You know how we wrote that cute Arabella short? The cats have filled the fancy robotic litterbox overnight and then had a pee party. Thank you, Universe, and my husband, for the tile floor. I love tile. I love it so, so much.
Then I logged into me email to find out that the our really good ACA health insurance plan will be cancelled at the end of the year. They are pulling out of the marketplace.
My morning is off to a rough start.
It’s one of those times when there is just too much on my plate. I’m looking for the next craft project. I have all the gradient yarn skeins. For some reason I got it into my head that I wanted to make a crochet shawl but I want it to look like it could pop up in a fantasy novel. I’m also terribly enamored of the kind of shawls that can be draped over the head to make a hood like fold.
I’m thinking Dragon Belly Shawl, but now I am having second thoughts. Not sure why.
It should work well with the gradient and the pattern is super easy, so perfect TV crochet.
I’m also looking for a boxy sweater or cardigan pattern in either knit or crochet. Gordon bought me a Haunted House MKAL set from Miss Babs, and I am planning on pairing it with white and making striped cardigan. I kind of want stripes to have different stitch then the white bits. So far I haven’t found quite the right pattern.
Today a big chunk of what we took out of the draft is coming back into it. I’m kind of afeared of how long it will be. Sweep of the Heart, with all of the extras, is 122,942. This project right now, without the stuff that still needs to go in, is at 140,421 words, which makes it the longest book we have ever written.
::blink blink::
I love not having a word count limit. I love it so much! It is the best! ::dance, dance, dance:: I might regret it later when we turn in a bloated book, but right now I don’t care. I love all my little scenes. Love them, they are all needed and cute, and we are putting them in and yay!
Okay, I think I’ve embarrassed myself enough. I will go now.
Jenine says
First? Also, Yay for all scenes!
Moderator R says
Congrats 😀
Amanda Miller says
We love all your needed scenes too — so sad to lose them from Hidden Legacy, so this will be great!
JennT says
+1
(okay, actually wanted to type +++1,000 😀
Yes! All the words! All the scenes! :dancing!:
VickieBC says
+1
Denise says
Yes pleeaasseee! All the words!!
Penty says
+1
Aida says
+ 1
Maria R. says
+1 💕
Liesl says
+1!
Any book House Andrews is happy with, no matter how long, will be pounced upon and read!
Asabí says
+1 !
Angela C says
+1
Ray says
+1
E says
+1000
Virginia says
+1
Gina G says
+1🫶🏻
Jaime says
+1
Woooords! Little happy dances!
Pristine says
+1
Marianne says
+1
Megan says
🥰🤩 All the words!! All the scenes!!
Jacqui says
As long as it’s not longer than The Stand uncut edition I think you’re good. Who am I kidding? You couldn’t make it too long….
Elaine says
The longer the better! That is my ONLY complaint with your books….I want them longer! 😂 yay extra scenes (Doing happy dance) 😊
CourtneyMincy says
I agree. The more words, the merrier we will be. Whenever I get to the end of your books, I always need more. Just one more chapter, please. 😊
Breann says
+1!
Arianna says
BDH always wants MOAR!!
Bill from NJ says
I agree, the BDH needs input! ( cookie to the person who gets the movie reference ). In the days of writing on the computer it is often easier to write longer works. The problem of course is quality, 150k words of word slop is not a pleasant thing. On the other hand, Sarah J Maas is out there on the word count ( I hear Word had to create a special edition to handle her books, which in hardcover double as weight training accessories).
With Ilona and Gordon I have never ,ever felt like I was reading word soup, their longest books are just as unsatisfying as their shorter ones , in the sense that when you put it down you want more:,)
Barbara Swanson says
I’m beyond happy for as long a book as you feel is written as you wish. Because I LOVE THEM.
Illogicerr says
It is impossible. Books cannot be too long. Unless they are not interesting. An interesting book cannot be too long. There. I have spoken.
Gwen says
You are correct! 100%, absolutely, totally correct! The fact that ALL House Andrews books are interesting is an added benefit to your wisdom.
Chris V says
Perfect. What she said.
Amanda says
1000% True! Anything they’re writing is never too long! 🥰
Moose Breath says
A book is too long when it is printed in 8 lines per inch, single-spaced, 6-point type, double sided printing, quarter inch margins, on 6×12 paper, and the finished tome cannot fit into a U-Haul book box as the only item.
If it takes more than two laser printer cartridges for the entire book, if the laser printer returns a “you’ve GOT to be kidding”, if you start the print job on Friday and its still not done by Thursday with no breaks or problems…it might be too long. Only “might”.
John says
When the publisher turns the hardcover into two paperbacks because the binding machine can’t handle it.
shellb says
+1 to infinity
Asabí says
Harrumph and facts!
Kat in NJ says
I love all of your scenes, so I’m happy there will be more of them! However, I must add that for whatever it’s worth (since I am not an editor) I have yet to think one of your books is bloated or too long.
One of the things I most love about IA books is that every single scene adds so much to the story, either the main plot or the background and character of the beings in the scene. I love this so much as a reader, because it means that the book stops being a work of fiction to me, and I really immerse myself in the book.
If you think the additional scenes should be added back in, it makes me (and probably most of the BDH) very happy!
🥰💕💕
Stephanie G. says
First?
Stephanie G. says
Woah, not even close. Teaches me to leave my phone for a minute after reading the blog lol.
Moderator R says
I can give you seventh? 😀
kommiesmom says
Add in anything you want. The book only gets richer and more textured.
(And thank you for every extra word…)
Carolin says
This project sounds ever better, if you can plot to your hearts content and keep all your little scenes it means at some point we might get to enjoy it too. Which will be even better knowing you could just write it without counting words….
Now I can only wish you luck in your search for the pattern that you are looking for.
Sondra says
More scenes? More words? Yay!!!!!!
AP says
+1 Yes please!!!
MaryF says
Man, that health insurance thingy is just the pits.
On that shawl and your second thoughts? The shawl is gorgeous. I’m thinking it might be the tassels?
Amanda L. says
I agree on the shawl… 100% No Tassels!
Although, I personally *do not ever* like tassels & remove them immediately from everything. I never add tassels (or fringe) to projects, as I find the trailing ends a sensory nightmare. 😖
I think the shawl is fantastic & a gradient will work well. Crochet patterns aren’t always cooperative with gradients & this one looks like it would be. 🤩
Amy Ann says
Glad you have something to make you happy. We like all the words, too.
And YES on the Dragon Belly scarf. It looks so strokeable–just like a dragon’s belly.
Nancy says
I love your bloated books! Thank you. Good luck finding the right knitting project.
Carol says
If you like gradients, and also like projects that are not wearable (e.g., afghans), try a ripple pattern or granny squares. Time consuming, but very pretty to make and definitely usable, just not wearable.
Jazzlet says
The long vest my mother crocheted for me in the ’70s would like to have a word! 😉
Char says
More words – yipppeeee!
So sorry about your health insurance, that is one of the biggest life stresses in the United States. I am in WA state so family can get decent insurance with payment graded to income. It has really, really, really stopped some of my anxiety about health care. Good luck with the new search.
Thank you for the great books!
Tink says
Ok, first, great name for a yarn set. I would have bought it off the name Haunted House.
Second, no such thing as a book that’s too long. There are books that could have been edited better, which would have resulted in shorter books, but it wasn’t the length of the book I had a problem with; it was that the author kept repeating stuff she’d already gone over, and not once but multiple times, so I ended up skimming some parts where the content felt familiar.
So, go ahead and write a long book. I double-dog dare you.
Tina says
woops Tink just threw down the gauntlet 🤣
laura says
“no such thing as a book that’s too long. There are books that could have been edited better, which would have resulted in shorter books, but it wasn’t the length of the book I had a problem with”
agreed! you guys dont pad out your books with unnecessary details, and your books are well edited! i’d read any length of book you published.
there is an author i love who switched from traditional publishing to self publishing, and they REALLY need either a better editor, or to listen to the editor and cut unnecessary scenes that make the book drag in places instead of flow. i have never once had that thought with any of your books.
Erika G says
+1000
Jo says
I just had to share this for Ilona! I can’t crochet but I ride on the road regularly and this would be awesome!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/K4RX1MxvBBZMYgpm/?mibextid=xfxF2i
crochets safety vest
William B says
No one of the BDH will ever complain about one of your books being too long.
Bev says
When I have too much on my plate I try to do small stuff. Right now I am stockpiling stuff for baby gift bags. Homemade bibs, burp and changing pads and bonnets, Try Pixie hats. They can be donated to a local charity in the Fall and can be made with remnants. I think they are made by sewing 2 knit or crocheted rectangles together.
chris says
Always want more scenes!
Sjik says
Indeed they are all needed. You’ll hear your ocean of yes’s on this page.
Donna A says
Not being from the US I cannot offer anything about the insurance other than sympathetic ears (I assume from context they need be).
For extra scenes I say extra yays and for crochet I say I’m too hot in sticky London to even contemplate knitted material right now.
But yay again for all the words 😉
Moderator R says
Aha! BUT hear me out, the recently discovered (by me) wonders of crochet! It has holes! Holes that the air comes through! It’s been a game changer, I’m turning over my entire wardrobe over to stuff I never considered because I didn’t like the aesthetic of it like crochet and broderie anglaise.
Donna A says
Yes to broderie anglaise and lovely smooth cool cotton, nay to crochet and irritating warm wool
(exception when I was considerably younger and slimmer, I had a beautiful designer hand me down vest entirely crocheted from gold silk, that was so soft and cool. But would be ridiculously expensive now AND they don’t do plus sizes).
Patricia Schlorke says
You’re right Mod R, crochet has holes in it depending on which stitch you use. 🙂
I use a half double crochet for pretty much all my crocheting since single crochet gets too heavy (great for creating haute couture coats), and double crochet hurts my wrists after a while. Plus, when making blankets, half double crochet isn’t too heavy nor it’s too light. For me, the stitch is the goldilocks of crochet stitches.
One thing I learned over time is if you crochet anything in one piece, use the next size crochet hook for the chain row. The switch it to the hook for the project. I found out that if you use the same hook for both the chain and the rest of the project, the chain row has a tendency to shrink in, and the project looks like a “V” at the bottom. Not very pretty and it’s hard to put any boarder stitches at the bottom.
I taught myself to crochet when I was 10 from crochet books my mom had around the house. Knitting wasn’t my thing back then since a lot of people made me knit with my right hand when it wasn’t comfortable for me.
Patricia Schlorke says
It should be the next size up crochet hook. Oops. 😀
Jennie Voorhis says
I’ve switched to foundation rows where I do the chain and the first row (hdc, dc, etc.) at the same time, so the tension is consistent. Added benefit: it’s easier to count hdc or dc than chains, and the chains don’t get twisted. Total game changer for me!
Monique says
And if you crochet with cotton or bambu yarn it’s wonderful. I have gotten two shawl patterns from Expresión Fiber Arts that are waiting for me to finish my current projects they’re called Papilio and Alectrona.
Pat Smith says
If anyone is looking for small projects to knit or crochet you might want to consider making some hats or caps to donate to your local hospital’s chemotherapy
unit.
30 Book AMonth Reader says
What a wonderful idea – especially for the children’s ward. You rock
Jenn says
Hopefully the extra words will slow the devouring horde down to a chew so you taste it speed lol and we won’t be like “140K words! YUM! Can I have another?!!”
😂
Moderator R says
😀 I mean…we know what’s going to happen, don’t we?
Tina says
welllll 😉
Dawn says
Love the shawl! I wish I could knit\crochet but alas I’ve never been able to be consistent with my stitches. Crewel and Cross Stitch are all I can do (and would like to have some free time to do so and maybe some day I’ll get back to it 🙂 )
As far as length of the book – bring it! I read\have read Wheel of Time (well, not the last 3 books – it’s on the list), the entire Shogun series, and Safehold (to name a few).
Crystal Smith says
I hate word count limits. It’s like a police officer saying describe the suspect in 3 words or less…
I’m not fond of the picture of the shaw but it may be the tassels. (takes a second look) no it’s the lines I think. I love Shaws that are also hoods. did you know there are tons of books in KU that are patterns for knitting and crocheting.
Mo says
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be older – a teenager at least. Then I want to be an adult, without my parents hanging over me (ooo, in hindsight, not the smartest move). Then I hit 30 or so and though being younger would be good. I thought that right up until 60, when I realized “Hey, I could be on 65 and on Medicare and have my monthly health care payment go from $1,250 to $250.”
From then on I started rooting to be older. Now that I am 65, I kinda think I’d just like to stay the age that I am, maybe. Not get older or younger…. I’ll let you know how that turns out.
Moderator R says
One of my favourite questions to ask people is what age they would like to get turned into vampires (unrelated to me being from Transylvania 🧛♀️).
I guess we know your answer 😅
Sabrina says
Oooo such a tricky question (and I love it!) 🙂
njb says
I’m in very good health, but would not want to become a vampire at 71 because I don’t want to look this old for eternity. If I can revert to at least mid 30s, ok
Tink says
That would depend on if you look the age at which you were turned or if you aged down to when your body was at its peak physically. I’d hope for the latter, but if it were the former, then I’d want to be turned younger.
I mean, who wants to hear their knees and ankles crack for eternity? To say nothing of trying to sneak up on your enemies. You’d be able to zoom up to your prey too fast for them to get away, but if you tried that with your enemies you’d sound like someone going to town popping bubble wrap.
Bea says
And can you really suck blood with dentures?
I’d like to be 20, old enough to know better yet young enough to do it anyway😜
Heather says
No book is too long. Stop counting the words and just write, write, write! I love the stories and as far as I’m concerned, longer is better!
Judy Schultheis says
It’s actually nice to know that you get excited about the same things we do.
I’m sorry to hear about your insurance – I hope you find a good replacement. I was only on ACA for the three months between losing COBRA and Medicare kicking in, but I know a fairly large number of people who swear their ACA insurance saved their lives.
Devi says
Sorry for all the life headaches you’re dealing with
But the idea of an extra long Ilona Andrews books fills me with joy. so much joy
please keep all the scenes
squeeee!
Kelly J Jacobs says
I love YOU not having a word count limit. I love it so much! It is the best! 💃 dance, 🕺 💃 🕺 💃 🕺 💃 🕺 💃 🕺
Judy Schultheis says
I think this is the place to make a comment I’ve wanted to for several years. I have never read anyone else who can do a bloody awful fight scene right where it needs to happen and I turn the page and I’m laughing my ass off, and it all fits and it all moves the story forward.
And I do know I’ve mentioned that I love my high adventure mixed with low comedy. You guys are the best at that – not even Lois McMaster Bujold comes close, and she’s one I still read and re-read and read again for exactly that reason.
Sharon says
That dragon’s belly shawl is stunning. Unique and pretty.
And I am dancing with joy over a super long book from you! If you get to where they will be bigger hardcovers than Robert Jordan’s books, you might want to make 2 books out of it, but more story sounds good to me.
I raised 6 children with lots of pets on our farm, and now have 6 grandchildren and just a few indoor pets. I agree about the tile, but old wood floors with thick layers of Urethane are also good.
Del says
please, write all you heart content 😀
Sabrina says
The shawl looks gorgeous, but I agree with some other folks in the comments that the tassels might not be its best feature 🙂
Also very, very happy to hear you excited about writing! Some books are hard and that makes me feel for you, so if this makes you happy, I’m all for it! Never ever get embarrassed about being happy with what you do 🙂
House DeMille says
Long book good.
Crochet also good.
Sending positive vibes your way!
Amanda P says
I’ll buy whatever you write, go for it!!
It will be amazing 😁
Alisa Hylton says
All the words!
That shawl is fabulous.
Birgit Fehrs says
For me,there are no books too long. I love them all!
Great shawl!
Monica says
I love big books and I can not Lie
You other readers cant deny…
nickole195 says
🙂
Erika G says
Baby got Book
Toni says
I love that shawl. I wouldn’t want the tassels (because I am clumsy af and I would get those caught in every.single.thing.possible… but it’s something I would wear, and I’m short and don’t usually wear shawls).
YAY extra scenes. ::snoopy dance:::
Patricia Schlorke says
Yay to all the words! Rival James Clavell for the fattest book award. 😂😂😂😂📚
The Horde will probably say “that’s it?! ” even after over 1,000 pages.
njb says
🤣🤣 probably so true
Hunting Guy says
Only a thousand pages?
Too short by half.
The only downside is the amount of time it would take to write it.
Daniela says
Your stories are so compelling, there is no such thing like too many words. I will buy and read your books no matter how thick.
Cheryl M says
Hooray for all the scenes!!! And, I love the shawl. Sooo pretty.
Natasha Johnson says
Sorry for the rough start to the day 😕.
As for the health care I can feel your pain especially when you find a good health insurance and then have to change from them, we get insurance through my husbands work and we chose Aetna and it has been wonderful for us but the company sent out an email saying that at re-enrollment the only option will now be BlueCross-BlueShield which is okay but we have had some issues with them in the past of not wanting to pay for some tests that our daughter needed without further explanation and reasons🙄.
As for the book being the longest book y’all have written so far to that I say yay!!!! I love anything y’all write and always want more.
**As a side note my son said he wants to be a movie producer yesterday (he’s 10) so that he can produce the Innkeeper books and the Kate Daniel’s books “mom I promise I would do them right they would probably be like 4 hours long each so I could make sure all the details are in it” both my kids love listening to them on Graphic Audio and I’m happy I get to share y’all with them in a way that they enjoy. So the mini BDH members are already making big plans!**
Moderator R says
OMG, that is adorable! He will do right by it, can’t wait! 😀
njb says
Omg I love this! Mini BDH rock!
Lada says
I really appreciate you sharing an honest slice of life. I’m having my own rough time right now and feel better knowing I’m not alone and it will pass for us both.
And congrats on the no word count limit which is a blessing on the BDH!
wont says
You are not dancing alone. I will venture the entire BDH is right along with you! Your books are never, never too long. I hope you find another crochet pattern that will soothe you. It’s good to be able to sink into a project. Hugs
Sharla says
Yay to all the words!
Boo to new insurance search:-(
Good luck on deciding on your next yarn project. Deciding is almost the hardest part.
Norbert says
You had me at „longest book ever“. Take my money!
Also, I hope the Arabella short turns into a trilogy. *evil gein*
No pressure, of course. The Horde will gobble up anything from short story to monster book and ask for more.
Josephine says
We love all the scenes too! More book! Yay!
Victory1417 says
We want all the words!
njb says
Great looking shawl, wish I could use them ( a reason to move to CO?).
All the words, all the words, we wants them!!! Ok I’ll shut up now. Thanks for the post, it made my day!
Michelle R. says
Yay! for the cute scenes. you could give us a book over 2000 pages long, and it would still be devoured. The Horde is Hungry.
KathyInAiken says
I understand why you love all of your little scenes. I also love them. I read them and then turtle over them. And I hugged myself and read it again. Thank you for all of your scenes.
Junia Braganca says
You leave all the words and let us worry about devouring them 😉
Harriet says
I’m sure we will all love those scenes too. Seriously, I had fun reading the groceries list you guys wrote, just keep ‘em coming
Beth says
I always finish your books too quickly, so too long can never be a thing!
Wendy says
Love the Haunted House yarn! With stripes, it will be amazing! Can’t wait to see which pattern you pick!
Bailey says
Is there really a word limit? I’ve seen fantasy books close to 400K.
Nicola says
I believe the deal is that you write BDH devoured.
A longer book is like peanut butter on a dog licky matt.
Anna says
BWA HAHAHAHA! I love this visual so much!
Sandy F says
I don’t think y’all should have a word limit. EVER! The more words the more I get to read. Sqeeeee!
The rest is life. I have an opportunity to purchase a really good Longarm quilting machine at a price I can afford. But it is tooo big for my house. Give up hosting Thanksgiving, for a tool I can use year round, or keep my only family event?
Keera says
None of your books are ever too long. I may have to get a small bookshelf juat for your books though. But thats not a complaint!
Kelly says
The Dragon Belly Shaw is beautiful and definitely feels inspired by fantasy. If you end up doing I look forward to seeing the results.
Dawn Emerson says
until your books exceed the combined word count of the Waverly Novels, I Am In!!
yayyyy for long and intricately plotted IA stories! Hooray for all the scenes and for Happy Authors!
Marsha Parris says
Can’t wait to read a longer book!
Laura says
I love big books 📚 and I cannot lie. Will read every word y’all gift to us. ❤️❤️❤️
Trisha says
We love them too!!!
jewelwing says
The Dragon Belly shawl is gorgeous.
MOAR WORDS GOOD!!!
I hope you find a good replacement plan. The process of finding it will suck no matter what though. Looking through all those things makes me so grateful my brain is wired for fast reading and good comprehension. Now if only it were wired to get started on that task, because this is my year to start Medicare.
Ready to read says
Make sure you get supplemental insurance with your Medicare..they cover what Medicare doesn’t. I went with AARP for cheaper payments with the insurance company that covered my area of the state.
jewelwing says
Thank you! The whole process is daunting. I’ll be glad when I can check it off the to-do list.
Kate says
I am also dancing together with you, but separately, for all the scenes! If you write the words, I am delighted to read them ❤️
Loretta says
Yay for all the words! I love big books as long as they are good books and yours always are!
Ami says
😂😂😂 That’s not embarrassing. It’s authentic, and lovely and fun. And I’m excited to see your WIP and beautiful yarns!
Tempest says
We will absolutely do the dance of “no word limit” joy with you!
We’ll commisserate on the bummer that American health insurance.
I’ll just blink uncomprehendling on the fiber arts. I have no fiber art game. Yay to all who do. Rock on.
Back to the dance of “all the scenes” and “all the words” joy!
Bill G says
From some authors, a book that will pass the Toaster Test is too long. From House Andrews, ‘too long’ is not a thing.
Best of luck with the project.
LaurieB says
Any word y’all write is a welcome word. Words are tribal animals and need companion words to be happy. You may construct the Mumbai of words, however many words you wish and they’ll find a home in my happy, happy brain. Word away, wordsmiths, the restraints are lifted. Long may your words fly free!
Ms. Kim says
Maybe you’re having second thoughts about the Dragon Shawl because of the colors. maybe if you did it in shades of winter white and ice blue you would be more into it?
Damaris says
Your books couldn’t be too long for me. The longer, the better! I hope you put in all the wonderful scenes.
Alex R. says
Yay for the bloated book!
Will pay extra 😜
A little extra, to encourage further bloatality in the future.
Miriam says
+1
RoadRunner says
Has Ilona EVER received a criticism from one of her readers that a book was too long? I don’t think so…
Rebecca says
I understand that sometimes scenes have to go, and you two are the experts at deciding when that needs to happen, but “The longer the book the better!” is the motto of the BDH.
Remember the scene of Saiman’s rescue that got cut and then added at the end as a deleted scene? I loved that whole thing. I would have loved it if you had put it into the main text, too, but you know better than I do whether it would have interrupted the flow of your story too much. I’m just glad I got to read it SOMEWHERE. 🙂
Moderator R says
Call me 🧞♂️!
Rebecca says
My hero!
kIm Hurt says
Yes!!!! Longer is so much BETTER
Tierney says
honestly, I always finish your books wishing there was more, because I love the worlds you create so much. So I will HAPPILY read the longest-assed book you have ever written and sigh and blissful sigh as I do.
Lorraine says
You know when Homer Simpson thinks about food and his eyes glaze over and he starts to drool? That’s how I feel about the extra words. Delicious, delicious words.
CathyTara says
If you write it we will read it. More is better! Health care just gets more and more difficult. I play pickleball with a just retired doctor. She never had to buy health insurance. She is shocked at how expensive it is; it was hard to keep a snark off my face.
Peta says
Lena Fedatova has some fabulous shawl patterns. i made Botanika, great instructions with written, photos and charts
Amber says
I don’t think any of your books can have too many words. There are not enough to go around as it is and we have to keep rereading all of your books (to be fair, we would probably all do that anyway).
Here is a pattern that might fit the bill: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hooded-cloak-capelet
Susan J says
We love them too. I recently listened to Magic Bites and was saddened all again that we couldn’t hear more of the Crest story. I’m so happy that you no longer need to cut out things that make sense to make an arbitrary goalpost.
Shannon Smith says
It’s never too long!
Moderator R says
::resist::
::come on, you’re an adult::
::you’re at work, this is your actual job::
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID! 🤣
Carrie C says
🤣🤣🤣
Anna says
And this is why we love you Mod R 😆
Lora Tyler says
Love your enthusiasm! Can hardly wait for the books y’all write. I love them so much!
Linda Alice Trainor says
yay for many words love love love to read your books.
Roger & Nancy says
Books that are too long? That’s like saying food that is too good.
The only way for a book to be too long is if someones thinking rambles (like mine, ADHD here. You can probably tell by my comments ) or is paid by the word and uses every descriptor that can be found . I’ve read ( at least partially ) books like this and it seemed obvious that they are written for this purpose ( I have no idea if this was a real practice or not ). I don’t know if it has been used in the last fifty years or so, but I remember reading about it.
It’s sort of funny, but my wife is going through the Innkeeper series again and has mentioned several times how the books seem much longer than they are. I told her that that’s the hallmark of excellent concise writing. Like a very good, dense flourless chocolate cake, ( I know this is very specific, but it fits perfectly ) a small piece is is more than it seems to be.
I’ve rambled on just to say that if well written, I don’t believe a book can be too long.
All of the Ilona Andrews books I’ve read ( that’s almost, if not, every one ) are works of a pair of Master Writers. I think most of the BDH would agree.
So thank you for any of your books that are “too”long. My wife and I enjoy every word.
SoCoMom says
“Nom-nom-nom”
8⁷
The sounds of the ravenous BDH as they feast on ALL the words!
Followed by “Please, HA, may we have some more?”
Lisa says
The rapidly increasing word count suggests you might be able to release two “regular” books in rapid succession, rather than one big book…. 🤔
Good on ya with the Miss Babs! Looking forward to seeing the final product (or a WIP!).
Hunting guy says
Speaking as a wood worker, you can never have too many tools.
Get the machine. It’s someone else’s turn to have the blessings of hosting the family.
Jan says
Yes, longer, as long at the extra text makes sense, is better – for sure. Gotta love knowing more about the characters and what’s going on in their lives.
Ang says
You’re the best! I didn’t realize that word limits were a thing. I am super excited to read a longer book of yours! More enjoyment for us! Much thanks!!
Jess says
I’m all for a longer book. Also… all the scenes! I’ve been enjoying all the hidden legacy extras!
As a fellow hooker(crocheter) it’s not a shawl but maybe the wild oleander hooded scarf? It’s on my list!
Bea says
I’ve officially bought a small, itty bitty, teeny tiny crochet project bcse of all the awesome yarn colors!
My friend said she’d teach me to wield the sticks, so I’m going to try. I see alot of potholders in my future🤭
This is the BDH! We want all the words. Ilona, make the book so full of words it’s really heavy! With the amount of times I reread your books my arms will be noticeably toned💪🏽😂
Was there a mention of an explosion? Just asking for the curious minds. 🧐
April Villone says
I like big books amd I cannot lie!! Give me give me!!!
Oshi says
Length is nothing. I love the girth. All the words I say!
Chris says
What is this “Bloated Ilona Andrews Book” you speak of — no such thing can exist. MOAR SCENES!
Rorie says
check out onling patterns… lovely boxy sweaters
Sam says
No word count limit? Woohoo!
Vanessa says
Probably not quite what you are after but I did SeoltaHooker’s dragon scarf as a lockdown project. It would be amazing in a gradient yarn. (I used tweed imps by fiberspates)
Anne says
There’s a hooded infinity scarf pattern on Etsy here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1316237760/crochet-pattern-witchy-hooded-infinity?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_c-craft_supplies_and_tools-patterns_and_how_to-patterns_and_blueprints&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAjw1emzBhB8EiwAHwZZxaGipTqviyoKlCUBP_FbhI0jTwMOP-4CMm3U3TQA1IUNoqWU15XGxxoCLMMQAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_12563205811_125087234088_507186201520_aud-2007167693469:pla-322726483858_m__1316237760_12768591&utm_custom2=12563205811&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRKnTdx_JsRB6I9icxsm55lDu&gclid=CjwKCAjw1emzBhB8EiwAHwZZxaGipTqviyoKlCUBP_FbhI0jTwMOP-4CMm3U3TQA1IUNoqWU15XGxxoCLMMQAvD_BwE
Petya says
I love your “little” scenes. They make your characters feel like living and breathing people, as if almost can touch them. So please keep them. Благодаря! 🙂
Chantey says
Yaaasss for new crafts. Boo for insurance. YAYYY for beefy book and more time in your world! Can’t wait
Miriam says
I would read yout book even if it were as thick as ‘War and Peace’. Only in the e-book version though.
Momz says
Love the shawl idea, you might like it in a different set of gradient colors with a hint of sheen?? More words a problem? NEVER! Not if it is an IA production. I personally am always depressed a little when I finish a new release, because it seems its so short. I usually reread it again within a few days to make sure I didn’t skip a chapter or two by accident. (Hahahahah) And they seem even shorter after I have reread them several times. I would like to know if anyone else in the BDH feels this way?
Nermie00 says
I personally prefer a longer book – word counts be damned!
Miriam says
Do you know ‘Drops design’? They have tens of thousands of instructions for crotcheting and knitting. You don’t have to buy the yarn. https://www.garnstudio.com/pattern.php?id=10526&cid=9
I think they are a Norwegian company.
Momz says
Ooops almost forgot. If you can sign up for Medicare, do the main Medicare first and add part D (through Medicare) and part G, through AARP. If you start with a Supplement plan, like AARP United Healthcare, you are pretty much stuck with supplemental, never to be able to go back to the regular Medicare. Both my husband and I did the regular and have found that it is less out of pocket; wonderful about accepting any doctors you may already have and better coverage. We got the cheapest part D because we don’t have any daily meds ($6.32/month) and part G ($106/month) that covers all medical expenses once your yearly out of pocket reaches $266.
mdy says
Sorry to hear you’ve had a tough morning. Here’s hoping the rest of the week gets better.
The bit about the word count reminds me of an editor who blogged about how they helped a client trim their work from 150,000 down to 130,000 words. It’s interesting how reducing wordcount is a distinct editing skill in and of itself! For the curious, their write-up is here: https://www.fastediting.biz/the-fastediting-eye/ways-to-shorten-text
Elizabet says
Look at https://www.expressionfiberarts.com/ for some really cool shawl/wraps that might work for you gradient yarn.
I loved the short.
Sometimes life sucks, but then there are the great times.
Trisha says
Love to listen to you gush over writing!
Caroline says
Sorry your day is going badly.❤️
I love the Dragon Belly scarf! Thanks for sharing about it, I’ve now downloaded it and added it to my Ravelry queue 😊
Cat says
Oh, there are no house Andrews books that are too long. The horde is a black hole for books. Ever hungry, ever devouring, never satiated
Ina says
So happy you don’t have a word limit! Charge us more, we will pay for the longer novel. It is worth every dollar!
Marie says
Too long books? I’m not following.
There is no such thing.
The BDH want more books, more words and more scenes!
Yay 🙂
Sally says
No such thing as a book that is too long!!
Ilya says
Regarding insurance: Have you considered moving to Europe? I bet the Kids could easily find jobs here and you wouldn’ t have to worry about those pesky deductibles blah, blah… And we wouldn’t mind having you in the same continent…
More words are BETTER words!!!
Dancijela says
The more the better!!
James says
Books are never too long while they tell a story we care about or are interested in (and all of yours are interesting!), they only get too long when they stop telling us a story we care about.
Helen says
Knitwear designer Joji Locatelli has a number of sweaters, both pullovers and cardigans, on Ravelry that might be what you want. Some of them are actually designed for gradient fade yarns.
Laura Linneman says
Here’s some pattern ideas:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vibes-tee
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marigold-tee
Both have been on my list since they came out
Danielle says
All the words are wonderful. You are the best!!
CallMeKarma says
Yes!!! More words, more book!! Yes! More and more works for me😀
Laura George says
You had me at “Arabella.” I’d happily read (and buy) more Baylor magic at 140,000 words, 240,000 words …
Pam says
If Sweep of the Heart is your yardstick, GO FOR IT!
Debby says
More words= longer book = extended reading pleasure
We want all the words!
: )
Corina Paris says
I love all the little scenes too. 😀
the more the merrier…..
Rose says
The word limit does not exist! BDH is gleeful!!!
Kylie Malstrom says
Have you ever knitted an entrelac pattern? The benefit (or disadvantage depending on perspective) of doing it with gradient yarn is that it turns it into a consistent color blocking pattern without having to change skeins. It’s like magic. I’ve done a scarf and a baby blanket with this pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/entrelac-scarf
Anna says
I suspect I was a cat in a previous life. I play with yarn, sit in the comfy chair and am easily distract…. Ooooo shiny!
HA had the best comments! The snark level is smart and recommendations for books or yarn projects have only fed my reading and fiber addictions.
‘looks around’ Nope, no problems here! Just keep the words coming!
Jennifer Morris says
I am not afraid of a 50 hour audiobook!
Shae says
TL Yarn Crafts has lots of shawls, and Creatrix in the Matrixx has a hooded cowl.
Yay for no word count limits! I have read books that would have been better if they were shorter, but they pale in comparison to books of which I wanted to read more.
Rick says
You’re not the only one with health insurance woes. Blue Advantage (Blue Cross) is withdrawing from the field this year too.
Nancy Hawkins says
Some cats find the litter robot too confining or scary I hear. We love the modkat xl and tarp liners they sell, which can be used for a fairly long time, just use their cleaner, which is odorless so cats don’t mind it, to spot clean any places that may need it by shaking the litter away from that side or edge, spray and let dry, and put litter back in that area, or as needed, take the whole thing out, put the useable, scooped clean litter in a bag, have an extra tarp liner to rotate in, add litter and top off and let the hosed out one dry for the next rotation. I use Dawn dish soap, not a fragrant one, to wash it clean. Then the XL box itself is easily cleaned, I do it outdoors with the hose. I use the Perfect litter made of dried grass which is clumping and has a nice fresh smell that the cats love. Love the Dragon Belly one. Thank you for such fun books, the longer, the better!
Gretchen says
I saw this little video clip and I immediately thought of all of you Knitters and crocheters. It shows a lady handmaking lace the old fashioned way. https://www.reddit.com/r/nextfuckinglevel/s/fZgF3wq0tH
Susan says
Tile floors are the best with pets. We also love “My Pet Peed”. It is a must with elderly and fosters. I would not even think of fostering an old hospice dog without it.
Chandra says
I love all the words.
Joanna says
Longer books are always appreciated.
kt says
just thought you would like these for a new project – I actually bought a pair for 2 different friends and they love them.
https://youtu.be/xUApkEeF_kc?si=8sQz8Km3nBf2ZLVo
Lisa says
My vote is always for the big book!
Catherine says
blasphemy!! house Andrew’s cannot write a book that is too long!!! we,the bdh have spoken.
Marcelline says
Good morning, I just wanted to thank you both so very much for the many, many hours of pure enjoyment that I get from not only your books, but your daily life post.
Janice Houck says
Your books can never be too long!
Susan S says
No book you write can be too long! Leave in all the cute little scenes you love so much!! The BDH will love them even more!!!!!! Yum yum nom nom……
SJ says
😁🤩🥰 the longest book yet!!
Also, I send you good thoughts on what began as a really rough morning.
DeeAnn says
There is no such thing as too long in a book if you two are writing it!! I read the unabridged War and Peace years ago and I think that is around 900 pages so bring it all on. I am ready! also think that shawl is beautiful, I vote yes for it. I use tv time to sew bindings on my quilts so I understand needing something easy. I hope your day improves. I’m not sure why my phone is underlining words so ignore that if it sends it that way.
Alice says
Yay yay yay I always hated when you had to cut stuff to reach a smaller word count! More words! All the lovely words!
Tiapet says
I am very excited to read any book you’ve written, and a very long book sounds fantastic! Please do fill it up with all the scenes!
That’s the pits about the medical plan. I hope you find a good alternative.
The shawl pattern looks great – I like the rib effect. But there’s so much to choose from out there in the patternverse. I’ve just changed my mind about my current project and frogged a completed front.
Jackie H says
I love the look of the Dragon Belly shaw. The pattern looks easy enough and resulting design looks airy & light.
Check out https://www.mjsoffthehookdesigns.com/ for crochet cardigan designs, she has some that call for that brand of yarn.
Pam says
Yay! I too love no word counts. More story!
Roxanne Wynne Davenport says
Re your insurance, have you checked into Farm Bureau? The NC Farm Bureau was the mechanism by which my small-farmer grandparents and my uncle were able to get medical insurance, as well as home and auto. A very quick search seems to indicate that Texas Farm Bureau does offer medical insurance but no info on the terms. You used to have to be defined as a “farmer” of some sort to be a Farm Bureau member, but that hasn’t been the case for many years.
Roxanne Nowell says
Thank you for your imagination and sharing it with us. My daughter and I read everything that you write and can hardly wait for each new book. please continue your story writing and bring our character friends back to life!
Celestina says
Love this!!
Brightfae says
Yea Yea Yea for ALL the scenes!!! I don’t think I would ever call anything you wrote bloated, even if you included grocery lists. ‘Cause you know BDH will read those too happily.
Hang in there on the medical insurance. I’m in the same boat.
Cyndi says
Yah for long books!!!!! We love allll the stories. Anything you write is magic 🙂
Virginia says
Please – leave in all the words. All of them.
I’ve been binge-collecting striped cardigan patterns and there are several that could work. The Always There cardigan by Joji Locatelli is one I’ve actually knit – it isn’t set up to change colors, just alternating bands of textures, but it would be easy to adapt.
I’m thinking about making a version of the Dustland cardigan by Stephan West and alternating yarn colors (variations on cream/white/ivory) with the different bands of textures,
The Purple Coke Cardigan by Katrin Schneider and The Elton by Joji alternate laceweight and DK yarns. They aren’t different stitches but they are giving gauzy vs opaque. You could switch out colors too.
As one of your knitting readers, I’d love to know what pattern you decide on.
MJ says
We love ALL the words!!! The BDH is greedy! We thank you!
Virginia says
Never been disappointed in your books except for wanting the story to continue so the longer the better!
Maria Schneider says
Oh, if it gets too long, you automatically have two books and just have to find a good stopping point for “book one” versus book two. See, that was much easier to solve than knitting (especially for me!) or healthcare. UGH on that.
Have a great day. 🙂
Nancy Lee Sumpter says
We REALLY are NOT GREEDY, BUT…we want ALL the scenes, bloat the book as much as you can, we will pay for it. Can’t wait, MUST practice p*tience (@##$%^&^%$#!!) sorry, lost it there for a moment, ;o)
sarafina says
Glad you can write freely. There will be an editor at some point, so you can GO WILD NOW!!
Regina Ash says
Can’t wait to read WHATEVER HA puts out next, whether VERY long, long-ish, or short.
And from recent posts, my understanding is that you guys might be looking to leave the sweltering and natural disaster proclivities of TX for another part of the country. Both Ilona and Gordon are pretty familar with my recommendation for a new of the woods: western NC. Just don’t settle in a valley and you don’t need to worry about flooding or tornadoes, and hurricanes haven’t been an issue here. Don’t live inside some city limits, and homeowners & auto policies are very reasonable, property taxes low (except in AVL.) We are having a super hot & humid day for us today: 86 and 67% humidity. It is beautiful in these Great Smoky Mountains.
KMD says
I love long books so double yay from me. I also love tile floors. downstairs is tile, upstairs 100 year old oak. (downstairs had too much damage to save). Woodlook tile is the best thing ever. I have a cat, and am also very klutzy. Carpet doesn’t last long around me.
Ericka says
There is no such thing as a book from House Andrews that is too long.
Andie says
here to drop a pattern idea! it’s on my TBS list. 🙂
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1313782824/libra-pullover-libra-bag-crochet-pattern?ref=usf_2020
Lucine says
I’ve read Atlas Shrugged, at least ten times…so…go for it, I’m sure we can all handle it…
And was there a new Arabella short? Or are you referring to the wedding?
Moderator R says
There’s a new Arabella short! 😀 https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/lollypops-part-1/
Deborah says
We love your books at any length!
Charlie says
Words Forever! Bring em! We wait with bated and baited breath.
Jennifer McLean says
Alright, so I almost never comment but thought of a few patterns when you mentioned wanting ones that could be used in books. So, Expressionfiberarts.com has a few…
https://www.expressionfiberarts.com/products/royal.html
https://www.expressionfiberarts.com/products/almond-flowers.html
And boxy sweater…
https://www.expressionfiberarts.com/products/graceful.html
https://www.expressionfiberarts.com/products/azorella.html
Hope these inspire, so sorry you’re having a bad day. :o)
Holly says
I think that dragon belly shawl looks super! I only crochet (I’m too tense to knit). And look, if Robert Jordan can write and publish that HUGE Wheel of Time series (books are huge and the series goes on & on & on & on…) then you don’t ever need to worry about your books being too long! Good luck with all the other road bumps that come along!
Deeb says
we love all your little scenes too!!! Thank you!
Di says
I have several things I made w gradient yarn (before it became popular). The newest pattern is for a summer tee using sock yarn. It is reversible. My fav is a shawl. Something you might also like is a knitted ‘shawl’ that has a collar and is attached at the sides. I made mine from Lion brand Mandela. I will post pics if poss on FB. Otherwise you can find me on ravelry: blustd.
Virginia says
Ugh, sorry to hear about your insurance leaving the ACA, which was a big bit not big enough step forward in rebalancing our ridiculously profit driven health care system. I hope you find another good, or better, insurance that lets you keep all your doctors!
Not a knitter, but your cowl project sounds interesting and that example photo is pretty. I hope it goes as you wish it to.
And I’m with you in happy dancing about no word limits! I might not with all authors, but I trust your writing enough to know that even a “bloated” book by HA will still be eminently readable and enjoyable!
Linda k Miller says
We LOVE bloated books! stick to your guns and go for it!!
Melissa B says
I love your post! I love the shawl ideas and LOVED reading your happiness about the project and how you’ve kept all the words in and that your thrilled with your work! It’s a wonderful feeling to with the happy satisfaction is a job well done. Plus your happiness is infectious and I can’t wait to read your project whenever!!! Yay yay! Y’all rock!! Cheerio!
Melissa B says
Can’t type… it’s a wonderful feeling when one has the happy satisfaction of a job well done.🤪
Jacky says
You might have already answered this but I’m old with poor retention! why are your books around the 300-400 page range when they are so good and literally could be double the size and still be awesome and other books from other authors are 400-700 pages. You mention a word count limit. Why is that a thing with your past books? You’d think the editors, or whomever makes the rules, would just let you write the story and not worry about word count. Then edit and provide feedback….
A. G. Boggs says
ok, serious question. Am I the only person who goes to bed and sleeps clutching their ereader/book? My husband thinks its strange.
And Ilona–more words make your loyal BDH fans happy because that’s a little longer that we have to cuddle with our current love (book).
Olia says
Here is a super simple tv project.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/square-ish
Helen says
none of us are saddened with length. perhaps 2 books published at the SAME TIME ( this is vital 😜) to pay lip-service to any preconceived notions of length.
Joe Ellett says
The cheapest Kindles come with 8GB storage. I’d be really happy if you could write one that long 🙂
Gloria says
Bad kitties!!! Who limits your words? The powers that be or do you think of books as too long? I have NEVER thought of one of your books as too long. I am loathe to read too fast because the book will end too soon. But it is so good so can’t stop reading! I always think man I wish there were more words! I thought I was going to find out about that other plot twist. But now I’ll have to wait. Your writing is stellar. I never get tired. But that short was genius.
Yvonne says
Have you seen the Dragon Lore shawl patterns on Ravelry? Knitting, not crochet, but just the thing for either a chilly night flight on dragon back, or a tavern assignation. Look great in gradient yarn.
Torin says
Idk Ilona I think we embarrass ourselves way more with how often we beg for more books, teasers, sneak peeks!
Erika G says
I’m just happy to hear you’re happy writing this book because I know sometimes it’s a slog and the greedy for the words BDH are ravenous regardless.
Chachic says
Yaaasss to not having a word count limit! Give us all the scenes!!
SuperJD says
❤️
Marisha says
More is more. We love it!
Alex says
Yes! We love ALL of your Sweep scenes too! Write away with love & joy! I’m excited YOU’RE excited!
Sechat says
I have faith that you will be able to reread the first final draft and find whatever needs to be trimmed (maybe nothing!)
Zirraella says
Yes! More words, please! Give us all the words! 🙂
CM says
Nothing better than doing what you love the way you want to. All of the yarn is beautiful. Love Batwing. Just started crocheting again after several years. Helps with stress due to months of unemployment. Dragon belly looks flimsy to me because I’m using a basic repeating stitch by Bag-O-Day crochet on YouTube from her green square neck sweater. It’s Sc,Hdc into the same single then DC down into the previous rows SC then skip two, repeat. So beautiful with variegated and yarn changes. Using Loops&Threads value yarn (no $ for the nice stuff) gives it a solid almost armour density. Should soften after a good soaking. Happy crocheting.
Kylie in Australia says
yeah for bigger book 🙂
None says
Yes to long books YES YE SHES YESSSS
L says
I giggled at the latter part of this post. Thank you for that.
Mary says
Yes! More words/scenes! I only get a few lovely hours of reading your books and it’s never long enough.
Katie says
We too must self insure because we are small business owners. We found a good, if stupidly expensive insurance policy that was offered by our same providers but is “off marketplace.” Did you check to see if your insurance providers are completely out of the game, or if they are just leaving the marketplace?
Insurance is a wild wild west. Insurance in Texas is extra extra extra because, to quote/paraphrase Hidden Legacy, “Texas…” When we lived in Dripping Springs (just down the road a’piece from ya’all), we actually joined the cattle ranchers association because they had group insurance policies available (we had no ranch or cattle, just big dogs, but that was not a block to joining). This was many years ago, we have since changed states, and I’m sure the landscape has changed too, but it might be worth exploring. Best of luck and good will to you.
Every year when our insurance is due to renew we contemplate moving to Canada… When I win the lottery I’m going to reform healthcare in America. It is currently an illogical and and an impractical system.
Thank you for all the wonderfully distracting and mind expanding stories. Your words always engage and entertain.
Travis says
If Gordon has a high enough rating, or he finds a VA certified attorney to help him increase his rating or get TDIU (total disability due to individual unemployability), you two might be eligible for CHAMPVA. It is a good insurance program my daughter is on while she is going to college.
Beth Leffler says
We love your scenes, too – all of them. So, put in aaalll the scenes. Yay!!
Sharon Leahy says
I SO agree with you!!! Put ALL the scenes in!!! I am still appalled and amazed that the gorgeous, touching, magnificent scene of the meeting between Michael Latimer and his sister and the unveiling of the hell that her life had been, was determined to be “unnecessary” and cut. Agh!!!! I have read that scene so many times … sometimes I find myself thinking about it, and have to find it on the website and read it again. That is one seriously potent scene. So, I’m so glad you’re off the leash, and so looking forward to you putting all the scenes in !!!
Pollyanna Hopson says
For your boxy cardigan /sweater, I’m going to recommend the horizon cardigan from hobbi.com. I didn’t finish the sleeves the way it says to. Just got to the length I wanted and crocheted a straight half double edge. https://hobbii.com/horizon-cardigan
It’s a free pattern and works great with gradient yarn.
happy crafting.
Pollyanna
Lacey Pfeffer says
Make it as long as you want, the hoard will read it and reread it over, and over, and over. Can’t wait!
Richard Manning says
You can’t write a book that is too long. The only issue I have ever had with your work is writing a novel that is too short. I would be thrilled with a novel from the two of you that it took me a week to read (or more).
Mary Kate Birge says
Hooray! I love long, very long, House Andrews books!
Time to move to Massachusetts for good healthcare coverage. Yes, I am from Massachusetts and deeply biased against Texas weather and its present reigning political party.
Joy says
Leave in all the scenes!! Yay!
MMD says
Scenes are good. So are words!
Damietta says
There is No Such Thing as a bloated book.
There are only books that MAY have had unsupervised access to the Cranberry Sauce