I’ve received a concerned email asking if Something Bad happened due to my prolonged blog absence.
This is the actual wordcount. 7 scenes left.
This is a massive epic story. This sounds terrible, but neither one of us want to take anything out. We could tighten some scenes, but taking things out breaks either characterization or the flow of the manuscript. It’s not just about delivering plot and character moments. It’s about making sure that tense scenes are followed by lighter ones.
Three things are the hardest to write: battles, making love, and horrible tragedies. The latest 5 scenes in this draft include all three. These are the ones you write, and then rewrite, and finetune, and then finetune again. And then your husband frowns at the narrative and says, “This is okay, but it’s not punching. It needs to be punching.”
And then he punches his hand with his fist to demonstrate, and we go into greater detail on the gore.
I hate being late. Hate it. Due to this self-imposed pressure, I tend to default to writing bare-bone scenes, and I am incredibly fortunate because Gordon will not let me sketch it. He forces us to slow down and make sure we wring as much impact out of every scene as we can. This is the finale, and we need to stick this landing.
We only have a few scenes left, and this is the point where you make sure that all the threads are there to be tied into a knot. Meaning, if a character A is important, he must be highlighted 75,000 words ago, so people would remember who he is. So a lot of this is going back and tweaking.
Inevitably, this is the point most writers realize they have done something stupid, and it has to be fixed now, or there is no finish. For example, we had one-noted a character. His parts had to be rewritten. Sometimes it feels like you need to adjust seven things, so one sentence you have to have would make sense.
The one absolutely wonderful and amazing thing in all of this is Tor. They are basically letting us just write.
I estimate we will finish in 2 weeks. I am so ready for my summer, I can’t even tell you.
So I owe you updates on some things.
Vellum
The first trial order has been shipped out and UPS promptly sorted it into the wrong container, causing a delay. It should be arriving by Friday to most places. One person who received it said it was bent despite the cardboard, because the mail person folded it.
All new orders are going to get the Do Not Bend stickers. I’m told they are usually ignored, but we will try. If your order has arrived bent, please let us know. If everything arrives bent, we will adjust our packaging. Also, I will replace bent orders at no charge. I bought insurance, and I intend to file all the claims.
Vellum US – ready to go pending packages arriving.
Vellum UK. We found a printer. We now need fulfillment center, someone to pack out order and ship it to UK people.
Vellum EU – printer needed. If you know of someone based in EU who can print vellum, please let us know.
Vellum AUS – looking for printer and fulfillment center.
Merch
Working on it. We want to give you mugs and goodness. Some samples below/
What’s the hold up?
I am. I am the hold up, because the book must be finished. This is kind of that primary thing where if there is no book, there is no merch or anything else. I need to get together with our long suffering designer and get things approved.
I have been falling down on the job. I have missed an invoice from an artist and did not pay it for 2 weeks, which happens never. If I get an invoice, it is paid within 48 hours. I sent the payment, an apology, and a prepayment, just in case.
Crafting update.
Kid 2: My fiancé took my blanket. He will not give it back. He says it’s cozy. I am blanketless.
Behold, a candid shot of me working on her new blanket.
Gordon has a special power of taking the worst possible pictures of me, so this is a huge win. The pattern is my own. There is pretty much no pattern. I just did some sunflowers, post double crochets and stripes. Almost done. A couple of days and it goes to her.
Surprisingly, it’s not too hot, but it is a little heavy just because of the size. I was going to add some bees I would sew on, but I think the weight is probably too much as it is.
I also ordered yarn for that one shawl I want to make, but it is being dyed to order and I am waiting. I have been waiting for a while. Grrr.
Appearances
Monday, June 1st, we will be in Austin, at BN Arboretum, in conversation with Caitlin Rozakis about her new book, Startup Hell. I will do a bigger post on this before Monday. But if you missed us and need something sign, we will do it.
Hopefully we will be coherent. Because let me tell you, there is no brain left. This is an actual conversation I had with Grace Draven.
Hopefully we can be good hosts.
And now you are all caught up. I have to go and work now, because we have a can’t miss it errand this afternoon. Love you, BDH! You guys are honestly the best.
I’m so impressed on how well you work together to write these fantastic stories! Thank you for the updates, even though you are in the midst of writing important scenes. Hang in there! I ❤️ HA! 😊
The blanket is lovely…that green and those sunflowers! So cheery!
OMG!! Pursuit of Jade!!! I’m so addicted!!
All the blessings and peace you need sent to you.
that blanket is very pretty and fun. I bet kid 2 will love it and I like a heavy blanket so it’s a win for me. I assume knitting is a way to unwind for you which is great. Making quilts does that for me. Thank you for writing more books, don’t worry about the merch, relax and take a deep breath. the BDH has got your back. We love you both too!!
A fun post, thanks! As a BDH member in good standing, the word counting is thrilling news. But I’m forced to admit the words horrible tragedies in reference to Maggie2, struck terror into my heart. The w*it just got exponentially harder.
Cute new blanket. Had to chuckle at Kid 2’s complaint of being blanketless.
Deadline smeadline — Tor loves you, we love you — please work at a comfortable pace, this book will not kill you.
The afghan is beautiful, you are a fabric artist too? Maybe you are killing me [not] lol.
Have a wonderful summer. 🌞
Me, I’m gearing up to reread the Hidden Legacy series for the nth time, rubbing hands together with a gleeful smile 🙂
I am so very grateful for you both. Believe me, there is magic in how you collaborate, because the final books never, ever fail to deliver.
As for me–IN HEAVEN. Epics from you two–the biggest win ever.
So it might be too soon to mention, and yes I do understand you need to finish your rewrites and fine tuning on TKWNKM 2. When you have that handled I just want to put a bug in your ear. Adeline – This is a heroine that resonates with a lot women, we desperately need more Adeline in our lives, not to mention Elias’ and Bear, Mellow, Kids, etc… Living in the midst of chaos as we all are, Adeline gives one hope. Just my 2 cents of course. but really not enough adult heroines. Heck the romance between Heart and Penelope wouldn’t be a bad short or novella either. okay shushing up now. ZenHugs all round.
Please! Please, please! Don’t take anything out of the book! But definitely think about speed printing it!
Also, love the blanket, though I can’t work on yarn projects in the summer = too hot!! Don’t know how you do it!
Is this in regards to a new Kingdom book or something else? “This is the finale, and we need to stick this landing.” Is it the final book of a different series? I’m waiting with bated breath.
This post is about the Maggie the Undying series – so the sequel to This Kingdom.
The finale referenced is the finale of the book, not the end of the series. Maggie is a trilogy 🙂
I’m hoping for baby sushi.
I disagree; you are ridiculously photogenic. No bad photos exist. 🙂
Also: that blanket looks beautiful and comfy!
I think maybe this is for Mod R–because I don’t want to take ANY time or attention from Ilona’s writing. The writing is the most important thing. We need the book. The biggest that Tor will allow! But a while back you requested a response from those of us who purchased the Waterstone’s painted edges edition (with regards to vellum orders) as it is a different size from the other books. Wondering what became of that…Would love vellum…just saying…
As far as I know, the trials have not been sent yet, but I will chase up 🙂
Decompress with Pursuit of Jade. It’ll be good for you. Trust Grace Draven. This will be a hard one to beat from its perch as top of idol costume c-dramas. Netflix is so smart to put it on their platform for their international viewers. Have the OST running on phone and thus rent free in my head.
We will happily take all the words you care to share.
Also, +1K on please reward yourself with Pursuit of Jade. I am on my 3rd rewatch, 2x on Netflix and then I treated myself to an IQIYI subscription just so I could watch it the 3rd time for uncut scenes (IYKYK, but, a certain bath episode for one), BTS clips, and slightly different translations. No regrets.
I’m your fan, Ilona! Writing awesome stories — (many, many pages? Yes please! ) –and creating beautiful blankets and shawls. Magical!
Thank you for all your hard work. It is very much appreciated.
Sorry, including a side note: Tariffs make me sad. No mech for Canadians. 🙁
we love you too. try not to burn yourselves into a frizzle again.
Yay for punching scenes and for tying up loose ends!
For many many reasons (y’all being able to rest for one, sharing the delight of delicious gorgeous romantic drama another, eager anticipation for the inevitable blog post reaction/review yet another, hope for the inspiration that might strike around a certain aquakinetic prime a tiny additional reason…) I cannot wait for you to have the chance to binge through Pursuit of Jade!!
And once you finish Pursuit of Jade, I highly highly recommend following it with Veil of Shadows! And then Love in the Clouds… I have started my Cdrama journey and I have 0 regrets.
Sammy’s children’s day is with Song Yan from Pursuit of Jade as main character 😊
881 pages and seven scenes to go before the end, you say? The book is bigger than expected, you say? EXCELLENT!
I look forward to the devouring.
Also: can we have a second version mug that says
Good Morning
As you can see, the assassins have failed
Hi Fjiordinary,
Do you mean the difference of “As you can see” vs “I see”?
Because the “assassins have failed” mug is there in the pictures 🙂
DON’T take anything out that you think belongs there. Some of us are still so sore about the forced cut of a key scene with Dr. Crane and the mystery of his motivation. More is always better!
I won’t let myself watch Pursuit of Jade until I finish Blossom.
No problem for us about the large story. The bigger the better. Please try and build in some down time. I love the merch and have been hoping for a failing assassins cup/tumbler/shirt. Whichever you come up with in the shop. Thank you for taking the time to update.
Love the blanket!!
oooo yes, once you’re done with the last scenes I’d definitely recommend just dive back into Pursuit of Jade and relax, that drama is fantastic, rarely we get such good ones ^^
I agree with the many – we want all the words! I love a long book and can’t wait for this one. I’m also looking for when I can order vellum for me.
And that blanket you are making for Kid2 is lovely. I really like the sunflowers. Personally, I think the bees would be a great addition and kid2 won’t mind a little extra weight because it would be so awesome.
Im blown away by your guy’s energy and work ethic! then you go and work with your hands and make beautiful works of love in your free time!
*I became a huge fan of your storys because of your imaginations and how well you brains work and now am even MORE blown away with your wonderful Mom and Dad talents that you share with us almost daily.. cheers to you!!
No YOU’RE the best or maybe Y’ALL are the best! We love you and your big hearts and big and little books.
Pursuit of Jade was the best! Can’t wait to read what you are working on next 🙂
Yes.
Here. Happy to wait because it is worth it. Your stories are worth it.
You both are worth it.
Thank you for caring. Not just for the books but these touchpoints of kindness.
Thank you for creating worlds and a community that we can cherish.
I would rather have more books at your pace rather than merch rushed.
I also loved Pursuit of Jade and want someone in my life to watch it so I can chat about it!
My husband takes horrible pics of me too….I think it’s a husband thing to do.
I know this is kind of off topic but I wondered if anyone knows if a 3D print of Sushi is available? My husband wanted to print a small one for my birthday. We can find an otter or a fox but not a combined one. Is this even possible? I know we can print stickers but I don’t want to run afoul of copyright. Any suggestions appreciated.
I have not seen a 3D image of it. There is a plushie in the works but it won’t be available until next year 🙂
200k words and it’s not finished. The BDH is drooling already!
Heehee
+1
The blanket is wonderful!!!
And many thanks for all your books.
Omg TOTALY agree with Grave Draven on Pursuit of Jade and it tickles me that she’s watched it 😆
Nom nom nom. ME READ ALL. ALL PAGES DELIGHTFUL. NO DELETE. Nom nom nom.
I am so thrilled and so confused. Please help BDH!
Is Maggie 2 or 3 books? Are those VERY exciting and VERY BIG number Ilona quoted for just the 2nd book?? Or book 2 & 3!
I want all the pages and trust them implicitly with telling the story the way I didn’t even know I wanted them to, but I feel like I’ve forgotten all the context!
Thank you for the update House Andrews! Really love these snippets into your creative process and your life. Not to be creepy, just really enjoy how honest you guys are. Xxxx
Maggie will be a trilogy 🙂
The article is referring just to book 2.
I love how the Horde can’t believe it’s luck about the feast ahead 😂. Yes, it’s all for us, and more to come!
Anticipation!
Excited to read your very long story.
Thank you.
Omg that blanket is amazing!! You’re so sweet to your kiddos to immediately make them something so cool. Thanks to you and Gordon for working so hard on the book, and I hope you get your summer break sooner rather than later.
Sort of like when a vacation is almost here, and you HAVE to finish all of your work. You’re tired, antsy, brain dead almost, but work comes first.
Gosh you are sooooo close! Congratulations! I know you can do it.
And a BIG THANK YOU for insisting on quality writing.
I know the BDH will pelt me with rocks but why are you messing with merch when you are so tired? I’m betting BDH will buy merch even if it comes out 1 month after the book. Take care!
+1000
Literally BEGGING you not to take ANY of the words out!!! Like obviously tighten whatever you want but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE cut nothing! Leave it all in. It’s great. We’ll love it. Trust me.
I watched Pursuit of Jade because of you!! I enjoyed it so much! Algorithm let me watch Sammy’s Children’s Day afterwards with Song Yan from PoJ as main character, I haven’t left that one yet. Both dramas are superb!
Happy writing to you!
Thank you for all the wonderful books! Yes, please concentrate on writing and your well-being! Merch and other things can absolutely wait (sorry for the bad word; )
Edit- Mod R
sending positive energies your way for the book writing! almost there Ilona!
Oooh Pursuit of Jade. sosososososo good. hopefully you’ll be able to get back to it soon and tell us what you thought of it!
Wow. Love you both. Love the way you work together and that Gordon wants more punch. Love the length. I cannot tell you how many doorstop books I have and reread! LOVE THAT TOR is being so supportive and I hope their bottom line rewards you all.
I hope the dyed yarn arrives soon and that you are stunned by its beauty. Yes, I have also had my daughters’ (also two) ex boyfriends and husbands “try” to take and keep my blankets. It is so funny how much our children and their children and their friends love afghans. I have been at this long enough to get pictures of the next generation snuggling under one that I made as a baby blanket. That is gratifying!!
Please, please take excellent care of yourselves. Obviously, I want more books. I thought Maggie wouldn’t possibly replace THE INHERITANCE in my addiction to your worlds. I was happily wrong (heehee, for my BDH affliction.) But I’ve grown to truly love you and your family through your awesome blog. You are wonderful people. I wish the highest blessings for you, ModR, your family and pets, and each BDH member!
Please rest and recharge, it’s a marathon and not a sprint! Everything will be alright. And in the meanwhile we can always re-read our favourites books, I just devoured This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me for the second time (it somehow keeps getting better!) and will probably re-read it at least 3 more times. The Innkeeper Chronicles series also continues to be highly re-readable 😀
I love that blanket more than anything, sunflowers are my jam.
Unhhh huh! You are creating magic! I knew it! The gymnastics required to get goooood stuff on page is just magic and you all are doing it. I respect your painstaking process and am so lucky I get to read the results. Carry on! Do the best you can to have well rounded real lives and careers. Can’t wait!
Please don’t take anything out! We want everything!!!
When is the audible of Beast Business on Amazon? Thanks
The recordings are not yet complete. We will have a better idea of release date when the file is in the editing stage 🙂
Thanks for the update. My mom listens to the tales of the Baylor sisters on repeat, and we’ve been desperately waiting for more of Arabella. Audible is a blessing for those of senior years (as well as those of us driving the daily work commute.) Hidden Legacy and Inkeeper stories are on permanent rotation. Thanks again.
I am not at all phased by more words! More words, good words, great words. If I bought part 1 I will buy part 2 and if it has to split on this one into two? I buy it split. I just have a longer wait is all. And I have to be *atient. Terry Mancor just split a book in two because he could fit it all in one and do it justice. Oh the howls of outraged readers. To be honest, he ended it on a rather bad cliff hanger so..you really are compelled to hop from one foot to the other like an over stimulated child at Christmas to buy part 2 if you care at all to resolve the hanging threads. So never mind the wait, never mind the length never mind the hordes ‘plaints. The readers are here waiting for the flag to drop. Just don’t burn your creative talents out please. Oh, and the blankie is very pretty soft and fluffy!
That terrible moment when your own books keep you from watching the latest cdrama hit….
Take care, you’ve got this!
Not two of my favorite authors mentioning a Cdrama that took over my life! LOVE IT!
Sigh! Not at all p#tient. So hard to w##t. Excited to hear of book length- yes please!!!! Grumble grumble grumble…re-reading so many series of other favorite authors to distract myself from horrible w#%t; too many series not releasing next book yet…horrible.Predict horrible Summer ahead. Love you guys!!! Thanks for being the best authors!
Please take care of yourself, we are noisy but we love you. Also ALL THE WORDS. We would like every book to be as long as possible. Thank you
We love you too!
Take care,
Nice blanket
Have a lovely summer
You guys are so sweet and that blanket looks awesome. Don’t stress about the book, I can drool over mug pictures for quite a while yet. Still need to work out which of my current ones need to be donated, probably the fish themed ones from the 90s.
Your blanket is GORGEOUS! Lucky, lucky Kid!
❤️❤️🌼❤️❤️🌼❤️❤️