I’ve received a concerned email asking if Something Bad happened due to my prolonged blog absence.
This is the actual wordcount. 7 scenes left.
This is a massive epic story. This sounds terrible, but neither one of us want to take anything out. We could tighten some scenes, but taking things out breaks either characterization or the flow of the manuscript. It’s not just about delivering plot and character moments. It’s about making sure that tense scenes are followed by lighter ones.
Three things are the hardest to write: battles, making love, and horrible tragedies. The latest 5 scenes in this draft include all three. These are the ones you write, and then rewrite, and finetune, and then finetune again. And then your husband frowns at the narrative and says, “This is okay, but it’s not punching. It needs to be punching.”
And then he punches his hand with his fist to demonstrate, and we go into greater detail on the gore.
I hate being late. Hate it. Due to this self-imposed pressure, I tend to default to writing bare-bone scenes, and I am incredibly fortunate because Gordon will not let me sketch it. He forces us to slow down and make sure we wring as much impact out of every scene as we can. This is the finale, and we need to stick this landing.
We only have a few scenes left, and this is the point where you make sure that all the threads are there to be tied into a knot. Meaning, if a character A is important, he must be highlighted 75,000 words ago, so people would remember who he is. So a lot of this is going back and tweaking.
Inevitably, this is the point most writers realize they have done something stupid, and it has to be fixed now, or there is no finish. For example, we had one-noted a character. His parts had to be rewritten. Sometimes it feels like you need to adjust seven things, so one sentence you have to have would make sense.
The one absolutely wonderful and amazing thing in all of this is Tor. They are basically letting us just write.
I estimate we will finish in 2 weeks. I am so ready for my summer, I can’t even tell you.
So I owe you updates on some things.
Vellum
The first trial order has been shipped out and UPS promptly sorted it into the wrong container, causing a delay. It should be arriving by Friday to most places. One person who received it said it was bent despite the cardboard, because the mail person folded it.
All new orders are going to get the Do Not Bend stickers. I’m told they are usually ignored, but we will try. If your order has arrived bent, please let us know. If everything arrives bent, we will adjust our packaging. Also, I will replace bent orders at no charge. I bought insurance, and I intend to file all the claims.
Vellum US – ready to go pending packages arriving.
Vellum UK. We found a printer. We now need fulfillment center, someone to pack out order and ship it to UK people.
Vellum EU – printer needed. If you know of someone based in EU who can print vellum, please let us know.
Vellum AUS – looking for printer and fulfillment center.
Merch
Working on it. We want to give you mugs and goodness. Some samples below/
What’s the hold up?
I am. I am the hold up, because the book must be finished. This is kind of that primary thing where if there is no book, there is no merch or anything else. I need to get together with our long suffering designer and get things approved.
I have been falling down on the job. I have missed an invoice from an artist and did not pay it for 2 weeks, which happens never. If I get an invoice, it is paid within 48 hours. I sent the payment, an apology, and a prepayment, just in case.
Crafting update.
Kid 2: My fiancé took my blanket. He will not give it back. He says it’s cozy. I am blanketless.
Behold, a candid shot of me working on her new blanket.
Gordon has a special power of taking the worst possible pictures of me, so this is a huge win. The pattern is my own. There is pretty much no pattern. I just did some sunflowers, post double crochets and stripes. Almost done. A couple of days and it goes to her.
Surprisingly, it’s not too hot, but it is a little heavy just because of the size. I was going to add some bees I would sew on, but I think the weight is probably too much as it is.
I also ordered yarn for that one shawl I want to make, but it is being dyed to order and I am waiting. I have been waiting for a while. Grrr.
Appearances
Monday, June 1st, we will be in Austin, at BN Arboretum, in conversation with Caitlin Rozakis about her new book, Startup Hell. I will do a bigger post on this before Monday. But if you missed us and need something sign, we will do it.
Hopefully we will be coherent. Because let me tell you, there is no brain left. This is an actual conversation I had with Grace Draven.
Hopefully we can be good hosts.
And now you are all caught up. I have to go and work now, because we have a can’t miss it errand this afternoon. Love you, BDH! You guys are honestly the best.
we love you too <3
please remember to breathe between words. (and we want all the words 😇)
+1000
I am also not finished with Pursuit of Jade. 😂 It’s hilarious that you’ve taken a commonly used vertical Chinese drama trope and turned it into Maggie. You and Gordon are my favorite authors. Thank you for letting us into your lives and working so hard on your unforgettable novels!!
All. The. Words.
Yes, those over there, too.
And those, these, and especially this one *grabs all the words and puts them in a fancy looking pile*
Look at how they glitter in the quiet night filled with wide-eyed, voracious readers… er creatures… er…
lol! Cute!
Really love this ❤️❤️❤️❤️
So, so many writers do not get the “tense scene followed by lighter one”, or even a calm/funny/silly one, or just a less tense one. For me, endless sturm und drang becomes a video game, not a story.
Oh yes. I have DNF’ed two long series at half-way through the final book, with battles going on for over 100 pages, no resolution, no progress, just endless stalemate. One of the many things I appreciate about our author-lords is that they do not do this!
Hopefully video games have some fun/light points in them too. But I agree about some authors not understanding that stress/darkness needs light/hilarity to truly shine (at least IMO).
I can’t wait until more of the vellum is released so I can purchase it. But I would happily take the second book instead. 😆
Sending you all the love in the world.
Y’all are doing amazing, thank you for everything you do for the Horde! That blanket is gorgeous, wishing I paid more attention when my Nana tried teaching me to crochet 🥹
Me too! My Nana, and her crocheting. So many happy memories.
Cooking together, baking, and doing homey stuff.
I never saw the point of crocheting, so I didn’t apply myself. I regret that.
(Suturing, yes; decoration, not so much.)
One of the amazing things about this page are feelings of camaraderie and cultural sharing. 🙂
Thank you! Thanks for a happy trip down memory lane. 🙂
Such a beautiful blanket!
Appreciate this update more than words can say. Thank you for keeping it real but – as Kate says above – not all sturm und drang. Hang in there and be proud of your words and authorial wisdom (I feel you on the former having hit 435k, ugh). Tor sounds like incredible publishing partners. I’m glad you have them with you on this journey.
Totally understand the work, work, work, work mode. I’m in that right now with my work. There’s been some grumbling on my part with the way reports from a certain federal government agency were handled this time around, but I’m persevering.
Take deep breaths while writing. Take the time you need to get things done. The Horde can (and will) wait. Yes, I said the swear word. It’s been that type of day for me.
that was a humongous word count and I’m liking it (sorry not sorry)
please take time to relax before diving into merch…. those can wait
happy mid-week
This book could be over 2000 pages and I would still read it with a smile on my face the whole time. Yall are the best and we appreciate every second of work you put in! Can’t wait for you to get your well deserved summer🤍
I second this statement!
I will take all and any words from Ilona and Gordon. Their writing style, for me, is like a big fluffy blanket.
+1
+1
I love the quality books you write. You simply do *not* publish bad books.
I know it’s hard and you work long hours. Thank you for that.
Please rest when you need to and take care of yourselves. Yes, I *want* the new book. W*iting for it now (Trying not to put in dirty words.) but I can w*it because I know it will be an extra-super book – and extra long, too!
Love the blanket. I am still trying to finish a hat for my only grandchild that I started back in December. Luckily, I can still make it bigger…
Seconded on all counts. Sunflowers rock. Pace yourself. It’s all good.
Thirded!
All.the.words.please.and.thank.you!! Looking forward to the vellum. That blanket is gorgeous 😊
The Horde is chanting… it grows louder in the distance…
Don’t Cut Any Scenes!! Don’t Cut Any Scenes!!
We like big books, and we cannot lie!
+100000000000
+10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 😁
+1
Chalant! Chalant! Chalant!
The BDH is always here for big books. We would be happiest with the biggest books.
We love guys! You are amazing.
✨️I will be sending good vibes for all your errands/work/deadlines to gently align into an efficient healthy work flow ✨️
I never thought of a book by word count, but my jaw dropped when I saw 881 pages/204,729 words!! And still scenes to go! With that beautiful blanket over you, I don’t know how you stayed awake for the picture. Please take care of yourselves; we love our authors and want them alive to have their well-earned relaxation this summer.❤️
My vellum literally just showed up minutes ago (11:25am AZ time) and it is beautiful. Slight bend in the packaging but the contents are pristine. I’m fondling the Duke as I write. 🙂 Now comes the hard part. Where do I put the stickers?!?
I suspect the BDH will agree with me on this: writing > merch. We love our merch, but the words are what we devour.
Having said that…waterbottle? notebook? laptop? desktop? phone? Argh! So many places and only a couple of stickers!!!
Hang in there. We love you!!
We love you too! And all your words!
Take care of yourselves! Merch can wait (apologies for the coarse language), much as we want it.
“Three things are the hardest to write: battles, making love, and horrible tragedies. The latest 5 scenes in this draft include all three.”…Ooooh? good to know!
So very excited. Your summer is so soon –you can make it!
Yes, I very much highlighted this and was like…MAKING LOVE!! But also battles and tragedy, omg. I can’t wait and am so nervous at the same time.
I just want to know, who’s getting it on?!😂
And don’t give me, “It’s Gort and Shana.” Thats old news sista, they have Will and Lute to prove it!
Come on spill! 😂
What’s it gonna take? A call to that yarn lady with the personal dyes? 🤣
Well, the books are Maggie POV, so we can start there 🙂
😂 Perfect Answer, Mod R 😂
Ahh, so she’s a voyeurer!! 😂
I can scrounge up some design stuff from this lot on the blog, if it gets us initials, right BDH?
I have a good feeling about the🫂 (couple)🤭
Team Dont Take Anything Out
Team Give Us All The Scenes
😎
Sign me up for this team – I am all in!
Team Quarter Million Words!!! ( soon to be followed by Team Half Million Words!!)
Yup, those teams r 100% overlap w the BDH.
I can’t b the only one worried about the 7 scenes left, horrible tragedy. Does it overlap the battle or the making love? Neither? Both? Pls tell us the second book doesn’t end with Sol standing on a box with a noose?! Is that the horrible tragedy? Does it happen while he simultaneously is in battle AND making love? Hard to envision all that, but if anyone could make it work, it’s HA.
As ever, we encourage the longest book possible. And will b happy to get the merch whenever it works best around your writing schedule. (And watch the rest of Pursuit of Jade-so good!) And don’t forget to take good care of our fav authors! (Hugs)
Love, love, love the blanket!
Making love!!! Yes
Battle scenes! Yes
Horrible tragedies!!! Nooooooooo☹️
+1
+1
+1
Thanks for the update! The blanket is beautiful!
I love that you take such care with the work work work work work work. And I will take high word counts over merch.
I’m so thankful you two put the effort in that you do. It really comes across in the quality when we read.
Am I the only one who started humming ” I like big books and I can not lie!”? 200000+ words and seven more scenes sounds great in my ears! Just remember to rest. I desperatly want the next book but not at the cost of your health!
And the blanket is beautiful!
Yup, I think many of us had that song(modified for BDH singing) in our heads.
Beautiful blanket! While I am still in book hangover from This Kingdom, the w***t required includes time for breaks. Maybe our wonderful Mod R could field these emails with a standard reply? Writers are writing! Writers are recovering!
I do, several times a day, when they are sent to me or to the newsletter, blog issues, or anywhere that I can see 🙂
Mod R is amazing, but I do occasionally reply and a lot of people have my direct email.
Oh good! I didn’t mean this as a slight to anyone. Mod R is amazing as is House Andrews!
Wow. Thanks for taking time out to give us an update! You know, of course, that we won’t complain about ALLLL the scenes. 🙂
Good thoughts that the wording goes smoothly and you can take well-deserved break with all the amazing downtime things you love.
The merch look sooooo cool. I’m going to need to make some space. I can already tell that I will have absolutely NO chill when the store opens. I plan to rationalize drinkware purchases by dividing them into home and work purchases. 🙂
BDH sending love right back to you!
This is a reminder that you and Gordon are much loved. ❤️ Please don’t beat yourself up. We know you will deliver something exceptional for the hungry Book devouring horde.
🙏🏽 thank you.
I am making space in my cupboard for the “Good morning” coffee mug. Love it.🥰
I’m lost been a bit MIA on blog posts due to life.
Is this book 2 of Maggie?
Yes, indeed 🙂
Digging those sunflowers…that blanket is really lovely! Thanks for the update and we love you, too!
Grace Draven is right. Pursuit of Jade is worth the watch. I loved that show.
Thanks for all the many words!!! I will w*it p*tiently for the merch, WORDS are the most important! I’m rereading magic tides and magic “clams” and am just enjoying them so much. At times I just have to go back and reread sections I just read because I like the writing so much! and I do it multiple times.
When I am on a deadline, I often just have to focus in and everything else just has to wait till I am done.
Your blanket is gorgeous!
I also love to hear about your and Gordon’s process. I love how you make each other better at your craft.
Take a breath and don’t worry about the BDH! We’ll just keep rereading!
Battles, love, tragedies,,,, hmmm
Write the battles, tragedies, throw in a little humour, and rustle the window curtins the next morning.
I’m sure I missed it, but just how many words is This Kingdom #1? It’s a fat book but I thought the writing flowed so smoothly it didn’t seem that big.
Slow down, be nice to yourself. We are not going anywhere. And if I got a plane ticket and a sleeping bag I could pack the UK or AUS merch and take it to the post offices.
That blanket you are working on is gorgeous, the bees would be a delightful embellishment but you are too busy now. Maybe for their first anniversary present.
The book will be fabulous. Breathe deep. Take a swim or 5.
Is Batty still helping?????
I don’t have an exact wordcount, but somewhere around 180-190k for This Kingdom
completely agree. breathing and all of the words!
I am bouncing up and down in my seat seeing the word count, THEN reading there’s 7 more scenes, THEN finding out there will be a battle and love scene. I AM CHALANT. EEE!! I just love this world and these characters so much!!!
I love the behind-the-scenes peek into how you guys write and the slice of life updates. Thank you!! I hope HA gets a breather soon!
I literally just added Pursuit of Jade to my tbr list yesterday. Maybe I’ll start that next after I finish A Curse of Beasts and Magic! I usually like the books that author’s I like recommend.
D’oh! I got Pursuit of Jade and Jade City mixed up. 🥲 Both are on my list to check out.
Absolutely read jade city! It is such a good read!
Thank you for the update. The BDH appreciates all of the words.
My first thought was “I hope they are pacing themselves as we need them healthy, happy and sane. To keep us healthy, happy and sane.”
I agree with Rita:
Team Dont Take Anything Out
Team Give Us All The Scenes
I’m pretty sure most of the readers prefer book before merch. Some things are worth waiting for.
And last, the hoard thinks you are both great too!
I hope you get to go to the beach after you finish the book.
I love the new blanket for kid 2. My great-niece’s half brother stole the blanket I made for their mom, so I ended up making him a blanket out of Bernat Blanket Yarn, since it was obvious he prefers that to the acrylic yarn I made his original blanket out of.
So Elizabeth Wheatley once noted when writing the sequel for Tears of the Wolf that it wasn’t flowing until she realized that she had skipped over book two and was writing book three. Take as long as you need, and if you have to split the second book into book two and book three, we won’t complain…much.
Sending peace and calm for your creative spirits! Please be kind to yourselves, the Hoard can practice chalantness and fluffiness as the goodness continues to ferment to awesomeness.
As an aside, for a split second my brain went: battle, making love AND tragedy in the SAME scene…. And then I cackled out loud at how ridiculous that was as I know that is not what was meant AT ALL. But the mental image broke my brain momentarily….
Sending hugs to House Andrews!
Sending peace, health and safety to you all!
Oooops – the blanket is beautiful! What a fabulous physical manifestation of love for another!
we love you guys! thank you for the amazing dedication and detail ❤️
the blanket is gorgeous. my kid has piles of yarn & projects all around the house lol I’m thinking about finishing some of hers
all the best for writing flow!!
I would love 800 or a 1000 page book!
Thank you both for all the wonderful words!
The BDH loves you guys ❤️ if there is anything that would actually make us w*it and be p*tient it’s understanding that when you guys are busy writing something fabulous for us that other things might take more time, like merch etc. That however, will not stop us from checking the blog and every other media platform not at all obsessively 👀 to make sure we are not missing any juicy tid bits you may throw our way, because we are the BDH of course!! Please take care of yourselves and carry on writing as much as you want, you won’t find a member of the BDH complaining a book of yours is too long🤪
That blanket is gorgeous 😍
Hi Ilona. Thank you for the update and for showing us your new creation. I’d like to place an order for a blanket just like the one you’re creating for your daughter! HAHA, I met you at the Austin book signing, and I was the one who showed you and Gordon pictures of my Maine Coon cat and my Doberman (who passed away back in 2011). The blanket would be to hide my cat, Sidonie, from the Doberman puppy I’m considering getting next year. Seriously, thank you and Gordon for all the love and dedication you put into your books, and I’m happy to be a part of the BDH.
Love the blanket!
Good luck on finishing the book in time for a good vacay. The blanket is so pretty. Cracking me up how the kiddos love your knitted goods! Will be exciting to hear about the first editing rounds.
Thank you for squeezing in an update for us. We love to hear how writing and live is going.
I cannot count the number of people I have seen posting on various SciFi/Fantasy platforms about this great new author and their book This kingdom…
it is super popular. People seem desperate for good iskeme(is that the right term?) And Maggie is a such a fun, strong character. If Tor can expedite the release of book 2 you have a huge pool of new customers waving money around.
The genre name is isekai 🙂 and yay for readers learning about Maggie!
Dear Horde: No book, no merch. P*tience.
Message received. 😀
Thank you for your focus and diligence to make Maggie #2 the very best it can be. We are so grateful for the creativity of House Andrews!
Good luck finishing the book. Please do not work yourself into the ground to complete it. While the BHD are very chalant, and obviously want the next book as soon as possible, we also want the benevolent authors to stay healthy.
Book one was so amazing, and I’m sure book two is going to be great too. Writing my review for TKWNKM, I realised that I’ve been reading your books since 2009, so I’ve spent a lot of time waiting for your books. I have never felt disappointed yet.
I was telling a friend of mine earlier today (she’s just read the entirety of Hidden Legacy and is starting to re-read it) that I feel so lucky that every book you and Gordon write will be a satisfying read to me. If the next book you announce after the Maggie books is a slasher horror book, I would still pre-order it in multiple formats, just because everything else you’ve written has brought me so much joy.
That blanket for Kid 2 is beautiful and looks so cosy. I keep trying to learn how to crochet, but it’s so much fiddlier than knitting. Being able to crochet and make up your own pattern as you go is awe-inspiring to me.
I can wait for the merch. Please finish the book. please. thank you.
also great afghan. im working on knitting a baby blanket for a baby who is going to be born in October (hope they hit my birthday) and a wedding afghan (they got married 18 months ago but are fine waiting)
Good luck on finishing Maggie 2. But now I’m wondering whether I misread something many blog posts ago – I had thought this was going to be a trilogy for some reason. So is the two book thing a deliberate mind bender because Maggie has been waiting ‘forever’ for a third book in her world? Or am I just going dotty?
Maggie the Undying will be a trilogy 🙂.
But book 2 has to be written before book 3…
Thanks for confirming the lack of ‘going dotty’:) And am truly looking forward to Maggie 2!
“I have been waiting for a while. Grrr.”
We know how that feels, Ilona, we know how that feels🤣😂🤣
Honestly tho, beautiful blanket! I love the colors, and it looks like it was made from that velvety yarn! Ooh, nice! That looks so comfy.
Doesn’t matter what the weather is doing outside. I love snuggling up to my hubby and having a throw over my legs🥰 He’s usually watching TV and I would be reading.
The blanket is gorgeous, the word count is…..WOW!!!!! ( and that’s said in the BEST of ways for the BDH!), and YOU guys are amazing!!!!!!
We really really really don’t deserve HA, but we love and appreciate you all the more when you share posts like this one.💕💕💕💕
Hang in there, almost done!!!
Mmmmm!! All the words!! Yum!! 📚
Here’s to the scenes, and all that you want to put into them!!
Also, wishing you good summer activities and adventures!!
1+
you can do it! btw I love the cat mug.. please make them available for your aussie fans -points to self-
We love you back and want all the words and all the books but on YOUR schedule! I will happily w**t for the extras like vellums and mugs.
They may be 4-letter words but we can be p&tient and w&it. Please take care of yourselves first and foremost. Also, kid2’s blanket is lovely. It looks cozy, cheerful and fun.
you take your time. stress is not good for you. we can be chalant a little longer.
hugs,
House Kicklighter
Pursuit of Jade is amazing! I think you’ll definitely enjoy it. We love big books, so waiting is no problem!
That Wordcount and Page numbres made me cry, tears of joy. We are blessed! Good Health and the best Fortune to our Autor Lords! BARSA! BARSA! BARSA!
Love you House Andrews! Writing is the most importantest! You don’t “owe” us anything. *hugs*
Watched Pursuit of Jade after seeing it referenced first time….it is wonderful! Grace Draven has excellent taste!
We deeply appreciate all the work and words you write for us. Even if we are fluffy and chalant and terrible at having pat*ence or wa*ting.
Unbelievably grateful that you don’t take out the light/funny scenes – they are part of what makes your books amazing. And truthfully I will never argue for your books to be shorter.
I really hope you are able to do something fun and relaxing after this. The BDH will be here (this kind of sounds like a threat lol, it’s not meant to be). Take the time you need. Don’t worry about the store. Again, we’ll be here. Sending you joy, soothing tea, and restorative sleep.
Pursuit of Jade is awesome! I watched it and then immediately watched the entire series again. It’s now my favorite Cdrama of all time. Reward yourself by watching it once you’ve finished your edits. You deserve a treat!
I love big books! So much fun to know I’ll have several days of enjoyment when reading them. And if TOR pushes back on the size, let them know some (many?) in the BDH are good with big.
Diana Gabaldon calls her Outlander books ‘Big Enormous Books’ & I got in the habit of planning days off to read when a release date was announced. I did the same for TKWNKM, and loved every minute of reading it.
Sorry but for the Austin appearance did you mean Monday June 1st? Not July?
Thank you, updated in the post 🙂
Hey all you readers out there saying “I read This Kingdom and now I have a book hangover, waaaah!”: 204729 words comin atcha. Hang in there. Join the BDH where we’re all chalant and hate to w@!t but we also trust House Andrews to deliver the goods
Thanks for the update, need to take a breather now and then guys, love the blanket, look forward to the next book whenever we get it.
The vellum is such a nice idea, and the artwork is gorgeous. I’m so pleased UK version seems to happening – looks like I’ve found my birthday present to myself!
I’m pretty sure I speak for all of your fans when I say it does NOT sound terrible that you don’t want to take anything out! All the pages please! An extra thick book from my favorite authors is a wonderful gift from you guys. Already read This Kingdom 3 times. An extra thick book helps with the time in between the books.
Absolutely!
hang on… are you saying that book 2 is going to be longer, and include more detail? don’t cut scenes, make bigger!!!
and if you really want us happy, tell us we don’t have to wait 12 mths for the next one!
so excited for tkwnkm 2! maggie is so wonderful and it’s even better if you read it a third time! that word count is magic to my eyes! leave it all it, punch it all up! your blanket looks amazing.
Hello hello. so excited to see 800+ pages 😍😍😍😍
also as my memory is poor, thinking of it a duology and your just wrapping up the end of book two, or are you working on the final book of the trilogy and this is what we have to look forward too. Either way, bet exciting and so chalant 😄
hope the crafting is going well and thank you for the writing insight too on both of your team style.
Maggie the Undying is a trilogy 🙂
I like BIG BOOKS and I cannot lie!!! ALL THE WORDS, YES YES YES!!!
I think y’all should give Diana Gabaldon a run for her money and let it all hang out. Look what it did for her! The folks at Tor ain’t no dummies!!
Ok, ok, my chalantness is showing, my apologies. But… more is better!
Also, WOW! I love the blanket! So beautiful, you should make a pattern for it and sell that too (later). Is it just a coincidence that it is GREEN?!?? Perhaps add a few tiny touches of black ?
Seriously, your mental health absolutely comes first … so, don’t worry about editing out any parts, just keep ‘em all in. And then enjoy your very well deserved summer without all the re-editing that taking out parts requires! And if you ever need a fresh eye to look over the manuscript, I’m always available to House Andrews!
You got this! Light is at the end of this work tunnel. 💪
If Pursuit of Jade is the Chinese romance series on Netflix… omg omg omg. It will be a welcome reward! I devoured all 40 episodes in a too-quick-to-admit timeframe. And that’s saying something given it was in Mandarin with English subtitles… Face fully attached to TV screen.
Squeeee!!! I want to watch it again…
Pursuit of Jade is so amazing, how can one just not binge watch it in 1 go is beyond me 😀
I know, right???
Loved Pursuit of Jade. Loved TKWNKM! While we w*it for Maggie2, what to watch? Anyone have a recommendation for after Pursuit of Jade? It was our first C-drama…
Try “A Dream Within a Dream” for hilarious content and transmigration/ Isekai like in Kingdom and “Prisoner of Beauty”
Thanks!
Hey! Don’t do that!
Go watch Pursuit of Jade!!! That will help you for sure!
stay strong and healthy while you write up a storm.
also, i agree, pursuit of jade is great (although i felt they rushed the ending a little just to make it to 40 episodes and no more) definitely worth watching <3
Y’all are awesome authors. You can do it!! 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🦖🍕🍕🍕🍉🍉🥤🥤🥤 Be sure to eat and stay hydrated
We love you too! 🥰
Wow thanks for the catchup and all the insight into your book creating – we appreciate it so much! you sure are busy and deserve an amazing relaxing Summer *hugs to HA*
The blanket is so gorgeous BTW!! Love the colours and the sunflowerr design! My hubby says I have the same talent as Gordon for taking the worst possible pics of him (usually of up his nostrils because I am so much shorter lol!) but I like the blanket pic, it looks cosy, not dodgy.
“This is the actual wordcount. 7 scenes left. This is a massive epic story. This sounds terrible, but neither one of us want to take anything out.”
No – no it doesn’t sound terrible it sounds PERFECT!!!😍😍😍 We want all the words, all the scenes, a big massive epic story with however many pages it takes to make sure you leave nothing out – including the fun scenes (especially because we now know that there are battles and *gulp* tragedies lurking somewhere in the last 7 scenes so we need more of the love and the laughs to survive 😉
YAY for all the merch and finding a UK vellum printer *SQUEEE!!!! also *grabby grabby hands!!* but like the rest of the BDH I will w*it while you finish book 2 without giving yourselves burnout!
And in the meantime the fun thing about being a new BDH member is while I am still obsessively looking for new updates on Maggie 2 + merch, the w*iting p*tiently is not so bad because I am also enjoying devouring your previous books for the first time – yummy!!!!!! 🍽️📚📚📚📚📚📚😋 thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please look after yourselves and thank you again for the updates and pics of awesomeness! 🤗🤗🤗
Welcome to the BDH! (To all our new ppl). We envy u the first read. Don’t miss the bits of free fiction that HA has posted on this site.
We rejoice, the Horde increases!
Oh Ilona. Hugs. all the best with the re write. Can see the care you both have for the book.. I guess that is why we are a book devouring horde. I am on my 4 th rewatch of pursuit of Jade. It has help Me decompress with work. Hope you find some time to get back to it. I would say, the director has so much attention to detail that like your books, one can really immerse oneself into the world. Escapism at its best.
That word count makes me so happy. I am sorry it is compressing your brain though. Almost there! And then, summer! Breathing room!
Sending all the love and good vibes 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Holy wow! Love the word count and the size of Maggie 2!!
Whee!
You’re awesome, and we adore you!
Thank you for all your hard work!!!
also, Love the blanket. I’ve been avoiding sunflowers because they were my daughter-in-law’s favorite and after she died, I just can’t
(Hugs)
We love you. I cannot wait to read all of the words. The more words the better! I’ve just finished my third reread of TKWNKM and I am so excited to see what happens next. You deserve a big holiday after all of this. You guys rock xx
I think a mug with “What the actual fuck” would be great. But then, I don’t have any fucks to give anymore.
I was thinking about your writing and editing process and marveling at what is involved. Then I had what my family calls my “covered wagon moment.”
My family rolls their collective eyes each time I do this. When we take a long driving trip it suddenly strikes me how people used to get to this point. That’s when I say, “Oh my gosh, can you imagine traveling this in a covered wagon?” It applies to all situations, not just travel. “Can you imagine cooking all the meals over a fire in this kitchen? In the summer? In Texas?”
That being said, can you imagine writing and editing with paper and pen or a typewriter? How much more laborious would this would be if you had to scratch out written words, wad up paper, and renumber and sort pages by hand? Makes one shudder.
This is not meant to diminish your time, energy and effort. It’s just me marveling at how technology continues to improve our lives.
Your labors are very much appreciated, as evidenced by the passion of the BDH. Wishing you sentences that flow and plots with very few tangles. In a covered wagon.
leaving out the mess that is AI, that is an interesting point of course, the days of paper and pen, or typewriter, made it much more difficult,including that you couldn’t just send revisions via email attachments but tech also made writing more difficult in a sense.
Why? Writing longhand or typing it, there is a natural tendency not to over write because it costs you physically, your hand gets tired and it is slow, even the typewriter requires mechanical work that a keyboard does not. With word processors then computers, word bloat can be a big problem because it is easier to do elaborate , long winded descriptions of things that are fun to write but basically are bloat.
If the Andrews didn’t have the discipline they do, their current work in progress could be 1500 pages. Reading Maggie there is no such bloat from my perspective, everything there needs to be there. ( My wife would argue that they could cut down on the details of the gorey scenes in the book, but she is sensitive to such things :).
Whoever is asking House Andrews about blogging or when will “this” happen, stop. Just stop.
We are lucky to get a blog at all. We are so lucky with all the extras that they give us we should only be thankful!
The blanket is BEAUTIFUL.
That is all.
hmmm, 880 pages? Congrats, you have reached the level of a novella in the Sarah J Maas universe:).
Seriously with your books there is never wasted words, you guys pretty much hit a bullseye of Vonnegut’s rules of writing with everything. I am just about done with Maggie ( my apologies for my tardiness, a destroyed kitchen ceiling and renovations, 15 yards of mulch, tearing out miles of raised beds and planting grass, all seemed to take priority) and I Marvel at how you kept this so taught. and I really appreciate the lighter stuff in between the gruesome. As someone that writes for fun and can get lost in dialogue and narrative for the fun of writing it that doesn’t add to the story, I know how hard it is.
Tor sounds great, I know people who published through them and they had nothing but good things to say about them.
It is hard to think that we will have to wait a year to see the story moving forward, but as Orson Welles sort of said, “We will serve no story before it’s time”
Yes yes yes yes!! All the words ALL THE Words – more is MORE with HA! 💕🙌 You guys are the best! I def want a mug (which I will have sent to my mom’s house in NC to pack in her suitcase when she visits us in the Netherlands later this year) but all that matters is that you love what you do and stay healthy 🙏
Page 881 of 881 204729 words. (🤣 🤣 and more 🤣 🤣 ) Of course it is and we hope that you do not cut a single scene/word…
Thanks for sharing the blanket – love the pattern!
I’ve never posted before! But I for one, LOVE a great long book. I hate waiting for a new book and it is only 250 pages. It is over too fast. So take your time, we will be here once you are done writing.
No pressure from this fan. I love long, detailed, and seamless complexity, and Book 2 sounds like it’s going to deliver all that and more. Yeah!
The blanket is beautiful. (I think Maggie would approve, too.) Lucky daughter, to have such a multi-talented mother.
Happy writing!
I’m so impressed on how well you work together to write these fantastic stories! Thank you for the updates, even though you are in the midst of writing important scenes. Hang in there! I ❤️ HA! 😊
The blanket is lovely…that green and those sunflowers! So cheery!
OMG!! Pursuit of Jade!!! I’m so addicted!!
All the blessings and peace you need sent to you.
that blanket is very pretty and fun. I bet kid 2 will love it and I like a heavy blanket so it’s a win for me. I assume knitting is a way to unwind for you which is great. Making quilts does that for me. Thank you for writing more books, don’t worry about the merch, relax and take a deep breath. the BDH has got your back. We love you both too!!
A fun post, thanks! As a BDH member in good standing, the word counting is thrilling news. But I’m forced to admit the words horrible tragedies in reference to Maggie2, struck terror into my heart. The w*it just got exponentially harder.
Cute new blanket. Had to chuckle at Kid 2’s complaint of being blanketless.
Deadline smeadline — Tor loves you, we love you — please work at a comfortable pace, this book will not kill you.
The afghan is beautiful, you are a fabric artist too? Maybe you are killing me [not] lol.
Have a wonderful summer. 🌞
Me, I’m gearing up to reread the Hidden Legacy series for the nth time, rubbing hands together with a gleeful smile 🙂
I am so very grateful for you both. Believe me, there is magic in how you collaborate, because the final books never, ever fail to deliver.
As for me–IN HEAVEN. Epics from you two–the biggest win ever.
So it might be too soon to mention, and yes I do understand you need to finish your rewrites and fine tuning on TKWNKM 2. When you have that handled I just want to put a bug in your ear. Adeline – This is a heroine that resonates with a lot women, we desperately need more Adeline in our lives, not to mention Elias’ and Bear, Mellow, Kids, etc… Living in the midst of chaos as we all are, Adeline gives one hope. Just my 2 cents of course. but really not enough adult heroines. Heck the romance between Heart and Penelope wouldn’t be a bad short or novella either. okay shushing up now. ZenHugs all round.
Please! Please, please! Don’t take anything out of the book! But definitely think about speed printing it!
Also, love the blanket, though I can’t work on yarn projects in the summer = too hot!! Don’t know how you do it!
Is this in regards to a new Kingdom book or something else? “This is the finale, and we need to stick this landing.” Is it the final book of a different series? I’m waiting with bated breath.
This post is about the Maggie the Undying series – so the sequel to This Kingdom.
The finale referenced is the finale of the book, not the end of the series. Maggie is a trilogy 🙂
I’m hoping for baby sushi.
I disagree; you are ridiculously photogenic. No bad photos exist. 🙂
Also: that blanket looks beautiful and comfy!
I think maybe this is for Mod R–because I don’t want to take ANY time or attention from Ilona’s writing. The writing is the most important thing. We need the book. The biggest that Tor will allow! But a while back you requested a response from those of us who purchased the Waterstone’s painted edges edition (with regards to vellum orders) as it is a different size from the other books. Wondering what became of that…Would love vellum…just saying…
As far as I know, the trials have not been sent yet, but I will chase up 🙂
Decompress with Pursuit of Jade. It’ll be good for you. Trust Grace Draven. This will be a hard one to beat from its perch as top of idol costume c-dramas. Netflix is so smart to put it on their platform for their international viewers. Have the OST running on phone and thus rent free in my head.
We will happily take all the words you care to share.
Also, +1K on please reward yourself with Pursuit of Jade. I am on my 3rd rewatch, 2x on Netflix and then I treated myself to an IQIYI subscription just so I could watch it the 3rd time for uncut scenes (IYKYK, but, a certain bath episode for one), BTS clips, and slightly different translations. No regrets.
I’m your fan, Ilona! Writing awesome stories — (many, many pages? Yes please! ) –and creating beautiful blankets and shawls. Magical!
Thank you for all your hard work. It is very much appreciated.
Sorry, including a side note: Tariffs make me sad. No mech for Canadians. 🙁
we love you too. try not to burn yourselves into a frizzle again.
Yay for punching scenes and for tying up loose ends!
For many many reasons (y’all being able to rest for one, sharing the delight of delicious gorgeous romantic drama another, eager anticipation for the inevitable blog post reaction/review yet another, hope for the inspiration that might strike around a certain aquakinetic prime a tiny additional reason…) I cannot wait for you to have the chance to binge through Pursuit of Jade!!
And once you finish Pursuit of Jade, I highly highly recommend following it with Veil of Shadows! And then Love in the Clouds… I have started my Cdrama journey and I have 0 regrets.
Sammy’s children’s day is with Song Yan from Pursuit of Jade as main character 😊
881 pages and seven scenes to go before the end, you say? The book is bigger than expected, you say? EXCELLENT!
I look forward to the devouring.
Also: can we have a second version mug that says
Good Morning
As you can see, the assassins have failed
Hi Fjiordinary,
Do you mean the difference of “As you can see” vs “I see”?
Because the “assassins have failed” mug is there in the pictures 🙂
DON’T take anything out that you think belongs there. Some of us are still so sore about the forced cut of a key scene with Dr. Crane and the mystery of his motivation. More is always better!
I won’t let myself watch Pursuit of Jade until I finish Blossom.
No problem for us about the large story. The bigger the better. Please try and build in some down time. I love the merch and have been hoping for a failing assassins cup/tumbler/shirt. Whichever you come up with in the shop. Thank you for taking the time to update.
Love the blanket!!
oooo yes, once you’re done with the last scenes I’d definitely recommend just dive back into Pursuit of Jade and relax, that drama is fantastic, rarely we get such good ones ^^
I agree with the many – we want all the words! I love a long book and can’t wait for this one. I’m also looking for when I can order vellum for me.
And that blanket you are making for Kid2 is lovely. I really like the sunflowers. Personally, I think the bees would be a great addition and kid2 won’t mind a little extra weight because it would be so awesome.
Im blown away by your guy’s energy and work ethic! then you go and work with your hands and make beautiful works of love in your free time!
*I became a huge fan of your storys because of your imaginations and how well you brains work and now am even MORE blown away with your wonderful Mom and Dad talents that you share with us almost daily.. cheers to you!!
No YOU’RE the best or maybe Y’ALL are the best! We love you and your big hearts and big and little books.
Pursuit of Jade was the best! Can’t wait to read what you are working on next 🙂
Yes.
Here. Happy to wait because it is worth it. Your stories are worth it.
You both are worth it.
Thank you for caring. Not just for the books but these touchpoints of kindness.
Thank you for creating worlds and a community that we can cherish.
I would rather have more books at your pace rather than merch rushed.
I also loved Pursuit of Jade and want someone in my life to watch it so I can chat about it!
My husband takes horrible pics of me too….I think it’s a husband thing to do.
I know this is kind of off topic but I wondered if anyone knows if a 3D print of Sushi is available? My husband wanted to print a small one for my birthday. We can find an otter or a fox but not a combined one. Is this even possible? I know we can print stickers but I don’t want to run afoul of copyright. Any suggestions appreciated.
I have not seen a 3D image of it. There is a plushie in the works but it won’t be available until next year 🙂
200k words and it’s not finished. The BDH is drooling already!
Heehee
+1
The blanket is wonderful!!!
And many thanks for all your books.
Omg TOTALY agree with Grave Draven on Pursuit of Jade and it tickles me that she’s watched it 😆
Nom nom nom. ME READ ALL. ALL PAGES DELIGHTFUL. NO DELETE. Nom nom nom.
I am so thrilled and so confused. Please help BDH!
Is Maggie 2 or 3 books? Are those VERY exciting and VERY BIG number Ilona quoted for just the 2nd book?? Or book 2 & 3!
I want all the pages and trust them implicitly with telling the story the way I didn’t even know I wanted them to, but I feel like I’ve forgotten all the context!
Thank you for the update House Andrews! Really love these snippets into your creative process and your life. Not to be creepy, just really enjoy how honest you guys are. Xxxx
Maggie will be a trilogy 🙂
The article is referring just to book 2.
I love how the Horde can’t believe it’s luck about the feast ahead 😂. Yes, it’s all for us, and more to come!
Anticipation!
Excited to read your very long story.
Thank you.
Omg that blanket is amazing!! You’re so sweet to your kiddos to immediately make them something so cool. Thanks to you and Gordon for working so hard on the book, and I hope you get your summer break sooner rather than later.
Sort of like when a vacation is almost here, and you HAVE to finish all of your work. You’re tired, antsy, brain dead almost, but work comes first.
Gosh you are sooooo close! Congratulations! I know you can do it.
And a BIG THANK YOU for insisting on quality writing.
I know the BDH will pelt me with rocks but why are you messing with merch when you are so tired? I’m betting BDH will buy merch even if it comes out 1 month after the book. Take care!
+1000
Literally BEGGING you not to take ANY of the words out!!! Like obviously tighten whatever you want but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE cut nothing! Leave it all in. It’s great. We’ll love it. Trust me.
I watched Pursuit of Jade because of you!! I enjoyed it so much! Algorithm let me watch Sammy’s Children’s Day afterwards with Song Yan from PoJ as main character, I haven’t left that one yet. Both dramas are superb!
Happy writing to you!
Thank you for all the wonderful books! Yes, please concentrate on writing and your well-being! Merch and other things can absolutely wait (sorry for the bad word; )
Edit- Mod R
sending positive energies your way for the book writing! almost there Ilona!
Oooh Pursuit of Jade. sosososososo good. hopefully you’ll be able to get back to it soon and tell us what you thought of it!
Wow. Love you both. Love the way you work together and that Gordon wants more punch. Love the length. I cannot tell you how many doorstop books I have and reread! LOVE THAT TOR is being so supportive and I hope their bottom line rewards you all.
I hope the dyed yarn arrives soon and that you are stunned by its beauty. Yes, I have also had my daughters’ (also two) ex boyfriends and husbands “try” to take and keep my blankets. It is so funny how much our children and their children and their friends love afghans. I have been at this long enough to get pictures of the next generation snuggling under one that I made as a baby blanket. That is gratifying!!
Please, please take excellent care of yourselves. Obviously, I want more books. I thought Maggie wouldn’t possibly replace THE INHERITANCE in my addiction to your worlds. I was happily wrong (heehee, for my BDH affliction.) But I’ve grown to truly love you and your family through your awesome blog. You are wonderful people. I wish the highest blessings for you, ModR, your family and pets, and each BDH member!
Please rest and recharge, it’s a marathon and not a sprint! Everything will be alright. And in the meanwhile we can always re-read our favourites books, I just devoured This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me for the second time (it somehow keeps getting better!) and will probably re-read it at least 3 more times. The Innkeeper Chronicles series also continues to be highly re-readable 😀
I love that blanket more than anything, sunflowers are my jam.
Unhhh huh! You are creating magic! I knew it! The gymnastics required to get goooood stuff on page is just magic and you all are doing it. I respect your painstaking process and am so lucky I get to read the results. Carry on! Do the best you can to have well rounded real lives and careers. Can’t wait!
Please don’t take anything out! We want everything!!!
When is the audible of Beast Business on Amazon? Thanks
The recordings are not yet complete. We will have a better idea of release date when the file is in the editing stage 🙂
Thanks for the update. My mom listens to the tales of the Baylor sisters on repeat, and we’ve been desperately waiting for more of Arabella. Audible is a blessing for those of senior years (as well as those of us driving the daily work commute.) Hidden Legacy and Inkeeper stories are on permanent rotation. Thanks again.
I am not at all phased by more words! More words, good words, great words. If I bought part 1 I will buy part 2 and if it has to split on this one into two? I buy it split. I just have a longer wait is all. And I have to be *atient. Terry Mancor just split a book in two because he could fit it all in one and do it justice. Oh the howls of outraged readers. To be honest, he ended it on a rather bad cliff hanger so..you really are compelled to hop from one foot to the other like an over stimulated child at Christmas to buy part 2 if you care at all to resolve the hanging threads. So never mind the wait, never mind the length never mind the hordes ‘plaints. The readers are here waiting for the flag to drop. Just don’t burn your creative talents out please. Oh, and the blankie is very pretty soft and fluffy!
That terrible moment when your own books keep you from watching the latest cdrama hit….
Take care, you’ve got this!
Not two of my favorite authors mentioning a Cdrama that took over my life! LOVE IT!
Sigh! Not at all p#tient. So hard to w##t. Excited to hear of book length- yes please!!!! Grumble grumble grumble…re-reading so many series of other favorite authors to distract myself from horrible w#%t; too many series not releasing next book yet…horrible.Predict horrible Summer ahead. Love you guys!!! Thanks for being the best authors!
Please take care of yourself, we are noisy but we love you. Also ALL THE WORDS. We would like every book to be as long as possible. Thank you
We love you too!
Take care,
Nice blanket
Have a lovely summer
You guys are so sweet and that blanket looks awesome. Don’t stress about the book, I can drool over mug pictures for quite a while yet. Still need to work out which of my current ones need to be donated, probably the fish themed ones from the 90s.
Your blanket is GORGEOUS! Lucky, lucky Kid!
❤️❤️🌼❤️❤️🌼❤️❤️