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Snippet from the Awful Book

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The hill around the Compound was pitted with large holes, as if someone had tossed a handful of grenades about. A crushed metal wreck that might have once been a vehicle smoked slightly on one side of the road. On the other side, three other wrecks, wrinkled and smashed like discarded coke cans, formed a modern art installation dedicated to House warfare –  one on its side, one upside down, and a third torn in half.

Arabella must’ve been angry.  There was plenty of that to go around lately.

Patricia met us at the main house, flanked by a medical team and my younger sister. The moment the Bus doors slid open Arabella bounded inside.

“Mom!”

“It’s fine,” Mom answered. “It’s minor. Don’t freak out.”

“You smell like blood and smoke!”

I turned to Patricia. “Casualties?”

“None on our side.” She turned and pointed to the left.

A row of bodies lay on the ground, sealed in body bags. One, two, … Nine. An enormous metal club, covered with dark stains, rested next to them. Connor had given it to Arabella for her eighteenth birthday. That explained the ruined vehicles. Good. I was afraid she might have stomped on them. The last time she went on a stomping spree, she cut her monster foot and we had the devil of a time making her get the tetanus shot.

“Arkan deployed a pyrokinetic and a psionic, backed by a few professional killers,” Patricia reported. “Your sister informed me that she would handle it. She did.”

It would have taken a better psionic than anyone Arkan had to panic Arabella. When she raged out, there was no room in her for anything except fury. Trying to induce fear would have just pissed her off more.

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Comments

  4. I want so much more Arabella. Hope you guys enjoy writing here as much as I love reading. ???????? She gets a series – with multiple love interests! Girl needs to play the field!

    • In a perfect world, we’d get an Arabella book. Preferably, where she’s aged a few years, though. I don’t know if I can handle a 18 year old MC. Lol

      • lol, right? We were all 18 once, and some of us have raised 18 year olds. It’s in the rear view mirror now. I don’t miss it.

    • +1000000000000000

      I’m so curious about where the new compound is located! Or did I miss that from the snippet??

      Also, does Arkan have a villain vending machine? It seems like he throws away so many lives fighting the Baylors. Maybe it’s part of his interview process?

      Arkan’s Villain Recruitor: “You think you’re good enough to join Arkan’s villain vending machine? First you must fight the Baylors and survive, then we can talk.”

      Villain: …

      AVR: “What do you mean no? There’s no quitting the AVVM!”

      • “villain vending machine”. Good one. Remember in “Men in Black” where it ends with us being little people in giant aliens’ world? I’m now picturing a giant vending machine with little villains in it. $1.25 for Psionics. $.75 for Pattern Mages. $2.00 for Telekinetic Primes.

        Also… “There’s no crying in the AVVM!”

        • Lol! Love it! They could be in life-sized collector toy boxes like N’Sync in one of their videos… “It’s gonna be me,” I looked it up.

          My AVVM bit was longer, but I didn’t want to veer into fanfic territory, so I cut it to just the main joke.

      • In one of the snippets it us said that Arkan is using the Baylors to eliminate dead wood. I think that was in the deleted chapter

  5. I adore Arabella. And IA.

    I will be so relieved for y’all once The Book/Edits That Never End are all done. I am absolutely grateful for all your efforts and snippets and sharing of knowledge.

    Also my week has been rough and I have been rereading HL (again) because The Baylors make me feel better when things feel out of control.

    I appreciate your creativity and dedication and it’s awesome how often you engage with the BDH.

    Thank you for snippet and thank you for being amazing. I hope y’all have a peaceful weekend.

  7. I can’t see how it’s going to be an awful book, I can’t wait to read it!!! So far it sounds amazing ????!!! Thank you for sharing!!

    • The writing of it is giving them fits. It won’t be a bad book – not even the authors think that, and they seem to be hating every minute of the writing.

      I know some other fiction authors in my personal life. This happens occasionally.

      • It seems like they hate writing it in the same way I hate housework with 4 kids. It seems never ending, it has to be done and you feel so good when you see the end in sight only to turn around and start the next part because the kids unpacked the house behind you. Lol.

      • Wow just read through that and the Twitter thread she links to.. pretty bizarre … and I hope Judith McNaught has not had her identity stolen or something like that…

  12. I know what it is like to keep working on – and doing some of your best work on – something when you would rather just dump it in the wastebasket and walk away. The relief when it’s over is staggering 🙂 But having said that, I am – like the rest of the BDH – very much looking forward to this book. Thanks for all that you do!

  13. Thank you for the snippet!!! ???????? now I can imagine the Baylors and Connor chasing Arabella around with a tetanus shot and her destroying everything to get away.

    • If she does, maybe it will be called Smash. Like in smash everything in site so I (Arabella) don’t cut my foot and be chased by family for a tetanus shot. 😀

      • Smash is too close to Hulk-speak.

        I love the name Bam Bam. I hope she paints it gold with little black spots. That would be hilarious. (I just looked it up and it’s apparently Bamm Bamm. Did not know that.)

      • Tetanus is an every 10 year booster…. so it isn’t as she would need another any time soon unless her monster form means her immune system is wacky.

        (Stepped on a nail and a rusty can at age 8. Mom, the RN, took me to the ER, got the tetanus shot, put me over her knee and administered it. Hurt less than the puncture or the cut.)

    • +1 on the name! Maybe there can be a horde contest to name it or a poll to vote on it? I’m sure IA would come up with the best name, but reading BDH suggestions would be fun! ????

      • I love Bamm Bamm. Flintstones music.

        Baylors, meet the Baylors. They’re not the typical House you see. From the town of Houston, they’re as lethal as a girl can be!

        Julie has Stabby McStabby. Crusher McCrusher.

        One Smackeroo and done!

        Paint jobs. A nice ombre with Blush deepening to Blood Red or leopard skin.

    • I like the name “understanding” for her Club. So whenever someone is attacking the Baylors, they can be met with understanding.
      “How did you handle the conflict with House xxx?” “Oh, I showed understanding and we came to an agreement.”

      • Didn’t Terry Pritchett have a character Pastor Oats(?) who wields an axe called Forgiveness? Understanding would be very cool. Or “compassion”.

        • Oh, that’s right. I forgot about that. Time to reread Terry Pratchett. 🙂
          Compassion is also very funny! One for each hand?

    • Yes!!! That seems like something Arabella would do! I hope she names it too. These books get a lot of people through a rough time. So thank you.

  17. Awful book haha, I feel you. Sometimes there’s things that you theoretically really want to do, but then completely not on the timeline that you have to do it. If it’s any consolation, the snippets so far haven’t been awful 😉

  20. Thank you for sharing this with us. I wish good vibes on you and Gordon for this book. I’m relistening to Catalina’s story from Diamond Fire on and just started Emerald Blaze. I love her so much.

    And of course, Arabella gets a club for her birthday from Connor. He’s so practical 🙂

    If you choose to write Arabella playing the field, I’m there for it. She’s tremendous fun.

  23. Ooo I hope the smashing seem is in the book! Please don’t do a Tolkien and relay the best parts in 3rd person

  25. Thank you for sharing. I love Arabella and her attitude.
    I hope you can plow through the awful and get it behind you soon!
    Best wishes fir a good weekend!

  26. I like Arabella. I do hope she gets her own books.

    I am very sorry you’re having such a bad time writing this book. Does it help at all to know a large number of us will pre-order as soon as you give us the slightest hint it’s available?

  27. It won’t be awful!! And even if it is , it will be magnificently awful, or awfully magnificent!! … Either way fabulous!

  31. This will not be an “awful book”! Go, Arabella!

    I can imagine another way to piss off Arabella…. “Did Beastie cut her widdle footsie? Does mommy need to kiss your boo-boo and make it better?”

    RRROOOOOAAAAARRRRRR!!!

  33. I literally got chills reading this. I am sorry it has been such a challenge for you guys, but I am incredibly excited about it. This series should definitely be made into six seasons of a TV show. Dwayne Johnson might make a decent Rogan, though maybe aging out of that.

  34. Smiles, thanks for starting my day with a good laugh this morning … I’m not a fan of getting shots, either.

  36. I had mild Covid this past few weeks and reading your books have helped me so much. I read and reread your books like they were lifelines, and they help calm me down whenever I get panic attacks and feel like I’m gasping for air. Because of your books, I get to be transported to fantasy worlds outside of this pandemic ridden world we have right now and it helps me fall asleep and wake up a little bit stronger.

  41. Yay! Exactly the right snippet for my mood.

    Imagining Connor and Arabella playing baseball with enemy tanks…

    Imagining the Family trying to give Arabella a tetanus shot with a meter-long cylinder full of vaccine…

  42. I have read a lot of authors who would love to have written an “awful” book like you have. I for one am very happy to read your “awful” writing.

  43. I love it! Arabella always makes me laugh with her attitude, so getting to see her more in beast form will be a treat.

  44. I would Love to be a fly on the wall when the Scroll requests for Arabella’s profile come to House Baylor in a sudden pile…
    It is fun to play with what situations might set that in motion in my mind.

  46. Thank your for the “awful book” snippet. Arkan stepped in it when he decided to attack House Baylor. No one messes with Arabella’s family. Instead of “Don’t Mess with Texas”, it should be “Don’t mess with House Baylor”.

    Sorry that writing this book is such a drain and drag on you both. I use to say when I was writing a paper I didn’t want to do that writing it felt like pulling teeth. 🙁

  47. I love Arabella so much, I can’t wait for her books. Nevada can overwhelm your mind. Catalina can overwhelm your mind. That’s very nice. But Arabella can turn into a kaiju!

  49. your “fantastic ” snippit turned my awful morning bright! this is NOT an awful book, it might be awful to write, because characters take the bit between their teeth and go places you were not prepared for, but so far from my perspective it is glorious .

  50. I’m so sorry this book is giving you guys so much trouble but I already know that I’m going to LOOOOVE IT SO MUCH!! MOAR ragey Arabella! ????????????????

  52. Thanks for the snippet from THAT book, Arabella always puts a smile on my face, and today I need it. Covid really sucks.

  55. Thank you for this!!! I love Arabella 🙂 I’m sorry this book has been awful to write, but it’s going to be fantastic and we are eternally grateful for all the blood/sweat/tears (hopefully metaphorical rather than literal…) you put into creating such incredible books for us to read. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve re-read Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper, and KD/Iron Covenant, and the Edge books, and Kinsmen…. so basically, everything you’ve ever published 🙂 You are my favorite author on the planet, and I just hope that you take care of yourselves in all ways so that you never lose your enjoyment of your work and we get to keep reading your phenomenal books!!!

  58. Thanks for the snippit. I’m hoping releasing the book that never ends is like childbirth. You’re so happy to be done and with enough time passing you’ll consider returning to HL Arabella’s story.(she seems fun to write)
    Covid has been hard for creativity.
    PS +1 For naming Arabella’s bat????

  60. Thank you so much for the snippet. Hope you are able to finish to your satisfaction soon to relieve the stress. The BDH will be excited to read in context.

    Hope to read Grandma Freida’s comments/chiding about the destroyed vehicles.

    • Maybe Rogan can ‘crumple’ the frames from the vehicles to make another club for Arabella – matched set, one for each hand (or one to throw)?

  65. I am sorry the “awful book” is polluting your working lives.
    This *will* eventually pass.

    That said, judging by the snippets we’ve seen, it will not be an awful (poorly written) book when you have dragged it kicking and screaming to the publishing point.
    I hate to say that I look forward to traumatizing you any more – but I *really* want to read this book.
    It’s your own fault – you are incapable of writing a truly bad book and letting it out into the world with your names on it.
    Thank you in advance for another great book.

  66. I feel mean wanting to put you more torture writing this but I’m so excited to read it! all the snippets are getting me so excited

    Thank you for persevering, I hope in the future when you look back at the book you can feel really proud of yourself for both how great it is and how you’ve persevered through the ‘awful book’

    ♥

  67. Thank you for my Friday smile. I’m snowed under at work and needed a small break. This snippet was perfect.

    There are days when I wish I could borrow Arabella’s club.

  68. Thank you for working through this pain in the a** book so we can read it and love it. And thank you for sharing your process even when it isn’t pretty or easy.

  70. They have all grown up so much. When we started they were kids now they are adults. God job. I hop it soon will be finished so that you can move on to something that makes you feel better

  71. “The last time she went on a stomping spree, she cut her monster foot and we had the devil of a time making her get the tetanus shot.” <– made me snort-LOL and also shudder. I took care of a patient with tetanus during residency; it was dreadful. I can't imagine treating the Beast of Cologne with a raging case of tetanus.

  72. I’m really appreciative of the effort and work going into this book. Thank you for the hard grind and I look forward to purchasing both the e-book and the tpb!

  76. OMG – what a great brother-in-law Connor is turning out to be. I wonder if he is relishing being part of the House Baylor-House Rogan family of quirky fun? Arabella afraid of a shot – sounds inconceivable — and this brings up a questions – if Arabella cut her foot in Beast mode, does she get the same gash when she transform back to Arabella mode? Can’t wait to read this book!

    I wonder what Connor got Leon on his 18th birthday, and for Bern on his birthday.

    • I wondered the same thing re: if injured in Beast form would she also be injured when back to her human form. (And I didn’t even know she could even get cut in her beast form.)

    • Bern = computer systems almost as good as Bug’s
      Leon = guns, lots of guns. Wall o’ guns a la Wall of blades chez catalina.

  77. Thank you for hanging in there with the book that’s awful to write. You are true to your word and making it a great read.
    Here’s to you finding your peaceful space to finish it.

  79. Sorry the book is awful for you to write.

    Truly appreciate the snippet with some of the exceptional women who rock this bit of the Hidden Legacy-verse. Laughing because what else would Rogan get his beloved sister-in-law except an enormous metal club.

    Thank You for all the work and words! You are the best!!!

  81. If this is from the “Awful book,” all I can say is WOW!!!! I’m so sorry it’s not a pleasurable write for you, but I can’t wait to read it whenever it drops.

  87. “Snippet from the Awful Book”

    Haven’t read the snippet yet, but I had to comment about the post title. You guys do not write awful books.

    Ok, having said that, now I can go read the snippet.

  89. This sounds like terrible labor pains that will no doubt result in a beautiful baby! We are rooting for you! GO! GO! GO!
    Can’t wait!

  90. So is this going to be the book where Arabella’s magic gets outed to the general Houston populace? That would be fun to watch.

  91. PLEASE stop tagging this “the awful book”!
    It will be as Brilliant as all your other creations.
    I’m sorry that you’re experiencing birthing pains with your Genius on this undertaking but a Magical Book will come into this world. ????
    I can’t wait!!!! The BDH feels your pain!

    Thank you for sharing your Genius with us!

      • We appreciate all the effort. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to at the end of a very long week. IA is my escape from my crazy world into theirs. I hope you know how much your blood, sweat and tears mean to us, the BDH.

      • Dear Moderator R Thank You for reinforcing my solid belief that I will be happily transported back into the “Hidden Legacy” universe with “Ruby Fever”.
        You’re awesome ????

  92. Wow. A wonderful exciting snippet from the Baylor Family. Like everyone else on this blog, I can’t wait for the book to come out. Show me a preorder, and I am there. And, Arabella’s trilogy should be a lot more fun for you to write. Hehe–hopefully Arabella’s trilogy.

  97. Hahaha. Tetanus shot! How big would the needle have to be for her beast mode? Its always the big tough one who complain about their shot.

  99. Best gosh-darned snippet ever! I am sorry the book is hell to finish. It’s awesome to read and I am waiting with delicious impatience to read the whole thing. Thanks for making my Friday

  103. Love this!! This week, I’m in Houston for the first time ever (business trip). I now feel a mighty need to re-read all the Baylor family books!
    Note– I ❤ Houston!! Beautiful city!

  107. So Arabella is the Incredible Hulk. This kind of works. She is a teenage girl… (I think she’s still a teenager, right?)

    • She’s 2 years younger than Catalina, if I remember correctly, so she’s 20, I think. Isn’t Catalina 22 in the first book?

  113. I’m sorry that this book has been so hard to write but I hope it helps to know how much we all appreciate you both and will love RF just as much as your other works.
    Thank you for the snippet!
    Arabella: speaks softly (NOT) and carries a big stick (OH YEAH). ????

  114. I was picturing the shot being administered via a dart from a dart gun. Question is the big size difference between beast and human form… how would that affect dose and like an earlier question, how do wounds translate from one form to another? Are they healed during the transition or is everything that happens also becomes proportionate to whatever the current form?

    Love the snippet! What is making this book so hard to write? Very curious because I think it would address issues many may encounter trying to write. When I wrote some fanfiction under Hannibal, I made a huge mistake not writing things down when they were fresh and inspired. I knew they were not in sequence, so instead, I forced myself to start at the beginning and it was an awful struggle. I lost those really good scenes in the process. Thinking back, I could have written them and wrote around it or something. My job and life right now makes it so hard to have the time and ability to let my imagination roam so I shut it off. One of the many reasons I desire to be able to retire at the beginning of the year of 2026. I had a blast writing the fanfiction and got good feedback, even made friends through it.

    One of the projects I would like to do is to leave different memories, lessons, stories, etc., written down for my daughters, granddaughter and others to read, even after I am gone. A legacy of sorts. Your blog is a lot like what I would like a journal to be. I failed doing a diary when a lot younger, but a journal has much more potential and is even possible to start right now.

    This is not saying you have made this mistake… your snippets say otherwise… it was something I did, but I do wonder if there has been some fears of failure, disappointment, not having something perfect, liked or something else producing stress or pressure that makes it harder to write. Expectations, whether our own or others, can be very stressful and that can really hinder the creative process. I am thinking of what happened to Simone Biles and I also know I would have an awful time with that kind of pressure. It could definitely hinder, block or leave one trying so hard or being so hard on everything that is done that it can affect the enjoyment and satisfaction of anything that is done and accomplished. Success can sometimes cause a lot of pressure. I hope this is not what is going on, but if it is, I know many, if not most of us, would truly understand and hopefully be able to encourage and support you without adding to the pressure.

    I cringed with the whole GOAT, greatest of all time, so much relying and focusing on Simone, and many other things said and written during Nationals, the trials, the qualifying, and saw the toll it was taking and what it was doing to her… as if the Olympics itself was not enough pressure!

    Anyway, even if I am totally off about this concern relating to anything going on here, it is a lesson for all of us to learn on how to handle, deal, and get the help needed with the internal and external things that affect us.

      • Thanks for the insight! I hope they can still have no deadline to ease up some of the pressure. I have been having problems being productive in a few areas due to so many stressful things going on which includes COVID, and turning more to past favorites when reading and listening to things, which has included a lot of Ilona Andrews books… currently on the Innkeeper series, and wanting to watch shows that are not dark like the Handmaid’s Tale, but more like the Masked Singer. I believe they wrote that there were things in the next Iron and Magic book that were a bit more difficult to write, at this time, and now I am wondering if there are difficult emotions, scenes or things happening in Ruby Fever that would make it harder to write. I know, I’ve been been doing a lot of speculation and having a lot of concerns about things.

        It is wonderful that Blood Heir and Fated Blades have been written through everything that has been going on and hope that things will improve, get better and have COVID a thing in the past sooner, rather than later! And this blog has been something else to enjoy and gain a lot of positive things like I own and have watched a few South Korean series, discovered the show Making It from a comment posted and really like hearing from others in different parts of the country and world.

        Thanks to HA, ModR, who has and is doing a great job, and all of the BDH!

  116. Thankyou for the snippet. I know you guys aren’t loving it but we appreciate your work all the more.
    Mad Rogan knows how to give the best birthday gifts and Arabella being a badass and handling things – woooooo! ????

  120. Looking forward to the “awful book”.???? Each and every one of us will appreciate all the hard work you put into it❤

  121. First thing, thank you for snippets!
    Next thing, it occurs to me that the family’s struggle to give Beast-mode Arabella a tetanus shot may be your metaphor for writing this book.
    Please remember that the end result will be well worth your efforts, and cherished by the BDH! Hugs for you and for all the BDH.

  124. At first I read metal club as metal tub, and now I can’t shake the image of a bathtub-sized metal club for Arabella. Lol. If it helps, echoing everyone, we love the that awful book quite a bit. Thank you!

  127. Im sorry you’re having a hard time writing this but I’m ***REALLY** looking forward to it.

  132. You may name it “The Awful Book”, but to me that’s awe-ful as in awesome!! Can’t wait to read the whole thing!!!!!

  141. I’m sorry this book is being difficult, I just re-read all of them. It made me feel better( recently lost a beloved pet.)
    Very much looking forward to when it’s released ♥️

  144. Oh Yummy! To paraphrase Warden of Texas (Linus): I know you’re frustrated, but you’re very, very good at what you do. Your continued progress matters to us. Work with the Awful Book. We know you will turn it into a book to remember for all time. Know that we, the readers, will treasure this series for far longer than you can envision right now.

  146. Ohhh, snippet, nice.
    Ohm, nom ,nom… (burp)….
    “Some more, please?” (insert hungry, sad puppy like eyes)

  147. I wonder if the Bus is the vehicle Nevada confiscated from the Maduras, after the second attempt to abduct her for evil Grandma.

  149. I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it!!! I saw “awful book” and did a happy dance. Love the snippet and the club was wonderful. Gotta love Rogan. Love the name Bam Bam too but the way. You guys are great. Thanks for putting a smile to the start of the weekend.

  150. I picture Ilona with an enormous rolling pin. Gordon possibly with a fire iron, beating the awful book into pieces and squashing and rolling them into manuscript. Will you celebrate it going on sale by burning a copy page by page? Perhaps you can burn off some frustration with Arabella’s written rampages? I hope so.

  151. TGIF! We had a ruckus in smoking A this morning. Both owners, security guy, and the concession manager in there. No idea what it was about but it was loud. The comment I heard was ” Is it Friday the 13th?”. Evidently they’d been having issues all morning. Looking forward to
    9 pm!

  152. Awwww! I love you sooo! And I love Arabella! It might be because there is a beast living in me too. Thank you for this and keep writing so awfully! It is perfect! Maybe we will get lucky and find out more about Arabella in a separate book set…. One never knows. Thank you!

  156. I am so looking forward to Catalina’s Book 3. I refuse to believe it’s “awful.” You guys don’t do “awful.” Legacy is my favorite Andrews series. (I love Innkeeper, too.)

  157. Time to change it from Awful book to Awesome book. You know they say that talking positive can help you be positive. Might be time to try it with the Awesome book.

    • You know how cooks are. They make Ambrosia and call it dog food while everyone is gobbling it up and asking for thirds.

  159. Arabella is bloody impressive, as are the two of you. I wish this book weren’t giving you so much trouble, because every time you share a snippet it’s brilliant.

  162. *Disclaimer. I know from reading your blog that you choose your answers very carefully. I like trying to decipher from your answers if the questioner is on the right track. These speculations are fun :)*

    I am currently re-reading Sweep of the Blade. I am at kindle location 3731 reading the description of “Dad”. Compared with Mauds internal musings as she rescued Helen from the Mukona, I had the following thoughts:

    1A- Was Maud & Klaus Biological dad an Adhal?
    1B- Or is this Dina’s Dad?
    2B- If it’s Dina’s dad who was trapped in the Inn for many years, could his magic infusing the Inn also infuse into his stepchildren who also inhabited the Inn for many years?
    2A- Or does he not know he is an adhal because his heritage is a mystery and he unknowingly is distantly related to the original beings that birthed innkeepers.
    3- I have only read book 1 of the Edge series, is the answer to some of my questions reveled in the series, since Arbitor George I from that series too right?

    • This comment will hopefully grab Mod R’s attention to archive in case the Authorlords decide to do another “Innkeeper Questions” blog post.

      My apologies for spamming an unrelated post. I didn’t want to abuse the technical issues form?

      Also did you know there is a button on the “Contact” page titled “Reader email” and it directs you to the technical issues form?

    • 1A- In Ilona’s own words, “this dude is not that important” https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/innkeeper-questions-part-1/
      1B- This is indeed referring to Gerard, who, although not biologically related, is the only father Maud has ever known, as she explains in Sweep of the Blade.
      2A and B- we will all have to read the books to find these things out ????. But no one “birthed” Innkeepers, Inkeepers are just humans who became in touch with and learned how to use their magic. Most humans have magic in Innkeeper, as we learn with Officer Marais and his intuition.
      3- George the Arbitrator is from the Edge novels, Gerard however is a human from our Earth ????. Edge Earth and Innkeeper Earth are different planets, as explained in detail in Sweep in Peace. Your Innkeeper answers are not in the Edge.

      Hope this helps ????

      • It did help! Thank you for responding! I will definitely need to do a 3rd re-read. After I finish the Edge series of course. I will be starting your favorite this weekend: Bayou Moon! 😀

  163. The anticipation of smash, bang, busted bodies in bags, broken cars like soda cans all in one book sounds like awfully good reading.

  164. Arabella is my favorite character in the Baylors.

    I would love to see the book published under the title “The Awful Book.” I know it won’t happen, but I have fun imagining it.

  165. Yay! Arabella is rad! Very happy to hear she’ll be in more stories. After every new story, I’m convinced the sister in THAT book is my favorite. Really curious to see which one I end up liking the most ten years from now.

  166. Thanks for the snippet. I’m sorry the book is being awful to you, but will wait as long as needed to read it. I got my flu shot today, and this blog post is way better than a bandage.

  167. You guys just rock! I know you’re hating it, but the BDH is anxiously awaiting it! LOL’d at the Rogan’s gift to Arabella.

  169. You guys produce amazing work. Especially considering how difficult you’ve found writing this. Kudos to your perserverance.

  177. Thanks for the hard work, love the snippet. Do wonder if the last post got BDH imagination going on overdrive, from the comments, just asking. Did like the comments about villain vending machine, and the club being called bam bam….and many others stuck me as very funny. Sorry the “awful” book that refuses to listen to you, is being so rude, but the snippets have been exceptional great. Thanks again…hope you have a great weekend

  178. Lovely!!!! Thanks for the reads.

    Nice to see Arabella getting out.

    On another note, something I hope you laugh at, some light relief.

    I was thinking. If you have the first half of the awful book the way you like it I’m sure we’re all happy to read it in parts. We’ll buy 2 books is what I mean. You could make it almost like a choose your own ending book and have 2 or more endings ????????????. I’d buy and read them, 4 books from House Andrews.

    Hmm, well never mind, obviously suffering book withdrawal. Delusions are spawning.

  179. Sorry to hear you feel it’s an Awful Book. Like everyone else’s posts, from what I’ve read so far I’m confident I will thoroughly enjoy reading it once you’re ready to publish it. I remain grateful that you feel able to continue to write in these difficult times.

  180. I know you guys hate this book and it seems like it will never end, but thank you for writing it. The snippet is great!

  183. I so admire your dedication to completing this, especially since I know it’s going to be great! I wish it could have been fun for you. Since I found the blog I love finding echos of what you post in your books, almost like your essence infuses them. House Andrews, thank you for creating such a wonderful treat for us.

  188. House Andrew’s: You are so good to us, thank you. May you have a relaxing Friday night with your game / book of choice, enjoying your beloved menagerie…..

  189. And- the new Marvel
    Universe movie (Shaolin & the Legend of the Ten Rings) is really good- highly recommend! I think you would enjoy the banter, the martial arts scenes and- yes it’s true!- the character development .

  191. Thanks so much for the intriguing snippet. Can’t wait till the “awful” book comes out. Thank you for keeping up with the blog. It really helps with the waiting for your newest book.

  192. Thank you for snippet!

    I know the Arkan is a villain who has a proven record of evil but being thwarted by the Baylors multiple times makes me wonder if the Baylor budget is blown.

  193. Yes! I’m so excited about this “awful book”! You guys are doing an awfully good job with it ???? Thank you for the snippet (my autocorrect wants to say “sniper”- I love your sniper too- he’s very impressive)

  194. Aww Connor! I kinda wish I had a brother-in-law like him ☺️

    I know you’re not having a grand time at all writing this book, but I really appreciate this snippet. Thank you!

  196. I think I’m getting the idea of why it’s awful. It’s not because the story is bad, but it’s just TOO GOOD for words. If this is the final book for Catalina, it means the book also needs to “merge” the story going to Arabella. OMG. Nevada is my favorite. Cat –I love—but she hasn’t replaced her sister in my heart…LEON is a close second but I think I WILL LOVE Arabella —gah!

    Also–kudos to Connor for being the best older brother ever!

  198. Aww, so nice to have such a thoughtful brother in law as Connor.
    Arabella is truly awesome in both her stomping monster glory and in human form.
    Thank you for continuing with Ruby Fever despite what it means for you. It’ll be treasured by the BDH, and more so because of what it cost you in energy.
    (Hope that comes across as it was intended, not being a writer I cannot understand this situation but nevertheless I sympathise with you. )

  201. I have to say that from the snippets that you give, your “Awful” book is sounding like an Awesome book. Thank you for sharing

  202. Awful. You always say this and it always turns out fantastic.
    Please accept an electronic group-hug for your pain. We love you!

  203. As always, the snippet is great. I love that Arabella informed the head of security that she’d handle it, and she did. I love that the writing you know is perfect tells the story of what happened so clearly and in short order. I love that Connor gave her a massive club for her birthday! It’s very much like Nevada giving Leon his first gun. The perfect weapon for her to use!

  204. I’m going to have to read them all again. I keep forgetting stuff. The one good thing about having had a brain haemorrhage 3 yrs ago (a part from the fact that I survived it and have most of my faculties of course!) is that I forget a lot of what I’ve read so I get the pleasure of reading a book again like its the first time.
    I know you are frustrated with this book, House Andrews, but know we all eagerly await, we have the utmost faith in you and it will be brilliant.
    But if I have to go back in for brain surgery again, they may give me a lobotomy so if you could get a move on that would be smashing!

  205. One of my favorite comedies is The Awful Truth staring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. The story goes that Grant wanted to leave the film due to the director’s style, but it cemented his A-List star status. So I eagerly await your awful soon to be awesome book.

  206. I suspect there will be an awesome take down scene where Alessandro or Catalina kill Arkan; but I keep seeing a giant Arabella monster foot squashing him into an oily, liquid mess in a Monty Python-ish scene.

  207. Yay!!! I am so glad Arabella is featured in this snippit- thank you for sharing! I am sorry the book is arduous but appreciate your writing!

  208. Love your snippets, thank you so much for them. I hate that you guys feel such pressure and dislike for some of your work. Please have a beautiful weekend. Enjoy. Cheryl

  209. Thank you for this awesome snippet, I am excited to read the book and these glimpses are always a wonderful tease.

  213. U C, now here’s my d lm a . . .
    what can a committed satisfied enthusiastic reader of your work say
    The Awful Book…
    The Book that never Ends…
    The Ruby Nightmare…
    ‘you’re a perfectionist , it has to pass your perception needs wants & sense or you’re just going to keep on keeping on till it gets there … so be it

    But since you were kind enough to let me know, what’s up AND why you’re keeping on, I feel the need to share my first thought upon finishing the snip pet.

    You’re a meanie.
    Because impossible dream, it may seem, the awful book can not be unending … dag nab it
    PS thank you for sharing

  214. I’m so sorry it’s become “that awful book” to you. Your pain comes through, yet I know it’s going to make me (and many others) very happy when you finally sign off, because your work always does. Please know I appreciate the slog.

  215. Thank you for sharing. I, too, regret the awful bookhood of this one. I suspect this will be a read and re-read and re-read book.

    Had to reread Hugh and the latter KD books after a recent blog post. Thank you, IA.

  219. I am really looking forward to reading this new masterpiece. I seldom reread books. Yours are the exception.

  220. Just out of curiosity: how does the us american vaccination system work? I often read or see in a movie that after sustaining an injury the affected person gets/needs a Tetanus shot. Why? Here in Germany you get three shots of Tetanus vaccine as an infant and then every 10 years. And then your safe when you get hurt, I have never known anyone who needed a shot after an injury. Is there a different Tetanus vaccine in the US than in Europe?

    • Hi Stefanie,

      The snippet never said vaccination ????.

      The tetanus immunoglobulin shot is used for those wounds that are tetanus prone and high risk as vaccination alone may not provide enough protection if the incubation period is faster than the host’s own immune response.

      It is a fast response, emergency protection for wounds that are deemed at risk and is administered in European countries as well, ontop of our vaccination program or to people who have not completed it fully. Here for the National Health Service website in England for example https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tetanus/

      I hope this helps.

      • Ah, ok! I just assumed imcorrectly, that “shot” meant vaccination. I never knew there was a immunoglobulin shot for Tetanus. Thanks for clearing that up for me! I have had this question for a long time, but clearly I searched the internet for the wrong thing ????.

        • Mod R is correct. I live in southern USA on a working farm and my doctor says “go get tetanus booster” every time I step on a rusty nail or get cut of unknown origin especially when it requires sutures. Or when rooster attacked my legs and spurred me. Hurts same as regular tetanus shot. Still have to get regular tetanus shots. Sigh

          • I used to injure myself badly enough for the staff to ask about a tetanus booster roughly once every ten years. It was very convenient, except for the injury part. Those were just regular booster vaccinations though, not immunoglobulins.

            America does not have universal health insurance the way most European countries do. All infants and youth are eligible for childhood vaccines, whether insured or not, through public health programs. Once you’re an adult though, you’re on your own. If you can afford health insurance, it will pay for routine vaccinations like tetanus. So will Medicaid, which covers some healthcare costs for low-income citizens.

            The trouble for vaccinations comes when an adult’s income is too high to qualify for Medicaid, and that individual also cannot access health insurance through their employer, for whatever reason. Employers with below a certain number of employees are not required to provide insurance. Nor are they required to provide insurance to part-time workers in most cases. Employers are also not required to provide insurance to workers who are classified as individual contractors, and some big companies like Uber try to classify almost all their employees that way.

            The Affordable Care Act was intended to address these workers who fall through the gaping crevasses of our healthcare system, but it was hamstrung by a bunch of compromises that were required to get any kind of relief passed at all. So there are still a significant number of Americans who forego preventive care because of the upfront costs, and hope nothing happens to make them regret it.

            Yes, it is a ridiculous system. Most of us are well aware that an ounce of prevention is worth sixteen ounces of cure. Too many forget that at the ballot box though. My newly-elected state delegate sent around an email newsletter with the quote “Take care of the pennies, and the pounds will take care of themselves.” I emailed him back with the reminder “Penny-wise and pound-foolish.” No signs of intelligent life yet though.

  222. Thank you for the snippet. The AB is going to be a terrific addition to the House Baylor saga! Can’t wait!

  223. Usually when something is super hard, I’m pushing something that isn’t right. Maybe give yourselves a week to imagine a different book? Different story line, everything. Making it fun makes a HUGE difference. Something fun takes a fraction of time to create and is always worth it. Good luck!

  224. Heh -> “Modern art installation to House warfare.”

    I love Arabella, although she does rather terrify me in a way that Nevada and Catalina do not.

  227. I had a really strange conversation with sibling this morning about audiobooks. I have been listening to audiobooks for a good 10 years now and I have read some articles about issues authors have with Audible and I know that authors have to eat the production costs for the audiobooks. So, I felt I had some knowledge about the subject. Well, of course my sibling, who has never listened to an audiobook, does not own one, is the expert. He told me that folks make thousands of dollars a month being audiobook narrators. That all you have to do is get a writer to write a script, narrate it, uploaded to Audible/Amazon and POW you are selling like hotcakes. So the next step is to google this topic and there are lots of YouTube videos about the tprocess, claiming you can make $40,000 a month narrating audiobooks. This one lady, Hurricane Liz, tells you the process and discusses trying to find a writer and to be careful of outsourcing to the Philippines. I did like the comment that some writers like to write and will give you free samples of their work just because they like to write. Anyway, this sounds like a bit of a scam with folks offering expensive “how to” courses, and selling “how to get rich flipping houses” audiobooks with out really having the experience in the field. It just sounds really off to me, what do you think?

  229. Your “awful” is better than 99% of the books out there. Heck, your blog is better than most of the stuff out there. I am eagerly awaiting this “awful” book.

  231. Such a great distraction today! Rough day but got an attitude adjustment waiting at pharmacist. Woman next to me trying to get fentanyl for her 22 yo daughter in hospice . Husband also in hospice and so is mom in law. I need to stop whining. Hugs all, looking for rainbows….. melody

  232. Awesome snippet! I’m happy that Connor understands Arabella. Looking forward to this book, like some others said, the Baylor’s are nice to read during chaotic times. ????

  234. Now I have a vision of Connor playing ball with Arabella and her club. He throws a tank at her, she bats it back at him and he catches it. Barely.

    Thank you for the snippet!

  236. If this is the book that shall not be named, then I must tell you that I really enjoy reading the snippets that you have treated us with so far. I really can’t wait for the opportunity to purchase it.

  241. Yay! Thanks for the snippet. Looking forward to reading it when it comes out. Can wait patiently so whenever the timing is good for you is good for me. ????

  244. Thanks for pushing through the awful book ☺️

    And thanks for the snippet! I’m excited to see things with Arkan coming to a head and to see Arabella taking care of bid’ness. You’ve done such a good job teasing her backstory. I’m so intrigued.

  245. Oh this isn’t impossible…it’s promising. I just hope the writing will flow better than the spice going forward to ease the pressure on our poor stressed writers !

  247. So appreciate that even though this is a difficult book for you that you guys are continuing to plow forward. I am looking so forward to reading it in its entirety. But love the snippets.

  248. I always enjoy and look forward to the snippets. Always enjoy the blog. PLEASE keep writing on! and on possible names for THE CLUB? How about Smith . . . short for Smithereens

  250. I’m curious. Why is this book so difficult to write? I don’t recall you having so much trouble with any of your earlier books.

    • You are not recalling it because I don’t typically share when a book is difficult to write. It leads to reader speculation and comments like “I could tell this was a hard book for them.” No, you can’t, because we’ve written difficult books before and released them to rave reviews. The only reason why you guys know this book is difficult is because it is seriously delayed and we had to explain why that is.

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