It’s Monday and Texas is lovely today. The sun is shining and the heavy rains that drenched us through the weekend have finally moved on. Everything is green and the grass is damp. The world feels clean and bright.
We are beginning a new project. It’s not connected to any of our other worlds. I’ve wanted to work on it for almost a year. Gordon once said during a meet and greet that for us to survive as writers, we have to do “one for BDH and one for us” so we can feel creatively fulfilled. There is nothing wrong with working in established series, but at some point there is a danger of going a little stale writing one sequel after another.
This is one for us. There is no guarantee that it will be marketable or that we even finish it, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. A writer who stops taking creative chances is a writer who stagnates.
Our trip to San Antonio is happening today, We had to post pone it for weather reasons, so I’ll keep this short.
The Free Fiction page, which you can find in the menu above or by selecting Books from top menu and then looking at the menu below the header, is mostly complete thanks to Mod R’s tireless efforts. There is a surprising amount of short stuff on there.
If you go to Hidden Legacy page, you will now find Worldbuilding in the menu. We’ve added some basic information about Hidden Legacy and a non-spoilery Baylor Family Tree. Should we do a spoilery one? Is this something that’s fun? Would you like Worldbuilding sections for other series? We have a lot of art for Innkeeper so we could probably do a fun Cast of Characters.
Let us know.
Oh, and for those of you who are keeping track of our wildlife adventures, Texas delivered a new bug, which drowned in our pool. We got complaints about the tarantula last time, so I am putting this one behind a link. Photo 1 and Photo 2 with my foot for scale. Yep, it is venomous. All the no in the world. All the no.
Even when you post your snippets of random thought/worlds they are exciting so I’m sure I will love your new possible “shiny” and that thing (bug) should be killed with all the predjudice in the world. Just die bug!
It’s a centipede so it’s time to get out you game controller and go retro and yes they do have them in Arizona.
Is there a nasty we DON’T have in Arizona?
Have seen a wind scorpion also know as a camel spider yet? You have those too they are smaller than the ones in the middle east but just as ugly. Think scorpions without a tail. I used to work in the fields at night and it is scary what you see.
:shudders:
Nope, nope, nope – “all the No in the World” to infinity and beyond!
Thank you Author Lords for everything – whatever ever you write, the BDH will read it. *thows money at AL* 🙂
Enjoy your lunch today with friends!
You are so right.
Whatever they write makes us fall in love. Look at Hugh’s redemption.
Wishing you easy writing days ahead ✨️✨️✨️
I think I understand where all the inspiration for the other world monsters in your books comes from; the backyard.
I am on my way to Houston today for work meetings this week. First time in that city. I doubt I will be able to sight-see much of the Baylor’s world, but I am thinking of you all!!
Ew, just EW! That is a scary looking bug!
I would love a fun cast of characters that would be fun to check out!
Hope you have fun on your new project!
Absolutely agree with everything!
Thanks for the updates! I hope ‘the one for you’ brings you joy and satisfaction.
Re Worldbuilding: Yes! Yes! Yes! I’m fine with spoilery as long as it’s clearly marked and can be avoided if needed.
I hope you have a lovely lunch in San Antonio. If it’s not too intrusive, can we get a report on the restaurant? (Just whether you liked it or not.) For those of us who might need recs.
Well, I meaaan are we REALLY gonna say no to a World-building section for everyone?? And a Cast of Characters for Innkeeper so we can look at everyone whenever we miss them?? Are we really? (Also, the spoilery family tree is so fun, but there’s already a post with it, isn’t there? So maybe just a link for the curious. Me, I’m curious. And forgetful)
And Mod R!!! That free fiction section looks amazing! Illustrations, everyone gets illustrations! So gorgeous, and complete. I really thought I had read everything House Andrews, but alas… I’ll have to read more. So sad. So, so sad lol
Mmm..do you mean this old post https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/baylor-family-tree/?
It’s not spoilery-spoilery…like Ruby Fever spoilery!
+1
Great to have a new project! I am so excited for you! Best hopes that it is amazingly fun.
Yes to all the world building you wish to provide🤓🤓
And thank you Mod R. So nice not to have to dig through old posts. 🥰
I agree that world-building is awesome and spoilery things should be included but clearly marked for those who don’t want to see them.
+1 This! I vote for well marked spoilery bits!
Especially for those of us who can’t ever get to the spoiler videos.
PS… My thanks to you I managed to get pneumonia again, and I’m occupying all two oxygenated brain cells reading Hidden Legacy and wishing that Caledenia could give me CIV pointers.
I hope you get well soon!
Thank you!
Nope to the big bug.
YES YES YES to everything else. I am thrilled about your new creative endeavor!
Total agreement.
Yes to Worldbuilding sections, no to that bug moving anywhere near AZ.
Bark scorpions, wolf spiders, dive bombing June bugs, angry territorial bees, noisy crickets, sack building wasps, black widows and brown recluse spiders are more than enough bugs. Thank you very much.
Adding to the wildlife, we have circling vultures, hawks, eagles and one very determined destructive woodpecker who has made a dozen burrows in our large front yard saguaro. He squats inside his deeper holes, peers out and verbally threatens people who walk anywhere near HIS cactus.
yes please to world building things.
One question on worldbuilding/creating characters. I have noticed that all the main characters in your universes are SupremelyCompetent® in something. Probably because they are all adults by now, but they either had family to teach them how to flash white, is a werewolf/vampire trained in an academy/their families, is an innkeeper with extensive training, or happened to have a vengeful stepfather hell bent on child mortal kombat and SuperSpecialBlood™.
Now, I get that don’t get me wrong it’s much more fun to read about interesting people and writing always has that element of self-insert “what if I were as cool as this”. Plus, your universes are so colorful that ordinary people, well… they die. But it all just makes me curious. How do you make a character interesting without all that? Is it possible to write an average character surrounded by ExtraordinaryAwesomeness©? Just a writing prompt I’ve been thinking of lately. I guess it all boils down to what you use to make the character interesting to the reader.
Thanks for your question, Sleepy, I have forwarded it to the authors and can’t wait to read what they have to say!
I just want to mention in the meantime that there are elements of Bildungsroman in the IA novels:
Rose practiced on her own to have a white flash 🙂, no one taught her. Sean didn’t even know he was an Auul werewolf until adulthood, he had to learn about the Universe and his alien skills. Catalina, as well, has a character arc where we see her bloom from a shy teenager keeping all of her magic repressed into a competent and knowledgeable young woman. She has a few mentors, but it’s mainly self study and control. Nevada, Andrea, Derek etc- they all start from 0, if not lower.
Nevada didn’t know that she was a Prime. Her circle-work is hilariously painful to allies and villains alike.
Hi Mod R
Isn’t that Rose with the white flash. Cerise uses sword as well as Sophie & Richard with their steel magic.
Like reading the world building & character sections.
Of course, Rose! I’ve been rereading Lord Bill and Cerise and she’s on my mind 😊
what about Maraise and Costco lady? And the neighbors next to Gertrude Hunt? Fun characters who make the storyline interesting. and all the warrior folks under Rogan? – they are highly trained but aren’t magical in a very magical world. i like the mix of folks in the stories. I love the magical beings but also enjoy how they interact with the non magical too.
This brings up my question about Nevada. Did she get any training besides her dinner with Garen? Does she even speak to Evil Grandmother Victoria?? Does Penelope?
Glad things are going well, and yes, it’s lovely in DFW today also.
Nevada is training and learning, we see her reading up on arcane theory and practicing. Since she is collaborating with government agencies and has received multiple awards, she must be doing quite well 🙂
Yes to worldbuilding, please! As for spoilers, I actually look for them when I read book reviews, I don`t like surprises. 🙂
+1
I love spoilers!
I’m torn about the worldbuilding. If I’m a new reader to an author, sometimes I go an check out their webpage to see if a series is completed or still a work in progress–five or so years later. I’ve been burned by too many incomplete trilogies (or series). If spoilers are included please, please, please make the warnings large and noticeable. As a full fledged member of the BDH, I’m ravenous for all content you give us. But at the same time, I love as the surprises play out through a new book.
So spoilers family tree. It would not be fun for new readers. Thanks for all the free stuff and good lunch with the new critters. Maybe they wanted a dip in the pool to stay cool.
Enjoy your trip!
And if you do finish the book, we will all still want to buy it and read it so here’s a cheer for whatever you decide to write.
And is Texas a close second to Australia with the weird bugs there?
Have a great day!
I don’t mind centipedes standing still, but their movement is disturbing. Millipedes are cuter.
I don’t take a position on website offerings. If it shows up, I read it. Spoilers have never particularly bothered me though. There are series I’ve started in the middle that tuned out to be favorites, even though I already knew in part how the earlier books would turn out when I eventually got to them.
The deep diving nerd in me wants ALL THE BACKGROUND behind a spoiler guard LOL.
Also, I hate centipede\millipedes. They peg some sort of instinctual horror with me.
Yes please to any and all extras you may want to provide! Spoilery family tree is would be great. Even better, world building and cast of characters!
I will purchase whatever you create, even is some publishing exec deems it “unmarketable.” Please create what feeds your soul. The BDH will support you!!
sorry, if, not is….
One ‘For The Authors’, would most likely STILL be 1 For the BDH, no doubts. World Building can be Both Non/Spoilery, we Likey!! As you did for the Creature or doing that thing where people Obscure a section that can’t be ‘seen’ without hovering the cursor on it, for The Non-folks, could be a nice compromise. And as to ” All the no in the world”, if IT had had Wings…I’d truly shudder, More!
I very much appreciate not being startled by a photo of a bug of unusual size!
And I look forward to authors whose work is already enjoyable branching out into new storylines. The scope of your various universes is a large part of why I keep coming back.
At Lackland AFB in San Antonio today for a site inspection and it just started pouring rain. Safe travels!
I would love a worldbuilding section if you guys have time. I would be ok with the spoilery family tree but, I enjoyed following the mystery and making up crazy theories with my fellow BDH. So would want to rob a new reader of that experience.
Those centipedes gave me nightmares for 9 years of my life that we lived on Okinawa Jp. Hlad you guys found it outside. They tend to come up vents and drains too. Once my soul left my body when there was one of them on the shower head as I went to turn it on. They are super hard to kill too good luck!
Edit **wouldn’t want to rob a new reader**
I would love a fun Innkeeper list of characters and regret looking at the bug 😂
Yup, centipede! I think that one is the giant centipede (invasive species I believe), I bet someone already posted the scientific name, I just didn’t scroll yet. They do bite/sting, the pinchers in the front are sharp-tipped so they can stab their victims. BUT guess what?? THEY EAT COCKROACHES! Hurray! So that’s the only good thing about them. 😅
Otherwise, all the yes to worldbuiling and spoilery family trees and casts of characters. Can’t wait!
Thank you. I am glad to know centipedes eat cockroaches. Until now, I thought that geckos would be our only hope of containing them…
(Nope, nope, nope to centipedes!)
i too am glad to know centipedes eat cockroaches and have a beneficial purpose in the world. they creep me out, and its easier to give them their space in my garden when i can think of something good they do.
OMG the bug… nope no never!
Thank you Mod R for the Free Fiction page!
Good for you for doing a book for you! I’m excited to see what it brings us!
YES Please for spoilery and non spoilery worldbuilding pages for your books. it would be so much fun and probably very helpful for someone like me who forgets details of stories all the time and gets confused! HA!
This may have been stated above: maybe have a “spoilery family tree” link to a separate page? Give the readers, new and old, the choice whether they want to spoil themselves and use the non-spoilery family tree as the default. *shrug*
I keep the one Mod R did bookmarked! It’s all split by generations for when I read and loose track.
I would love to see a spoilery family tree! That kind of stuff is really cool!
Ooops, forgot to share the link https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/baylor-family-tree/
Oh, this is good.
I’m excited for your new project and hope we get to read it 😁
Have fun with your friends!
We are sooo spoiled in the Pacific NW. We don’t have much for bugs – especially the piosonous kind. Although we do have brown recluse spiders, they are incredibly shy. Yes, it DOES rain in the winter months, but that helps keep things lush and green. Last week and this week are supposed to be in the mid 80s. There is usually a slight breeze that keeps the humidity down. (Have I convinced you to move here?😉)
While I learned not to go barefoot in Colorado due to the spiny bits cast of from junipers, living 5 years in the Seattle suburbs did so, when stepping on slugs…Pop!…eeeewwwww!
I love the Worldbuilding section. And I would really like to see it in the Innkeeper section. It’s fun. It’s informative. And it helps to connect the magics better. If that is something that appeals to you.
As creative artists and writers, I do hope that House Andrews follows where their creative hearts and minds lead them. As a member of the BDH, I really hope that you ignore us once in a while and write what appeals to you and calls to you. That’s a part of your creative spirit.
Have a great time in San Antonio. And you’ll avoid the Mother’s Day crowds. So, the rain really worked out in your favor on that one. And I speak as someone who worked in the Restaurant Industry for many years. You really really don’t want to go out to eat on Mother’s Day.
“There is no guarantee that it will be marketable”
I will take that bet. We are not called the Book Devouring Horde for nothing.
I “typically” will, if impatient at the pace of a book, will go and read the ending just to end the suspense. If I enjoy the book, I’ll go back and continue reading, because then I will understand the full implications of the said ending.
I have NEVER had to do that when reading one of your books; you keep the pace moving so that I don’t even think about skipping forward or have to start skimming over too much narrative, so thank you!
Anyway, the point is that spoilers are fun and titillating but never “spoil” me for what’s coming. There is still the surprise of what that spoiler actually does to the characters and the plot. So – my vote is YES to spoilers!
I’ve learned to wait patiently for your next book and then your next book, but the snippets and spoilers do help pass the time while the author lords pound away at the keys. Thanks for your amazing worlds and wonderful characters! You both are heroes!
Let me say… if you two are writing it, we’re gonna to love it.
And not because we passively accept anything, but because the way you two build worlds & characters has no equal.
Have fun play with those new toys!!! I promise I won’t nag for anything until you two are ready to share. No pressure from me!
I’d love a collection of the Innkeeper art on the site, regardless of whether it’s linked to a cast description or not! My younger kids keep asking “to see the picture of the Space Chicken again!” because they’re tickled by the idea of space chickens, but sometimes it’s a bit of a hassle to search up a post that used that image for them, as Innkeeper segments usually come down after a while (which is fine, I just need that full color image of the space chicken to please the small humans 😉 ).
Ummm. “PUFFLES”? That one little snippet has me totally hooked and waiting for the book …..
+1
Yes! I would also love more Puffles. Dragon stories are the best and the FL seemed so interesting. I’d happily read more of that!
i loved ‘scary grandpa’ and ‘scary grandma’ in the baylor family tree. nice!
enjoy your lovely weather and your lunch today!
I hope you have a wonderful time in San Antonio!
Something new that’s fun and exciting and fulfilling for you. Brilliant!
Seeing the tarantula sitting on the wall was a mild yuck. Coming upon an Instagram reel showing 2 of them crawling all over a small girl, who LOVED them, 😱😨😱😨😱😨
Hell No to the bug.
This is a big reason why I live in Minnesota.
Right? I like to live somewhere that all the insects DIE each year.
Yes indeed. I recommend Connecticut as another place that still has winter enough to kill most of the bug/reptile population. The variety of horrifying wildlife in TX seems to be inspiring, but no, just no.
I’m pretty sure that the BDH will buy literally anything y’all care to write, and be happy to pay for the privilege. We want it all! I vote HA always writes whatever makes them happy. Presumably, a happy author is a productive author. Everybody wins!
yes, I want a spoiler World building page, please!!!
is the BDH limited to books in Kate’s universe?
I am a devoted book devourer, but I read anything and everything that yall put out. I love it all!!
Not at all 😊. The Horde devours everything House Andrews sets in front of us hehe.
I think you may have time portal in your back yard. Giant, prehistoric insects keep crawling through.
Regarding your wildlife, that is definitely need to know. As in, I’m in Canada and we do not have venomous centipedes. 😳When we visit Texas (on Thursday) we are going to need to know! 😬I have never been scared of centipedes, but hey over here doing new things. 😂
All BDH not the same. Some of us are happy to read anything you two write, new world or old. It’s the « devouring » bit that is probably generic!
eeeww to the bug. Yes please to the Worldbuilding for any of your series. I would love the art and cast of characters for Innkeeper, it would be so much fun!
I’m glad you’re doing a new project for you. Who wants to keep on doing the same thing over and over? I can think of one series, now at book 30, that should have stopped at book 9. I stopped reading at book 11 because I was bored and semi-disgusted by the decline of the series. I am never bored with your books. in fact, I’m always delighted and engaged with all your books!
Friend of mine got bit by one of those when we were in Grenada. They had to medevac him. Not to be messed with!
I would love to see all that you have on world-building and the family tree of spoilers. I’m so excited that you all are working on something new. As much as I love sequels to my old favs every time you put out something new I love it too. Thanks for sharing your talent.
I will happily read anything you write — any world, any way.
Yes to worldbuilding sections of other worlds. Almost all questions are usually about worldbuilding.
Hoofta, I hate centipedes.
Enjoy your outing with your friend.
Another yes for the worldbuilding. I’m borderline on the spoilery tree.
Oh, who am I kidding. You put it up there and mark it as spoilery and I’ll still click on it. I do not have self control.
No to the poisonous centipede. I don’t care if it’s outside…just no.
Enjoy the writing for the sheer heck of it. If you want to eventually publish it, you know the Horde will buy. If not, we’ll sit somewhat quietly and read Magic Claims (aka Clams). 😁
Have fun this afternoon!
Ah, the uber scary Red Headed Centipede. The fun never ends with our Texas bugs. It might be interesting to see one up against a scorpion though…
Definitely, you post and I will read it. Spoilers are fine.
Yes! Worldbuilding for Innkeeper! Lots of art for Innkeeper! In fact, anything Innkeeper makes me a happy fan.
I believe most of the BDH has said they would buy your grocery list, therefore post anything, because it will have been written by Ilona Andrews – our favorite writing couple.
In the Baylor family tree I notice that Gisela’s offspring line doesn’t end at Leon. Does that mean she could have more children that the Baylor’s are unaware of?
we cut one of those in half and it just kept on moving both parts it was creepy!!!
funnily enough, I decided to take a look through the new site today (before seeing this post) and was just thinking how stunning the Free Fiction section looks, with all that great art! well done, Mod R
also the series/book pages
The series pages are so purty! 🥰
“This one is for us”. Quite right! Go you! Hope y’all have a blast 😊
Haha James parents in the family tree. Brilliant
Yep, made me laugh!
That thing is (and I hope I’m using this correctly) gnarly
More world building, please! I absolutely love the Hidden Legacy information. In celebration of the new Kate Daniels, I have started rereading the series from the beginning. I am trying to add the extra novellas and additional information in in the right chronological order. I would love a world building for Kate’s world to check my knowledge.
I can help you with the chronological order of KD (and all the other series)- you can find it here in the complete reading list https://ilona-andrews.com/release-schedule/#booklist
Hope you have a good trip. Yikes to bug & yes to Worldbuilding for other series (spoilers & non-spoilers) version. Good luck with new project too.
Good luck 🍀 on your new project
Whoa, I’ve not seen a Texas red headed centipede in years and that’s an amazing one! (Yes that’s the name even tho it’s found throughout the SW and northern Mexico – always bigger in Texas hehe)
I love the new free fiction pages! I just reread several I’d forgotten about. Thanks for all the work putting it together, Mod R!
The world building page is fun! Yes, please, to more of same. Whoop! New project! Have a great time with it!
Hope you’re enjoying your lunch and friend visit muchos!
Yes for spoiler family tree. Yes to the Innkeeper pictures. Yes to all the goodies.
Spoilery could be fun, especially if it’s linked to Bernard’s and/or Leon’s father.
Wow! All this eyecandy literary yumminess!! Great job. Mod R!! HUZZAH!!
As for spoilery- no! Please, NO!! Inevidably there’s always someone who needs to let something slip, even if it’s accidental.
That centipede is huge!! We don’t have them here on the West Coast where I live- but its a Mediterrean climate, no real humidity which centipedes seem to like ( Hawaii for instance!). Time to get Guinea Hens! Hope you had fun in San Antonio!!
Love new characters & plots! Altho ano book in established series is fun, I’m all for you to keep trying new things!
Have you considered having a company spray for nasty insects on a reg basis? I’m ano reader from the Pacific NW, but in Oregon. Lots of spiders but we have aggressive wasps & yellowjackets (and giant slugs known as squishies). I had to have a spray service because the ants moved in. After a year I can now manage on my own. But if I had bugs like yours it would be a done deal.
You brave!!! Yucky yucky bug!
Yes on the spoilery!
Yuck on the bug (shivering)
Have fun in San Antonio and the new world book!!
AND please do one for Innkeepers with that beautiful portrait art of the characters. I would love to have a permanent record to access them.
Centipede. Ick. We have them up here, too. Fortunately, they’re smaller!
Casts of characters and family trees are always fun to read about. It does raise one question for me: will you (as you have time to) do family trees for both sides of a family?
For instance, the Baylor family tree follows Nevada & Co. on their father’s side, but it would be interesting to learn about their mother’s family background too. Especially Leon and Bern’s real fathers & other Afram-side relatives. 😊
And this is why I’m glad I don’t live in Texas. All the no indeed.
Hello, thank you Mod R for your very successful efforts. As an employee myself I feel obligated to say you deserve a raise, even though you may have already gotten your raise. We appreciate the huge job you do.
Definitely yes to the worldbuilding. More info on the book world provides more real life feeling to the entire story.
Yes to the spoiler family tree, I don’t mind that type of pre-information, just with a spoiler alert for those who don’t want it.
Thank you for caring and taking time to provide this kind of service to your readers. In my experience it is not that common and I appreciate it.
I must have missed the spider, I’m a tarantula person with five of my own. Even my wife of forty years has grown to like them. An amazing feat if you new my wife 😳😤🤬🤨🙄
Your new bug looks like it may be a small Arizona centipede,if so they are indeed venomous, and grow to about 10in. ( 25cm ) long. This is just an amateur guess on my part though and not fact.
Have a great weekend.
Roger
I get regular raises and loads of bonuses, House Andrews are very generous and it’s very gratefully received 🥰
Here’s the tarantula post hehe https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/texas-hold-my-beer/
I have no complaint about spoilers – the destination is less important than the journey for me.
With any (good) new book, I read the book as fast as I can to find out what happens.
Once I can not worry about that, I start the reread for all the goodies I missed in my hurry. (There are usually *many* details and some witty banter to appreciate. I read really fast.) I may read it a third time if I liked it that much. (Currently doing that with R J Blain’s “Doggone Mess”. Amazon won’t let me review it yet😒)
I realize that most people don’t read this way. If spoilers are voted down, I will be just fine.
I remember those centipedes from growing up in rural south Texas. Being out in the country, suitable weapons were always close – a shovel makes a real impression on a centipede or snake and you don’t have to get close to use it.
Most snakes could be ignored if Mama hadn’t seen them.
Not rattlesnakes. They were not my job, unless Daddy wasn’t home. In that case, I had permission to get the 22. (Yes, by the time I was 14, I was a very good shot with that 22.)
Oooohhh, yes please! Would love to see worldbuilding sections for all the series!
I don’t care if that centiped is the last of its kind on earth, I don’t want to see it near my place!!!!
Sadly (very sadly) they come much larger than the one in your pool. They don’t normally drown either because they can stay in water for a significant amount of time, rear their head and obtain air. I only know this because we have them here in NM. I just saw one when I was out watering and of course it came right at me because I was on high ground spraying water down. GAH. It was fatter than yours and probably another inch, maybe two longer. And they move fast. If you see one in the pool, do not scoop out with your hands because you think it is dead. My BIL picked up a dead one…and, welp. Not dead.
EEP.
Yes to spoiler family tree and yes to the world building page! I love to refer back to the blog posts you’ve done on the different books when I do rereads!
I’m in favour of a spoiler family tree, I love that kind of thing when rereading. And heck yes to new content as far as I’m concerned.
Giant centipedes not so much, though in fairness my understanding is that most centipedes of any size are venomous when hunting other insects.
A few years ago I noticed movement while I was reading my kindle in bed. Turned on my lamp and there, IN MY BED was a centipede. I levitated! The freakout was strong, I didn’t even take time to look at it, just grabbed it and scurried to the front door to take it out. Luckily I’m in jolly old Blighty so it wasn’t a giant one but it felt like it was when I saw it on my pillow.
Yes, please, to the worldbuilding sections for other series and casts of characters for each. I really struggle to keep up with who is who and how everyone is related.
Love your creative sidesteps!
Thank you mod R, and sorry for the extra work because of course worldbuildings, family trees, art and everything extra is fun and we want it!
I have a vote for spoilery worldbuilding/family tree stuff being available. I am sure there is a way you can put it up too that you would have to know you are accessing it on purpose too.
There is just something about your writing style that works for me and so, like other members of the BDH have said, will read anything you write and a new and different story sounds exciting.
We had centipedes like that in Japan. Nasty buggers (literally). My futon was on the floor. Bugs were a serious problem. Had to rush my cat to the vet after he tried eating one *shudder*.
Everything prior to the bug picture: Yea!
After the centi-, milli-ickapede: Yuck. Glad the ickapede had the courtesy to drown before being discovered.
As a kid growing up, I remember diving to the bottom of a pool near the drain. There was a Jerusalem cricket on the drain grate. I didn’t know what is was at the time other than big and ugly. The water magnifying it to look bigger didn’t help. I shot to the surface screaming. And now that I think about it, it’s probably what the toy manufacturer used as a model for a cootie.
would love a gallery for innkeeper and family trees for any of the series.
that is venomous? yeesh, Texas!
Can’t wait to read your new endeavor. It doesn’t need to be connected to your other work. You are right too much of the same causes stagnation.👍❤️🌸
Yes. All the worldbuilding for all the worlds!
But heck yes to new projects! I couldn’t possibly know how much I would love any of the new projects, but I love them all.
Also, Texas sounds scary.
I hope y’all love ‘the one for you,’ and I know we’ll love it too if (when) it gets released :-). Also, NOPE! I would’ve still been screaming in terror.
Hooray, new book world! I like new series – my limit for same series is usually 4 books or I get bored. I did make exceptions for IA though as they are my favorite author.
Maybe it’s the series with Maggie? I heard on one of the live meets the excitement in Mod R’s voice for Maggie. Which got me excited as well! But whatever it is, I will buy and read “)
Spoilery family tree, world building sections, “one for us”… if you write it, the BDH will come. 😁
Yes new stories woohooo!!!
I Can’t Wait!
Write like the wind!
I will buy any story you offer (prefer ebook version as downsizing; I’m slowly buying all my fave stories in eBook form & then putting the physical books in a random free library I find along my walks) YES to all that you offered, new story, family trees, world building etc etc Proud member of BDH!
Is that a centipede? With all the critters you might as well live in Australia, lol.
There are times I wonder if Texas is in the Southern Hemisphere with the weather we get when it’s suppose to be winter. 😎
hahaheeha loved the family tree.
A buggy bug, indeed. And I’m now one of the undoubtedly growing mass of potential readers awaiting info on the new project.
I cannot wait to see the new project!
Worldbuilding sections for other series and a fun Cast of Characters for Innkeeper would be fantastic. I am not sure about a spoilery Family Tree for Hidden Legacy would be good for folks who haven’t read everything up to the last book. Half the fun was figuring it out from clues along the way. BTW, love what is going on with Worldbuilding so far!
Please do not even mention posting pictures of those things.
Instinctual phobia and upset reading comments about what they are.
I love Illona Andrews books and the BDH is the only blog I follow.
I don’t want to have to stop….
YIKES!
“There is no guarantee that it will be marketable” . . .
Um . . . .
That’s just silly.
You’re writing it, yes?
You won’t consider it finished unless and until you love it, yes?
Everything you’ve ever written started out with a creative chance, yes?
Of course it will be marketable. This is the BDH you’re talking to. 🙂
Please do a cast of characters!!!! Sounds wonderful!
Yes please to question about world building stuff.
Thankyou House Andrews and Mod R for all the free fiction. It is lovely to have it all in one place and be able to delve in occasionally and catch up with favourite characters.
If later in the year you feel like having a palate cleanser between the heavy world building and demands of your current projects, would you consider turning “ Gerald and Helen meet” into a long short story/ novella please? We know you are gearing up to write the final Innkeeper in the next year or so and it will probably be novel length to complete the story but it would be lovely to know more about Dina’s family background.
It’s not that all official that the next Innkeeper will be the last 🙂, before anyone panics!
Ok, the bug just knocked out all your good news in my thought process. Hopefully, it is dead with extreme prejudice. I would love to see world building and cast of characters for any series. So happy for you on starting a new writing adventure, looking forward to reading it.
Thumbs up for Worldbuilding sections for other series. Cast of Characters with art, also Thumbs up!
Oooh, new project? YES!! I love ALL you stuff so bring it on!!
magical doohickey?? what was the magical doohickey? I have a doohickey bar, bought it on Amazon to do doohickey things with it (big bar to bend heavy wire and re-bar). so I was curious about the purpose of a magical version… grin.
I’m on board with a new project… but dont be stingy, you’ve whetted my appetite, now I want a nibble.
I do find it most hilarious that people won’t visit Australia because of our snakes, spiders, bugs etc… the US has not only that colossus ‘pede but also its shares of snakes, cougars, bears, flesh-eating bacteria in waterways, sharks, gators… etc, etc, etc, …. yes, most hilarious.
Love the new setup. I found some free fiction I had missed. Yipee. Also less than 30 days.!!!
I’d never say no to a family tree of any kind! I’m happy to hear you are working on something that feeds your creative spirit. A happy author team ultimately means a happy BDH! You guys give so much and we benefit!
Okay, I’m usually a lurker, but your dang Texas bugs are killing me.
I recently moved from Alaska (home of the mosquito state bird) and am encountering a LOT of bugs I had no previous knowledge of.
What is a Lovebug and why do they like me so much that they constantly land on me? No one knows! The trees scream in the summer and no one acknowledges that. About 7:00 or 8:00 at night, your trees are deafening. LOL, wut?
And the kicker was today at the office when I grabbed my salad and string cheese out of the communal fridge and brought it back to the payroll office where the three of us work. I open the bag and out pops an insect that I have never seen before! I promptly freak out and am told that is a “silverfish” and that I should squish it. Which happened post haste.
Ilona and Mod R., I do not enjoy these insects either.
“The trees scream in the summer and no one acknowledges that. About 7:00 or 8:00 at night, your trees are deafening. LOL, wut?”
“Trees” do that all over the South, maybe be all over the country(?), for weeks at a time. I’m told it’s jar flies (cicadas).
“Yes, please!” to all the website things.
“No thank you!” to anything land-based with more than 6 legs!
That bug looks terrifying.
Don’t google it … lol … especially don’t click on “3 things you don’t want to know about the texascred headed centipede.” Most horrifying take away — that one is small. What’s Kate words that made the kraken blow up?
Karsaran 💥
Yes I would love more worldbuilding!
I like reading worldbuilding stuff!!
I remember when Burn for Me was announced. I was meh, I wanted more Kate, and I didn’t understand what it was going to be. I did NOT leave a negative comment, but I was disappointed by the series shift. Then it came out.
I *LOVE* BURN FOR ME.
I’m glad you take chances. I’m glad you are trying something new. Even if it doesn’t make its way to us. Because an author that didn’t take chances couldn’t write all the series you’ve written.
Looking forward to the next book, whatever it is!
We are the BDH! We’d love everything!! Lol
I would love to see the artwork🥰
I love Worldbuilding, so would love it for the other series. More info is always welcome. And concur on the Big NO for venomous bug.
Do you know the specific name for this centipede? I definitely recall this or something near identical (a long time ago) show up high on our living room wall in desert area with a ravine behind the house. Horrifying! But I never discovered the specific name.
According to the comments so far, it’s the Texas Redhead Centipede 🙂https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scolopendra_heros
Looking forward to reading an all-new exciting story, not connected to anything else! It will be great! Can’t wait. 🙂 Love your stories.
“There is no guarantee it will be marketable”….I suspect the entire BDH would disagree, sight unseen! 😂
Seriously, though, I’m glad you are doing things for yourself. HA was blessed with such incredible gifts of creativity and imagination, it’s only right that you should enjoy them too!
(And if it just happens to result in more gifts for the BDH, even better!) 😁
Hope you had a lovely lunch and catch-up visit in San Antonio this afternoon!!
The Hidden Legacy world building page is awesome! When there’s time, a big “yes please and thank you!” to world building for other series!
A horrified “Nope to the nth power” on the bug in your pool. EGAD!!!
And have fun with your new project!
📚🪄📚🪄📚🪄
Thank you ModR for getting “Lucas and Karina have a Family” on the Short Fiction page!! (Alphas: Origins is really dark, but I still have a soft spot for it!)
love having all the stories in one place, actually found some new reads, simply wonderful!
happy that you are writing one for yourselves, we want to keep you happy!!!
Love all the world building and the artwork that has been sprinkled around, it’s always wonderful to build out the pictures in your imagination – thanks for all you do!!! (Mod R too!!!)
Would you like Worldbuilding sections for other series?… ABSOLUTELY!!!!
Was just looking at the world building page. Quick question, what about Arabella’s magic? Where do metamorphosis mages fit in? Thanks!
My guess would be arcane. She literally becomes something that doesn’t otherwise exist in this world. At the very least, she pulls a huge amount of size and weight from “elsewhere.”
Innkeeper Character Folio Please!
What is that bug?
I think the Baylor family tree is great! Scary Grandma and Scary Grandpa covers it whether you have read the series or not!
Dear House Andrews
Have you considered the maths of “One for BDH and one for HA”?
As BDH loves everything you write every new world you build will make new demands for sequels … 😝
It’s like chopping a head of the hydra …
Is BDH In reality short for the bookdevouring hydra ?
I wish you many happy writing days on whatever projects that catch your fancy
Nanna
Ps thank you for the post about the gullah, very entlightening for a european
You had me at worldbuilding. 🙂
I am so pleased to hear that you are doing “one for us”. This is my absolute most preferred thing for an author to do. Some of my favourite authors have become ‘stuck’ on a sales over fun extended series to please their fans… and I have always felt that it must take the joy (and eventually) the creativity out of the writing process for them.
Besides… anything House Andrews writes, we read!
We read your books because we enjoy the way you write, not solely because they fit a genre or are in a specific universe. I hope we get a chance to read whatever you guys cook up, we’ll love it no matter what ❤️
Texas Red Head aka Guardians to the Gates of Hell.
“The legs of the centipede have sharp tips. As the centipede walks along something like human skin, it leaves little cuts that can become severely irritated and swell, along with if the creature becomes alarmed it can excrete poison into the fresh cut with its feet.”
So it doesn’t even need to sting in order to cause a reaction. Can grow to 8″-9″. Evil all the way.
Nope those bugs are the third most objectionable arthropods behind scorpions and ticks.
This year has already been wild for ticks, and it’s only May. I have already had more ticks on me and my dogs than in any prior year. But I guess at least I don’t live in Texas…
I love your books because of the way you are writing, your world building and the depth of your characters. Even if I would love to have many more booksin your active series, I know I would still read and love any new series written by you because of your talent and your writing style.
Definitely make a spoilerey one available! So excited for anything you guys put out. Reading your books got me back to writing and it’s so good to know that sometimes you guys write stuff that you’re not sure will pan out.
Doing something for yourselves is extremely important. I confess I sigh when favorite writers do a new project instead of continuing a series, but then the new thing is Also Great! Yes, more! (Looking forward to cloning technology so we get All The Books.) Yes, changing things up is good for the brain. Carry on.
thank all the gods it drowned! do you live in Texas or Australia?
If you write it we will read it.
I believe I can speak for over 95% of your reader when I say… We read your works because you both are exceptional at what you do. Yes we love your series. You could write short stories or other stand alone books we will read them.
In your books, shorts and stories no matter the length of the project, you have always provide enough so we don’t feel as if we (readers) we’re just dropped into the middle of something with no way to catch up. you give us characters (“good” and “bad”) we can relate to and see them all as individuals who have sh..stuff going on.
The way you put together a tale hard worked magic. Continue to speard with which projects you choose. Of course we all have our favorites, now there will be more.
So venture forth show us all the snippets from your projects and dreams of whatever pops out of your minds and we will devour them.
No one is boxing you in. Readers grow authors must too.
XOXO
Oh as for that bug.
I’m with you H to the Ell NO!!!!!
Just no.
according to Wikipedia these are sometimes kept in captivity as pets and are traded and sold internationally for prices averaging around US$35 online.[19] WHO WOULD WANT THAT AS A PET!?
Dr Evil 😂
Are you sure that’s a bug? It may be some olio king for the innkeeper ccheck with her and see if any strange beings have shown up lately. Of course what is strange to her could be absolutely terrifying to us. Still I think you should check.
You know we will read ANYTHING you choose to write!! Please introduce us to a new world!!
If you dig your new project, then I will dig it too. I have total confidence in you.
That bug looks nasty. When I was a baby we lived in an area that had bugs like that. My mom told me a story of me sitting on a rug and when she went to pick me up, one of those bugs popped out from under the rug. If it had bitten me, I wouldn’t be here to enjoy your work so much. 🫨
Yes to spoilery tree please
Maggie? Maggie~! but for any story you write, I think I’ll always be part of its target market ♡
Hurry! I’m so excited for your new project and I’m sure it will still be for us.🤭
I have a question about the Hidden Legacy world. I understand Houses are family entities, but are they only blood families? Is adopting not possible in creating a House? Is that why Evil Grandmother went to so much trouble for having a baby?
Also, are really strong powers rare, like millionaire are the top 1%? Does it mean the average Joe has really weak magic? Like Cornelius’s wife?
Adopted children, step children, spouses- anyone without a genetic link does not count when passing the Trials to create a House. A family has to have at least two Prime-caliber magic users in three genetically connected generations to be considered a House. Once the Trials are passed, the House keeps its status until the last of the Primes of that name dies. Non-genetic family members are still members of the House and ofc of the family unit, but they do not speak for the strength of the magic in that particular genetic vector. Yes, that is why Victoria Tremaine fought so hard to have a child (that and the fact that she was alone in the world, but I wouldn’t want her to hear me say it 😉 )
Only the descendants of the people who took the Osiris serum have magic- and even in that case, not all (see failing vectors, explained in Burn for Me). Primes are very rare and sought after, and most non-House people (or average Joes, if you prefer) are magic-less or with weak magic 🙂
For more info, I think this blog article on Prime genetics would help https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/on-primes-and-prime-genetics/
I’d love some background on Linus’ history in the world building section, if it appeals to you all. I’ve definitely read several of the Hidden Legacy books and repeatedly had the passing thought “I should read Linus’ Wikipedia article” immediately followed by “He isn’t a real public figure. He doesn’t have a Wikipedia article.” (cue disappointment) Why my brain is fixated on doing background research on Linus Duncan? Who know? The slight possibility that can manifest into reality? All the dopamine. 🙂
Yes to ALL of this, except the bug, that’s gonna be a no from me dog 🙈🙈
Regarding the photos, that bug has too many legs for me to be comfortable with it near my pool. It could live in the woods behind my house and I would be okay with it. If it did cross out of those woods automatic death sentence!
Heavens-to-Betsy. We lived in Fort Worth (obviously North Texas but not THAT far north) for many years and never had all the critter adventures you have. You must have animal magnetism. LoL
My vote on ANYTHING extra that you guys leave us is a resounding and unqualified “Yes, please” As far as I can tell I will read and enjoy any and everything that you guys do. If you were to write your own version of a phone book, I would buy it, read it and enjoy it too.
Thanks for the heads up on the new web page features. Hopefully you (or Mod R)(Hi Mod R) will keep us informed on any new stuff, as I don’t necessarily check the web site for anything new and I don’t want to miss whatever new goodies that are left for us.
Love you guys
All the BDH appreciate the freebies & the always fun & interesting glimpses into Texas life. My question is about your merchandising items. Will they be available again or did I miss it?
Thanks
Hi Jan,
The merch store will open again, I think very soon 🙂 . As soon as dates are official, we will announce it.
YEEESSSSS to spoilery Worldbuilding for all series!!
Absolutely NOOOO to centipedes! I live in Hawaii and they are prevalent. I’ve been bit and it seriously hurts.
I would love to know about Frida and Leon. I would love the spoiler version as I am in this for a good story. I reread and listen your books all the time and enjoy them as much as first time.
That creature is a definite “eewww”
We have a fatal failing in the BDH – we love anything y’all write😉 That said, please enjoy the process of creativity and don’t think about us. This work is for you!
I am so happy to see the Hidden Legacy worldbuilding that I’m breaking out of lurker mode to thank you! I’ve been really into these books recently (Kinsmen also), and have been trying to figure out all the types of magic and which branch they belong to. I was wrong on several, so I’m off to update my spreadsheet (because that is the kind of nerd I am).
Also, I fully support HA in whatever makes them happy with their writing. It’s obviously working, because I’ve liked everything of theirs I’ve read!
Love the Worldbuilding page, would adore one for Innkeeper world and characters, with all the beautiful art.
Question about Hidden Legacy Worldbuilding page. What does this mean, under elemental? : “some are able to cause mold soil”
i will eagerly await anything ilona and gordon want to write! and i hope they have fun writing something different.
the centipede makes me glad i live in minnesota where our harsh winters keep the creepy-crawlies small, and generally not poisonous. for some reason, the more legs it has, the more it creeps me out. but i’m an avid gardener so i have had to learn not to squeal and flail at every sighting. although if they *touch* me, there will be flailing and squealing.
Yes and yes!
Spoilery family tree ftw!
World building for order series: definitely yes!
Finally, I cannot speak for the BDH, but for myself, if you write it, I’ll buy it and read it.