Two posts in one day.
This post is made because I didn’t put things clearly on Friday, and poor Mod R had to suffer from my incompetence. Thank you to everyone for your supportive messages! We appreciate it. This post is for everyone who is worried that their favorites will be abandoned.
What is an anchor series?
An anchor series is the author’s primary fiction series. An author can only have a single anchor series or they can have several series during their career. Kate Daniels and the Edge ran concurrently. Kate Daniels was the anchor series, a primary series we were known for at the time, while the Edge was a side series.
Why do you need a new anchor series?
Having an anchor series allows an author to have a steady income stream by bringing in new readers. While this might seem very odd to many of us, over time people tend to abandon long fiction series. Their reading tastes change, or the author’s creative direction changes, or it becomes simply too much to keep up.
A lot of people hesitate to jump into a long existing series because it requires too much time and money. Not everyone. Plenty of people do pick up older books. But statistically speaking, a long series presents a barrier to entry. We need to be gaining readers to continue our career.
Look at Instant Pot. Instant Pot had massive sales during pandemic. It’s a great appliance. Everyone loves it, right? They filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June. What happened? How could this be?
Everyone who wanted an Instant Pot bought one and they are very well made. They don’t break so you don’t need to replace them. Instant Pot literally saturated the market. If they had come up with a different product while Instant Pot was selling like hot cakes, they might not have been in this position. Peloton, same story.
While books are not Instant Pots, some similarity exists in that an author must produce new and exciting things to stay afloat.
Why can’t you just do a spin off as an anchor series?
We tried that with Blood Heir. While it sold in record numbers, it failed to pull in new readers, and in part it is the BDH’s fault. BDH loved KD so much that any time a new reader asked if they could read Blood Heir on its own, the existing readers jumped in and told them that no, they should read the entire KD series first because the relationships are so much deeper and they will miss out.
As an aside, the book pushing ability of the BDH is without equal.
So, KD is very loved and we are very lucky authors. But this just goes to show you that people do hesitate picking up a spin-off from an existing series because of the fear of missing out or being confused.
So no, it’s can’t be anything related to an existing series. Because every professional review will start with, “This is a spin off” and new readers will skip it, which defeats the purpose.
But Roman and Arabella and …
No. New. New thing. Not spin-off from old thing. This doesn’t mean we won’t write spinoffs. It just means we need something in addition to them.
But I know this author and they did…
Each author’s career is individual and unique. What worked for that author will not work for us. We are doing our best to continue to deliver cool stories to you in the best way we know how.
Does this mean we are not getting the sequels we want?
No. We are planning on concluding the hanging arcs of our other series in the next 2 years, hopefully, if nothing catastrophic happens. Remember how Hidden Legacy came out, and we still finished KD and wrote Innkeeper? This is “in addition” to existing stuff, not instead of it.
Does this mean you are not inspired to write in the existing worlds?
If we weren’t inspired, we wouldn’t be writing in them. We only work on what we want to work on.
If you have two years of work planned, why are you worrying about it now?
Because we would like the anchor series to be traditionally published. That means 12-24 months wait for publication after we deliver a manuscript. We must think about 3 years in advance.
The end goal is to provide the BDH new cool stuff to read without a long delay.
Is it Maggie? Will Maggie be the anchor series?
No. I went into in the previous post, but basically Maggie might be too niche to have a wide appeal. But we love it and we are going to work on it so we don’t regret it in the future. It is a challenge and challenges are good for the creative soul.
For the sake of all that is holy, tell us what is next? Tell us something!
After Maggie, it’s either Iron and Magic 2 or Wilmington 3. Both need to get done before Blood Heir 2. This doesn’t mean that we won’t put out shorter fiction of some sort or have a small side projects but in terms of novels, that’s what we are looking at.
Will you tell us when…
No. You will know which it is and when it is once we are ready for preorder date. We must be confident that we can deliver.
But why are you not writing the things I want right now?
Because we are not machines. We experience ups and downs, we have emotions, we have problems and sometimes we put off projects because we know we are not in the right headspace to do them justice. We don’t want to churn out crappy books.
I hope this clears things up and puts some questions to rest. Thank you so much for being enthusiastic about our work and kind to us as people even when we are sad sacks of sadness. We really appreciate all of you.
All our love and gratitude to you both. Thank you for writing for us. Thank you for writing for *me*.
+1! 🤗
💙 100% agree.
“We don’t want to churn out crappy books.”
and it shows! I’ve read everything you’ve written (including Alphas) and there isn’t one book where I’m like yeah, never reading that again, once was enough.
It’s really too bad you don’t get paid by the rereads.
Have you decided whether there will be an Iron and Magic 3? For some reason I thought it would be a three book arc but during one of the zoom release parties I got the impression maybe just two books?
When you’re looking at a new anchor series, are you looking to change genres or sub genres?
Maggie is a genre departure from the urban fantasy/romance of House Andrews books so far, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that whatever ends up being the new series will be as well 🙂.
The sequel to Iron and Magic hasn’t been written yet, so it’s not set in stone how many books will be in the series, but at the moment a duology is what looks most likely.
ModR will it still have romantic aspects to it even though it’s a different genre?
We’ll just have to read and see 🙂
It honestly is too bad you aren’t paid for the rereads! If I can’t find something inspiring in my rather extensive tbr list, I just pull up whichever one of yours hasn’t been reread recently. I know I will enjoy it!
That never occurred to me. You think that would be possible with ebooks for authors to get residuals like actors do if they have it in their contract. With ebooks the app platform can tell what books were downloaded and reread.
I know there are writer’s guilds for different genres. Seems like there needs to be an overarching guild that can stand up to Amazon, BN, etc., and set up something like residuals for ebooks. And audio books.
Seriously! I’m re-reading the Edge series right now.
LoL
Me too.
But it’s one of my favorites from House Andrews (tied in top 2)
What about putting books published more than 5 years ago in Kindle Unlimited. This would provide opportunities for readers to discover your older anchor series at a reduced cost. It would also provide readers like me, who reread all your books, an opportunity to support you by downloading your books on Kindle Unlimited. That is how I find new authors, by downloading books on Kindle Unlimited. If I really like the series, I then buy the book. Once I buy an authors book, I normally buy all their books.
Books on Kindle Unlimited are exclusive to Kindle Unlimited. They would not be allowed to be sold through any other platform or retailer.
The only Kindle Unlimited book House Andrews had, Fated Blades, made a lot of people unhappy.
To this day, years later, whenever there is a new release there are comments like “This isn’t another Amazon exclusive, I hope?!” even though there are always several preorder retailer links.
“This would provide opportunities for readers to discover your older anchor series at a reduced cost.”
This will not work for a number of reasons.
1) KU readers do not buy books. Amazon itself admitted it in their author newsletters. They just like to use KU. In fact, over 50% of them have never bought a book from Amazon.
2) Most of our older work is published by traditional publishers who are not interested in taking a massive earnings cut by enrolling the books into KU.
3) Sending books to KU means they are only available at KU, which will cut out everyone else. If you had purchased a book on other platform, it would no longer be available to you. We wouldn’t do that.
KU reader here….. I definitely buy books even though I use KU. There’s probably a lot of us out there. I even buy print books. I’m an equal opportunity reader. That being said…..I prefer quality over quantity…. And will patiently wait for your creative juices to flow. 🙃
I’m pretty sure they’re saying that many/most KU users don’t buy books through the Kindle app. Not that they don’t buy books at all. I certainly don’t buy Amazon. I’ll buy from a bookstore when I buy.
ebooks I use the library, Kobo and KU, I used to buy on Kobo randomly even you could purchase directly through the app.
I suppose HA could try giving Kobo freebies, I forget what it’s called, but it’s a subscription readers pay for to get free content and they don’t require you to be exclusive.
I use KU and buy books. I’m surprised I’m the minority. KU is great to test a new author or new genre, but quality is very uneven. There are some good books there, just not enough of them for me – I read a lot. Thus, I buy.
Best recommendations for KU? I have a trial membership but haven’t found anything that’s holding my interest…
Hi Amanda, we try to keep the book recommendations contained in special dedicated posts, in order to not veer off-topic on unrelated articles.
Please check out the Books We Like category in the blog menu, where you will find recommendations by both House Andrews and the BDH https://ilona-andrews.com/category/blog/recommended-read/
This thread is now closed.
I have both Kindle and Nook apps on my tablet b/c as much as I love Nook, there are authors I purchase (such as Honor Ranconteur) who moved her entire library to KU, so if I want to by newDavenforth books, I have to get them on Kindle. Kinda annoying but I adapt. Kindly really does have a lot of crap, as well as books that I consider mediocre but readable once (and easily forgotten). It’s a good way to destress, and I have found a few authors that I like enough that I’m willing to support with my hard earned money.
How does kobo plus compare to kindle unlimited? I don’t believe that it requires the exclusive contract. For example, “Only Good Enemies” is on kobo plus but also for sale for kobo as well as elsewhere.
Kobo Plus is much friendlier, but the pay is very low. We ARE paid for rereads though. Kobo Plus is not exclusive, but it’s really meant for authors who don’t mind taking a hefty pay kick to get books into user hands, much like a library.
I believe we get paid something like $0.30 a read or something like that XD
Your books are wonderful! I reread often 🙂
I recently dropped my KU subscription as I wasn’t using it. The books were poorly written and edited. They also ended a lot on a cliffhanger, I guess so readers would eagerly await the next book in the series. Because of the constant cliffhangers, there was never even a pretense of a moment of HEA, and thus no emotional feeling of satisfaction on the reader’s part. Also, due to poor/no editing, even when the writer did have an original and decent idea for a series, it was never properly developed.
Stating the obvious here but Kindle Unlimited is Amazon.
Don’t get me wrong but as an IT professional anything touching Amazon or using Amazon is the death of “traditional/other” options.
Example … see SAG / writer / actor strike.
Amazon is great at promotion and sometimes they are mad convenient but often times it’s at the cost of quality or payment to talent. There are exceptions where Amazon does pay but it’s not their SoP.
So when you ask why KU doesn’t have a bunch of titles even though they are older …it’s because they aren’t paying for them or require exclusive or they haven’t purchased the original publisher and own them.
+1
I will check the digital book out from my library when I re-read. I don’t know how much it helps the author for each individual read but it means that the library knows the author is wanted.
Libraries buy licenses with a certain number of downloads per ebook. When those downloads are reached, they renew the license if the book is popular enough to warrant it 🙂. The authors get paid when you read through your library! Plus, there is fantastic exposure to readers who would otherwise not hear or have access to those books 🙂
There are also what I guess you might call “extra-libraries,” book lending services that are associated with but separate from brick and mortar libraries. Becuase I have a San Francisco library card I can use both Axis 360 and Hoopla. Frequently I can get books there that are very difficult to get through the library itself. A good example is Fourth Wing. I was something like 678 on the list at the library but was able to check it out on Hoopla right away.
Mod R, do you know if authors receive payment through either Hoopla or Axis 360? I’d like to think they are but honestly don’t know.
Yes 🙂 – Hoopla pays the authors per listen – more details here https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/all-the-hoopla/
Mmm, I only read, not listen. Does HA still get paid?
If you’re borrowing from Hoopla or other library accredited programs, yes 🙂
🥂
So if we own an author’s books (physically or digitally like Audible), we can goose their earnings a little bit by checking the books out on Hoopla or other digital platforms used by libraries for re-reads?
Yes, that is an option 🙂
I’m glad to hear that rereading IA books through our libraries are another way to get them a paycheck. Since I’ve started wearing glasses, reading regular book size print tires my eyes quickly… a major bummer. The solution I came up with was to mail my favorite books to my brother, donate the other 500+ to ‘Friends of the Library’, and to request my library put every IA book written online. Now when I reread the books on the library website and can adjust the font, size, and background color. I’m so happy to be able to binge read my favorites again and knowing that you are getting paid each time I reserve & read a book makes me even happier,
I call that comfort reading. Like comfort food, it’s familiar, no surprises, and is like a warm hug.
+1
they do get paid if you reread via your library!!!!
Whatever you write, whenever you write it, will be 😍.
Thank you so much for all the joy you have brought with your books! You should have the same joy in writing those books!
Whatever you choose we support. We have your back.
*big BDH hugs*
Exactly! We love your books – and you know us: we‘ll devour whatever you give to us 😂…
“finished Innkeeper”
Oh, man, I hope not.
There will be further books in the Innkeeper series 🙂- I think that just meant finished the serials and publishing the books at the same time as writing the anchor series.
Thank goodness! I *love* the Innkeeper series and recommend it to everyone!
As a card carrying member of the BDH, I want to say we are idiots if we are turning off new readers because they don’t want to start at the beginning of KD. If you see someone is interested in a spinoff and wants to read it as a one off, you don’t tell them they have to read the other 15+ books first – you gently explain that it can be read by itself (because the authors do a great job of world and character development) and if they like it they have all these other fantastics books they can dive into. We all have different gateway drugs – I have read short stories in composite books and they went back and tracked down everything else the author had written.
The Horde’s enthusiasm is one the great things about us! A new anchor series will come 🙂
Personally, I think half the fun of discovering new readers is to binge read their catalog. Downside is when you get to the last book and you then have to start waiting for the next book in the series.
Hey I resemble this “idiot”! …
I pushed KD 1-3 to a non English speaker to help them with learning English and it blew up in my face … KD 1-3 aren’t quite as polished or as smooth and friendly as later books or even a series like Innkeeper.
Live & learn …but ya this idiot raises hand.
I agree. I think I started KD on book 5 or so and was hooked immediately. I then went back and read the rest and everything else they wrote. So let’s encourage them to try it and see if they like the style and I bet most will be exploring the other books and series.
I feel bad that the BDH turned people off of Blood Heir. We are an enthusiastic group. I really want new people to discover House Andrews.
How can I get a card to carry?
*Gleeful anticipation* Hugh and Elara!
What’s a BDH?
The Book Devouring Horde – it’s the name the Ilona Andrews fans gave ourselves 🙂
Thanks for everything you write!
And I’m sorry but every time I read ‘anchor series’ I keep expecting you to write something based on boats and sailing and anchor anchors!
Good luck finding your anchor; it’ll be swell whenever you do find it…
…. I see what you did there. I’m not sure if it was the right tack to take.
To me this seems as if we got the very nice promise to read first Wilmington 3 and Iron‘n Magic 2 and then Blood Heir 2 in the next 24 Months and then a new series after that? Every 8 months a new novel and maybe Maggie somewhere as well? This sounds too good to be true 🙂 In my line of work I have to deliver projects continously, work on many at the same time and so they are mostly barely meeting my standards. I wish for you that you will have the means to create your wonderful work in the time and order that you need so you and us will enjoy it!
Let’s let House Andrews tell us whenever books are ready ☺️ – they work extremely hard and have lots of surprises and treats for us. It’s better to have thise than stress and pressure anyone on perceived delays.
I think any of them can be read alone. Sure the series builds, but each book has such good characters and world building that I feel anyone who likes the genre will like IA books. I wish I could say any of the friends I’ve pushed at your books had latched on. Unfortunately, most just are not major readers.
I picked up my first one, an Innkeeper, from an Amazon recommendation. Pure luck, as I generally ignore them. From there I found the website and discovered the current serial! OMG. Then I started hunting for the Kate series at half price so I could catch up. And whatever I could find at local bookstores. I read them in whatever order I found them. That of course took too long, so Amazon got a lot of my money over the next few months. It was so worth it! And then hunting for the audiobooks! Oh my that’s a story in itself heh.
Waiting as patiently as possible for whatever you produce next! It doesn’t matter in the slightest to me what it is either! I already know I will love it and my only question is, will there be audio (sorry, just had to hehehe).
”I went into in the previous post, but basically Maggie might be too niche to have a wide appeal. But we love it and we are going to work on it so we don’t regret it in the future.”
Oh thank god, I was already drafting plans to get my friends to read it somehow hehe I think if you guys love, it must be really really good *rubs hands in anticipation*
It’s a pity that Maggie seemingly doesn’t have the potential to be an anchor series…it being niche actually makes it even more appealing to me. The older I get, the more I care less about the genre and the more I care about how well crafted the characters are and how immersive the story.
As for a popular anchor series that draws in new readers…I’m really curious what you guys have planned. A series with a male mc would be fun!
lol.. BDH had a collective fit of the vapors and needed this post as our smelling salts.
hahahaha – 😀
There was pearl clutching. So much pearl clutching.
lol, too true
Hello, slightly off topic but I have a question about how to receive blog updates. I notice that new post alerts come through on Twitter (X) hours sooner than the blog email alert.
I have just deleted X, for Reasons. Is there an RSS feed for this blog, or another way I can get my fix directly injected into my face vs waiting for the email to come through? Thank you (for being amazing and, separately, for reading this question)!
Hey Eliza- there’s a post buffer that pushes the updates on the social media channels like X and Facebook almost instantaneously.
This is different than the newsletter server which sends out the post in the emails- which is sending to thousands of addresses, and can experience delays up to one day.
There is no RSS feed, they’re not really a thing anymore, but the blog usually updates on Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 11 am Central 🙂.
the RSS is:
https://ilona-andrews.com/feed/
Well, in some ways I want to apologize for how we readers can become a bit greedy. (“A bit????” I hear in the distance) We love what we love and want it to keep being available. We re-read because that’s all we want, at that moment, and nothing new has been added to the pile.
Personally, I love a long series because I know my future needs are covered for a lengthy lie-in. Stand-alones rarely satisfy me if I’ve become involved with the characters. I loved the Kate series, and I then enjoyed the side stories but find it somewhat exasperating when they don’t get their own follow-ups. “Blood Heir” has a planned sequel, but what about “Magic Stars?” It shows in my library as “Grey Wolf Book 1” but never gets mentioned when talking about new books. Or will it get folded into “Kate Daniels World?” Or will it be an abandoned plotline?
One of my favorite authors (RJ Blain) has one really long “series” and one moderate series, and four or five two-book beginnings of series. Those bug me because all of them need at least one more book and instead she keeps starting new series. Argh. And that’s the selfish side of me coming out.
I’m not sure I had a point when I started this, but essentially, House Andrews will do what they do best in their own time and their own direction, and the BDH will be hovering, ready to buy everything they produce, because they’re just that talented. 🙂 I’m quite looking forward to their new Anchor series, whatever it is.
Hi Barbara,
Magic Stars or Grey Wolf was never intended as a new series, but the title was given to keep some options open and differentiate it from the main series books.
Derek’s storyline will continue in the Ryder series (Blood Heir and its sequel/s) 🙂.
I don’t like writing books in same series too close together. My brain needs a rest. I’m sorry you don’t like it, but… that’s just how my brain works? There’s a reason the mag rom com books never have a repeated hero or heroine close together, and often, the side characters won’t show up for a while outside of one or two.
That’s just part of the creative process for me. It also helps pay the bills and allows me to keep writing.
I would just quit if I wrote one or two series and that’s that. My brain HATES it. I want 3-5 books between returns to a series whenever possible. So, I write what I’m passionate about.
And yes, I understand a lot of people don’t jump to the new series, but I get new readers who do go to those, and it all helps.
But I have the same exact problem the awesomeness that is Ilona Andrews has. I have one anchor series and a bunch of passion that does me little good because people just ask “But Mag Rom Coms???” And get upset when I do things that AREN’T Mag Rom Coms, and sabotage it as often as not.
Please plan your writing to keep your brain and your soul happy. You are one of my go-to comfort re-reads, and your writing keeps my brain and soul happy. Mom hugs.
What she said!
I want you happy and healthy, if at all possible, for as long as you want to be…
I would love to plug her new book (It has dragons!) but suspect that’s bad manners.
Lol, the patience you have for the BDH is vast.
All of your books are amazing. And I definitely concur that they will appeal to different type of people at different times of life. I personally absolutely love your Kinsmen series and rate them as best ever. I always think they are underrated, but then again I also re-read Hidden legacies a lot…those are my Comfort food=D. So, whatever anchor series you will imagine, they will be another hit. BDH just needs to do loads of TikTok videos to make sure they sell super well!
Hugs…..
I love you Guys so much. The way you anticipated every question 🤣.
Thank you for another detailed explanation of the mechanics of your writing world.
I’m coming at this a little backwards as I read all the other series before KD. And yes, coming into a big seties with offshoots is always challenging, but I treated myself to all of them (yay for a husband who know Kobo gift certificates are the way to this woman’s heart!).
Currently, I am in the middle of Blood Heir, and would have no problem recommending it as a stand-alone. Enough years have passed between KD 10 and BH, and the backstory is well explained.
I’ll read whatever you choose to write! Not picky here!
So sorry BDH messed up Blood Heir! I always recommend folks read The Edge b4 Innkeeper, just because Edge is so good and soooo satisfying that the Edge bad guy gets his in Innkeeper 1!
But I always love finding out that there are more books b4 the spin offs when I’ve read other authors. More to love! And then I can reread the spinoff after reading the 1st series and get even more enjoyment out of them.
what’s Maggie?
Maggie is the new project House Andrews are working on 🙂. We received an update on its status on Friday, which created further questions https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/no-content/
Here are some of the snippets shared with us https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/maggie-maggie-maggie/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/bdh-the-best-fandom-ever-and-snippet/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/busy-week/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/meow-meow-is-okay/
I guess I’m living under a rock, who is Maggie??
Why is everyone asking about this person?
Twice today you mentioned that name and I’m drawing a blank!
Maggie is the new project House Andrews are working on 🙂.
Here are some of the snippets shared with us https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/maggie-maggie-maggie/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/bdh-the-best-fandom-ever-and-snippet/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/busy-week/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/meow-meow-is-okay/
When I read the post, I kept seeing the part of the BDH t-shirt saying “Give us more books”.
Stick to your guns about what you want to write. The craziness of the BDH will quite down eventually. 🤷♀️😁🤪
Never 😂!
We will always Devour and our crazy is beloved 🏇🏻🏇🏻 (that’s meant to be the Horde riding in hehe)
🤣🤣🤣
However there are times the Horde should be fluffy and be the two swear words we all dislike. 😉😁😂
absolutely love your books, take your time writing them, I’d rather have quality than quantity. stopped reading another author cause she was just popping books out left and right with no real change in her stories except for names of characters. would it be possible for someone to point me in the direction of any updates on Arrabella tho? if there has been any. just finished a reread and would love to know if we know who her leading man is yet!!
Hey Beverly,
There are some updates on Arabella’s books and why they will not be written at this time: Gordon revealed in the Magic Claims release Q&A that her love interest is Mihail, the metamorphosis mage Russian prince we meet at the end of Ruby Fever https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/magic-claims-spoiler-party-and-transcript/
However, because the situation in Ukraine and Russia is deeply affecting House Andrews they are not feeling up to writing those adventures just yet- more details here https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/why-not-a-russian-hero/
Thank you for your understanding 🙂
Very interesting to learn about the anchor series thank you!
I confess I’m guilty… I don’t think BH should be read without KD… sorry lol
I would go far as to say that I would tell people you could read Iron and Magic as a standalone, but not BH. idk hahaha. It helps that IM#1 isn’t set in Atlanta so there’s not as much wealth of info. Plus, Hugh and Elara met for the first time in their book. That’s not the same for Julie and Derek. I just feel like you would be missing too much. Like all of Magic Stars too.
But hey, maybe I’m wrong. I remember reading my top #1 favorite book, The King of Attolia by just picking it off the shelf in the library at school. Back before I was looking up any reviews/goodreads etc. I read it and DEVOURED it. Then I realized it was a series.
But you know what? I loved that I read it first because the reading experience would have been completely different. There’s an air of mystery and suspense to the series main character Eugenides that wouldn’t have been there had I read in order. It helped a lot that Costis the main character for the book didn’t have any previous knowledge of Eugenides before either, so the narrator and the reader were on the same page. Both equally confused lol. I don’t think the same would happen with BH since Julie obviously is already enmeshed in the universe as a main character.
This all reminds me… I should re-read The King of Attolia. My 10th re-read awaits.
Some people are wired so they can jump into a series, some aren’t. I don’t mind jumping in the middle of most series and going backwards and forwards to catch up. I’ve done that successfully with some authors that came recommended, who are now must-reads for me. But then I don’t mind spoilers either, and I’ve skimmed to the end of a new book so I can find out what happens and get some sleep before dawn. Then I reread when there’s time.
Bottom line, give people the option and trust them to know themselves.
You guys are some of the nicest people I’ve never met in real life. That includes you Mod R. You guys take the time to break things down Barney style for us.
I can wait for spinoffs and everything else if you guys need to work on a new anchor series. Take your time and do what you need to do.
This may be a repeat post but it’s more concise. I love your books. And I’m really sorry about what happened with Blood Heir. And I don’t want to mess up any future projects, so if there’s things we need to say or not say – let us know. I’m happy to read whatever you write and do whatever you need when it comes to being a good BDH member. Your snippets and stories were bits of magic to look forward to in the past few years. I will buy whatever you write because no matter what the world is, it is brilliant.
It’s a clarification post, rather than a repeat 🙂, because there were a lot of questions and suggestions under Friday’s blog article.
Sorry, I meant “repeat reply.” I typed something else up and I think I failed to submit it correctly. It probably ended up in the Internet netherworld. Sorry again!!!
The BDH should always be honest! 🤗 There will be a brand new anchor series *and* we will continue to enjoy the spin-offs too!
The BDH will snap up whatever you write (and read it instantly and then immediately nag you to write MORE— we know we are annoying, thanks for putting up with us) and will love it, regardless of series.
Please practice self-care and write at a pace that is comfortable and not stressful, I say this selfishly because I want to read Ilona Andrews books far a long, long time to come. That means you have to both be healthy and in a happy head space to create.
Thanks for everything! We appreciate you!
Thank you for clarifying this! I am excited about a new project from you. Even though I’m an avid reader of your work, it’ll probably shock everyone when I say that I’m not interested in reading Kate Daniels, and for the precise reason you mention – too many books. I discovered you through HL, then read The Edge and Innkeeper and loved all, but KD is just… so much. Since everyone can’t possibly get exactly the book they crave next, I appreciate that you alter between different projects as to attract (and appease) a wider audience.
I hope one day you will head over onto the Hey Kitty Kitty avenue of Kate and Curran and get to meet that cast ☺️ – it’s definitely an awesome ride!
I started with the first three Innkeepers, not realizing it was a serial. Then I found the website and read everything except KD because I didn’t think urban fantasy was for me and it was a lot.
Then I found the blog with the Innkeeper serial and saw these other posts about a guy named Hugh. I broke down and read Iron & Magic and then had to read Magic Triumphs (final book) FIRST and did just fine and fell in love with KD.
I then promptly devoured all the books and novellas and spin offs and cannot believe that I spent so many years avoiding KD when it’s now a favorite.
Also, while it is a lot, as someone else has said, it is SO SATISFYING reading a series that is finished or mostly finished instead of hanging onto the cliff for years for the next book.
So from someone who spent years also uninterested in KD I get where you are coming from BUT you really can start with any book and nibble where you want to and still enjoy it.
I started the KD ride with Magic Breaks. What got me was the cover of the book. So, I took a chance on it. I didn’t even start to read the earlier books until I finished Magic Breaks.
Reading a KD book can be done without reading the other books.
Why did I hear the collective gasp of the other Horde members? 🤣🤣🤣🥸
Thank you so much
We love and trust your guys!
As much as I can’t wait for whatever you put out next, I appreciate your insight into the world of writing and will gladly wait. I often re-read your books and have them in digital and audio format, but that doesn’t pay the bills. Your existing fans will be here when you’re ready and will gladly tell their friends about the wonderful worlds you create!
Every time you have to write that BDH will not be told when what releases always makes me laugh.
It’s like spraying a cat for jumping on a table. You do it for a good reason yet BDH is like these energetic kitten fluffballs that still try to sneak up and get some goodies into their not so sneaky book-devouring claws 🤣
Thank you for all the endless entertainment!
I’m totally still into dragons. I’m so sad that didn’t get made. You guys can usually make a fresh turn on things.
I have started several GRRM books, including one of less than 150 pages, and never managed to finish one without skimming major stretches of prose. Nevertheless I am pretty sure I’ve read every word HA has published aside from very early blogs. There are dragons, and then there are the kind of dragons the sky dreams of.
I read KD because I saw Iron and Magic at the library and was intrigued. I liked it so much and it led me to the website to find out when the next book was coming out. That led to reading all of Kate’s books. Spin offs do lead to the anchor series. I didn’t know anyone who had read your work before except for seeing a novella because of a love of Jim Butcher. I like your writing style and would never have read Innkeeper or the others without Iron and Magic.
I’m down for a new anchor series! I know we’ll still get books of the current series we love AND we’ll get a new series to boot. Sign me up!
I vote for 3 Musketeers and Dragons!
ooooor maybe something in a webtoon style fantasy world – not gonna lie I”m a complete sucker for those.
I am so excited about a new anchor series. I remember first reading Innkeeper and it was so fresh and new and unlike anything else out there. I totally saw the growth of the authors skills and how they had really reached out of their comfort zone. And now….so many years since Innkeeper, so much more growth….OMG…..it’s gonna be awesome!
The fact you will even take the time to talk to us shows how much you’re willing to put up with our crazy.
My crazy says all your words are gold and hopes your sads will see better days soon.
thank you I/ we all love you.
Thank you. Hopefully if you keep repeating you are not machines it will sink in to all. And you will not get the question anymore
“But this just goes to show you that people do hesitate picking up a spin-off from an existing series because of the fear of missing out or being confused.”
This bit caught my attention. I am an audiobook reader, and a few years ago I picked up the Soulwood series by Faith Hunter. The second book won an Audie Award, and that seemed like a great endorsement, so I started with number one, Blood of the Earth. At the time I started the series, I had no idea that it was a spin-off of Hunter’s better known and very popular Jane Yellowrock series. To this day, I still haven’t read any of the JY books. I’ve only read the Soulwood books, which are some of my favorite urban fantasy reads ever.
I think what made the Soulwood series — an obvious spin-off series — “work” for someone like me, is that the two series are actually quite separate. Nell, the main character from Soulwood, has a bit part in one of the latter JY books, but she’s not a main character. There is a character in the Soulwood series who played more of a role in the JY series, although of course I didn’t know that. I felt like I could immerse myself in Nell’s story very well without having to first familiarize myself with Jane’s story. The two series, in my opinion, are very independent, despite their connection, and as a Soulwood-only reader, I never felt like I was missing important information or one step behind.
I really enjoyed Blood Heir and am looking forward to BH2. I’ll pre-order it the absolute moment I can. But it’s very integrated into the KD series. Except for a couple, all the main characters in Blood Heir come from Kate Daniels. Iron & Magic does a better job of being a spin-off: related but distinct. No one in that book is familiar except Hugh (and the brief guest appearance of our favorite Boudas from Atlanta and Roland at the very end). And even in that case, Hugh himself is different. Maybe not 180 degrees different, but different. We get to know him in a whole new way, a new side of him, as if he is a character we really haven’t met before. In Blood Heir, Julie is still Julie. More amped up and with a different name and face, but the core of her is still Julie and she’s still driven by her deep love for and connection to familiar KD characters. The Hugh we got in Iron & Magic was far more of a mystery, revealed page by page. (And there’s so much more I want to know about him and Elara. What is Elara? Who are all these kids the KD series keeps alluding to? Are they Elara and Hugh’s biological children? Who was the “boy” and what was he doing with a cow that made Hugh bark at him to put it down? Was he holding the cow? How? What is Hugh’s background? He is a demi-god? What’s happening to them out there in Kentucky now? Is Bucky really a unicorn? Did Deirdra come back? How are things developing with Johanna and Stoyan?)
I can tell you I’ll buy anything you write. I love how you tell a story.
My youngest son has gotten bits and pieces of Kate thru me listening to audiobooks on his many many many medical trips (one specialist 110 miles away, other specialist 290 miles away he sees one or the other every 3 months and doesn’t drive)
this past trip I bought and started the Wilmington series.
Besides both of us thinking Curran has a REALLY SEXY voice, my son kept pausing the narrative and telling me about Japanese mythology and how it should fit. I finally told him he should write his own stories and include Japanese mythology in that.
It’s been a week. Hes 3 chapters in. This is going to be interesting.
Good luck to your son! ☺️
+100!! 📚📚📚
Oh, what a great mom you are!!!
Best wishes for him to continue enjoying the ride!
No a writer, so no advice from me. But I was wondering if you have any of the parameters figured out: Type of setting? Theme? Type of protagonist? The overriding challenge/through line that they will face?
Or are you planning on jumping off a cliff into the unknown?
Either could be interesting, but your anchor series’ do seem to have those elements going in, so that you know where the story will eventually go, books ahead of your readers, if not all the way to the end. It is part of what makes your books enjoyable for me and the reason I like going back and rereading the earlier books, to find the clues I missed, or see characters through a more informed lens.
Hi Kate,
House Andrews are plotters, not pantsers, so they usually have the general outline figured out for their series before they start 🙂
If your comment is referring to Maggie, then yes, all those things are known.
Hi. I was thinking of the new anchor series.
I can already see those elements in the snippets of Maggie we have already been given. Puffles too. Even in these small slices there is a whole implied back story and forward story there.
The new anchor series does not exist yet. House Andrews are currently working on Maggie, as updated 🙂
As a faithful member of the BDH am I the only one that would like to see Michael and Arabella rather than Roman and Arabella?
There will not be Roman and Arabella- they are from completely different series with no crossover whatsoever 🙂.
The clarification was referring to the fact that the majority requests for a series are for a Roman spin-off in the Kate Daniels world and an Arabella sequel series for Hidden Legacy.
I know I’m kinda part of BDH, but damn you BDH if you’re the freaking reason I haven’t got a Blood Heir book 2 in my hands!!! Grrr!!
And it stands alone just fine, dammit!
There seems to be a bit of misunderstanding 🙂.
Blood Heir was a very commercially successful book, and the BDH ensured that. Context is everything: what Ryder failed at is being an anchor series- it is not the hook for new readers.
The pandemic is to blame for Blood Heir being written a bit out of order- the story of Julie being unable to return home and see family was very timely for a lot of people in 2020. But truly, the events in Blood Heir and its sequel need pieces of the puzzle from the Wilmington Years books and Iron Covenant in order to fully land.
That’s why we will be seeing those books first 🙂. It’s no one’s fault.
Thanks for the books to devour. (Waiting impatiently for next masterpiece)
😎
I’m just here to appreciate whatever new cool anchor series comes our way in the future. Thank you for filling my kindle with comfort reads full of magic, swords, and kickass characters.
Also, I’d totally buy a sweatshirt that said Sad Sack of Sadness with some kind of sad fuzzy creature on it. What’s a seemingly sad animal?
A donkey like Eeyore? Or a basset hound? Or a spaniel?
The BDH loves you. The BDH will buy anything you send our way. Some of the sample (test) snippets you’ve shared over the years have been great!
Good things come to those who
wait. Take the time needed.
HA has always delivered, and everytime you have raised the bar .
This is so exciting! So many new books to come in the future 💕
I get it about KD though, my little sister has been watching me read everything Ilona Andrews for years and now she’s old enough to dive in!
But! It’s a lot, she reads about 4-5 books, takes a break by reading other authors, then dives back in.
KD is huge, especially when you take all the novellas into account.
You are too good to us. We, the Horde are very demanding. I equate to you being Catalina and we just can’t help ourselves. Please create what makes you happy. We will love it. #patienceofasaint
When in doubt, don’t guilt and throttle the Authors! Reread instead! There’s so very much to reread!
Thank you for your patience with us.
I hope you find every aspect of creative inspiration necessary for the scheduled pace and product you want to finish.
I am sure so many of the BDH would rather you go at the pace best for you than have you burn out.
Good luck.
We will try very hard to not get on your nerves about this or that character we would like you to devote time to.
Have fun !
I think I can speak for many in the BDH that, for us, your “anchor series” is the the series of books that have “Ilona Andrews” listed as author.
*Digital hugs offered.* Thanks for this update, and thank you for all the written works you’ve shared with us. I’ll be buying whatever you all release, even if I don’t read it right away (I, too, have been a sad sack, and I’m having trouble with reading what I want to read).
*digital hugs offfered* to you too. Not being able to read because you are sad is just horrid, lots of sympathy *side-eyes pile of books started when I’ve been sad”
If you write it, I will buy it.
Sending hugs and love 😘😘😘
I have dropped countless series at number 6, 10, 12, etc., because I lost interest and, on occasion, because it seemed like the author had. To keep me engaged you have to keep the characters growing and changing but not so much that the changes seem “out of character” and there has to be an engaging plot.
You two are extremely talented at this and I am going to read whatever you write!
What about a weird western though? That would be fun. 🙂
I am so sorry Blood Heir can’t be your new anchor. I really love it-entirely and by itself.
You could join the over saturated Isekai (reincarnated or transported into another world) market. Totally mass market appeal mixed with comfort reading vibes. While I’m joking about this I think you could actually pull it off.
Whenever you are ready to put something out, I’ll be here. 🙂
I sincerely hope that you publish Maggie because I’m already invested lol. I’m delighted that you guys are not machines, because it shows in your books. Each one is magic. I’ve never regretted reading anything of yours (even the stories that you started and never finished that you say are horrible). Thank you for sharing your words and worlds with us.
Y’all do y’all and I will read anything you publish when you can publish it. Love everything y’all have written.
“If you write it, we will come’- and read it!
I am a bit confused about Maggie. You said you’re working on it. Does that mean you still plan to publish you just don’t plan on having it be an anchor series?
I love your books. I anticipate whatever you plan to publish anytime.
You can find the more detailed answer in the previous post here https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/biggest-mistakes/ , but yes- Maggie is still in the works, with the hopes that it will be published, even if it’s not likely to become the new anchor series:
“ So to answer some of your emails and comments, we know that Maggie will not be the new anchor series. It’s too complex, it’s dark in parts, but it also strangely has the potential to be a comfort read for the right person. It’s not a career stepping stone move. We are writing it so we don’t regret abandoning it in the future.”
Can’t wait for a new anchor series (i mean i can wait 3 years, but am excited for a new world)! Love everything y’all write.
Also, adding here: i started with I&M as my first book in the KD series, and that inspired me to read the rest. (and I read it backwards, last book to first book). You’re writing can be read in whatever order IMO.
Write whatever you want, release whenever you want, repose in happiness for all the joy your writing has given us.
I’m a longtime lurker who religiously checks your blog for updates multiple times per week, though I don’t often post… I have been having all the feels for you guys as you move into new territory and work on Maggie. Having to carry the hopes and hunger of the BDH is a heavy thing and not for the faint hearted! That being said, like many of the BDH, I will buy anything and everything you write (and have done so for years – I even bought Fated Blades on kindle though I’m a staunch kobo reader, lol).
Your explanation of entry points to series is pretty accurate for my experience- there was a time when I didn’t read IA books (horrors!). I would look at the books, think about it and then pass because KD was ‘too long’ to get into at that point (too long??? What was I thinking?). I didn’t want to start a series that was already so many books published (🤦♀️). I ended up taking a chance on the Edge books, liking those, then reading Andrea’s book before diving into the rest of the KD series… now I reread the KD books every year! However, I can totally understand how new readers might get concerned when the BDH gallops up and shouts about reading everything in order! 😂
Although I’m a bit sad that Maggie may not (never say never?) be an anchor series, this post makes me super excited about what else might be dreamed up! Your worlds make so many people happy, including me. Hopefully the sad sack of sadness feelings go away soon… wishing House Andrews lots of happiness and creative passion!
yeah, what if it ends up a galloping success and draws in another horde of devourers? i’m sure IA would be happy to have that egg on their faces if it happens hehehe
Again, thank you for your collective commitment to quality books/stories. Not like a good portion of the KU crud I have tried to read. Your stuff is very re-readable, and I often dip back in to one of the series when some hopeful new book does not deliver the goods.
Now go set fire to the BDH’s white picket fence and write what inspires (or pleases) you to write. (That was a joke and in no way do I wish to incite anyone to actually set fire to any fences …)
In all seriousness, while I would love a story about ANY of your established characters (main or side), I’m low-key excited to see what comes out of your heads next. I’ve loved the Maggie snippets, I’ve loved what you have published so far, and I just love the way both your brains work. The stories and worlds you create are endlessly fascinating. About the only time I don’t trust you is just before release when you sometimes second guess yourself (glances at sweep of the blade). Then I just to tell you to trust your past self and remind you that you do amazing work.
I feel like things are a little rough right now because you are a little unsure of the future and the BDH is trying to be supportive, but don’t really understand so it comes off as well meaning but ultimately unhelpful (and maybe adding to the stress).
Just know there are a bunch of us that are just excited to read whatever you write next and tell everyone we know about it. Good luck figuring out the next anchor series!
Please write what you want, when you want, and I will buy it. And thank you for the hours of pleasure I have gotten from your books.
I think its been a few years since Game of Thrones ended and quite frankly I’d love to read a series with dragons by the two of you. You tend to come up with a fresh take on things (e.g. vampires are mindless creatures piloted by someone miles away sipping a latte or are aliens from outer space). And frankly as diverting as Game of Thrones was, the only take home message I got from it was no one really wins the game of thrones. its a very dark universe. I like your characters better. But whatever your new anchor series is, I will happily read it!
I imagine whatever you come up with for your next anchor series will be wonderful. I have loved all your stories so far. whether they were anchor series, novellas, spinoff, niche novels (can’t wait for maggie), short fiction, or povs. as part of the BDH, I can’t wait to devour more. I hope you both continue to enjoy writing, as much as we enjoy reading. Thank you for all the entertainment, past, present and future.
I appreciate these kinds of posts from you, even when they come from a place of sadness/frustration. They’re helpful in understanding the professional side of writing, which can be difficult to understand when you’re a reader. I wish you the very best as you sort out all the projects. I also hope you get some much needed rest!
It is one of my favourite things when a much-beloved author writes something NEW. Not because I don’t love their continuing series, but because I want the authors to write something they are passionate about, not just continue churning out books because it’s a guaranteed money earner.
House Andrews’ short stories are a testament to this. So exciting and each one gets us gnashing our teeth and begging for more!
Innkeeper is “finished”? But Maude is supposed to see the long lost brother Klaus. What about their parents and Sebastian North? Tony, Dina and Sean are on Daesyn, after Magnolia Green.
I’m confused.
The Innkeeper series is not finished 🙂 – we can expect further stories from it.
But books in the series were written and completed whilst still writing Kate Daniels, the anchor series at the time.
But I loved blood Heir,……
A lot of people loved Blood Heir and it sold very well 🙂 . It did not fail as a book, only as a new anchor series- it did not become the hook for new readers.
How do you know if a book is bought by new or old readers?
Do you get statistics from sellers about the average number of previous IA books bought by the buyers, or are there surveys? I’m genuinely puzzled where you get this information from.
We know everything, Pyrokar. There is no escape. All your secrets are belong to us.
Yes, there are obviously sales numbers for each book which can be compared, as well as rankings in bestseller charts, numbers of readers as it was serialised on the blog etc- several markers which allow for business observation in regards to readership increase, stagnation or loss. Otherwise, no one would ever be able to gage if a series is popular or not 🙂. House Andrews’ agency do an amazing job keeping track of all.
Perhaps the most immediately obvious effect of an anchor series attracting new readers is a boost in sales to the back catalogue of the author, aka the books which aren’t being the focus of marketing and publicity atm. The anchor increased the author’s dicoverability and the new fans wanted more of their work 🙂
What Mod R said. We track sales per title and we provide targeted advertising, correlating it with our promotions and traffic numbers. For example, Fated Blades attracted new readers, because our other Kinsmen titles sharply went up in correlation with Fated Blades release and promo.
Haven’t met a series I didn’t like yet. Bringing Kate and Dina to the next generation now.
I am totally on board with anything you guys write. If there is a long time between books, I just re-read the ones I have and know that the time you are taking to craft the next book will result in something special that I can re-read while waiting (always and again) for the next book.
Every world you create and every character you introduce have enchanted and enthralled me and I look forward to new works about old favorites as well as new protagonists and new opportunities to read wonderful well thought out and well written stories.
Since everyone is sharing their House Andrews stories, I’ll jump in too…
Started with Innkeeper and loved it so much, only went to others to fill the gap while waiting for more Innkeeper (after multiple rereads).
My next ones were one or two Edge books, and some Kate books, mostly out of order after the first book of each. I liked the Edge ones, and gave Kate a second chance after being creeped out from the end of book 1.
I was put off Hidden Legacy for a very long time because of the covers, even knowing how reliable House Andrews was an author. Finally only gave them a try when they were on sale and as a last resort.
They were great, I’m just sad their covers don’t do them justice.
I’ve recently completed a Kate reread in order, and I love the Wilmington books.
I loved Fated Blades as well – nice little novella!
Definitely looking forward to whatever comes next, whether it’s Maggie or something else, but I’m also holding out hope for Puffles!!!
any chance of a space opera?
I realise Kinsmen is in this realm.
If you write it I will read it. Just keep writing. Anything you want. I will gratefully by your books. They give great joy. It will be exciting to read whatever you do next.
As thrilled as I am for Iron and Magic 2, anything Ilona Andrews jumps to the front of my read list, even stopping other books mid-read.
I want to tell you how much I appreciate your generosity in taking the time to write about the writing! It has to be a burden to “feed the beast” of the BDH when your living is made by writing. However, knowing some of the background and thing involved in the process, delivered in such an entertaining and person way, is a gift! You both are absolutely in the top 3 of my favorite authors, ever! Thank you!
Dear Ilona and Gordon, You are so fabulous, I will be with you, and love you forever. Warmest regards, Mary.
I see the comments wishing you could be paid when we re-read your books and the KU discussion etc.
What about a tip jar link so readers who want to pay you something when they re-read a book or entire series can tip you to their hearts’ content via options like paypal, venmo or others? They can even list re-read of x book as the reason for the payment if they like. That would give you some stats over time.
House Andrews have spoken about this several times previously, and they don’t feel comfortable with the idea https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/subscription-to-friinnday/ . The best way to support them is buy the books from retailers or borrow the books from the library instead of pirating- and of course leave reviews and tell your friends about them 🙂
I feel like that was a separate discussion of content behind a paywall and I’m glad for their decision on that. I had to stop Patreon because there were just too many authors I felt I had to follow there.
Readers have mentioned in response to this post that they wish they could pay when they RE-read books they already have like actors getting residuals for shows that are in syndication.
On a completely voluntary basis, a tip jar is just “Hey author I feel like I want to appreciate you today yet again as I re-read this book for the tenth time when I’m feeling down.” No obligation implied, no paywall, just a tip jar. Lots of people have them now. No promotion needed.
It could even be labeled “by reader request, no obligation, tip jar.”
No extra writing required.
Thank you for appreciating our work. 🙂
One time, over a decade ago, we tried a tip jar. It lasted for 48 hours. Someone put $100 in and refused to take it back. Large financial gift or contribution, even given in appreciation, could lead to feeling of obligation and, in some cases, entitlement. We don’t want to open that door.
Oh wow, I’ve never heard of someone doing that before. Most people do a few dollars here or there. I can see how that would feel weird and even worrying.
The problem is digital devices!! If this were 30 years ago, I would have had to have bought 5 new copies of all of my KD, HL, and Innkeeper series’ books by now because I re-read them so much the books would have fallen apart! These digital books kill wore-out-the-book resales! I use to wear out cassette tapes too! At some point, they’d just eat themselves and I’d have to buy yet another Bon Jovi tape. Oh, I’m really showing my age. Shutting up now!
(But it’s true, you know!)
You have a limited number of device downloads of a e-content before you have to buy it again 🙂.
I believe it’s usually around 4 devices before you exceed the licence limit- for textbooks it’s even lower. Both platforms and publishers can set/influence this limit.
I’m rather rough on my Kindles and like to update to more recent models often- plus I need the content also on my phone on the Kindle reader app for quick reference checking when the BDH asks questions hehe.
So the most recent time I bought Kate Daniels ebooks was January. I got an email to congratulate me on discovering a new author, which made me giggle! 🤭
Why readers drop long-running series…
I don’t do this often but when I do it’s because the author seems to be phoning it in because they’ve lost interest. They recycle all the old jokes and after 15-20 or more books they are r-e-a-l-l-y old. Plot points are also recycled and we circle around the same tired romantic triangle. Eventually they forget the history and mistakes multiply–easy to do I’m sure. Plus it’s necessary to orient readers jumping in to a later book so you get character and setting introductions all over again and no matter how you try to freshen up the wording, long time readers’ eyes glaze over.
It only works, in my opinion, when characters change and grow (as in Kate Daniels who is not a twenty-something single merc anymore). If they’re just doing the same things they always did I can’t stick with it. But I understand if a series has had phenomenal popularity and has brought in Big Author level money you don’t want to kill the formula that created it. Authors have college tuition, home mortgages and retirement funds to worry about too. Just wake me up when that ancient love triangle ends with a wedding and I’ll check back in.
I’ll never argue with numbers because as an auditor that’s how I roll, but I dream of finding a new multi-book series to get stuck into. It’s strange how we all approach reading differently.
I feel like a frog lately, readit readit readit 😁
the questions that youve had to answer make me very sad. I cannot comprehend the discourtesy “why aren’t you writing the things I want right now” Like Really????????
the entitlement astounds me.
I’ve been reading (aka devouring) all Ilona Andrews series – but for some reason I don’t remember anything about Maggie. Can someone point me in the right direction for me to know this very important piece of info I missed?! I love all of your writing/worlds – and even your real-world thoughts! 🙂
Maggie is the new project House Andrews are working on 🙂. We received an update on its status on Friday, which created further questions https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/no-content/
Here are some of the snippets shared with us https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/maggie-maggie-maggie/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/bdh-the-best-fandom-ever-and-snippet/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/busy-week/ and
https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/meow-meow-is-okay/
I think I’ve read your entire book list. I really enjoyed the KD series but I reread the Innkeeper series. I hope more Innkeeper books are on your to-be-written list!
You make my life SO happy and I am thrilled to get anything and everything you write when you are ready to share it with us. I am disturbed (for you) that you get those kinds of questions from the BDH – I thought we are all loving and supportive of you.
BDH – always hungry, always wanting more.
New series, old series, whatever it is I am in. Sometimes I wish I was new to the KD series and I could discover it all over again.
Now I just settle for re-reading once a year, even though I know how it turns out, because it is that good.
Thank you for sharing your incredible imaginations with us across so many series. I will buy and read and enjoy anything you write. I look forward to spin-offs and totally new works both. You’ve built up an overflowing trust bank over the years. Blogs like this aren’t necessary, but they are very welcome. Thanks for maintaining the connections. Please take care of yourselves (this most definitely includes ModR). When you build it, I will come.
How exciting! I love all the existing work but I am also craving for some thing new, so I am happy with this announcement even if I need to wait 3 or more years for it to come. Thank you!
I am sorry that self-publishing does not work for you sufficiently so that you have to look for a publisher again. I hope you can find one that allows you to write at your own pace so that you do not have to write a book where you are stuck (like with Ruby Fever, that seems to have been a rather unpleasant experience).
Self-publishing is something House Andrews have done since the early 2010s and have been extremely successful at it.
Wanting to shop a project around to publishing houses does not mean that they have failed self publishing or will abandon it 🙂. It’s not likely to be something that will end, but as they had a phase when they wanted to be exclusively self-published without it meaning they “failed” traditional publishing, so they are now nearing a business plan where they want to become hybrid authors again.
There are undisputed advantages to both self and traditional publishing- more affordable print copies, larger marketing and publicity budgets etc are some of the few they’ve mentioned in the past. Here is the most recent post on the topic https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/self-publishing-yet-more-questions/
I did not want to imply that they failed, I am sorry if that is how it came across. I just remembered a post I think after the release of Blood Heir where House Andrews wrote that Blood Heir was so successful that it seemed unlikely that they would look for a publisher again, seeing as the money earned per copy in self publishing is much higher.
I guess what I am trying to say is this: it is a shame that self publishing does not have enough advantages that it makes a publisher obsolete, even when you have a large fanbase already. I just wish for them the most money and the least preasure possible for their awesome work 🙂
I devour pretty much everything you write. At one sitting. To the extent of forgetting all else. Even ignoring the husband starving to death in the corner. HAHA
That being said, writing is also a business. Unfortunately, it has to be approached, somewhat, that way.
Again, that being said, you write it, I’ll ready it.
Thank you for this post!
A little insight as to why a new reader avoids a 3+ series. I LOVE series because the characters develop. Once I found House Andrews, I has a blissful time reading EVERYTHING non stop until I was finished.
However… I am finding that more than 50% of new authors/series is really a decent novel that the author has then divided into 2-3 books. Then put in some fluff to recap previous novels. A lot of KU is like this.
Obviously you are not doing this, but new readers that have been burned will not be as likely to try the KD series.
A little humor to close:
First it was Clams. Now it’s Anchor. I can see it coming.
Well, Wilmington is situated at the seaside after all, no?
Good catch!
Sounds fishy to me.
look, we’ve been building ships for YEArS. I mean, ship MetalRose is in the harbor ready to set sail. We might as well start making anchor ls before we build the ship, we’ll need one anyways lolz
At this point of life, I would read anything if it comes from you.
The “no, you need to read the other umpteen books before picking up the spinoff” problem made me laugh, as a long term sff reader. So many series that are promoted by other readers as “but the payoff in book 3 / 7 / 22 / the fourth subseries is worth it, but you HAVE to read all the others first!” “If you’re not enjoying it 5 books in, keep going!”
If someone might like book 6, tell them to read book 6. Or to start with subseries 4, or whatever. Unless it’s totally disorienting to the point that starting with book 6 will be actually repellant… most readers will be fine starting there, and going back to fill in the details one they’re hooked or have confirmed that, yes, this is actually something they enjoy.
I read mostly for fun. If something looks appealing now, but you tell me that I have to put in several thousand pages of work before I get to that appealing thing, no. If I read the first book and it doesn’t appeal, I probably won’t read the next. If I’m looking for dragons and you tell me that there are dragons in book 27, but I won’t enjoy it properly unless I read the other 26, I will find another way of scratching the dragon itch.
Too many readers forget that there are multiple ways to enjoy a good book. Starting midseries often isn’t the absolutely best way to get the most possible out of a given book – but often it’s fine, and fun, and has dragons / low investment / whatever the new reader is looking for.
You’re all awesome. I love your answers. I love your books and I’m very happy to reread what you’ve already released while patiently waiting for the next books. Your books are my happy place.
Thank you for writing anything you want to write. I have enjoyed your books and stories so, so much, and can’t think of anything I haven’t re-read.
Just to add, if you ever decide to write about some dragons, I would buy your dragon books. I would buy your books about sentinent cabbage slaw.
Oohhh, sentient cabbage slaw and Orro!! Would that cross Dana’s line about eating sentient beings?? I mean, it’s cabbage slaw!!!
And yes, I’d read it too. IA writes it, I’ll read it. And probably re-read it.
I love your work. I’m currently listening to Hidden Legacy AGAIN because I love your work even when I’ve read it before.
I just wanted to chime in because, as a reader of long series as a hobby, I love the Kate Daniels series… I found them by first reading Blood Heir. I was a tiny bit confused as to why I wasn’t getting the references in the book at first. I powered through and loved it. When I was done I started looking for more Julie books and found Kate… I miss Julie. More Aurelia Ryder books! New is cool too. Thanks for writing Ilona Andrews you guys are great.
I will read anything that you write.
Dear HA, over the years I have realized how very much I enjoy and value your skills as writers – your brilliant usage of language, your humor, your abilities to interpret, twist and turn a story unexpectedly, the feeling of warmth and humanity from your books.
Usually, I read very fast, because I am curious what will happen next. Your books, I cherish. I want to see all those little details – exactly that verb from that character in that speech in that situation, yes!
That’s why I happily join the BDH chorus – “I will read whatever you write! At whatever schedule that suits you!”
If Maggie is significantly more popular than expected and does draw in many new readers, could it become the next anchor series?
Of course, it would then have fulfilled the conditions of an anchor 🙂
I came here to say what a lot of others probably said: I’ve read everything you’ve written and will continue to do so when the next thing comes out.
I want to encourage you to not give up on your goal in creating a new anchor series, how ever long it takes. I know you will have ups and downs. But you have a lot of fans who are rooting for you both. As a librarian, I’ve had the joy and pleasure of introducing your books to others. Not one I heard back from was ever disappointed.
One (gentleman!) was a bit skeptical of Hidden Legacies, but I thought he’d like the magic and world, since I knew his reading tastes. He came back and took home the whole series and read them in a week. So, as I’ve said to other authors I know from my library career: #KeepWriting. Your words and worlds are unique and worth the wait.
House Andrews will not give up! 🙂
Hugs! I don’t care what you guys write, I will read it. Do what makes you happy and enjoy the road. Otherwise, what is the point. Really?
The BDH is with you…
Dear Ilona and Gordon (or should I write “House Andrews”?),
I love whatever you write, and I am grateful for it.
Now, it’s not that I don’t love some of your series (or even particular books within series) more than other, but, as a bona fide member of the BDH (emphasis on “devouring”), I will take whatever you two give us with deep thanks for all the blood, sweat, and tears (with apologies to Winston–I think?) you have spent on our behalf.
You two rock! Do what you need to do, we, the BDH, will be here when you are ready to give us your next piece.
Most warmly,
Mary Kate
I love space Opera. As Richard Dean Andersen said of Stargate SG1, I don’t love space opera, per se, I just love a good story, and Space Opera is just a story with an other-worldly setting.
I love other-worldly settings! I love the innkeeper series and i loved it when the story went off planet!
More of that Off Planet stuff,Please!
I love everything you write. I own every single thing you’ve put out for sale in multiple formats. If anyone ever asks for a recommendation, there’s almost always a HA book to suit and it’s the first thing on my tongue.
This is all to say that you are incredibly talented and I look forward to seeing where your imaginations take you — and us — next. I have every confidence it will be amazing. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
I was reading another authour and (Nalini Singh i think) and she recommended you. I read Burn for You, and was hooked, then the Innkeeper series the reeled me in there my personal faves. I think you’re fabulous authour’s and thank you for the solid work you do 🤗
I just love how you always manage to be stern and loving at the same time! 😂
Thank you for updating all of us. I read this and what I come away with, is that as a whole, the BDH is… 3 years old and in the “Why?” stage of life. ModR, you could never be paid enough to live with that 24/7… but I appreciate you!
I will eagerly await to read anything you guys are putting out there. Thank you for the great adventures in the KD universe. I am positive the next universe we get to go and explore with you will be amazing.
Whew! I’m just glad that Iron and Magic 2 is still a possibility.
I wish for more Maud, Arland and Helen though! And I’d love to find out what happened to Maud’s parents…and what her brother is up to…
I would absolutely recommend another INNKEEPER’s INN BOOK! LOVED ALL OF THEM READ THEM SEVERAL TIMES AND NEED SOMETHING NEW TO READ PLEASE. 😀
We of the BDH love and appreciate all the wondrous books you give us.
While we hate to wait we understand that House Andrews are human and have actual lives. We will wait, not very patiently, but wait we shall.
I just came here to say, I read Blood Heir, all by itself. It was my first book. I loved it, understood it just fine, and moved on to reading the Innkeeper series, now, I am reading the Kate Daniels books. I had no trouble starting with Blood Heir, and having no prior knowledge of this world.
Thank you, for not underestimating me as a reader.
“Thank you, for not underestimating me as a reader.”
That’s the mark of any author I’ll read more than once.
Long series are not a hurdle for me, but I’m well aware that I’m an anomaly among book readers, averaging a book or more per day, and having read 425 books last year. Thank goodness for kindle unlimited, or I’d be in debt past my hairline. Looking forward to whichever books you put out. Just remember to take care of yourselves as well. I want for you to still be writing as a happy team in seventy years.
Ahhh, a kindred spirit!! Kindle unlimited, 350+ books a year, anomaly… Good to know it’s not just me! I can’t imagine going a day without reading! I’ll read on my deathbed! Probably Innkeeper….space chickens and Orro…what else do you need??
At this point I’m pretty sure that anything the two of you write I’ll love, so … whatever you’ve got at the table I’m in !
That said I consider myself a member of BDH, therefore not so good at generating NEW revenue I suppose.
One thing I didn’t see mentioned is Innkeeper (or other project released in bits over time, as said I’m not picky) is that on hold/ to much right now ?
There was an Innkeeper novel release earlier this year https://ilona-andrews.com/innkeeper-chronicles-books/#soth , so for now it’s other projects’ turn to be in the limelight for a bit 🙂.
The Innkeeper series will continue, however- based on answers during the SotH release events, we will most likely see either short stories and novellas or a novel from Maud’s POV.
But we will have to see what official announcements come from House Andrews when they are ready to know for sure 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful stories wether they are actual books or descriptions of everyday life. I will certainly give anything you write a chance. After reading Hugh’s book and enjoying it whenI didn’t want to 😁
Good Luck on deciding on an anchor series
in reply to your post, you are writing what I want, because I enjoy reading spin offs, anchor series, or something brand new. your writing style appeals to me and all the stories are grand. so whatever you write, I will want to read it.
Yay! New things!
puffles as an anchor series? with the success of fourth wing, I would think this would be a good niche for a bit.
Blood heir was the first IA book I read. I read it during the pandemic on Libby and waited a while for the sequel before researching more on the series and starting to listen to the kate audiobooks. And then I read blood heir again after kate. I have now read/listened to all things IA have ever published. But I wanted to say that if a new reader comes in with a later book, if it’s a good fit for them they will probably want to read other books in that universe. I was so happy there was more for me to read in that universe after I fell in love with blood heir. I do think having blood heir be my first book has made the wait for #2 feel longer. But no complains here, I’m so grateful to escape into any of your book universes
A number of us talked about re-reading House Andrews books.
When times are hard, sometimes it’s soothing to re-read a series, especially when you feel like you can’t focus on a new-to-you author and book.
This year we lost our 43-year-old daughter and our four grandchildren lost their mother. Two are minors, two are adults. The minor children were scooped up by Social Services from home where they waited for their mom to return and their father from Utah came to New Mexico to get them. We were far away along with the two adult children. I feel like her youngest bore the worst shock in the aftermath of her death.
CN: gun violence and death
Just a few months later one of her adult children was shot at by a minor in an effort to kill a passenger in his car. (His late mother’s car.) The passenger was killed; the car was totaled in the effort to get away. He’s grieving the fifteen-year-old friend who was murdered along with grieving his mom and recovering from the trauma of being shot at.
It’s a dreadful year so far and I’m grateful that early in life I learned to deal with trauma by reading and that I have a few authors I can re-read as needed when I’m under this much stress.
So thank you, House Andrews, for creating characters and worlds I can hang out in when I need a break from the real world. After a reading break I can get back to the work of grieving and helping my grandchildren with their needs. I’ve had difficult years before but this is in the top three.
If it were not for amazing books to help through difficult times, I am not sure where I would be in life.
I am so so sorry for you and your family. Wishing you and yours healing and time.
Thank you! I know I’m not the only one who relies on reading during hard times.
I’m so sorry for all the traumatising losses and events you and your family went through this year. Big virtual hugs!
Thank you, Mod R. You do an amazing job that enhances our reading experience. I’m so glad House Andrews found you!
That is a lot to bear. I am so sorry. That is just a lot.
I sincerely hope that life will bring you and your family peace and happiness in the near future.
Thank you, Ilona. I hope for the best for your family here and abroad too. These are hard times for many.
lol! You guys write it and I will buy it. I have not been dissatisfied with an Ilona Andrews book yet. I WILL say I MIGHT have gotten a tensy bit spoiled. You guys strike a really good balance in your books. IA books are like the best soup, no two are alike even though they do have some ingredients in common, the hint of a new book in the air whets the appetite, and they are absolutely delicious!
I am always very grateful for any books that you guys publish. You guys are the best! Seriously the blog content is great. Snippets are great. Books are great. Absolutely no pressure from me. Quality >>> quantity. Thank you thank you!
Hope you guys are doing OK with the heat wave too.
Everything you write is amazing. I’ll read anything you write! Innkeeper is my all time favorite – Orro is my favorite character ever, so if you don’t mind…. But new is good too!! More characters to fall in love with!
Thank you for sharing this with us. We are privileged to see your writing process. ❤️
I pray you find a new anchor series. I believe you will.
I am patiently waiting for next Iron Magic. And Innkeeper. And Hidden legacy. And Roman!
Sending positive energy!
Oh, dear, why did I have to reread Man on the road? Now I am jonesing for her adventures! And there has to be palace intrigue and a seedy master of the underworld and cut-throat criminals and DRAGONS…. I might seriously cry!
still sad about Puffels, but I understand where you’re coming from. The BDH will do what we do best: devour. But if you’re trying to pull new readers… I have confidence that whatever you produce will be awesome but that confidence was earned over years of reading your work. New readers might be like, ‘omg, dragons again? hard pass.’
I got my sister hooked with Inkeeper, but you are right about existing series lengths being a barrier; she has limited time and finances so she hasn’t read the KD series at all. Which is a tragedy, but an understandable one as well.
You are just the best. Thanks for all the explinations… we can be a handfull. 🙂
Anyhow… happy to hear the plans !
I think the BDH should start a “new reader” campaign. Our goal should be to bring in at least one newbie to the BDH every couple of months (monthly?). Start them off with Kate or Dina or Rose or Nevada (gracious, that list was longer than I really thought when I started typing). And then there’s Curran, Sean, George, Jack and Delcan (and Gaston!), Rogan, and and and and and…
We should CERTIANLY not be telling anyone that it’s too complex at any point. The joy of the HA word-craft can be experienced at all points. Grocery lists, remember?!? How many of us pick up one of the books mid-series and just start reading? I know I do. My re-reads don’t always start at the beginning.
I’ve been working on my niece and sister…GA was the gateway drug for my sister. 🙂
When I am searching for new reading, I am excited when I find a series exists. I’ll read the first one and if I like it, I turn around and order all of them. To me there is no feast better!
I admit I have lost my way….. (because of shutdown), I lost track of all the Ilona books I was reading and the order of them except for KD. So at some point I shall have to dig them all out and find out where I was with the other series.
There’s a handy complete reading list divided by series on the Release Schedule page which could help with that worthy mission 😊 https://ilona-andrews.com/release-schedule/#booklist
Iron and Magic 2 : YES!
Wilmington 3: YES!
Blood Heir 2: YES!
New anchor series: YES!
I love all of these and need them in my life 🙂
I am so happy to hear that you are looking for another anchor series! I love your work and so another series sounds wonderful! You are so right about long series, it’s hard to keep going sometimes. There was a series I really liked, not loved like yours, but I liked it and about book six it began to feel like repeats. The entire world is in danger, she saves the world, again and again and again. I get it’s hard to top saving the world but who wants to keep reading the same story? Another that has gone on way too long that initially I loved involved a love triangle that almost every book she flipped back and forth between the two. I got mad at her and dropped the series, because as a person the character never grew, always the same. It’s one of the reasons I am really loving Wilmington. It’s new, everyone is reacting differently, it’s not the same cast of characters or same locations and I am enjoying the new ones.
Thank you for giving us insight into the process. I hope you find your new anchor series soon. I look forward to reading it.
In the meantime, I guess I’ll just re-read it all…again! 😀
I Would enjoy a small new series in the edge world tho not specifically in the edge just the existing world, somewhere else and even if kept separate from old favorite characters. Can you not use the existing world and have a new story with new people? Just an idea.
Good luck
I just read Alphas. Apparently I bought it and then thought I had read it, but turns out I didn’t. I’m sad to realize that it won’t continue. I was loving the whole concept of different species and worlds. I hope your muse talks to you and nudges you to continue it.
What I see from this is that we are going to get more books. I am happy. That is all.
I must admit I am regular re-reader of your books. Thank you 😊 💓
Gee wiz I’m sorry you were put in a position where you felt you had to write all that. I love all your books. I am patiently waiting for the next Inn Keeper book. “The tree man THE TREE!” 🙂 Any who try and stay cool and enjoy your down time everyone deserves down time!!!!
Respectfully your devoted fan.
No one else wants a series on the Arbitrator’s Office? Or a stand alone on George DeMille? I love the other series, but the Innkeeper series is my beloved go-to happy place. There are so many stories there yet to be told!
I have read all you have published (that I know of) and have done so multiple times over.
Creativity and inspiration cannot be forced and I am so happy that you do take time for yourselves to just exist.
On that note I am happy you are finishing the pre-existing stories, but I do hope we get to see more of Maggie’s story. She intrigues me!
I will read anything you publish but I am pulling for Iron and Magic 2
🙂 I can wait for anything you ever write. No pressure. You two are so awesome and I have had so much pleasure from you. Thank you.
I’m so grateful that you self advocate and only work on what you want to work on and write. Both bc I really, really like y’all and want you to be happy and also selfishly as a reader bc I’ve read what happens when authors write bc they have to and don’t want to and ….. it’s horrible. So thank you bc you’re doing wonderful things both for yourselves and for me as your reader. It’s also a very healthy example. So thank you.
I know this is a few days late, but I just finished listening to Blood Heir with my early teen daughter (with some judicious fast forwarding, particularly through the cussing-heavy bits).
it works perfectly as its own series, and I can see how disenheartening it would be for people to tell others that they had to read Kate first.
We’ve now gone back to Kate’s series and just started Magic Burns this morning, skipping the first book. This is where I started the series.
My daughter is having a really hard time understanding KD after listening to Blood Heir. “Is this about the Princess of Shinar?” “Her dad is dead? But he’s not later.” (In Magic Burns, Kate’s dad is Voron)
It’s really interesting to hear her perspective on the world with Blood Heir being her introduction instead of Kate. Blood Heir has all this love for Julie – loving uncles Hugh and Nick, loving grandma Erra, loving mom and dad Kate & Curran. KD is full of angst and isolation in contrast.
I think in the end that Blood Heir/Julie’s books will remain her favorite, with KD getting sad “prequel” status, like Star Wars for us oldsters who saw the 3 originals in theater and the prequels just don’t compare.
I adore Kate – I don’t want this to come across any differently — but I also wanted to affirm that based on my daughter’s experience, yes, Blood Heir could have very easily been its own anchor series if those pesky BDH hadn’t spoiled everything (quiet Scooby reference LOL)
I get it. I recently discovered you in June with the Innkeeper series and then the Edge because I liked George and Jack. I have finished most of your smaller series and am tackling Hidden Legacy now. I am reading your whole catalog, but Kate Daniels will be last.
Thanks so much for this post! I have read everything you guys have put out. You are by far my favorite authors and I’m excited to read your new anchor series as well as the sequels you’re planning. It’ll be hard to let go of the KD world, but I’m excited to go on this new adventure!
I love all of your work and hope for all of the sequels! That said, I’m here for any anchor series and sequels you want to write. More books = more better!!
I wish I could to more to promote your work because it’s wonderful. I’ll continue to write reviews and wish I had more friends, relatives, acquaintances, even random strangers I could convince to read your amazing work!
I’d love to see a series set in the world of: Of Swine and Roses!
Im just curious, do you write on several books at the same time or do you focus on one at a time?
Sorry if this is a previous answered question 🙂
Can a prequel series be a new anchor thing? So we could have more back story of some family that wipes out Victoria Tremaine’s family or the family that Alessandro’s father died defending, or something? You know, where you can see that the feud gave bad fruit later because there are always innocents who want revenge. 🤔
The Edge may be a side series, but it is an excellent gateway to the horde.
See I’m not the only one who has full conversations with people even if they are not around for it yet. LOL
I believe you covered it all.
While I have purchased and read most of your series, I must say that I had hoped for the last arc of the “Hidden Legacy” would make it into print within the next 2 years. Looks like that isn’t even a possibility. I do however wish that you folks have better times than the past few years. (Note to ModR … You may remove this reply at your leisure.)
So will see you whenever we see you👍What ever you write and when ever it comes out it will be on my immediate order list. I love your stories but more I love the way you tell a story.
Have you thought about doing a military focused anchor series? With Gordons experience it would be authentic. I personally love military focused space opera romance. Not sure you are comfortable with space science fiction but I would to see how you’d write a space fleet admiral and his rebel magically gifted love interest. Ive really loved all your heros. Rogan is my fave. Just a thought. Whatever you come up with we will love. God bless.
I also loved the space scenes around the vampire space station. They were awesome.
Sending lots of support as you work through your writer feels and business planning. As a fan, I wholeheartedly trust your creative and business instincts. And look forward to seeing where you grow as authors and how your fan base grows . . . even if it’s not for me.
I’ve been a die-hard, own every book, FAN of several authors and (when it’s healthy) there’s this magical feeling of trust and respect for the author, because the author demonstrates integrity, and trusts and respects the audience in their writing. As a fan, there is nothing more comforting than diving into a familiar world and learning more about my favorite characters. And as a fan, there’s equally nothing more exciting than being surprised by something new and unfamiliar by a voice I trust. New things feel hard in an uncertain world, but trust eases the scary of it all.
Regardless of the order and timing of publication, regardless of whether you ever wrap up my favorite series, regardless of whether blog posts are scarce, and regardless of whether your new anchor works for me personally, I support you. You are excellent at what you do and you’ve earned my trust. You’ve got this!
Just wanted to give you guys a lot of love. I just finished Magic Claims yesterday (I know, it’s so late. But I had some professional commitments:( to fulfill)
After catching up on all the blogs I missed… I just wanted to tell you guys that you are brilliant writers. And great art takes time. It is coz you guys do stuff on your timeline, that it is great.
Lots of Love
I’d love if you considered writing short story about Roman, he is my favourite! I’ve been listening to all books again and while I get that Andrea and Rafael wwre meant to be, I really wish she and Roman dated a little. He deserves to be happy!
Can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with as an anchor series! I’m sure BDH will go wild whatever it will be.
Wake up Maggie, I think I got somethin’
to say to you………
hee hee hee
Thanks for explaining how hard it is and what goals you have to reach. Man is your job hard. New readers? That’s hard. This is the only author’s blog I purposefully seek out every week. The other authors are missing out. I don’t want to do Facebook because employers are always looking on it tracking employees interests. You guys are so real. Lol. Congratulations in advance on your new anchor series. New readers! Wow.
❤️
It’s interesting to learn people might get weary of starting stablished series. I started reading the KD novels because I read Magic Stars and liked the prmise so much I went looking for the beginning of the story. Which led me to the Inkeepers, Hidden Legacy and so on.
But I am a serial and serious series reader, so it’s not really a surprise I just dive in.
The surprise is that I keep coming back to reread the books, or listen to them again on Graphic Audio. That’s for me is the mark of good penmanship: making people revisit previous stories.
I love every new series you create. I look forward to reading all that you have in store in this new chapter (pun intended) of your writing.
I so appreciate that you take the time to be in the right headspace before you write the next book!
I Loved the first two books of the Eragon series. Waited forever for the third. Realized in the 4th that the author no longer loved the characters and had just finished it to be done. It was sad. I was disappointed. I love your books BECAUSE you take your time. I also love your life stories…I’ve made several friends and family enjoy the lawn mafia tales with me:). Whatever you enjoy writing and sharing with us is appreciated.