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The Dresden Files => DF Books => Topic started by: Hustead on August 06, 2018, 05:39:15 PM
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At the time of writing, it has now been more than four years since Skin Game was released in 2014. Prior to this, the longest gap between two Dresden novels was only two years between Cold Days and Skin Game. Prior to that, there was a new book every year, from 2000-2012 and there were even two books released in 2001.
What has changed? At this point, it's even been three years since any JB novel has been released at all (Aeronaut's Windlass). Only short stories. Brief Cases was a nice appetizer, but in no way filing. It's not that Jim is now suddenly trying to take on two series at once because he's already done that while managing to still get at least one book out per year from both the Dresden Files and Codex Alera from 2004-2008.
Is it just that Jim has reached a certain amount of success and doesn't feel he needs to generate as much book income any more or what is the deal?
It's pretty alarming to see one of our favorite authors go from such a steadfast and reliable crafter of stories on a regular basis to trending toward the new GRRM track of authoring one, maybe two, core books from his most popular series per decade.
It's also incredibly frustrating to seek updates about the series from the author's personal website and be offered no other details than a now 3-year old update that says Jim is back to writing Peace Talks after finishing the Aeronaut's Windlass and that "It’s still way too early for blurbs, preorders, release dates, and the like." No, the time that was way too early for that stuff was 2015. The time for that stuff was in 2016. It's now 2018. At this point, you're basically two years late on all that preamble stuff and at least a year late on actually delivering the book.
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The man is at his peak marketability, so he has a lot of side projects, appearances and so to take advantage. That’s not a complaint; I say good for him. It’s what all (most) action adventure popcorn fiction writers dream of achieving and congrats to him for reaching it. Early in his career, he struggled to make it and so pushed with book after book to make his name. Now that he has made it, I hope he’s enjoying himself and capitolising on his success. I read some people talked a bit about his personal life having some ups and downs, but I’ve no interest in his private affairs as that’s his business. Just remember to account for any author to be human like the rest of us with his or her own life to live beyond work.
It does make waiting for a new book longer for the fans, but there are plenty of other things to occupy one’s time in life. :)
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Na, just like how the time between HP 4 and 5 was the longest, it's just the midterm hiatus. Chaos theory says that the system will stabilize in a repetition of the same data... and a huge churn out is due now. Point of fact when asked which Cons he plans to appear at this coming year the answer was none... I think that's cause he's staying in his newly built sanctuary and probably going to churn out a few books between just plain enjoying his new life.
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For tidbits of info, or just more from JB, can always follow him on reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/user/jimbutcherauthor
Dresden files is by far my favorite series, but I also understand the author is human and has other commitments. As Ananda states, he has to take advantage of his status, and I do not blame him for that. Also, you said it yourself, he has been hammering books out since 2000...Think that earns him a break.
Plenty of other fantastic series out there to pass the time with; and/or can always reread the dresden series. I audio book them while in rush hour traffic, which I have to say James Marsters is a pretty kick ass story teller.
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Just a little math. He's written 15. If he writes 22 than 7 books to go. Figuring an average of a book a year divided between Cinder Spires and DF, then we're at 14 years to complete. Let that average slip to three years and we're at 21. Jim is 46.
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Just a little math. He's written 15. If he writes 22 than 7 books to go. Figuring an average of a book a year divided between Cinder Spires and DF, then we're at 14 years to complete. Let that average slip to three years and we're at 21. Jim is 46.
Get to the part where he owes us the enslavement of his living will into righting our books instead of just enjoying his life?
iirc from 2001 to now... 21 novels or so, a dozen short stories, a handful of comics, 4 anthologies worked on not his own, one tv show... I mean man, I'm not sure what there is to complain about here except our own selfishness in action.
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That is the nature of long running series with long running plot lines. People are curieus about what comes next. If the books are written especially well the cravings for the next book will start immediately after you finish the previous one.
Nothing wrong with that, just be a little bit civilised about it. Try to hide your sufferings, that is what we all do :)
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Get to the part where he owes us the enslavement of his living will into righting our books instead of just enjoying his life?
iirc from 2001 to now... 21 novels or so, a dozen short stories, a handful of comics, 4 anthologies worked on not his own, one tv show... I mean man, I'm not sure what there is to complain about here except our own selfishness in action.
Well, I did math. I didn't see any words to the effect that Mr. Butcher owes me anything. If it means anything, it's a reflection of what I wish I had known before my sister introduced me to the books. Since I read based on recommendations by people I trust, I haven't been in the habit of vetting series by the ability to complete them. Something I am now doing.
Having said that. I've rewarded Jim Well for his labors. I own most of his works in multiple formats. And will reward him again when Peace Talks is available. If I had unlimited wealth I would contact his publisher offer him princely sums of money and see if he would let me see his outline.
However as a challenge, I suggest you show me a series configured the way Jim is doing the Dresden Files, that was completed. If you can, I'll go buy all of them. It will keep me busy. I'm bored. Normally long series with one protagonist have no ongoing back story woven into the narrative that is central to the main storyline and remains uncompleted until the final book. You may have better knowledge than I do though.
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At the time of writing, it has now been more than four years since Skin Game was released in 2014. Prior to this, the longest gap between two Dresden novels was only two years between Cold Days and Skin Game. Prior to that, there was a new book every year, from 2000-2012 and there were even two books released in 2001.
What has changed?
Did you read his AMA? Or listen to any of his recent podcast appearances? He talks about why he basically hasn't been able to work for three years because of his house problems.
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However as a challenge, I suggest you show me a series configured the way Jim is doing the Dresden Files, that was completed. If you can, I'll go buy all of them. It will keep me busy. I'm bored. Normally long series with one protagonist have no ongoing back story woven into the narrative that is central to the main storyline and remains uncompleted until the final book. You may have better knowledge than I do though.
Can always delve (if you have not) into the Dragon Lance Chronicles. Dragons of Autumn Twilight is the first of the series, and avoid reading Dragons of Summer Flame until you have read the following:
Legends Trilogy
Follow up with:
The Second Generation
Once you have those under your belt, then you can read DoSF. Can also read all about the lore, heroes of old, races....needless to say, you will have plenty to read up on.
Also, DoAT came out in 1984; so plenty of used copies you can find everywhere. When I left my original set with my brother as a farewell gift, I bought the first 30 books for $20 at goodwill.
Just want to add, while it's not as intricate as a spiderweb as Butcher does with Dresden, the books do constantly chain off one another getting you to explore more and more.
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The kate daniels series is nearly finished.
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Can always delve (if you have not) into the Dragon Lance Chronicles. Dragons of Autumn Twilight is the first of the series, and avoid reading Dragons of Summer Flame until you have read the following:
Legends Trilogy
Follow up with:
The Second Generation
Once you have those under your belt, then you can read DoSF. Can also read all about the lore, heroes of old, races....needless to say, you will have plenty to read up on.
Also, DoAT came out in 1984; so plenty of used copies you can find everywhere. When I left my original set with my brother as a farewell gift, I bought the first 30 books for $20 at goodwill.
Just want to add, while it's not as intricate as a spiderweb as Butcher does with Dresden, the books do constantly chain off one another getting you to explore more and more.
I'm aware of the titles, and have given thought in the past to reading them. But they are trilogies taking place in an established world. But the story lines are self contained stories in an open universe. The backstory is completed in a trilogy, although other books exist in the same Universe. What Jim is doing is closer in scope and function to JK Rowling's books. Just much longer. That isn't a bad thing unless you're 67 and he's only on book 15. ;D It isn't Jim's fault, I blame my father. And Jim, bless him, will never be able to write as fast as I can read.The kate daniels series is nearly finished.
I've looked at her in the past. And if she write finis to the series and closes the loop I'll look closer.
I've also read the Kim Harrison "Hollows" novels. 13 books to a conclusion. Not as good as Dresden but you can watch her mature as a writer over the course of the series. Thank you both for your recommendations.
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I'm aware of the titles, and have given thought in the past to reading them. But they are trilogies taking place in an established world. But the story lines are self contained stories in an open universe. The backstory is completed in a trilogy, although other books exist in the same Universe.
Reason I picked out particular titles for you to read. They are all part of the same story, that keeps growing and just like early Harry Potter, you can put them down after each trilogy and be content, or continue on (With Rowling, the first 3 books read as individuals with simpler endings. It's not until the fourth book that you realize the larger game is afoot). Second generations was suggested so you understand some of the back story going into the final book.
Just food for thought if you are looking for a good story that is intertwined throughout two series to help pass some time.
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Did you read his AMA? Or listen to any of his recent podcast appearances? He talks about why he basically hasn't been able to work for three years because of his house problems.
No I did not because I don't go follow these authors around to appearances, monitor their personal lives or listen to podcasts. I just read a lot of books (and I don't reread — I move on and find new things). Jim's are some of my favorites, especially the Dresden series, and I don't feel like he owes us anything (other than maybe a new progress update on his website), but it's disconcerting to see such a big drop off in production all of a sudden from a guy that has been so reliable.
A year or maybe even two off for a break, sure we can all understand that, but at this point we've slipped well past that between major projects and sure we got a short story collection this summer and occasionally get a new story in comic form, but that's not the same and almost all of those short stories were republished in Brief Cases and there was little new writing included.
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I feel your pain. But. Writing is an act of creation. Sometimes creation is fast. And sometimes it's slow. And sometimes it up and quits. He could be writing A Song of Ice and Fire. The HBO series outran the rate of production of the novels. And the last was published in 2011. I'd read them, but because of Jim, I no longer read unfinished series.
Jim, or Mr. Butcher, since I really don't know him well enough to call him Jim, picked a really tough nut to attempt to crack. Twenty or so novels finished by a 3 book finale. I really like the Dresden Files, but I question his ability to maintain a focus for the period of time needed to produce the work he says he has imagined. At 1 a year, that's 23 years. In itself a long time to live in one character, particularly one where there is a complex back story. I wish him well.
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I wish I had the kind of job where I could take a 3 or 4 year break from my paying work b/c of housing or family troubles and still have customers lined up waiting for me to return.
I've already decided that when the next book drops it will be the first one since I got into the series that will not be a day 1 buy for me. I'll have waited at minimum 5 years for it at that point, another 1 or 2 won't matter. Dresden files books are worth no more than about $3-4 to me at this point b/c I have no faith the series will ever be finished, plus they are a pain to read b/c I have to go back and recap if its going to be 4+ years in between every time. The days of Dresden Files being worth a $20+ hardcover are done - and this right here, this 5 year gap, killed it.
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yea historically, people gave up the bible when new works were not forthcoming. It's not that people didn't all know how to read at one point in history, they just gave it up cause they got tired on hand written copies of new books to make the rounds. It's how the dark ages happened..
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I do think we're coming up on a year without an update on the upcoming works page about the status, which could be remedied by the site admins. I'd rather be told month to month that there's no change than have stale info :)
Other than that, he's going to finish when he'll finish and I'll be happy to buy it when he does.
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I read the Wheel of Time series. As it came out, more or less.
I also started reading ASoIaF around book 3.
So: A) this is very normal; Butcher's at the point where he has to start closing lines rather than opening, but he's not yet at the awesome conclusion. He managed to get further at that than many other authors (Turn Coat and Changes were 'closing' books, even if they left enough openings for the future), but it's still quite normal. It also means everything has to hang together now, where earlier books could be more easily episodic with a few connecting points. B) I feel your pain. And C) it could be worse, so I am not too worried yet.
On a lighter note, I also read the Malazan Book of the Fallen, and while it had a seeming slump halfway through, it did conclude, and conclude quite rapidly once the descent to the finale started. So for now I assume Peace Talks will come soonish, and from then we'll start speeding up again; I don't know that will happen, but I expect it.
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Yes, he's a human with issues and priorities that can take precedence. I think most of the adults here can appreciate that. Plus as someone stated, he's toiled in obscurity for some time and now is enjoying the limelight. We have gotten other content from him, however, we are all chomping at the bit to get at least some information about Peace Talks.
I don't think it's unreasonable to crave an update, and get a little salty when it's been over a year to see one on the site itself. I, personally, don't have the time to wade through his AMA's and follow up on his interviews, so a nice short blurb in News would be fantastic.
If people want to bitch about it and feel they're owed timely releases and decide they aren't going to support the series going forward, that's their prerogative. I think that's just acting childish.
Would I like the book to come out ASAP? Hell yes. Do I think it's unreasonable to be concerned if he'll be able to finish the series a la Jordan, King(yes, I know he finished the Dark Tower, but it took about 12 years in between books at one point, right?), GRRM, or Rothfuss.
Authors don't owe us anything. We're their fans, and yes, we support their works, and yes, if they want to keep us as fans they should get us updates and releases, but they don't owe us.
Remember, rush a miracle worker, and you get rotten miracles.
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Cold Days came out a few months after my son was born.
Skin Game came out a few months before he turned 2.
My son turned 6 this month.
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Cold Days came out a few months after my son was born.
Skin Game came out a few months before he turned 2.
My son turned 6 this month.
Yes but subjectively time will go faster when you get older so it won't matter :)
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For what it's worth, Locus Magazine's web page just updated their forthcoming books page. Peace Talks is listed as being scheduled for a May 2019 release.
This isn't the first time it's been listed. Perhaps someone close to Jim or the Beta-readers can throw us a clue as to how close to being finished he really is.
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For what it's worth, Locus Magazine's web page just updated their forthcoming books page. Peace Talks is listed as being scheduled for a May 2019 release.
This isn't the first time it's been listed. Perhaps someone close to Jim or the Beta-readers can throw us a clue as to how close to being finished he really is.
The book is not ready because Harry and Karen needed some rest and they are now living quietly on Ebenezar’s farm so they can recover from everything. They need a few years as everyone who read the books would understand. they have gone through hell and back and please don’t pester them with your impatience. They are just glad they survived.
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This is one where emotion and rationality take me in different directions. Yes, I'm dying for more. Yes, part of me will be deeply disappointed if we don't make it to the end of this thing. But those are just feelings. Logically, I'm totally in the "he doesn't owe us anything" camp.
One thing worth remembering here is that we're fans - for us this is pure recreation and entertainment. But for Jim this is labor. I'm an awful lot less enthusiastic about my job than I was when I was young, eager, and proving myself. He's written fifteen of these things, plus a pile of short stories to boot. If he were just getting honestly tired of the character and the series I'd be totally unable to blame him.
I could easily understand him "wanting to finish" and having every intention of doing so, but yet find it a much heavier burden than it used to be. Guess what I do when there's something I know I need to do but don't look forward to? That's right - I procrastinate and postpone.
I actually hope none of the above applies here, but I'd understand if it did.
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I'm sure my post won't be popular...but at least it's honest, without malice and my opinion.
Yep. I get the not being owed anything. I get he has a life, projects and problems outside of his writing that absorb his time. I get he wants to bask in his success. I get he needs to write side stuff to keep the main story fresh. But at the same time, he said he had a story to tell. He has certainly implied, at the very least, that he'd tell it from start to finish as long as he could make a living doing it.
Fans are holding up their part of the bargain and he should man up and hold up to his side of it. If you are going to tell a story and expect/hope people will support you during it, you're at least making a soft promise to do your best to give them the whole story. If he is tired of writing it he should take a moment to reset his commitment to how many novels and close it up and finish it off in a book or three instead of drawing it out to his proposed 22.
Unfortunately I think success has gotten to him, much like it has with GRRM and we all may be left wanting and hoping he'll finish it or pass it along to someone else to write and finish. I really do hope he finishes, but after so long and with all his many commitments, I'm not sure I have faith he will and I'll have to write the own ending in my head and move on.
Anyway, I waffle on whether or not I'll keep waiting or give up. I hope he defies my expectations and stops treating his fans so poorly and that he completes his commitment to his novels and story. I certainly know my disappointment in this situation means nothing to him and yet I still hope he continues to have his success and good things in his life, no ill will from me.
For now though, still hoping to read the complete story.
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I'll chime in the say that this thread didn't go the way I thought it would go. Somehow from the title I expected thoughts on the Dresdenverse timeline. Since most of the time we assume that Harry's adventures more-or-less occur in "real time" what does a long time gap mean as far as the characters? (e.g. release date for books has always been assumed to correlate somehow with our actual calendar.)
As to why we haven't gotten more DF books, I'm bummed but I can understand that authors have things to do. I just wish they included more writing.
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I'll chime in the say that this thread didn't go the way I thought it would go. Somehow from the title I expected thoughts on the Dresdenverse timeline. Since most of the time we assume that Harry's adventures more-or-less occur in "real time" what does a long time gap mean as far as the characters? (e.g. release date for books has always been assumed to correlate somehow with our actual calendar.)
As to why we haven't gotten more DF books, I'm bummed but I can understand that authors have things to do. I just wish they included more writing.
I do not think we can assume real time especially not when we get nearer to the apocalypse, everything will speed up in book time.
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This link shows today (07.11.2018): https://www.amazon.de/Dresden-Files-16-Peace-Talks/dp/0356500918
The Dresden Files 16. Peace Talks (Englisch) Gebundenes Buch – 25. Oktober 2018
Verlag: Little, Brown Book Group (25. Oktober 2018)
Dieser Artikel ist noch nicht erschienen.
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5,0 von 5 Sternen
Best of the Series so Far and That's Saying a Lot
15. November 2017 - Veröffentlicht auf Amazon.co.uk
Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden basically rocks through Chicago on another epic magic filled tale. To order the book lift the door to the cellar under your rug and go to the mostly still destroyed Chicago setup on the table... look in the 3rd window of the 2nd building to the south of the old Water Tower... there's a working PC on the net in there... using a toothpick go to Amazon and order... the bokk'll already be downlaoded to your Kindle or sitting on your doorstep when you hit Place Order... couldn't be simpler... oh and don't mention how your place stays so clean...
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Well, I'm of two minds about this one.
1. First, and most importantly, JB doesn't owe me anything. I don't owe him anything either. He put a great product on the market in the DFs and I bought them for market value. Value for value and money well spent as far as I'm concerned. The thought that he has some sort of real obligation to finish his work on my timeline (or anyones for that matter) is pretty laughable.
2. On the other hand, JB doesn't exactly live a recluses life style. Popping out of the woodwork every year or so to put out another book. He goes to conferences, takes part in Q&A sessions, and has repeatedly promoted his work as a 22+ novel series. So he's promoting his future work to boost sales of his current book. This has been going on for years. Now we are in the middle of a nearly 5 year span of nothing. It's kind of like a kid who comes by and mows your lawn every week for years and you pay him for each cutting. Although there's no formal contract, there's an expectation that the kid will be by next week. I'd be an ass if he showed up and I'd hired a lawn service to replace him without a word. By the same token, the kid simply not showing up with no warning b/c of whatever isn't great either. Neither is a crime or anything, just poor from.
I've heard that JB has had some life issues (divorced and remarried... I've heard about some health issues too). And I can see the problems these things can cause. But when you are showing up at Cons and doing this sort of stuff all the time, life issues aren't what's causing your problems.
Just once, I'd like someone to just flat out tell it like it is and not make a bunch of excuses. Namely:
"I've been busting my ass for years writing these books to make ends meet. Now I've worked hard enough that I really don't have to work anymore. Certainly not at the pace I was doing before I got wealthy. I haven't written a new book b/c I haven't felt like it AND I'm not GOING to write a new book until I do. I have no idea when that might be, but when it comes out, I'll let you know."
Period. Just the plain old truth.
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as someone who has waited 20 years for melanie rawn to get off her ass and right the captal's tower. book 3 of the exiles series. a series with 2 huge books. 848 and 626. i'm no stranger to waiting for a book. that being said i cannot say that jim bit off more than he can chew by aiming for 23 novels. even at 2 years a pop, he planned to spend 50 years writing? i highly doubt it. if peace talks were to come out in 2019 and the remaining 6 books each 2 years after. thats still 2031 before theyd be finished.
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Your math is depressing me. :(
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Your math is depressing me. :(
When you get older time will go faster anyway.
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I'm in my 40s and already seeing that happen.
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Can I suggest Simon R Green Nightsider series?
It's a bit like dresden a very snarky flawed protagonist. It's complete & some 13 books long if I recall correctly. Apologies for replying to an older post but wanted to make the recommendation.
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Huh.
Is it possible that nobody has yet suggested Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series?
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Huh.
Is it possible that nobody has yet suggested Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series?
I know that I have somewhere. And several others, too. I think it was a topic called "what else to read" or something like that. ;)
Just received the latest comic "Action at a distance". Going to read it soon. As I understand, it's about Nightingale's past.
The next book will come in 2020 as I hopefully recall correctly.
Thinking about the posts, I believe they were one of the deleted ones because of the problems with the website. Couldn't find them yet.
Edit: found one of mine;). It's in Alternatives While We Wait, page 3, but I remember there have been others.