ILONA ANDREWS

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author

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Life, Surprise Guests, and Stress

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Guests

Gordon: Hey, come outside. Bring the phone.

Me: ?

They hung out in the front yard for hours. We were fifteen feet away.

Stress

Posted with permission from Kid 1.

We are all a bit stressed out right now for certain reasons, and I walked into the kitchen to find Kid 1 particularly freaked out looking.

Me: ?

Kid 1: I had coffee in my favorite Frenchie mug half an hour ago. I left it on the table with some coffee in it, came back, and it’s gone. So I started looking for it, opened the dishwasher, and found it in there. It was clean and dry. The dishwasher takes three hours. So I stood there and thought, “Well, I took my anxiety medication last night, and it can technically cause hallucinations.”

Me, chuckling.

Kid 1: And then I looked in the sink, and apparently we have two Frenchie mugs and I must’ve put mine in the sink and forgot. I was so relieved, I can’t even explain it.

Knitting

I have knitted two 1/2 scarves and froged both of them, because I hated them. Knitting is a stress relief for me, so I desperately need a simple but not too simple pattern that would use approximately one skein of yarn and could be finished in reasonable manner while watching TV.

I’ve tried this scarf shawl thing called Clapo-Ktus, and nothing against it, I thought it was pretty, but it’s mostly purling. Somehow I must’ve developed uncontrollable rage against purling. We are to this point now. Purling makes me hurl. At some point, I threw it down, said “Fuck this,” and walked away. The dogs were scandalized.

TV

Watched a really touching documentary on Netflix about Walter Mercado. If you get a chance, it’s poignant and a little sad, but mostly it will make you feel loved.

Poll

The latest episode of Ryder is a bit cliffhangery. Do you want it today, knowing that the next one won’t come out until Tuesday at the earliest, or do you want it on Monday?

When do you want the next Ryder scene?

View Results

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Speaking of Ryder

Me: cough-cough-cough.

Gordon: Are you okay?

Me: Ryder is #44 on Kindle.

Gordon: Like 44 hundred?

Me: No, 44.

Gordon: Great, not only do we have to finish now but it also has to not suck.

Here is to not sucking.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. If the rest of Ryder is anywhere near what you’ve written so far it won’t suck. Loving it.

    • Please bring it on today! We moved into our new dream home one week ago after living in our starter home for 27 years. Was taking a lovely stroll through our new neighborhood and took a tumble. I slightly broke my ankle and spectacularly broke my arm near the elbow. They put in an impressive array of hardware yesterday to hold it together and the nerve block finally wore off. The pain meds aren’t quite doing the job – I need something to take my mind off my arm and all the unopened boxes!

  4. I adore you guys and I don’t even know you. Sending good vibes and happy thoughts your way. Whenever we get the next installment will be exactly when we need it.

  5. I noticed today that Blood Heir is #7 on the Kobo store trending list (#3 on pre-orders). Congratulations, and I’ve already pre-ordered. Easy buy for me since I’ve got a pretty good indication that I’ll enjoy the first few chapters of the final book 🙂

  6. You are always awesome!
    I chose to wait til Monday, that way there’s more to enjoy????

  8. You guys rock at not sucking! You are the super stars of not sucking! BTW did I mention you write really, really good stories as well…Imagine if it had a cover…Thank you for some funny real life stories as well. I can relate to all

  10. I mean you did post the pre-order links, what did you expect us to do, just ignore it and not buy your book? We are the book devouring horde for a reason

  11. Relax. There is no way Ryder will suck. Your writing is awesome. Thanks again for writing this whole we are stressed.

  12. No possible way the book can suck because it’s already so awesome. I’m 40. I’ve been devouring books in one sitting since I discovered Nancy Drew in 4th grade. I’ve never derived this much enjoyment from literature as the Ryder posts provide. Already pre-ordered. I hope this provides encouragement and not pressure.

  13. Yea… having read the first 9 chapters, it’s not going to suck. 🙂

    I’m right there with you, Kid 1. Either I’m crazy, or we have mischievous ghosts. Who knows? But that’s a great mug.

  14. I don’t usually preorder ANYTHING. I saw the post on FB about and IMMEDIATELY preordered it on amazon. I look forward to every new snipped every week. It already doesn’t suck. Every bit that comes out makes me more excited to get the next one.

    I hope you are enjoying your success 🙂

    • I don’t recall every pre-ordering a book, but I just went and pre-ordered Blood Heir. It’s now #1 in Amazon’s Romantic Fantasy. 🙂

      From what we’ve been privileged to see, House Andrews never sucks, although it may feel that way based on the high bar they set… The Ryder chapters have been wonderful. thank you, thank you, thank you.

  16. Nothing you write sucks! It’s all magnificient! Thank you for all the Ryder posts! Makes my day everytime I see a new part!

  17. Love you guys so much! And your senses of humor, sarcasm, fed-up-with-it-all-ness, everything! Thanks for being my favorite authors ever—and for sharing slices of your lives and the human bean experience! Wishing you peace and calm and relief from anxiety—and health for you and your loved ones!????????????

  18. On the knitting pattern, I checked it out in Ravelry. Could you simply swap the Ks and Ps and just consider the other side the right side (if you care)?

  20. I don’t miss Kate nearly as much since Ryder. Okay. I still miss her but I do enjoy it.

  21. Ummm…yes, we are the BDH…operative part being Horde.

    Ooh, look, link to purchase? Buy, buy, buy!

    I preordered mine within a couple of mins of seeing the post.

  23. The deer are beautiful, kid 1 is funny and the book definitely does not suck. <3

    Be well, thank you for the funnies this morning.

  24. You never suck. Have we not just how much we love ???? the author lord’s work. You write we will buy. Loved the deer. We have bunnies currently in our yard.

  25. That’s an awesome sight in your yard!

    We are all just excited about Ryder. Hopefully not too much pressure as what’s out already is so amazing!

    Honestly you could put a mystery book up with a pre-order that has a summary of: Something TBD and we would all run to buy it. Because your work is something we are confident to spend money on.

  26. I love cliffhangers! But I’m also the person who looks up spoilers for movies while watching them and will skip to the last few chapters of the book if it’s super good so I know how it ends.

    • Yes!!! I was traumatized by “Death in the Air” by A Christie in 5th grade and ever since have read the end of books first. So Ryder is killing me but I love it anyways.

  27. You two never suck.

    So, keep on keeping on.

    And know a chick in Delaware is chanting JULIE JULIE JULIE

  28. I voted for Monday but I also have no self control with your writing. So if its up Ill read it.
    You guys are awesome. Ilona I hope you find a pattern that works to help you relax. Reading is it for me and Ive taken to rereading your books, Maya Angelou’s poetry and really simple romances.

  29. Third option. Whenever you are happy with it. I knit continental and while purling isn’t fun, it is easier.

    • True that purling is easier in continental/German style knitting. I also loath purling so taught myself to knit backward. Works great and I no longer have the super tight purl row from holding the yard too tight because I HATE purling. It was fun to learn a new technique that made life easier. I found the directions in a knitting magazine but is probably on youtube. I can now knit or purl in the dark which comes in handy when you are sitting through middle school & high school music concerts.

      Love your books & your blog posts. Keep doing what makes you happy & functioning in this topsy turvy world.

  30. I hear it for easy knitting. I’ve had a shawl partially completed for weeks now. I just need to sit down and look at the lace pattern and do it. But it seems like a lot of work right now.

    Also, I empathize with Kid 1. I get it, Kid 1!

  32. Pre-ordered and waiting patiently. Love the snippets so far, it’s becoming an amazing book????????

  33. Thank you for the laugh! 🙂

    I do not think it is going to suck at all! Here is to less stress, more knitting and excellent TV to watch:)

  35. I can totally understand getting cranky over a stress relief project. It’s why I have 4 different crocheting projects scattered across home/car/work and a couple face masks 70% done. Also…yeah, don’t think it’s possible that Ryder would suck, seeing as to how awesome it already is. Just sayin’.

  36. Ah the joys of being alive. At the moment I am refereeing my granddaughters and waiting to go to the Dentist. Life is ….interesting. I am sure that Ryder will live up to your standards. I can hardly read now and it is driving me nuts. This is a rough time in our world and your stories help to get through. Thank you

  37. Aaahhh yes. Knitting. Bought pretty yarn on line forget to look at weight. Got it too soft light for planned project. Started simple scarf. Messed up for solid 3 4 inches. Decided to keep it anyway. Decided not to keep it anyway. Frog entire mess or just cut it off and toss it start over. Me? Nah I’m just fine. Sigh.

  38. I don’t wanna put any pressure on you guys, but I am sure (based on statistical evidence) that nothing you write will be even in the vicinity of sucking 🙂 and the first half of Ryder (I actually don’t know how long it’s going to be, so this is a guesstimate at best) is glorious already, so even if you would deliver zilch for the second half it still would result in an average of okay and not sucking, so no worries!
    Have a great weekend,

  39. Please tell Kid #1 not to worry. I can’t tell you how many times I have walked into the kitchen to refill my coffee up – and can’t find the coffee carafe! Usually, it’s in the refrigerator. Once in a while the pantry. One time I found it setting on top of the washing machine in the laundry room. Apparently, when my mind is overly occupied, I set the coffee carafe down any damn where!!

    • Once I was going home by car and halfway I started to panic that I left my car keys. It took me some time before I realized that if I was going by car, I had to have the keys with me.

  41. #44?
    Nope.

    #1 ! ????

    Guilty for pre-ordering. ????
    Sorry for the pressure it makes you feel. If the book turns out only half as good as the posted chapters, it will still be absolutely awesome. Sending love to House Andrews. Hope your issues you are dealing with are solved soon. Hugs from Germany.

  43. have not pre ordered but i will buy it or maybe pre order, i normally don’t pre order anything but i did it for Emerald blaze so who knows. so you know with many people like me it could be number 22 or 11 or … 🙂

    definitely want the next bit today – woke up this morning (Germany) thinking hmm will i have some Ryder to read before going to bed tonight, really hope so”

    I also just put the auto response on my e mail and i am now officially on holiday till 3rd of Aug so nothing better to start that then a new bit of Ryder.
    Much love – A

  44. Of course I pre-ordered Ryder. If you write a thing I will give you money. If you start writing a thing I will gladly give you money. If you say you are writing a thing, YES YES YES, I will happily give you money.
    So yes write the thing. Please.

  45. Yey!!! you couldn’t suck even if you tried the BDH would literally buy your shopping lists and have endless debates about the plot of said lists.

    We would even buy your scandalous scarfs.

    Much love as always from Oxfordshire England xx

  46. 1) You are unable to suck. You do not suck even if you think you do. 😉 (Maud!)

    2) I voted for the cliffhanger. I am a bit afraid, though. ALL your chapter endings feel more or less cliffhanger-ish to me… so if the next one warrants a warning, we will probably tumble screaming into the abyss! 😉

  47. I know it’s easier said than done, but you know Ryder isn’t going to suck right? You guys already have posted somewhere between 30-50% of it and every bit of feedback I have seen has been good. It is at 44 because you are amazing writers and the BDH wants to own every scrap of writing you produce. Just think about it. You are releasing this story for free on your blog and people were still demanding they be able to pre-order it. Ryder will be amazing because you guys are really, really, really, REALLY good at your job. Stress and self doubt are inevitable, but maybe some of our comments help keep it at bay.

    Thanks for the deer, the amusing story, and wishing you good luck with finding the wanted knitting project!

  49. It isn’t going to suck because you are great writers.

    If you don’t feel like posting Ryder, how about some Roman? Just a thought if you are in the mood to change lanes.

    Stay safe.

    • I agree. As much as it pains me to say it… if either of you reach stress about Ryder, I hope you treat it the same way as you have your knitting. Set it aside, work on something else, stop posting it online, or ::cringe:: frog it altogether. We’ll howl, b/c Ryder to date is awesome, and we’re *always* invested in your stories, but you owe us absolutely nothing. Ever. What you’ve already given us is a lifetime of excellence.

      That said, you know we’ll love it, whether you think it’s perfect, good, bad, or sucky. Right?

  50. Thanks so much for sharing Ryder with us, and for giving us options about cliffhangers or no. Who does that? Nobody does nice things like that. Except you!

  52. Remember how you completely broke us with that one nuclear snippet a week or so ago? Yeah, it will most certainly not suck.
    Hope only good news for you from now on!

  54. I just preordered – yay! January seems like a millenium away . . . .

    And I’m showing that this fabulous book is # 1 (Romantic Fantasy) and #2 (Paranormal Fantasy and Fantasy Romance) on Amazon!

  55. When I pre-ordered Ryder (midnight Eastern Time), it was at #21. Also, #1 in Romantic Fantasy and #2 in both Fantasy & Futuristic Romance AND Paranormal Romance.

  56. What is a group of deers called? That is so awesome they got Rohan’s out with you guys. If that was me I would of pulled up a chair grabbed a chair and just watched them. Screw working.
    Thank you for sharing as alwaya

  57. You guys are the best! I hope you find some effective stress relief soon. Please share if so. I couldn’t even get through a book by one of my favorite mystery writers yesterday, and had to switch to something lighter.

    Mine is walking the dog in the woods. I see your deer and raise you a spotted fawn napping under a swing set this morning. Weather can be a problem sometimes, which is why we were out early today.

    Nothing you write sucks. You guys don’t let it out of your sight if it does. Thanks for all the work you put into it.

  58. Not to put you under pressure or anything ;), but on Amazon Germany Ryder is

    #484 in paid ebooks
    #002 in foreign languages romance
    #001 in romantic fantasy
    #001 in foreign languages Fantasy & Science fiction

    Per your recommendation I watched “The Romance of Tiger and Rose”. It was so good! Unfortunately the hero has no other similar series (just one, but there he is kind of a villain), so I am a bit disappointed.

    I also have reread Iron and Magic for the sixth time now.

  59. I would rather read Ryder now and be in agony than not read it now. 🙂 Thanks for writing!

  60. Ryder is #1 in Fantasy & SciFi here in Germany- and there is no way it’ll be anything less than amazing!

    Have a lovely weekend and looking forward to that cliffhanger (bracing myself now).

  62. It won’t suck. I love everything of yours I have read. So much so that I recommended you to my best friend. I had her start with the Innkeeper series And not shockingly at all, she also loves everything you have written. And hates me a little for blowing her book budget for the next two months.

  64. Thanks for the heads up. Just pre-ordered. I love everything you do so I’m very sure Ryder will not suck. Sending positive thoughts to the universe to support you!!!

  65. What a Sophie’s choice of polls, lol. I mean I want it now but then I know that I will be on the cliff til Tues. I like when life choices are this tough 😛

  67. I knitted a cowl last season. Big chunky yarn and was going to recommend it because it’s a super easy pattern that you can do without thinking…it’s a simple seed stitch (knit 1, purl 1) in the round. But if you hate purling that much, maybe go with something else. 😀

  68. You guys never suck. I’m sorry you hate pearling. Glad you have an extra Frenchie mug. Those are always happy surprises. I send you shi tzu hugs from my fur baby to yours. Thank you for your writing.

  69. When I was a kid in Chicago there was a place called “Deer Forest,” basically a petting zoo. Your yard looks a lot like what I remember Deer Forest looking like.

    At the beginning of the pandemic, Morehouse Farm, one of my favorite purveyors yarn, was giving away patterns, one of which was this very easy, but interesting scarf pattern. https://www.morehousefarm.com/product/net-scarf-pattern/ It is garter stitch on big needles and is knit on the diagonal. It got me through the early days of COVID-19 when I couldn’t seem to knit anything else.

  72. Reading Ryder is honestly the best thing in my life right now.
    I thought I’d be waiting years for Julie’s book so it feels like such a treat to be reading these instalments.

  73. I made a pre-order today.

    Amazon Bestseller-Rang: #484 Bezahlt in Kindle-Shop (Siehe Top 100 Bezahlt in Kindle-Shop)
    Nr. 2 in Fremdsprachige Liebesromane (Love Stories)
    Nr. 1 in Romantische Fantasy-Romane (englischsprachig)
    Nr. 1 in Fremdsprachige Fantasy & Science Fiction

    First day available on Amazon Germany?

    I loved Chapter 9 Part 3.

    Ingrid / Germany

    • Yeah, just to add to the “no pressure but we love you” feeling, I just pre-ordered here on amazon.co.uk and I hate to say it but it’s definitely climbing the charts. . .

      Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #250 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

      #4 in Urban Fantasy
      #2 in Fantasy Romance (Kindle Store)
      #4 in Fantasy Romance (Books)

  75. You guys would have to REALLY TRY HARD to even remotely suck! You’re the top of my list for things to read. My life right now is a venture down a black hole, so I got a needed giggle about Kid 1 and the Frenchie coffee mug.

  76. For what it is worth, I pre ordered because I feel like I’ve already gotten my $6 worth of entertainment and sanity-saving out of it, and I feel that you all deserve the tangible support for the support you have given us. Even if you didn’t finish and just posted what is there now, I wouldn’t feel cheated (I’d perish from suspense, but I wouldn’t feel cheated). Thank you for writing Ryder for us in these hard times!

  78. Bring on the cliffhangery pain, and “Here is to not sucking” perfectly expresses my hopes for 2021. Your books will always be on the non-sucking side of any year.

  79. Wow, they’re really near you !! They don’t seem afraid, not even very wary… they’re beautiful animals…
    Love the sleeping pup in the background. Dogs are precious…
    I just watched the last Hope for paws video, and I need as much happy dog’s pictures as possible…
    Kid 1 made me laugh. It freaks me out too when things like that happen lol

  80. I have “I’m not insane – I’m so relieved” moments all the time – #kindredsouls with Kid 1. Also, hey, the internet at large (and the world..) may not be a safe space, but I kind of feel like your blog is (for me, anyway). No matter what you guys do, good people will love it. You guys are in the business of putting out good juju into the universe. That comes back, and the universe appreciates it.

    Also… where did you guys get those mugs? I kind of want one for my somewhat evil Cardigan corgi.. Nah, he’s a good one. Sometimes.

  81. You guys are so much to hang out with, virtually!

    I get the pleasure of getting my truck repaired… And now it costs $150 more than before because no one knew this certain part underneath was broken…

    ????

    At least I get to enjoy your wonderful writing and the stories that take us away from reality for a few moments.

    Thank you!

  82. Pretty sure we all have 100% faith that whatever you write will not suck. 😉 Thank you for making this crazy time a little more bearable. <3

  84. Here’s to NOT sucking! LOL. I’m sure it’ll turn out fine. I already pre ordered mine, so no pressure. 😉
    I actually forgot about it for a while, until i saw a recdnt post about it, sonI got to whiz through 2 whole chapters. It was fun.

  85. Like I said, Ryder will be an incredible book. I look forward to seeing it hit in the top 10 and staying there for weeks. I don’t think you two could put out a book that sucks any more. I have read everything you guys have published and have yet to find a book that sucks. Beware the brown Toyota and buy your lottery tickets on Mondays. Good luck and stay safe.

  86. I think every snippet has a cliffhanger ???? and I always can’t wait for the next part.

    I understand exactly how Kid 1 felt.
    Things like that happen to me all the time. I have two little kids and do often more than one thing at the same time and than simply forget what I’ve done. Last week I was 100% sure there is someone in my living room. I was so scared but than I found the vacuum robotic cleaner doing its work.

  87. the Walter Mercado documentary was so lovely, I teared up so many times. I have such fond memories of watching his predictions in the 80s and 90s with mom

  88. Ryder so does not suck. I preordered. Your books, stories, and blog entries have given me refuge during the last 5 months. I am deeply grateful.

  89. Please tell kid 1 that the slight, inexplicable oddities that have been occurring like disappearing/reappearing coffee cups and things like a shawl I started that was only about a foot long and next morning was half done (I live alone) are just the Universe’s way of letting us know there are still some surprises to be had! Not to worry. For knitting you might look online for Terry, In The Loop Knitting. It’s free and she assembles these lists of knitting projects, collected by type. Most are free of listed if cost. So you can look up a project you have in mind and she has multiple choices tons available. BTW she did dog sweaters once if I remember. Sends out an email now and then with collections of four different types of orojects. Nice

  94. Love you guys!!! I was torn between today and Monday due to the cliffhanger and I decided to be a good girl and pressed Monday, but when I saw the results of the poll I was happy, go figure! 😛
    Have you tried adult coloring books? They say it’s good for stress relief.

  95. Hasn’t sucked so far. Though I’ve been on similar emotional roller coasters and have had to work hard to not start bawling at a couple of points.

    I am planning to buy it as soon as it pops up for pre-order.

  96. Thank you for the deer. I am too urban to get them, though we do get bunnies from the unimproved block across the street. We also get coyotes chasing the bunnies and getting into the trash…

    I’m working on a lovely little knitted lace scarf, but it’s stockinette stitch, which means you’d have to purl every other row, so I guess it’s out. (Only 22 stitches across, 4 row repeat, 1 skein. If my hands were in better shape, I’d have finished it in no time.)

    I am also guilty of preordering as soon as I finished reading the previous post – but I refuse to *feel* guilty about it.
    Live with it, Sweetie, you have 30K readers for this blog. None of us are here because we hate your books. You’re going to get a response when you let us in on things.

    Moreover, your books NEVER suck. You can get over that worry right now. (You won’t, but you could.) You two are incapable of writing a bad book. And, you are picky, so we only get amazingly good books and the merely good books never make it.
    Thank you. You guys rock!

  97. Two comments: 1) not finishing Ryder was never really an option… right? And 2) you are #44 because you never suck and the BDH loves you.

  98. I love your blog. So honest and refreshing and thank u for sharing some of your life with us!
    My husband who is a ranger and cw historian loves your works. It was so nice to see him start things other than straight history, though he has always loved science fiction and fantasy but had not read too many books of the genre for a while so it’s been a good fit!
    He is wanting to read the KD series again and he has almost finished most of your other series to present, except the Edge and I think he is going to start the Kinsmen .
    He loves the Clean Sweep series especially and I of course love everything y’all do!
    He refuses to read Ryder yet. He is so excited Julie has a book and what might happen with Dereck and Ascanio but says he has to wait on the book!
    Y’all take care and thank u for helping make our lives a bit lighter, especially at mo!

  99. Thank you love all the entertainment and keeping it real. Your post make all the chaos easier to cope with.

    Hope you find something to knit

    Pattern ideas
    Close To You by Justyna Lorkowska

    One Skein Wonder by Amanda Kremer

    One Row Handspun Scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

    Nurmilintu by Heidi Alander (this one says no a single purl stitch)

  100. I quit knitting, started quilting. I also gave up on trying to be a triathlete again and started lifting weights, first actual fitness progress in 2yrs. My vote is to quit knitting and find something better for you now 🙂

    Every snippet is like a treat! This story is great. I’m just excited there will be 2 by next Tuesday! Knowing the resolution is so close will make the cliffhanger not so bad.

  102. Have you considered “Close to You” by Lete’s Knits on Ravelry? Garter stitch with a wee bit of lace, adjustable size.

    Hugs to you and your family! I can’t express how much pleasure your writing has given me.

  107. Do as you please, as long as you are safe-

    I have been watching the news-
    Hoping and wishing for all that this nightmares will soon be over…

    Thanks for every word you write-its a nice distraktion from reality????:-)

    Stay healthy evrybody!

  108. You should really try to knit a Norwegian sweater. My future mother in law knitted me a Marius sweater and I just conned her into making me a bunch of new ones for my birthday. The patterns are really cool. Look for the norwegian/icelandinc ones as well. I guess that you guys don’t really need them with the warm climate but still, you never know.

  109. Cough, cough
    At 9:51 Pacific time Ryder is
    Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

    #2 in Fantasy & Futuristic Romance
    #1 in Romantic Fantasy (Books)
    #2 in Paranormal Romance (Books)
    Cough, cough.

    Congratulations!

  112. History has established that everything you write is fabulous! Plus, as many have pointed out, you’ve already given us the first 9 chapters and this book is phenomenal. Please don’t take our enthusiasm as pressure, but merely as affirmation that you are once again writing something that will be loved and adored by us, regardless of any flaws that you might see in it. (I was so surprised to discover you almost didn’t publish Sweep of the Blade, and so happy that we got to read it!) There is something so special about the stories you create–few other authors even come close. So as long as it’s you two writing it, you can be confident that it will be beloved 🙂 Thank you for the gift of Ryder–I’m SO grateful you agreed to turn it into a full book!!!

  113. I don’t think anything you all do sucks, being 44 just shows you how much we love your characters and writing! LMAO about the mug, been there, done that.

  115. You should expect this of your fans by now. We’re nothing if not dedicated, LOL. And of course it won’t suck, it’s already amazing! <3

  116. I’m one of the many who contributed to that 44. I ordered it yesterday. I’m willing to bet that number will go much, much (lower?) as more people become aware it’s for pre order. ❤️

  117. “The dogs were scandalized.”

    You are truly a gifted comedian! ????????

    True story involving deer:
    Many years ago, my family and my friend’s family went to a small local amusement park that had a walk-in pen where you could feed tame deer. Our group of four adults and six kids trooped into the pen. My friend’s two year old brother stood up in his stroller, grinned in excitement, threw out his arms and bellowed “DOGS!!” at the top of his lungs. The deer fled to the far corner of the pen and would not come back, despite food bribes from the animal handlers. Cue crying from the kids who all had the deer feed mix in their hands and now couldn’t feed the deer. Twenty some deer condensed into the space of a freight elevator. My friend’s mom had to take her brother out of the deer pen, so the other kids and the deer could calm down.
    We went to have lunch and ride on some rides. And did NOT go back into the deer pen….

  118. Sorry about your stress. Hope it gets better. Just wanted to thank you both as your books have been such a comfort to me during these crazy times.

  119. Despite how you might feel about i, I don’t think you two could write something that sucked if you tried. 🙂 Besides, its at #19 now.

  121. It’s not intended as pressure, because we totally love it already! Thank you for being amazing at your jobs, and caring about us, too.

    PS: you do realize that we devour ALL of you things you write, right? I’ve even read parts of your “coming to America” post to my kids!

  124. Here’s to not sucking.

    Heh. House Andrews could publish a grocery list and it would not suck.

    And yes, I already pre-ordered.

  125. Just pre-ordered from Amazon and it’s #5 in Science Fiction and Fantasy. I love the early chapters whenever they are ready, edited or not. They are one of the few enjoyable and entertaining things I look forward to escaping the madness. With this crazy pandemic wreaking havoc around the world, Blood Heir’s publishing date on January 12, 2021, seems light-years away and much too long to wait. Thank You and Stay Safe!!

  126. I’ll just need to deal with the suspense. And, I know how Child #1 feels, and I’m living in a 35’ RV!

  127. B&N has it listed as “Bestseller”, I did the same as everyone else pre-ordered it right after you posted. Sales rank #3. BDH strikes again 🙂

  128. Wait a second. I just spent 10 minutes on Amazon searching Ilona Andrews, Ryder, in the Kindle category, on Amazon overall…and no Ryder.

    Wonder if I’m doing something wrong?!?!?

  130. Oh, the joys of frogging… Last night I had to frog half a shawl I was crocheting. I had missed a row and then the puffs were showing up on the wrong side and I did not notice until I was nearly finished. Epic fail.

    Ryder definitely does not suck. You guys are brilliant and we are super grateful for your work.

  132. For as fabulous as Ryder is, please don’t let us pressure you into publishing before you’re satisfied with it. It’d be devastating for both you and us, your devoted BDH, if you rushed it because we all demanded it before you’re ready. We want you to live your work as much as we do. ☺️

  134. With the high standards you two hold yourselves to, I don’t know how it can suck. Thanks for the posts, they make my day!

  135. Thank you for the post, Ilona Andrews. We are presently listening to rain pound roof in our 20% chance of scattered showers. We needed rain so it’s okay just funny.

    Glad to hear Ryder is doing so well. You and Gordon have not yet mucked up so “Don’t Worry Be Happy”.

    I feel for kid 1… at least she had a medical possible reason, mine was just plain old forgetting. Well I could blame the dog or the cat . Grin

  138. At 44 with pre-orders and it wasn’t even supposed to be a book. At least not now, right? This is why some people call you Author Lords. I pre-ordered and I’m excited. 😉

  140. It is truly your fault for putting up the pre-order. LOL! I have total faith in you both that it won’t suck!

  141. I’m onto your devilish plan (and it’s working)!

    I stopped buying books years ago (stuck to borrowing from the library) because I ran out of space *for* bookcases and space *in* the bookcases. I eventually gave away and sold over 1500 books (I will not admit to how many 1000s I have left) and gave some bookcases to my adult children.

    Because of “Blood Heir”, I am now buying all of the Kate Daniels books … it’s all your fault! 🙂

    Love you both!

    • Just checked Amazon:
      (Blood Heir) Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
      #19 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
      #2 in Fantasy & Futuristic Romance
      #1 in Romantic Fantasy (Books)
      #2 in Paranormal Romance (Books)

  143. I saw when I preordered yesterday that you were #1 on Amazon in Romantic Fantasy, which did not surprise me at all. The Book Devouring Horde loves House Andrews. It already doesn’t suck (in fact is amazing, as I’m sure all of the other comments also say), and I know it will be polished even better for the official release.

  144. Ryder couldn’t suck if you tried! I actually squee’d out loud this morning when I found out I could pre-order!!!

  145. Oh thank god, I am not alone. Kid 1 and I are there, in the zone of “Tha k god it’s not an hallucination! ” I swear I can’t keep it straight some days.

    I was planning for the school year but then I found we were going back in person, full time. I… just CAN’T. I stopped planning and started drinking. I’ll try again on Monday.

  146. Ilona and Gordon,
    Unfortunately, you’ve now moved up to #19 on the Amazon bestsellers list. Lucky me, I just preordered the new Ryder book!

    Please keep writing!

  147. I made this shawl pattern and it is really great for TV knitting. It is mostly garter stitch (yay not purling) except a small lace column (~ 16 stitches) to keep it interesting.
    https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zoe-washburne

    This shawl is all garter until the end that has a pretty cabled border that is knit perpendicular to the edge. That might be a lot, but it is also pretty.
    https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/french-cancan

    This shawl is two skeins of DK weight, but it is almost entirely knitting. The catch is that it is also a bunch of short rows to get the the shaping and has some holes for styling. The written instructions are a bit sparse, but the chart makes it really easy and fast.
    https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pfeilraupe

    Here is another shawl that is mostly garter with some small interesting detail sections, but it uses 4 mini skeins.
    https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hometown-comfort-mkal

    You could also make a cowl or a hat because working in the round requires less purling.

    I have made all of these. You can look me up/add me on ravelry. ShortLong524

    I hope these help! Knitting has been my solace during quarantine as well. While working from home I can knit during my meetings because I don’t have video meetings.

  149. You do live in Texas so I’m not surprised you have venison delivery.

    And just to put more pressure on let me go preorder Ryder.

  151. I love your wit and humor! I am putting of Ryder as I want to read it one go. I had had a hard time concentrating on anything for any length of time, but I can read and reread your books and feel some escape from this so called new existence. Thanks for lifting my spirits.

  152. #1 in romantic fantasy on Amazon when I pre ordered….And Ijust hooked my step daughter on the series…

  153. Are you kidding??? Of course I must have it ASAP. Not pressuring you guys or anything but you made my day????

  154. I feel you on the purling, it’s so annoying! How about Boom! by Playing with Fibre? Or something done in the round? Like Escarpment Cowl or Muji Painting? I like in the round much more than the back and forth of a scarf.

  156. Baby hats are my gold standard for stress relief knitting.
    .
    1. Size is dealer’s choice. ‘Baby’ can be infant to six year old.
    2. Circular needles make knitting in the round painless and virtually brainless.
    3. If you can cast-on and decrease, you’re golden.
    4. if you get bored, change colors or fool around with a fair-isle pattern.
    5. They are over fast. More like ‘let’s get coffee’ than ‘let’s get married’. If you loved it, start another one. If you hated it, move on.
    6. Babies never complain about the fit or the color.

  159. It doesn’t suck to me. I bought the preorder just to show support for the in process posting I enjoy so much. Maybe some folks agree with me

  160. Nothing y’all do is sucky! Love these peeks into your lives. Thank you for making me laugh!

  161. Cliff hanger stress me & I have too much of that in my life at the moment, so really appreciate the heads-up. I’ll wait until next part is posted. Won’t be easy cause I love it.

  162. There are several one-row scarf patterns out there that are decent looking, and good for stress free knitting. Stephanie Pearl-mcPhee’s is perhaps the best known, but there is a small amount of purling. Not bad at all, as I am with you on the purling. I do it two methods and still hate it. There are plenty of one row patterns with no purl as well.

    Cartridge Belt Rib pattern is great for scarves, and it’s reversible. Also good for guys.
    Mult 4+3
    R1: k3, *sl 1 wyif, k3; rep from *
    R2: k1, *sl 1 wyif, k3, rep from *, end sl 1, k1.

    SP-M’s:
    Mult 4+2
    *k2, k1 tbl, p1; end k2.

    I can list out many one row patterns if you’re interested.

  164. You are one of the few authors I read that I’ve loved 100% of everything you’ve written. I’m absolutely sure Blood Heir will not suck.

  165. Hey, how about throwing all your hated, partial projects into a box and offering it up sight unseen to the BDH as an auction or raffle (or something easy to set up) for charity?

  166. I love pre-orders. I order it and it am surprised when it shows up.

    Your stuff never sucks. Sometimes it is not quite your best work, but, it does not suck.

    Since I have all of your books in kindle and am giving a daughter in law physical copies, I can truly say the books are very good.

  167. 🙂 Thanks for being wonderful! This made me smile so much from so many things. Thanks also to Kid 1 for sharing — I hear you, I’ve been there.

  168. Life is kicking my ass so I haven’t been able to comment much but please know that your updates are keeping me going. Even if it does suck at some point, I will read it and feel thankful. Too tired to say more but I hope you understand I’m grateful anyway.

  169. Deer has tiks☠️☠️☠️
    Look In dogs fur????????????????????????????????????‍????
    Love yous books????????
    ❤️❤️❤️

  170. Take a deep breath and know that we, the BDH, all believe that…
    You gyus rock!
    House Andrews FTW!

    Sorry we added to your stress
    !⑈ˆ~ˆ!⑈

  172. That is a crazy amount of deer! That’s always fun to see. 🙂

    Also, Ryder is now #19. I’m not worried though. You guys never disappoint.

  173. Since I am used to beta reading for Jim Butcher, I get cliff hangers like most people get emails. But that doesn’t mean I want them from all my authors! Oh well, I can see I’m in the minority. And I can’t help myself. If it’s there, I must read it. Dang it.

    Love the deer, they must have all heard about you guys and wanted to come check you out!

    Tell Kid1 that she had a happy ending. When stuff like that happens to me, I can never figure it out. There would only have been one cup.

  174. 2:37 central time 7/17/2020
    Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
    #2 in Fantasy Romance (Books)
    #1 in Romantic Fantasy (Books)
    #2 in Paranormal Romance (Books)

  175. Re: Poll – Can I say, whatever is lower stress for you guys? Ryder posts are wonderful(heck the first Ryder snippet was a surprise to me, and I feel like it’s some sort of magical gift that you guys are able to/want to keep working that project) , and are always a treat. The snapshot into a little bit of author life from your blog is fascinating. Wishing ya’ll well wishes and hopefully reduction in stress levels as soon as possible!

    • Yup, that was confirmed already, but because it will be Print On Demand, it can’t be pre-ordered. So that will be available for order on the release date 🙂

  177. I couldn’t vote since I was doing a lot of calculation validations at work today. Whatever you do is whatever you do. 😀

    As a biostatistician the probability (or chance) of Ryder/Blood Heir sucking is less than 0.0001 which is highly significant (at a significance level of 0.05). So, the conclusion is your book, which you post chapters on the blog for us greedy readers, will not suck. It’s that simple.

    By the way Luther would agree with me. 😉

  178. I have a clap o Kati’s scarf stuck in limbo on some needles. I like how easy the pattern is but don’t like purling either

  179. Well you sure have climbed the charts this morning. You have never written a book that sucked. I am an old fan, not a Jane come lately. I’ve read and re-read EVERYTHING you’ve written many times. I fell deeply in love with the children-Julie, Jack, George and Sophie, the Baylors and Helen. All that is to say, take your time. Write when you can. This is such a difficult time for the whole world. You bring so much joy. But, you are not responsible for the joy of your readers. Take the pressure off. Breathe. Enjoy the deer. We appreciate you. We will wait. Thank you so much.

  180. Lol! You guys are really, really good at “not sucking.”

    Just curious, does it make it easier or harder to write when you know we gleefully have faith that y’all create good stuff?

  181. It’s only 44? No way! Got to go tell my friends to pre-order too????Thank u for all your hard work ????

  182. YOU COULD NEVER SUCK!!

    ALL HAIL THE AUTHORLORDS!!

    Just saying, if you need some assassin priests of your own . . . I would not volunteer. We need your creative brains untouched by divinity. Y’all are amazing.

  186. Also, ditto to those who said ignore us, you have fun. We’re game to just come along and watch you play.

  188. I mean, for what it’s worth, I can already tell you that it 1000% does NOT suck!

  189. In the German Kindle shop Blood Heir is Bestseller Nr. 1 today in non-german fiction and science-fiction. 🙂

  191. Mucho Mucho Mucho Amour!!!!!!

    I had vague recollections of Walter from when I was younger mostly because we would watch Tele Novella to practice understanding Spanish. I especially appreciated when Walter crossed over and was on Sally (ugh I am old). He never did have a bad word. May the Lady hold him close.

  196. There is a reason Blood Heir is 44. It is nowhere near sucking!! I am loving it!! And only very slightly but not really regretting reading the next bit knowing we have to wait for the next bit 😉

    Dear Kid 1. I feel you!! The joys of anxiety meds and losing time due to stress.

    Hope you’re all hanging in there and stuff gets sorted or calms down again soon.

  197. +1 on the sudden distaste for purling. Something else for me today but oh man, I need to walk a little more to get out some of this angst. Perhaps increase my quantity of kitten videos and cat beauty objectification.

  198. I preordered as soon as I could!
    And my interest was piqued at the description of Book 1…. does this mean we will get more of the awesome Julie??
    No pressure lol! The Kate Daniels world is my favourite!

  199. Man now I have to wait 4 hours until I’m off work so I can lock myself in a room, turn off all sounds and distractions, and sit down to absorb itlike it’s meant to be. Worth it.

    On the positive note, my foster mama cat just came back from the clinic nice and spayed, no more street kitties from her!

  200. I’ve read everything you’ve written that’s available… Can you even write sucky?
    Also… YAY!! 44! (Also, can’t wait…)

  201. Ryder won’t suck! I have absolute confidence! And I love that J/A now has someone there to confide in, even if they are playing for different teams.

    Glad the hallucinations were just a figment of Kid 1’s imagination.

    What lovely visitors (assuming you hadn’t planted and weren’t fond of whatever they were grazing on…

  202. I have more stressful news. I just bought it and as of 5:01 pm CT the book is #13 Paid in Kindle Store as well as #1 in three other categories: Fantasy & Futuristic Romance; Paranormal Romance (books); and also Romantic Fantasy (Books).

    Happy writing!

  204. I guess it’s natural to feel worried about not being good enough, but truely, the quality of your writing is so good, I’m getting so that nothing else measures up.
    Just please take good care of yourselves and dont push so hard that you start hating it!

  205. It appears most of us are not into delayed gratification. What is striking is that there are actually people who can wait. They are like Zen masters. Also, I always enjoy your cute/funny/insightful blog updates. Today your blog had me smile-chuckling. And to top it off we get a Ryder chapter! It really does not suck. Well done Andrews Fam!

  206. No longer 44

    Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store) #1 in Fantasy & Futuristic Romance
    #1 in Paranormal Romance (Books)
    #1 in Romantic Fantasy (Books)

  208. Out of all the things you listed, I can only keep picturing the scandalized dogs. Thank you for the comic relief.

  209. Hey Gordon…none of your books ever suck…I don’t think it could possibly happen! Just for the record…I love Julie’s new story and wait with baited breath for each new installment. But I’m missing Dina something fierce…..WHAT?!? You can’t write and publish 6 books simultaneously and raise kids, deal with household stuff, survive covid, etc. etc. etc. How disappointing to know you’re just human.

  210. just pre ordered! PS go on Ravelry and have a look at their free patterns, sure you will find something to knit.

  212. Those french bulldog mugs are cute! Where did they come from? Do they offer other breeds? ????

  213. Number 16 romance and 17 science fiction in Australia – smaller market I guess.
    It won’t suck, it can’t suck because it doesn’t suck now.
    No bunnies or deer here, thankfully, they are both considered destructive feral pests. Lots of birds, ringneck parrots, magpies, blue wrens, red capped parrots at home and the occasional brush tailed wallaby and grey kangaroos out at my workplace.

    • Please delete this, I was halfway through removing my last name when it posted. Thanks!!

  216. For the Clapotis, you can purl on right side and knit on wrong instead of using stitch markers. Might make it more bearable?

    It’s one of my most worn knitted items, been on heavy rotation for 9 months out of the year for over 10 years (I do live in a cold part of Canada, not sure you’d get that kind of wear where you are).

  217. Re: the knitting

    A friend pointed me to you post and so I have to ask, not knowing your knitting history, if you use Ravelry? The site can help you find a pattern for your 1 skein of yarn – I’m happy to help. (Note that Rav is currently under fir for not responding quickly to people who have seizures triggered by animated gifs so … yeah. Also firmly support BLM and that knotting can be a vehicle for social change).

    And that pattern is the Clapotis – French for the sound of waves hitting the shore – and it’s deceptively simple, half knit, half purl. I also despise purling and will do al lot to avoid it!

  218. Are we getting all of Ryder/Blood Heir in the blog? Is this a novella before another bigger novel? I don’t follow Innkeeper (I avidly devour everything else though), so I’m a little confused.

    • You’re going to get most of Ryder on the blog. We didn’t plan for this book or for this format. We did in response to COVID, because some people read us as an escape and our job is to entertain, especially in a time like this.

      Ryder will be a novel, about the size of IRON AND MAGIC.

  219. I pre-ordered because I support yooooooou guys. And because you weren’t going to do a Julie, but you listened to our longings, and you’re doing a Julie. I’m so happy.

  220. This is a positive example of instant karma; you give the BDH a ‘pick-me-up-bouquet-of-Ryder-chapters’ and the universe gives you a pre-publication book debut at # 44 on Kindle. I’m very happy for you!

  222. mucho Mucho Amor. The film on Walter Mercado was great but bittersweet. We need more unconditional love and positive thinking.

  223. I honestly don’t think you two could write a sucky book even if you were actively trying to, at this point. You’re masters at your craft. It’d be like a pro hockey player forgetting how to skate or something.

    That’s not to say it isn’t still a hell of a lot of work, but just that it’d be pretty hard to make rookie mistakes. I tell myself that this is the compensation for getting older and more experienced: you stop making rookie mistakes in favor of exciting brand new mistakes, because life just likes to be a pain in the a@@ that way.

  224. I hated Clapotis. IMO. How a about Decay? Well, darn, no longer free. What about Close To You? Pleasant knitting.

  226. I will add a bit to your stress if Ryder is Blood Heir, it’s now #1 in paranormal romance. Congrats

  227. Guilty pre-orderer here! ???? Not to add to your stress but I think it’s actually moved up and is ranked 16 right now.

  228. PBS masters series- Mae West. Incredibly interesting. Learned so much. She’s nothing I Believed. Great woman

  230. Congratulations on #44 in Kindle. I preordered from BN and I hope you go even higher. It won’t suck as it rocks so far. Also nothing you guys write sucks. I can attest to that. I have read it all. I hope your stress issues clear up positively.

  231. Loved your survey. What’s that phrase … delayed gratification, not ????????

    I know we’re all feeling stressed and anxious and weepy and grumpy and angry and all the other feelings too.

    All we can do is make the best decisions we can at the time, admit mistakes and try to rectify wrong decisions where necessary give ourselves credit when we get things right, lean on, and value friends and family and know with certainty that we are doing the best we can and that that is enough.

    Please know that your blog and Ryder are helping me cope, you guys are doing a good thing and I thank you for it.

  232. Thank you! It’s nice to get everyday life. I feel really deprived of that right now.
    Sad for my kid2. She was supposed to transfer out of town for school and now they’ve announced only online classes. I don’t know how to cheer her up.
    The wildlife in my yard is a raccoon my husky keeps trying to catch… not fun.

  233. Added my preorder.. and got a big smile on my face:
    Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

    #1 in Fantasy Romance (Books)
    #1 in Paranormal Romance (Books)
    #1 in Romantic Fantasy (Books)

    Oh, and I finally caught on that Ilona Andrews has a youtube channel where they post their video.. 40 subscribers. mmm.. +1

  234. Your books never suck.

    Post today/Monday – whatever works for you. I’m so very grateful that you post stuff at all.

    Cyber hugs to you and your family.

  235. I didn’t realize you could pre-order the book on Amazon, so now I have done so! ????

  236. My husband and I have a reading habit that we indulge by buying used books. There are only three authors that we buy new.

    David Weber
    Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
    Ilona Andrews

    Probably not a coincidence those are the only author’s who’s websites I visit.
    I won’t say you could not write a bad book if you put your minds to it. But I bet it would be hard.

    Ryder will not suck.

  237. Deer in your front yard. I only have bandicoots, but they come out at dusk and dig lots of little holes in the garden.

  238. Deer in my area would run like maniacs, as if all the devils of hell were pursuing them, unless you’re a car, and then they run into the roadway to greet you, usually misjudging your bearing, distance, and closing rate.

    There were two of the most beautiful fauns I’ve ever seen in my front yard yesterday, with no adult does in sight. I’m afraid they were both orphaned by cars or trucks. Hope I’m wrong. Hope they survive. They looked like the ideals of eastern whitetail perfection.

  240. As an Australian who normally follows Aussie and English knitting patterns, it took me a while to work out that frogging means rip it.????

  241. Hmmm. I didn’t realize we could pre-order until I read today’s blog. I immediately went on Amazon and did it. Of course! I love these stories.

    I wasn’t sure if it was too late to vote on the survey. I voted with the majority.

    Thanks!

  243. Hah! It won’t suck. Not possible at this point (if it ever was). 🙂

    Also, I sympathize with Kid 1’s freakout moment. Particularly when I’m at home, my brain on autopilot has no memory at all, so I have to reverse-engineer the process that led to whatever inexplicable situation I find myself in. It’s usually good for a laugh in hindsight, though. ????

  244. Stress is the pits. My family calls it having a COVID day. So far we have not had one on the same day!

    Your books are great because of your innate talent AND the huge amount of effort you put into the research and details. It will be great, cause you do the work.

    Knitting patterns that are easy, pretty, and free on Ravelry

    Das Tuchle a knitted scarf. I made it in a super chunky. Easy no thinking scarf. Really pretty with almost any variegated yarn.

    Drop Stitch Scarf. Don’t let this one fool you. I have made it with a silk fingerling and also with a heavier Malbrigo yarn. I add an edging on both sides and usually a heavy boarder with fringe. I use a size 9 needle and shorten it to a three yarn-over pattern. Easy and pretty.

    I hope you all stay well.

  246. Silly. The answer is always yesterday. We want it yesterday.

    The deer weren’t there to eat your lawn, they were waiting for the next installment.

    Also, Yay! You’re#44! You’re#44! That’s awesome!

    No pressure.
    (Won’t suck, can’t. Couldn’t if you tried.)

    Cute mugs! Having spent a solid twenty minutes searching the entire house trying to find the phone I set down, even to the extent of looking in rooms I hadn’t entered, and opening the fridge to see if I’d somehow set it in there, only to finally locate it. On. The. Charger. Where I had no recollection whatsoever of having put it, I can attest that, in stressful times such as we’re experiencing, anyone might experience that sort of moment of questioning one’s timeline continuity. I’m sure my author wrote that scene for laughs.

  247. I has no Look ip purling. In german their called left stiches. AS opposed to right stiches, the “normal” ones.

  250. Knitting is a stress relief for me too. Kids now have beautiful jumpers and I’m looking forward to starting a new shawl. It’s more than one skein but it’s beautiful and it has beads in it. I’ve bought some on eBay and can’t wait to start. Never knitted with beads before. It won’t be boring https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mysa-3

  251. Thank you so much for Ryder, you are awesome! I also knit and did the Floatini shawl on Ravelry, mostly garter stitch, hope this helps in return.

  254. Yep. Preordered as soon as I saw we could!
    And your books NEVER suck!!!
    Rereading Kate now for the umpteenth time. So happy for Julie’s book!

  255. Oh Hell, don’t sweat this one. You simply don’t suck. Yes, that does take (loads of) effort, but I stand with the basic statement. And you pretty obviously have clicked with what people want to read right now. Not horrible, not depressing. I started Jim Butcher’s new book and put it aside after a couple of chapters. Too much angst for me right now. I’ll go back to it when the earth stops moving under my feet. But Ryder is just right. Thank you. And I bet it’ll do better than 44.

  256. It’s absolutely awesome so far! I always preorder your books, but I preordered this one a little sooner than I usually do because you’re being so kind to post it piece by piece and giving me joy during a really difficult time.

  257. Thanks for Ryder, it’s keeping me distracted while the world is swirling stupidly around me.
    I lived in Dripping Springs (not far from your homestead I think) for 13 years. We used to call it, “The Drip.” The crazy Texas deer were one of my favorite things. I grew up in Minnesota where deer are 3 times as big and are fairly solitary things. The deer in Texas are like antelopes on the plains or may be caribou but tiny. The run in gangs, are cheerfully friendly and fearless. They crack me up and kinda weird me out in comparison to the deer I grew up with. Our dogs were bigger than some of them.
    I feel Kid 1’s angst about magically self cleaning dishes. Turns out a pandemic will bring out formerly hidden housekeeping gifts in family members…. so that’s what happened to my mug. That and my brain is slowly evaporating out my ears courtesy of motherhood, pandemic induced intermittent agoraphobia, and possibly inane politics all around. I’m not sure what’s the most to blame. Again, thanks for Ryder. It does not and shall not suck.
    Be Well, Stay Healthy, Keep Writing! You’re doing a world of good.

  258. I’m just curious — do you pick or throw when you knit? I’ve do one style when I purl and the other when I knit.

  259. Ilona, You might want to view the YouTube on Portuguese Knitting (her name for a multi-national style)by Andrea Wong, about purling. I have taught this to many who hate purling, and/or find it painful. I invented a knit pin alternative because $5. is a lot for a safety pin with a hook on it, if you don’t know if you’ll like using it. Take a largish safety pin and attach a paper clip ( you can round the outer end with a pair of pliers if you want) bend out the outer edge a little (to make a slot for the yarn), attach the safety pin to upper left shirt front, just like her knit pin. If you carry your yarn in your left hand, then do so while doing Portuguese knitting. Follow along while watching the video. Most students have found it easier on the hands, even if they knit across the front and just do the purl rows the Portuguese way. After only a few minutes, it becomes easy, restful, fun!, and if you like to knit by touch, really easy. Questions, email me.
    Just finished “Magic Stars” again, this time the first book I’ve been able to read on my phone (had to switch internet companies because Cricket said my phone was too old to add data. Consumer Cellular gave me a Much lower price, better reception, and hooked me up to data PDQ.) I’m having sooo much fun reading your blog on my phone too. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks! Love how you can rate a book right at the end on the phone Kindle(so I did)
    Love you guys, Stay safe❣️

  260. “At some point, I threw it down, said “Fuck this,” and walked away. The dogs were scandalized.” Honestly, do you just HAVE TO make me laugh so hard that my entire stomach and abdomen hurt? All knitting makes me feel this way, but my animals are never scandalized because this is my normal reaction to crap. Fortunately, I have cats, and they do not get scandalized easily. I grow catnip, and mostly, they just get high and ignore me.

    I fully understand Kid1’s situation. This is why none of my mugs match.

    As to Ryder, it doesn’t suck so far, so I seriously doubt it will suck later. I have never read anything you ever wrote, including this blog, that sucked. You’re working from home, as you have always done, you are together and both of you are considering where to take this tale, so you are safe and secure and discussing things together. What more could you need? And if you take a wrong turn, you can edit it all later and change anything you want to change, despite posting it as you go. Until it is released as final copy, you can always change anything you don’t like.

    I remember reading a while back that because people are no longer out and about bothering them, wildlife is coming closer and closer to people. I was irked when the deer ate my day lilies, but there’s no stopping them without going out and spraying stench on everything, so a few flowers lost is the cost of not having to smell that stench. I do get annoyed when the baby squirrels climb onto my bird feeder and throw the food all over the ground, but the skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, and rabbits eat off the ground, not to mention the ducks that drop by, so it’s all good. I have trained the squirrels to run like hell when I open the door and shout, “SQUIRREL!” so it’s all good. My neighbors sometimes hear me yell at them, but they know better than to even ask. Everybody knows I’m a little bit nutso. I’ve trained them well, too.

    Keep staying safe. We all rely on you for a good time.

  261. Officially jealous of your lawn deer herd, on behalf of my son. One of bonding/destressing things we do is go look at the deer.

  264. Ha, you guys should look at Amazon.de for the ranking, too ????! And for the record: although I‘m reading the story here (I just couldn’t not… it’s Julie and she‘s way cool and I love Kate Daniels and the world to bits!), I also pre-ordered it. How could I not!? ????

  265. WOW those deer are really tame. The ones near my house run, when they realize you are near.

    I am just starting knitting with portuguese knitting stitches. Learned from you tube. I am finding it a tight stitch BUT is easier on my hand. Purling is especially easy. I had switched to continental because I figure it is easier on my hands (carpal tunnel issues) but I find portuguese knitting even easier on my hands.

    • Lisa, While doing Portuguese knitting, try carrying the yarn in your left hand, if you are already used to doing so, and your knitting will loosen up . It’s also easier that way to switch back and forth from continental ( left hand carry ) to Portuguese Left hand carry. I knit mostly lace stitches, so I find it faster to knit across continental and purl back Portuguese. Several students do this too.
      Hope this helps.

  266. P.S. I had a sweater almost finished except for neckline and sleeves resting in a yarn storage bin for about 10 years. 1. I had outgrown it, 2. I neither liked the stitches nor the color. But it was great (not to mention expensive) yarn, so I put it away and forgot it.
    When we isolated in March, I was reorganizing a couple of yarn bins and decided to try it on again. It fit well, and I suddenly loved the color, but I neither liked the stitch choice nor the style. So, I ripped it out and rewound the yarn right then.
    Then after I finished the 2 sweaters that I had in progress, I designed 2 new stitch patterns and a new silhouette and used that copper yarn. Now it’s one of my favorite sweaters ever.
    Tastes, wardrobe needs, styles, skills, and body shapes change. You’re allowed to change your mind about things too. So never be ashamed if something doesn’t turn out as you had hoped. you didn’t fail, you certainly learned something. If it’s in good enough shape you might donate it, or if not, save it to be remade again.

    • P.P.S. Sorry Lisa, The Last comment landed in the wrong place and wasn’t aimed at you or anyone specifically.

  267. Aw, the deer are adorable 🙂

    I can relate to Kid 1. I’m having that kind of morning myself today.

    When I bought the book, you were #14 Paid in Kindle Store — congrats!!

    PS Spoiler alert: The book is NOT going to suck. We’re already nine chapters in, and I’ve enjoyed everything you’ve posted so far and can’t wait to read more. (I voted to bring on the cliffhanger, ha ha.)

  270. You two are funny,you always fret the book is gonna suck and it always is great. Some authors claim that they write and never worry about it not being good, but I suspect a) they are lying or b)they are such a bad writer it doesn’t matter bc no one reads it. Mozart used to claim he didn’t really write music, never edited it, that it just flowed from his mind ‘hearing’ it and he wrote it down. Course he died long before they discovered a cachw if original scores that had things scratched out and added. On the other hand Handel was like you,he fretted, the London museum has his original scores for the Messiah online, all kinds of things changed,scribbled over,you name it lol.

    For relaxation, given what you write,have you ever thought of taking up metal forging? Given your interest in swords, you might find it relaxing to heat up a piece of metal and bang it/shape it into a sword or knife. Friend of mine made his own forge and claimed it was the ultimate in relaxation.

  271. I can promise you that Ryder doesn’t suck and I’m pretty sure that you two could write out a grocery list and we’d all be entertained. Yes, you’re that good but also we’re all going stir crazy from the pandemic. Thanks for any and all distractions and entertainment you can provide.

  273. There’s no option for :whatever the authors want, it’s their baby not mine, so I don’t mind. Jyst grateful for what I get.
    Though to be fair that is wordy and somewhat incoherent..

  274. Can I be a fly on your wall? Love y’all’s sense of humor. So glad you have one.
    I was listening to narration of “One Fell Sweep” with my 16 yr old. He enjoys your sense of humor also, although being 16 and male, must complain the whole time. The point…Sean had just delivered his ultimatum, listen to me or I’m leaving; Maud is trying to pry info out of Dina about what is upsetting her….
    Que Maud: Dina, I never thought you would end up with a werewolf.

    Dina: What do you mean?

    Maud: I’d thought you would end up with someone normal, named Phil, who was an accountant.

    I forgot this scene was in there. My kid has this stunned look on his face. My husband, his dad, is Phil and has a degree in accounting and works as a bookkeeper. ???????????? However, he races mini sprint cars on the weekend and married me. He is not normal. ????

  275. #44 already: WOW

    Expectations are great, expectations are awesome … expect maybe for the authors.

    We all love your writings sooooooooo much. <3<3<3

  276. Is ‘frogged’ ripping it up in knitting, too? I’ve been doing textiles forever – sewing, knitting, cross stitch, crochet, weaving – but never heard of the frog stitch until I started needlepoint a couple of years ago. ‘ Rip-it, rip-it.’ I do it a lot.

    So you folks know, if you read at the bottom of the comments, your writing has given me so much pleasure over the years. I look forward to Ryder and to help the numbers, just pre-ordered Blood Heir. And, now, when I need comfort the most (pandemic, sick Frenchies, feeling sooooo low), I’m re-reading Kate’s books. Not the first time, by any stretch, but never so much appreciated. Thank you.

  277. I am always surprised when you post the the corrections from readers, because this is your fantasy world, words mean whatever you want them to mean despite the root language meaning. In the words of my favorite philosopher “There is nothing new under the sun”. Thank you for this , I look forward to continuing this journey and learning more about New Shinar.

  278. It’s not gonna suck. You guys worry about it, but you’re just that good. Remember, the BDH enjoys your grocery lists. LOL

  280. I’m writing this very late in the thread,and am very sceptical in that you’d ever read it.. but anyway here is my two cents..”You are writing it..how can it suck???????????
    (.. for I’m sure your pen and mind were blessed by the Almighty!:)
    Love your writing.No cause to worry…we the BDH r proof that ur writing is awesome????????

  281. Felt your knitting comment TO MY SOUL – I looked forever for a pattern that was simple…but not so simple that I stopped paying attention.

    This hat from brooklyn tweed has been my go-to. It takes 1 skein of yarn, is pretty darn easy, and I have this hat in every color now! Promise it looks better on than the pictures, especially if you make it a little slouchy!

    https://brooklyntweed.com/collections/patterns/products/fjord

    🙂

  282. ahhh…frogging. the bane of any crocheter/knitter existence.

    I’ve been crocheting for 5 years and I didn’t learn the term “frogging” until a year ago….oh but I’ve been doing it for the past 5 years! lol

  283. ?how to I buy Ryder on kindle
    Thought u guys were going to wait till done.
    If your done .can I have isbn to download please. Waiting till Aug. Is hard.???? prepurchased that already.Great cover. Books are grrrreat!!

  284. You two could write a shopping list and it would be entertaining. Loving Ryder is a given; we get to see our old friends and face new adventures.

  285. #15 in US Fantasy/Romance on Amazon

    Lol!

    I vote for knitting footies for winter. Then dressing them up as animals for a quirky surprise. Big Google eyes. Stockpile them for friends’ and daughters’ Christmas presents. One set of whatever hubby’s craziest favorite mythological animal is.

    Cheers

  286. I love reading Ryder. Can’t wait for it to be done. I’ll enjoy your other books while waiting.

  287. My favorite thing about your writing is that you create character voices that are as distinctive as your own. (Hence Gordon’s comment about not sucking.)

    So, yes, we would prefer it Ryder not suck, but, like my children, I love all of your works equally.

    (I do have a soft spot for Audrey & Kaldar because my now teenage son discovered them about 5 years ago and we bonded over them. Witty repartee – it gets us every time!”)

    “If it helps, Audrey checked your a** out before she took off.”
    “She did?”
    “I did what?”
    “Nothing!”

    Fate’s Edge

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