Effective communication was vital to competent leadership. It avoided confusion, inspired trust, and clearly detailed the leader’s goal, the path to achieve it, and the consequences of failure.
“Drop the crossbows and step away from the baby direbear or I will gut you like a fish.”
The two poachers jerked. I had come up through the woods behind them, and I was very quiet.
The shorter man on the left dropped his crossbow. The taller one on the right realized he was facing a lone woman, crunched the numbers, and leveled his weapon at me instead. I threw the rock I had picked up from the forest bed. It smacked him in the forehead. He yelped and went down.
Past them, in the clearing surrounded by tall mast-straight pines, a juvenile dire bear gave us a puzzled look and went back to munching on some spring clover and dandelions. Technically, he was an arctodus, a giant short-faced bear. When fully grown, he’d weigh about 2,000 pounds and his head would be higher than mine when he was on all fours. But dire bear was shorter and punchier and indicated the right level of threat.
“I’m tired of keeping yo u alive, Keith,” I told the shorter crossbowman. “This is the third time we meet like this.”
If brains were leather, Keith would have just about enough to saddle a junebug.
Quick note: our extended family in Western North Carolina is fine. There is property damage, but everyone is managing. Thank you for worrying.
I haven’t been able to write for a month. Nothing is wrong, I don’t have a writer’s block, and it’s not because of some weird problem. I’m excited to write. I’m just tired. Very tired. To be honest, I kind of crashed after the Dragoncon.
A typical comfortable writing schedule for us is 1 book per year. It has been a very long time since we could afford to do one book per year. Eventually you have to pay the piper, so I spent last month taking the much needed space to breathe after pushing hard for about 3 years. And if I had my way, I would likely not do anything until the end of the year. Even this morning, I logged onto my computer and thought, “I could just play Nightingale. Mmmm, Nightingale.”
But, like everyone else, we have kids and bills and bills and kids, and the don’t write/don’t eat is a thing. So we are beginning to work on Wilmington 3 and simultaneously expecting the latest round of edits on Maggie.
It will be a couple of weeks before you get the first post in Wilmington because we want to write ahead a bit, but we anticipate the serial starting around Halloween at the latest.
We have to entertain you until then, so if you have any questions you wanted to ask or topics you wanted explored, drop them into the comments below.
Yea! i love this series! and i’m glad your fam is ok!
So glad your family is okay and you took a little break for your mental health.
A question I have is would Julie’s 1st book (which was sooo good anda such a teaser) be considered to happen before or after Wilmington 3?
All the Wilmington books will happen approximately 2 years before Blood Heir, give or take a couple of months.
that little snippet more riveting and interesting than some book summary I read lately….
looking forward to whatever you can churn out.
🙂 I read that as charm out. 🙂 Still works!!!
what a surprise 😁
happy Monday!!
Is there a series or movie you have Seen lately that you would recommend?
Hey Marina,
There was a recent thread of shows and movie suggestions on the blog that you might want to check out 🙂 https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/the-bdh-tv-show-recommendations-thread/
I want you to take a break. But I’m not going to turn down any snippets or chapters. Whatever you do is fine.
Very glad to hear your extended family is safe. My daughter lived in Asheville for years, and her friends’ reports (once they were able to make contact) have been harrowing.
I’m very glad to hear you and your family are ok.
The BDH may dislike the word w**t but we would rather you fully recover.🤗
Thank you for the snippet!
+1!
Do you enjoy audiobooks? Do you listen before or after reading the book?
Are there audiobooks you have enjoyed without ever reading the hardcopy? If so, would you please share some recommendations with us?
Thank you in advance, and glad your loved ones are safe & well.
Sue L.
Sort of related to that… What books do you reread? The BDH is all about rereading HA’s books, but any you care to mention as your go-to rereads?
I love listening to audiobooks while crocheting but I have to have read the book first. Otherwise I get too involved in following the plot and mess up the pattern so pull out rows and rows of stitches.
SAME!
me too! 🤣🤣🤣
We’ll try to behave while you write, so you don’t have to spend lots of time keeping us amused as if we’re toddlers who will run amok. Even though I’m afraid we’re toddlers who will run amok.
Hoping for smooth, easy writing. Words flow and dance along the page. The type of writing you see in movies where all you have to do is stare into the middle distance for a few minutes. Perhaps furrow your brow before the words come.
I don’t know if this has been asked before but are you ever surprised (and/or amused) by a character or quote that the BDH latches onto?
Magic Clams!
Amok, amok, amok!
Sorry, it’s deeply-embedded GenX programming…we can’t read or hear that word without blurting out that response. 🙂
(And yes, I *did* say it aloud the instant I saw it in your comment, lol!)
Hehehe, I just watched Hocus Pocus last night 😀
GenX FTW!
Me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First, I’m so glad your family is safe. North Carolina is the home of my heart, and the reports have been worrying. Is there a local aid organization already in place that you can suggest?
You’ve both been pushing yourselves to the limits for a long time, and now Covid plus book deadline on top of Dragoncon are making you pay. I understand the need to earn, but I hope you can find even small breaks in your day to replenish your energies.
And woohoo! Kate! Thank you for the lovely surprise!
There’s lists of ways to donate on https://www.wral.com/story/how-to-help-western-nc-residents-devastated-by-helene/21648118/
I’m in Raleigh, there is a donation site on the Nc.gov website, it’s being coordinated with United Way. World central Kitchen already has boots on the ground in Asheville and working outward, they are great way to donate, Salvation Army, Red Cross also have boots on the ground. All sites are easy to find in the googler.
Many thanks to Ilona (Oct. 1 post), Robin, and Cindy for the donation suggestions, they are appreciated
Posts from the pets are always fun. 💗
Best wishes for writing, getting back to it. I’m having a heck of a Monday. I knew going into it it would be like this but it doesn’t make it easier. I guess that’s coffee’s job for me!!
📝
Second that … miss seeing Aretha … her younger brother seems to get all the stories last few years. also love to hear about Tina, Charlie T, and the whole multi-household gang.
That should be Artha, I think
And Tuna, not Tina … sigh
I’m glad everyone is ok. I hope you are sufficiently recharged to actually stay recharged for a while. Take care of yourselves!
Fatigue is a real, post-COVID symptom. Please take care of yourselves.
And continuing to push can cause lower and lower capacity. Listening to your body’s limits is critical!
+1!
+1!!
I’m so glad you have the games to provide relief from work. Sort of a small vacation without leaving the house. I hesitate to make suggestions. Anything you feel like sharing is always welcome. Take care.
Glad to hear that your family is okay. Property can be replaced or repaired.
When I read the title for the blog, I got the “back to life, back to reality” song in my head. 😀
Wilmington 3! Whoo-hoo! We get to read how the new place is coming along with all the shenanigans of Kate, Curran, Keelan, and company. Ahem…now back to being fluffy.
Mod R, I can tell Halloween is coming with your vampire avatar up on the blog. 😀
Same with the ear worm!
Talk about ear worm…I have had “24 hrs from Tulsa” by Gene Pitney stuck in my head for a couple of days. haha
Your snippet was better than the last book I just slogged through…I kept telling myself it will get better in a couple more chapters. One of those reads that tempted me to just read the last chapter… sigh.
Thank you for the happy news of Wilmington 3 🎃
now I will have that song,too. Maybe it will banish “Sunny Afternoon” by The Kinks.
Hi Ilona!! Hi Kate!!
(Running out the door, waving, to get errands done this fine Monday morning.)
Glad to hear your family in NC is ok. My area of NE Georgia near Augusta has been devastated with wind and tree damage to electric infrastructure. No power since early Friday morning about 4am. And not sure when we’ll get it back. But no property damage to my houses or buildings on the farm so we were lucky and blessed. Just very confusing for my Dad he’s got Alzheimer’s
Do you and Gordon ever slow- mo a sword fight or fight scene in order to get the sequence right? 🤔😁
+1
I didn’t know I needed this but now I do.
And if so, is there video? 😛
You’re the best. Take the time you need Lovelies. 🙌🏻💕
My sick brain “Ope there goes gravity”… (I’m dealing with sinus issues and drainage.)
Love the snippet. Since we’re officially in fall, (although we’re not getting fall weather here) any great recipes to share?
Take care. My brain always feels somewhat scrambled when I’m sick or have a migraine. Sometimes I think I should write and just see what weird stuff comes out when I’m sick.
I say this several times a year and blank stares from the gen alpha crowd. I am almost ready to play the damn song at the end of class so I get something.
Snippets are fine! Grocery lists are fine! Daily todo lists are fine! Halloween is perfect!!
🙂 We love you and want you to be happy. Do whatever you need to take care of yourself and pay the bills.
I love the fact that our girl just bopped him in the head with a rock. No flashy sword or power words needed, thank you very much.
My first thought when I read that was, so Kate CAN hit the side of a barn, IF she uses a rock and not a gun.
They gave us grocery lists once – one of Kate’s, one of Curran’s, one of Jim’s. That was a hoot!
Time off is always beneficial. I hope you find your spark. Doing what you are very good at, makes you feel better, more like yourself. Norman’s underrated 🙃
We are greedy, ignore us!
Glad your NC fam is doing well. I swear I’ve lived in South Florida for over 40 years and I’ve never seen it like this. So many monster storms now.
On the question front: raffia yarn/ribbon. Have you used it? Good types/bad types? What did you make? I want to make sun hats but I’m leery of the raffia.
+1!
It’s too hot to get into fall knits yet. But any wips?
I don’t think so, but I mostly knit socks, and those are good all year 😛
Saddle a junebug … *snork*
Snork indeed. My new favorite quote
+1 This was excellent.
Glad all family is well.
It seems that the graphic audio revealed to us how to pronounce some names in the book that some of us were doing wrong. Is there any thought to having a section of correct pronunciation, especially with all the names in sanctuary? This could include all series, if possible.
So glad you have taken a restorative break! I hope it was helpful! Wishing you both all the best – we are grateful for you!
I was living in Raleigh when Hurricane Fran came through and I thought how odd it was that I was living inland and worrying about a hurricane — I thought (at the time) that only coastal areas had to worry about that. I certainly wouldn’t have expected Western NC or Tennessee to have to worry about hurricanes.
Regarding questions… Given Maggie’s length, are they sending edits in segments or do they send you the whole book back with edits?
How to keep the BDH entertained? You must be tired, go ahead and rest for one more day and then remember that anything you give us is DEVOURED immediately 🤪 and we’ll be wanting more. You must be strong, remind yourself that we’ve already had our “treat” and we can wait for more. Is the BDH more like dogs, cats, or kids? Hmmmm
some strange ideas
totally stay away from the computer for the week/s month (good amount of time)
put a blanket over it – close the door to your writing room
just sit on the patio and watch the clouds and sky and trees and imagine your life without writing
make soup, shop, visit the zoo…be a non writter..don’t think of plots
just breath
we’ll wait or re read it’s all good
and i’ll give ya maybe four days before you are rested and back at it
thinking i “have to” do something usually sends me in the opposite direction
sending blessings on a solution that works for ya
Hugs…..
I know this is unrealistic: A single series book with all the exposition for new readers excluded.
Hi Ellen,
Sorry, what does this mean, I don’t quite understand? Is it a suggestion for a blog post? Are you asking if it’s possible? How can it be a series if it’s a single book?
Mod R, maybe Ellen is after something like an omnibus e-book? I read a terrible omnibus the other day where the publisher had clearly just pasted in the single book files one after the other, no edits, with all the original prefaces, afterwords, and so on left in place. (Leaving in a 4-page summary of vol.1 before the start of vol.2, even though there was now only 1 page in between them… what were they thinking??) But since HA doesn’t tend to do those big multi-page info-dumps, I think the ‘unrealistic’ part means she can see how much work it would be to edit out all the ‘how magic works’ and ‘meet the characters’ explanations from the later volumes.
That’s my guess, anyway. 🙂
Burnout is a real thing. It usually takes at least half as long to recover as it took building the stress in the first place. If you have been too busy for three years, a month of recovery is maybe not enough. Maybe you need professional help figuring out how to recover.
I enjoy your writing. Hope you also remember to take care of yourselves.
I was wondering if we will ever hear anything about Anna again. I’m re- listening to Magic Bites GA edition and I can’t remember if Kate ever heard from her again, especially after finding out about Nick.
Thank you for all the wonderful worlds you guys create!
Will Dali and Jim or Andrea and Raphael be making any guest appearances or getting their own books? What about Roman?
Why is what happened with Derek never mentioned in the Wilmington books?
The Wilmington Years books happen approximatively 2 years before Derek’s return to Atlanta in Blood Heir. He is in Alaska during the North Carolina stories and his backstory is for Blood Heir 2 🙂
Ooooo, thanks Mod R!
+1
When will you we see Blood Heir #2 ?
We need to read Wilmington Years 3 first , for a proper setup to Blood Heir 2🙂
I can’t stop laughing at this. Wonder how many times you will have to repeat it?
also i just listened to the Baylor Girls Books (can’t remember the series name off the top of my head) but could you make a recipe book for the various things your characters make to eat or drink? those fajitas and Kates apple pies always make me hungry. I want that fajita recipe.
I’m going through all the Graphic Audio of Kate and it brought back to mind I always wondered what happened to Nataraja? At one point I thought it might be Roland in disguise.
Was there a bigger story line you had which just didn’t manifest?
Nataraja was apparently yanked out of Atlanta off-scene. He apparently lost it and killed his pet snake. Kate asks Ghastek about it while they’re hanging out in Mishmar.
“hanging out in Mishmar” x’D
This doesn’t apply to you as such, but is a publishing question. There are many books I’ve read throughout my life and would love to read again. But I have severe diabetic retinopathy and reading print books is now difficult. I’m able to read easily on a tablet (changing font size is awesome!) but several older books aren’t currently available in ebook format. Who decides which older books get digitized and when?
Thank you 😊
Project Gutenberg
Hi, CourtneyMincy:
I’m not a copyright lawyer but I asked one if I could digitize one of my own old books with tiny print, to make it easier for me to read, and his answer was that it *should* be allowed under the fair use provision as long as it’s for personal use.
If you don’t have the equipment and skills to do it, maybe ask a local librarian for help? They may also be able to track down books you don’t own and scan them for you.
Good luck!
oh oh oh. I forgot it was serial time!!!! So excited for this. I don’t know if this is something easy or impossible, but if there is an audio file of HA pronouncing many of the names in HL or Kate’s world, I would really, really love it. I have a thing about wanting to (in my head, as I read) pronounce all the names/words correctly.
Evdokia was a major fail on my end…
Me, too! Would love that!
+1 here. I’ve been wishing for that forever—particularly as you say since Evdokia AND Roman were revealed to me!
My youngest nephew and his family live in Gastonia, NC. When last heard from, they had no power, but were otherwise okay.
My nephew is a cop and his wife is a force of nature. I suspect they will be very busy during whatever rebuilding is needed locally.
yeahhhhhhhh ,*jump everywhere*yeah yeah yeah #LoveWilmington
If they made a movie about the furry friends (overlords?) in your life, which actors/celebrities would you cast for the voices? In particular, I REALLY want to know your dreamcasts for Tuna and Mona. 🙂
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m sad to read that although you’re describing how worn out you are, the BDH has gotten to the point where you feel you have to entertain us while there’s slow progress on writing projects.
Perhaps that was said in jest, but I want to express that although I’m part of the Horde, I’m not the kind that needs weekly blog/social updates or will be sending emails or social media questions to track your every move and thoughts. I hope the rest of the Horde can help assure you in this way so it lightens the load and lets you guys continue to live your lives without us making it worse.
Love you guys and appreciate all that you do for us! 🙆♀️🤞
+1
+1
Perfectly said Jukebox. +1
Yes, I’m not sure you all understand how unusual your level of fan service is. We continue to read books by other authors, who take their time off as necessary.
I for one don’t hold it against them. Obviously I will happily grab any writing you fling our way, but that’s not what keeps me reading your books.
It’s in everyone’s best interest for you to exercise self-care, so you can write the way you want, without pushing yourself beyond your physical, mental, and emotional limits.
+1, indeed!
+1!! Yes, this!
Y’all had pretty awful COVID if I remember correctly and then had to jump in to Dragon Con. As a healthcare provider, I would say you are still healing and are building up your resources health wise. Please rest and recoup, we can wait! I know your bills won’t, but wanted to reassure that we adore you both and want you to feel good while writing. Happy authors = very good stories 🙂
Can’t wait! And everyone deserves a break. It recharges the batteries!
Will you share Roman’s particular recipe for Sbiten?
Tired is very hard to beat. I hope you get more chances to rest.
Are you watching Agatha All Along?
1) You should charge more for your books. Just a $2 increase would help you and not kill us.
2) do you “do” Halloween costumes? What have you gone as in the past? Whole family? Just the kids?
3) have you considered selling the idea of a giant talking alien moving tree to Halloween decore designers? Spirit would sell them like hotcakes
4) you might have “the olds”
Things I used to do and schedules I used to keep in my 40’s now feel daunting in my 50’s. I’m tired, but like permanently. I think it’s called “aging”, but Americans don’t like to talk about it so I’m not really sure 🧐
I can see the giant alien tree now. Branches swinging, swishing, and writhing, bones by the roots, and a deep voice saying, “Murder…do you wish to discuss?”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Self care is a productive endeavor.
LOL! UHM … When I am burned out and need a boost, I find myself on a re-read of my favorite books, like, say a series called Innkeeper, or an awesome set about this mercenary named Kate. helps me deal with stress, y’know? visits with good friends. I think about the story lines, how i think the next books will go, until the authors release the next book and shock me with what I didn’t see coming. Kinda waiting with baited (“bated”?) (I mean really, you “bait” the breath to entice the desired happenstance. or “bated” breath because you are holding your breath waiting on something). like waiying for upcoming volumes, and lo and behold, today we hear there is a new follow-up in the works and forthcoming! I am so excited! So, I was kinda wondering what you do to help when you are burnt out and exhausted and need to recharge?
Cool; thank you.
I figure by now everyone is aware of Long Covid but, all the same, rest if you need to rest. I follow Physics Girl – Dianna Cowern – who is suffering from Long Covid. Her story has probably made me paranoid but I wanted to mention it just in case. I hope you feel better soon!
Halloween isn’t so far away!
I empathize with your exhaustion. That is how this whole year has been for me.
Looking forward to the next serial.
I remember at some point you posted pictures of things you were researching and challenged the BDH to figure out what you were writing about. I think this may have been WAY back while you were prepping to write Maggie.
I personally find this background work fascinating. I honestly didn’t try to extrapolate, I was just pleased at that glimpse of making the sausage.
You do such amazing digging. Any additional little side posts like that would be wonderful.
Same! I remember the cartoon of an FBI guy looking at the search history of someone…”how to bury a body in a swamp… different types of rope….decomposition” and getting worried. Next panel was, “oh- they’re a writer! Nothing to worry about.”
I know you guys have gone down some esoteric rabbit holes. What’s the most unusual things you’ve researched?
“If brains were leather, Keith would have just about enough to saddle a junebug.”
This line is perfect. Your humor is what makes you my favorite authors!
Enjoy the fall! 🍁
Take care of yourself!
I can wait as long as need be for new stories. Thanks for the Kate snippet! I love the way she addresses a problem head on, literally.
Hope you both keep feeling better.
Wishing you blue skies and light breezes and time to recoup.
I would love to hear your thoughts on what it would take the publishing industry to open ebook sales to more vendors like smaller bookstores or even directly from the publisher. Like many people, I love the ebook format but would really love to support independent bookstores.
Glad to hear that your family is alright though. Best of luck squeezing in what rest you can!
Feel better. Rest more. Well rested happy author lords mean more stories for us!! Love stories!! Maybe knit and drink tea?
Taking a break is good and necessary. You can only work really hard for so long.
Thanks for the news for some new reading. It made my day!
I was wondering how HA’s family fared. We live in the Piedmonts and there’s alot of churches/police stations/ firehouses doing collections for the communities that have been hit hard. I was shocked at the pictures of Chimney Rock and Asheville. We just visited Biltmore a couple of weeks ago. The great thing about people is that we get up and go on.
Going to to do reread of the two Willy’s that way I’ll be prepped😊
When did you start knitting?
So glad that your extended family in North Carolina are safe!
Sending restful healing positive energy to you!
We will remain fluffy for as long as necessary – rereads / relistens are AWESOME!
Which does bring me to a random Kate question….. Has it ever been confirmed who Kate’s second intimate partner was between her initial 17 year old experience and Curran at the age of 25? Reason for question – after Greg explained to her the risks involved (being used or killed) – Who would Kate have felt strongly enough for or trusted enough? (or is it just one of those things we are left to ponder as the Horde?) – sorry if inappropriate – relistening to the Graphic Audio of Magic Bleeds and, for some reason, that discussion with Curran the morning after in Kate’s kitchen caught my attention differently.
Wishing the Author Lords, Mod-R and the Horde (and those we all love) – peace, health and safety!
I kinda had the impression Kate did not sleep with ANYBODY between the kid when she was 17 and Curran. That girl was so paranoid thanks to Voron she thought about killing her best friend when Amdrea found out Kate was Roland’s daughter.
More context for clarity:
Kate tells Curran that he is her third partner when he asks
Kate tells Raphael (when visiting Andrea at the Boudha House after Andrea’s first shift) that it has been two years (making her around 23 at the time) and Raphael offers himself as ‘therapy’
Hope that helps clarify….
Sending rest and healing to House Andrews!
As someone riding the burnout train into a flaming dumpster, I know the feeling. I keep muttering it is for the students at 9 pm after a 14 hour work day. Limits when I figure them out I will share my secret.
I just had a flash of what this must be like. I live overseas and recently had a rare visit from my Mum and sister. It was hard being “on” all the time – even though I loved the visit. The hardest thing was coming home tired from time out with them playing tour guide and hearing “what’s tomorrow?” as we were walking g in the door! Or coming in from a full day of work to be greeted with “what’s next?” When I read that a comfortable writing schedule for you is a year but to live and pay bills you push more than that I then thought of us the BDH behaving like my visitors. You spend months creating something amazing for us – pouring love and energy and we read it in 5 hours and go “what’s next?!” While a great problem to have … must be hard to hear when you are exhausted. I hope you get to recharge. I love the worlds you build.
I like your recipes. What have you been making recently? Have you tried anything new? Have you ever made tarts?
So excited for that serial!
I do have a question I’ve been wondering on (sorry if it has been previously addressed). I’ve always wondered what drove the decision to include George, Jack, et al in the inkeeper series, opposed to writing new characters to to fill those roles?
Is Doolittle coming to visit? I think Luther and Roman need to move to Wilmington as well as a host of other favorites…. I’m just saying
I have a feeling when the Pack falls apart in Atlanta, as Keelan and others have mentioned, they are going to hear rumors about what Kate and Curran have built in Wilmington. We know that Mahon and Martha are going to eventually find out and see if it’s true.
What I want to read (eventually) is the showdown between Kate and Barrett. After that bit with Kate doing the ballet and the Old Barrett song (which I still laugh over), oh boy.
That’s perfect! Exactly the visitor Ilona and Gordon need to take care of them. Feed them plenty of tea. And make them rest. I really hope Dr Doolittle pays them a visit.
Can we learn more about the mysterious boy Ragnar brought to Runa’s wedding? They were so cute together, but you left it on a cliffhanger! Catalina said she’s going to do some investigating…
Enjoy as much R&R as you need. I’m sure we’ll all happy to wait until you’re ready, but at the same time I’m so glad for the end of October timeframe! Thanks for that!!!
Now, instead of the “Do the Hustle” ear worm in my head, I will be humming “Back to Life, Back to Reality”. Thanks. I think.
Get some rest so that you will later be able to put up with us, whining about snippets and who’s picking up cows and such.
so glad you came thru Helene okay.
I am loving your Innkeeper series so much that I plan on getting them in paper (I already have all six in Kindle) and I am urging my sister to try them. Please tell that there will be more!
I hope to see you again at Dragoncon 2025!
thank you!
I hope you’re able to catch your breath and recharge. Prayers your family continues to be fine.
Question: will all of KD be on Graphic Audio?
Currently, Graphic Audio is adapting the 10 novels of the main series (Bites to Triumphs), as well as the Kate content in all Magics (short stories, Curran POVs etc).
What will happen after that is all done…well, we shall see 😉
Thank you for the information.
I love to hear the Iron & Magic book(s) as well. House Andrews did a fantastic job with Hugh.
Ooooo, time for a Wilmington reread.
Busy schedule, COVID followed by DragonCon; no wonder why you’re tired. I just hope you take the rest you need because we want you healthy and happy so you can write for many many many many more years.
Ooh it’s Kate! She has a very distinct voice in my head. Glad family is ok, it sounds awful in the news. Also totally understand that bone tiredness. Please take all the time you need. Sending hugs from the other side of the world.
Question/Topic:
In Sanctuary, when Svarog’s volhv’s son wanted to become a werewolf and join the Pack, could he have actually done that? Would the Pack have taken him? Would it have been legal for the Pack to take him? Does the Unnatural Infection Victim Protection Act apply to Lyc-V as well as vampirism?
When Aunt Bea brought up the possibility of Kate becoming a shapeshifter, neither of them mentioned anything about this. Julie implied that Barabas’s weremongoose daughter could only be an albino because she was infected after birth, and that this was very illegal. So at a minimum, it sounds like minors can’t consent, but what about everyone else?
hi! I too have been having a hard time switching my brain on from summer hours and now it’s almost October. I was in the bookstore today ordering more books and saw they now have a section called speculative fantasy. They placed a bunch of books that I thought were science fiction or vampire or even fantasy books all in my mind separate genres on display under that sign. I did spend some time trying to puzzle it all out but am not quite sure what it all means. It’s all so confusing and now I’m making connections where I shouldn’t and may even believe your works are speculative. please help- so lost in the rabbit hole. and I’m glad that your family connection in north Carolina is weathering the storm alright.
Hi, Faye Forney:
As a librarian I learned that “speculative fiction” is the umbrella term for all works with any elements not in the real world. Science fiction, fantasy, horror, paranormal, and more all fit here. So the bookstore may be taking that term and making it more user-friendly by changing it from fiction to fantasy?
love the june bug saddle quip
I understand the tiredness – been there after COVID and it lasted months for me. Hope you start to feel real energy soon.
And I’ve said this before, but – your writing is more important than exhausting yourself running to book signings and conventions. If something has to be sacrificed, I hope you drop the marketing. Your fans will still buy EVERY book you churn out EVERY SINGLE TIME – no autograph required.
And I know you are perfectly capable of figuring this out all by yourself, because you are an alpha and smart even when exhausted. I just – hope that you take Very Good Care of Yourself because you and your energy are a finite resource and need careful management. There. That was tactful, right?
My sister is currently fighting COVID and she isn’t young anymore. I think her recovery will take awhile. That’s no simple cold that is easy to bounce back from.
So anyway, glad you are getting back to the keyboard. Wishing you lots of energy and joy!
I HATE that you feel you have to write and that you have to entertain us. I love reading your books and look forward to more but Haye you feel forced. glad to hear about your family being safe. You should check with the Dr. about the tiredness.
Please don’t burn out!
We are OK re-reading and squeeing to each other over the interwebs.
[We even promise to cut back on licking your metaphorical windows]
Just don’t stop the trickle feed of sweet, sweet fiction.
Maybe you could learn to write like the legendary Dame Barbara Cartland? Reclining on a divan, dictating reams of stories to a faithful amanuensis; occasionally gracing your adoring horde with personal appearances and good works. [Admittedly, her *hundreds* of published works are a tad repetitive, but each artist has their own style/method/goals. Right?]
Thanks!
will there be an expansion of what happened with how Gerard got trapped and how Helen Freed him?
I recently rewatched one of the Ilona Andrews interviews on U tube ( I think Mod R was the chair if that helps narrow it down to which one) and Gordon and Ilona agreed they needed “ to finish the Gerard Helen story one day” but,unfortunately, there was no clue to when “ one day” might be!
I keep hoping they are inspired to finish and publish it as a surprise but am more concerned that Ilona is so tired. I hope she doesn’t overdo things. We love getting new stories but we want you to be healthy and happy so take good care of yourself. As a faithful member of the BDH I am trying to wait as patiently as I can.
I do have a question Mod R for you to add to your giant list whenever there is an opportunity to quiz House Andrews. Are Sean’s parents planning to move to Red Deer? Apart from being near their son and Dina the extra support they could provide in terms of security would surely be an asset to the Inn. One of the endearing things about the Innkeeper series is the extra people/ beings Dina has gathered around her or interacted with who wish her well: Sean, Maud, Helen, Arland, Officer Marais,Orro, Cookie, George, Gaston, the Khanum, Dagorkun, Karat , …….They are all interesting characters in their own right and this reader, for one, enjoys any glimpses we get into their stories or how they are getting on.
I wish you many hours of rest, until you feel the itch to write naturally. Please know the benefit of the BDH is that we will be waiting whenever you are ready.
Hmmm…love seeing your recipe posts…do you have any good vegetarian recipes? I’m always on the lookou!
I hope you guys are able to get some rest.
One word Kitties and Doggies; well sorry that two.😅🥹😍😁
Thanks for the snippet! I’m doing another reread. It seemed in the beginning that Nataraja was going to be a Big Bad Guy, what with his challenging Kate to try to get her to show magic, then he disappeared. Did you like Ghastek better than Nataraja? Was Nataraja’s sudden absence always the plan?
Hello!
Great to hear you’re all safe and well!
I’m just going to run the gauntlet… any thing to share about Arabella by chance??
So glad your family is ok! We lived on the coast of NC for a couple years and would usually go inland to the mountains to avoid hurricanes. There was no way I would ever have expected one to go through the mountains.
Whoop! Another serial!
Glad there were no people damages over there.
Honored to be Horde.
Thanks.
Extended family is a blessing and so happy yours are all doing well and are safe. Hopefully you will return to better health and happiness now that your personal trials seem to have dissipated. I’ve been sending prayers for health, rest and peace. I look forward to anything produced by House AI, and I greedily get my copy asap, (pre-order ;)). I do look forward to the next Maud and Arland story, just saying.
Yummy snippet! I love the line “if brains were leather, he’d have enough to saddle a June bug.”
Man, glad y’all are okay. We emerged after Helene to find half the trees in Upstate SC blocking my road in GOUR PLACES. Remember the game Pickup Sticks from the 70s? It was like God had played it with trees. It took 20 neighbors, my husband, me and two guys with chainsaws to clear the road. Every time we’d clear one, I’d look up and there was another pile up the street.
My 87-year old dad cleared one by himself with a Bobcat. (Which is kind of like a mini-forklift.)
Where are giant intelligent cyborg beaver when you need them?
But I have no power, and the only time I have cell service is if I get up at 5 am.
Be safe AK while you and everyone are cleaning up. The devastation I’ve seen on the news reminds me of Moore Oklahoma when they had the EF 5 tornado land on them.
I’m impressed with how you can edit a story and write another at the same time. How do you do it? Do you feel you are sectioning off the stories within your mind? Have you trained your brains to switch focus or does it come naturally to you both? (And thank you for offering a Q&A as I was thinking of this just as I started to read the blog)
We have a daughter who lives just west of Asheville and although they are doing ok, their neighbors and town are a wreck!
I must hand quilt or hand sew when I’m stressed which made me think to ask a question I’ve long wondered about. “Do you write or knit to relieve stress?” I know many people read to relieve stress but the creative process doesn’t seem to always work for some people in this regard?
Paulette, Ilona *does* knit – I’m not trying to answer whether or not it’s her stress-reliever; I just remember she has a number of blog entries here on the site where she discusses/shows her knitting projects and talks about her massive yarn stash. I think she might have a category for it? *goes to look*
Aha! She does! https://ilona-andrews.com/category/blog/fun/knitting-etc/
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
To know W3 is on its way!
Keep taking tender care of yourselves. <3
I’m in Western NC – we have no power, no water, and very limited cell service. When I walked up to higher ground to check messages this morning and saw a blog post in my email, I had to click – reading the snippet and having this tiny bit of normalcy brought me to tears (I’m literally standing in the middle of the road crying as I’m typing this). Thank you for being a bright spot in an awful week!
It’s amazing what really gets to you emotionally in a natural disaster, isn’t it? Decades ago, the sight of an out-of-state utility convoy coming down the interstate to relieve our power outage caused me to burst into tears. Thinking of you and hoping your community gets relief soon.
Have the two of you ever considered live-streaming your writing sessions?
Before you recoil in horror: there are plenty of authors who live-stream their writing sprints as a form of body doubling (for both themselves and the viewers/listeners) and plenty of them do NOT watch chat or interact with the viewers at all.
Many do interact a little when they take a break, but just as many don’t. So there’s no worry that chatting with viewers would keep you too busy to actually write.
Sharing the screen or in any way showing what’s being written is NOT required or even expected…most often it’s just a shot of the streamer, from the side or from a webcam view, while they’re working.
The ones who don’t interact with chat are split between those who disable the chat function entirely so there’s no chance of it distracting them, and those who leave it running (but never look at it) so the viewer community can chat amongst themselves; helping each other brainstorm, tossing around story ideas, cheering on each other’s to-do goals, reporting in on how they’re progressing on getting their kitchen cleaned, etc.
(Because not all the viewers are writers. Quite a few of them just need company and accountability to get some other kind of task done.)
There are even streamers who don’t turn the camera on…they just put up a nice/cool image/graphic and stream the audio of themselves working.
It’s amazing how even just *hearing* someone typing, or shuffling papers and scribbling stuff down, can engage that “Do All The Doings” mode.
If you’ve never seen it before it can *sound* boring, or like “no one would EVER watch that!” but that’s not the case at all.
It’s REALLY helpful for neurodivergent folks (both the streamers and the viewers) to feel like someone else is there with them, actively working on their own stuff.
It triggers something that makes their hindbrain settle down and say “Oh, I see, it actually *is* time to work. I thought you were just whining about your to-do list again. Okay then, let’s get busy and do all the doings.”
Watching a stream like that (or having it on in the background) is basically a hack to trigger Deadline Mode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=SFvbXZAaHTY
It would be SO COOL if House Andrews did this!
You could do it on whatever streaming platform you’re most comfortable with. YouTube, Twitch, Kick, Facebook, Instagram, Rumble, Locals…
If you stream it, we will come! Even if you disable chat. 🙂
Consider it, pretty please? <3
Great to hear that there will be a Wilmington 3. I thought that was a fine series of two that definitely needed a third. Perhaps even more?
on day 5 of no power here in Spartanburg, SC and happened to catch your post with my limited battery…thank you for the snippet…today feels doable again. it really is the little stuff <3
Hang in there, Cricket!
Hello! My son will be going to a book convention this fall and he is really excited. He wants to wear shirts that reflect the books and authors he loves, however, there is very little official merchandise to be found from these authors. I could buy exactly what he wants through Etsy but I’m hesitating. As authors, do you consider it stealing your livelihood when people purchase merchandise, based on your books, that you see no profit from; or, do you see it as a form of free advertising to get people interested that may not have heard about your books before? I would love your thoughts. Thanks so much for the talent you both share with the world, you make such a difference in the daily lives of so many people!
Y’all are still recovering from being sick. Definitely listen to your bodies and get that extra rest. I just want you guys to be healthy more than I want another book. Big HUGS to both of you!
Okay, so my question is… If you could live in one of your book worlds, which one would you want to live in the most?
Just saw a post for Arcane Fibre Works on FB and thought of you – gorgeous colors! Made me wish I knitted 🙂
What is your routine writing together? Do you brainstorm and then one of you writes? Do you write different scenes and put the together? Do you get along while you write? You must or I guess you wouldn’t keep doing it and stay married. (LOL). PS Love your stories!
I would love a post on tea, what you’re drinking now or some of your favorites. Or a brief conversation during tea with one of Jeaniene Frost’s characters and one of your characters chatting together. Or tea with you and Jeaniene. 🙂 Honestly tho, I am happy to wait while you write. We’re always here, patient and supportive (well, sometimes). 😉
I too would love to see a tea post. My morning tea is Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Gold (a strong breakfast blend) but I am interested in other teas that make a good afternoon or evening choice or a terrific iced tea. No rush, I agree with everyone else here — take care of yourselves.
I’ve not tried it myself, but reports on it are all thumbs up: the liquid tea is BLUE. Azure ( something or other,sorry)has Sweetpea in it, and turns purple when you add lemon. It’s pricey for me, but maybe not for you. If you try it, please let me know, alright?
You don’t have to entertain us! Just knowing you’re back to writing is good, tho I’m a bit concerned about the energy levels being reported. Another week off not doable? Or as much off as Maggie allows hehe.
Great little snippet! Thanks!
Quick question about the Wilmington years. Did Keelan appear any of the earlier books. I know Kate gave us a quick back story but I couldn’t find any other references. Just curious, I love the character.
No, Keelan’s debut happened in Magic Tides 🙂
I’m very happy your family is safe, mine is safe as well in South Carolina, just without power. However, my uncle is very resourceful and they are in their camper with a solar powered generator. Smart!
Desperate question: do you have any tea recommendations that actually keep you awake? Please 🙏
Not to keep beating this drum but as I mentioned to Elizabeth above, I found Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Gold is a great “wake me up” tea. I’m looking for a milder non floral tea if you have any recommendations.
I like Tea & Company’s Meridian Chai for an afternoon pick-me-up, I drink it plain. There’s no pepper in it so it’s not bitey like most chais. Black tea with cinnamon, licorice root, ginger, cardamom, and clove.
There’s also Guayaki Yerba Mate for a swift kick, but it has a more grassy taste and can, er, “stimulate the digestion”.
And Yorkshire Gold is amazing!
I am a sucker for all the love stories. How do you decide who hits the lottery of love in your cast of characters?
The tortuous unrequited love is painfully exquisite.
As others have said, your health and well being should be your top concern right now. Take time for you. The BDH can do the “W” word. Sending healing thoughts your way!
Covid is an absolute b**ch. it is taking people longer and longer to get over and it’s changing people in fundamental ways. So the fact you had to take a lengthy break makes absolute sense.
Take more time, be a lump on the couch, most days that’s about all anyone can do. Do not feel guilty for it. Eat all of the good food. Snuggle with all of the pets.
Questions: what’s Gordon’s favorite color?
Do y’all ever go fishing? What’s the biggest fish each of you has caught if you do?
Coke, Pepsi, or Dr Pepper? Or dark horse of Cheerwine since there is fam in Nc?
As much as i love Kate Daniels, I’m still desperately waiting on the next Hugh book 😆
and Maud book
(and even Arabella though I know that’s probably wishful thinking at the moment)
I’m trying to phrase this without it coming through as me trying to tell you what to do, if it comes through like I am please understand that’s just me not being a good writer rather than my intent.
Glad to hear the family is ok.
I’ll be glad to see what you produce, I’ve really enjoyed the Wilmington books so far.
I hope you’ve recovered enough that you can make good progress on it without getting frustrated or wearing yourself out.
If you find you need a break or to take things slower than you’d like to get back into things I think you’ll find the vast majority of fans will understand and accept it.
Looking forwards to seeing it, and hanging for Maggie.
I would love to see a place for recipes either that y’all created or reader create and submit for what they think food in the books taste like. Like every time I read a Kate Daniels book and it talks about Honey Muffins, I would love a recipe to try. Also every time I read about the passion cones, apple pithivier, mango salsa, or anything Orro makes I wonder what it taste like and want to try to make it and eat that while I reread those scenes.
Hi Tamara,
You may wish to check out the “Recipe” or “Cooking” tags here on the blog for many of the recipes you mentioned:
Mango pico de gallo https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/its-thursday-yay/
Pithivier – https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/a-pithivier/
https://ilona-andrews.com/category/blog/fun/recipe/
https://ilona-andrews.com/category/blog/fun/cooking/
just to get you started
The June bug saddle comment should be on a t-shirt. Sums up the people I meet beautifully!! Thanks for the chuckles!
So glad family in North Carolina is fine! Sorry you are so tired, but I totally understand. Been there, done that, burned the t-shirt.
Maybe a fun mini-excursion might be installments on “The Adventures of Sargent Teddy”???? I bet he has stories to tell! What awesome characters you write! Happy sigh.
I also am dying (not literally) to know more about Tulip’s dam. She must be something special!!!
so lovely to hear from you all again. things were very tricky after sudden family death. still not finished but getting stronger.
do you realize how important you all are? having spent too much time recently getting beat up by smarter people than me always like to go back to our team for inspirations and courage. thanks always
Best wishes to you Cheyanne. Sorry for your troubles, and hoping things continue to improve.
You do NOT need to entertain us. Take a break. Do what you need to/want to do. The horde will not only survive, but thrive knowing you are well.
Family first. Do what needs to be done for both you and your extended family who were in the storm’s path. Our prayers are with you. Keep safe and take care of yourselves.
“We have to entertain you until then, so if you have any questions you wanted to ask or topics you wanted explored, drop them into the comments below.”
I’ve been meaning to ask this for quite some time, so here we go.
For context : I used to write a lot of fanfics growing up, even managed to finish a story once, but when I started reading in English (simply because I figured out that a lot of series I read were sometimes 2/3 books ahead in their original language vs French, and even sometimes were simply not translated at all, so, to 15yo me, it was time to stop pretending English was useless) and now I read exclusively in English.
I’ve also, coincidentally, stopped writing at all. It’s been years now.
I simply can’t right in French, anymore. Each time I write down a word, I stare at it hard, half-convinced I’ve just made it up. When I talk, I even do stuff like use a English word that I “frenchised” without realizing and keep on going, until someone interrupts me.
“Pourquoi il est pas fixé ?” (Why isn’t it fixed ?) Here, I used “fixé” using the English ‘meaning’ of the word, as in, it was broken, now it’s not. Except, in French, fixé, now, would mean “stuck to the wall”. As in, ‘I hang shelves on the wall’. The right sentence was “Pourquoi il est pas réparé ?” . Réparer = to fix something.
It goes on an on. If I write something down, I have a garbage mix of both languages.
I thought I maybe should try to write in full English, but I wonder if I’m good enough to pull it off, without sounding like a high schooler.
So I guess my question is, as a (I think?) bilingual writer, how did you go about it ?
Thank you for your time & I hope you’re doing okay.
Glad you and yours are safe. Im also glad you’re listening to yourself and taking it easy where you can. Rest matters.
As you asked for questions that we ponder – here’s my latest one.
M-scanner – If some colours are hard to see on white paper, would black paper work better? Could they be printed on light and dark paper to see what shows up.
How is Catalina doing? Another short story? Miss the Baylor’s and the Bear!
P.S. I know patience equals precious..
Also in Innkeeper loved the chicken getting his due..How about the dog? He can have a short we all buy? Like a back look of how she gets him..
Or a short on the wolves..they are always weapons and family dra..
So many questions…,but as always
slay well and don’t forget you side kick..get it.
When you make Wilmington 3 could to do a blog post with maps and a reminder of the geography / layout from the first two books? I found them helpful when I was reading the first time but can’t seem to track down the links again.
Hi Jo, here you go https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/maps-krakens-and-blueberries/
It was the first result when using the Search function with the words “Wilmington map”. What did you try 🙂 ?
I would LOVE to have a map that showed where the BDH are all around the world.
Perhaps it is a topic to explore or broadly a question, but I hesitate to broach the subject. I suspect others in the BDH are wondering the same thing, or something similar. Then again, it may just be me who, while I adore Dina and Sean and all the kerfuffle around the Inn (is it wrong to want to be Caldenia if I ever get the chance to conquer worlds?), am, in a word, obsessed with Maud, Arland, and Helen. I want to read about the wedding. I want to know what kind of fresh headaches, fears, and hells Helen will visit upon her parents when she’s a teenager. Frankly, my mother, may she rest, read all kinds of romances and mysteries, and in my young years histories and historical fiction. Above the Barbara Cartland’s and all the others of that ilk (my opinion my friends, if you love Cartland, keep loving her) the romance of Maud and Arland outshines them all. Heck, they even beat my other favorite couple Eve and Roarke from the In Death series. So, we could hear about Maud’s wedding plans? The search for the dress and/or armor fit for a wedding? What does “Say Yes to the Dress” look like for vampires? Will Arland officially adopt Helen? To all intents and purposes he already thinks of himself as her father and she, well, I’m guessing Melizard is a faint memory by the end of Sweep of the Blade, if not before.
I lovr the short and I’m glad everyone is ok.
Although I will have to work w/ my addiction of all things House Andrews, you all deserve a huge break. So glad you are listening to your bodies and gave yourself some time. Continue to work at the work/life balance. As for your extended family, I’ll put them in prayer. The footage from Helene is unbelievable and the devastation will take years to recover from. Hopefully, people who have been trapped will be rescued soon.
I recently saw French editions of some of your books. The “Dynasties” with the burning figures are very interesting covers. It would be cool to hear about that process, and how the themes/titles are chosen, if you are involved (at all).
Foreign rights are sold to local publishers from the respective countries, the authors have very little involvement or say-so in the process generally. But I will include your question in the lists 🙂
YES! Sometimes one must take time for themselves for their mental health. I’m glad the family is okay- but still praying for them and all in NC, and keeping the calender clear is a wise precaution( but you don’t need me telling y’all that. LOL). The snippet above really intrigued me. I love Arctodus! I hope it’s part of something later to come?
Take care, and don’t work too hard. Write on! 😉
It’s part of Wilmington 3, as announced in the body of the article 🙂 . Kate is defending the prehistoric animals they ended up with in Magic Clams.
I have often wondered with all the drastic weather events that have happened in Texas and across the rest of the United States and even the world…if you would consider writing a book about Adeyemi Ade-Afefe . A weather mage story written with your level of eloquence and research… I can’t help but wonder.
I know you are booked up ( pun intended) but I wanted to throw the idea out there.
But of course your health is your priority. I, like so many others, want you rest and let your body heal.
Yay to beginning Wilmington 3. It’s a little embarrassing just how often I have listened to the audio book versions of the first two. Looking forward to learning what happens next.
I can see why playing Nightingale might be more appealing, though. Today has felt a bit like that for me too. It has just turned daylight savings time here and that always does a number on my energy levels and focus for some reason.
Vampire protocol question, in Sweep of the Blade, if Melizard had been arrested, tried for the betrayal of his employer, convicted, and executed, would Maud still be in her rights to claim a blood debt?
As we’re collecting questions: how do you write as a team? I can understand how individual authors write, how does it work for you when you’re a team?
Please take all the time you need for you, and much as I enjoy your blog – it’s one of my favourites, please don’t feel you need to always keep us entertained!
Regarding your October 1st blog post.
Apologies should not be needed when it comes to an emergency, especially if it’s family.
We hope Gordon’s extended family in W.N.Carolina are safe. Worry about them and consider everything else a background issue that can wait.
We wish you all the best.
Roger and Nancy
Will there be more stories featuring Julie & Derek?
Blood Heir 2 is expected, but we need Wilmington Years 3 first to set up the story properly 🙂
Family first. It was a close call for me during Harvey and I still have flashbacks. Especially during Helene and I am in Texas. Hugs and prayers for all.
I know what it’s like to go through a disaster and didn’t want to post this lighthearted photo on your post today. I know that you’ve been keeping your ears and eyes open for something entertaining and thought to send this
Well it won’t let me post the photo but it’s a picture of a Buc-ee’s on I-75 that just opened up a people size lazy River type pool of Mac and cheese inside a huge Buc-ee’s It’s a funny photo with the caption Why we love Buc-eye’s. I spend a lot of time in Te as for work and sometimes in your neck of the woods…Buc-eye’s is a hoot and knowing the owner…I wouldn’t be surprised if this was true or just a gimmick. I haven’t sampled their Mac and cheese but I’m a big fan of the banana pudding. Hope this gives you a laugh
I really liked the character quizzes that appeared once. Can Mod R do those while you work half-time?
3/10/2024. Just received your latest post.Thank you for posting the info from Ashville NC, we have son and family down the highway in Greenville SC, and while they are ok, their area has so much damage.
Visited there in 2014 and visited Biltmore Estate and were stunned at the beauty of the area, so we send much felt best wishes to everyone caught in this event. Living in Tropical Nth Queensland, we’re very familiar with weather similar to this and it’s scary. I had to put some perspective on the amount of rain and the equivalent is our Wet Tropics annual rainfall in 3 hours. No wonder it was so overwhelming. Best wishes to everyone, the World is equally shocked.
I’m so glad your family is safe. Sending all the hope for a speedy rebuild and recovery. I’m so sorry this happened.
Glad they’re okay.
You do you. Nothing else counts.
Hey! I know this is off topic but there’s a fantastic yarn store in Asheville that is open for online business since the post office is open. Thought you’d want to see it. purlsyarn.com
Will there be more Julie books in the future?
Yes 🙂, but Wilmington Years 3 has to come first.
You can check on the status of any of the series by visiting the Release Schedule page https://ilona-andrews.com/release-schedule/
Unless a series has the status Finished/Finished for now, more books are in plans.