcher's task.
While I'm sympathetic to the idea that he is having a hard time personally that would seem to indicate a need to simplify rather than complicate. His steam punk series is suffering worse then the Files. It was released in 2015 some seven or so years ago.
You need to adjust your calendar. He already overtime on your schedule. By his own pronouncement CS was suppose to be done in October.
--- End quote ---
True, I admit to being a wee bit sarcastic about saying his son could finish the series, but hey, it could turn out that way. And I believe you summed it up perfectly about what to do while going through difficult times, "simplify." Now that might mean he quits writing The Files, that would sadden me, but at least we wouldn't be left hanging, dinning on very short story bread crumbs while starving for the next book.
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