Where I'm at

[inverarity]

A few people have PMed me* to ask if I'm dead or have abandoned writing, etc.

I am not dead. I have not, exactly, abandoned writing.

The same situation I have alluded to earlier in a very non-specific manner has not changed. And unfortunately, isn't likely to change in the near future. And I just can't manage to get any real writing done until there is a resolution.

(No, I'm not unemployed or terminally ill, but I just don't want to discuss real life issues.)

Sorry to be so vague, and I'm sorry I've been disappointing you for years (!) now. I really have not lost interest in writing, or finishing AQ. But it's best if you just assume there is no prospect of seeing the next volume any time in the foreseeable future. I genuinely and sincerely do want and intend to finish it someday. I just can't tell you when.


I've been avoiding LJ or even writing new book reviews because I feel so bad about not giving any news of progress on AQ. I might try to start posting book reviews again (I suppose a few people actually like those), but every time I do, I can't help feeling like I'm just disappointing all the folks who wanted to see an AQ update.

I do think about AQ every day (seriously), and now and then, I manage to add a few paragraphs, but I don't want to lead you on and make another promise about finishing it by the end of this year or at any point in the future.


* Speaking of which - agogobell, your LJ settings are on full privacy mode, which refuses all messages, so I can't reply to you.

Comments

[swissmarg]

It's great to see an update from you! I hope your RL situation is something like huge numbers of clients knocking down your door waving fistwads of cash in your face. And that writing for you is not a chore but an enjoyable creative outlet. I also enjoy your book reviews. They make me feel highbrow, like I've at least had a brush with something other than fan fiction.

[uneko.livejournal.com]

I like your book reviews! I like hearing from you!

YOu might not realy get personal, But I still consider you a distant sort of friend. In that weird, internet way that we have, where we see someone, but don't actually interact with them. (man, that sounds creepy) ...

I"m sorry that your RL situation is difficult right now. I wish I could help. It's amazing how much change can cause distraction, though. I was diagnosed diabetic a month or two ago and I feel like my life is this constant game of trying to play catch up and trying to re-adust the whole structure of my life to try and acomedate the very important changes I've been trying to make. You wouldn't think 'eating' would be so hard, yet when you cna't eat anything you have been eating, it becomes a challenge, 3 times a day.

Anyway! I'm not here to ramble about me. It's just to say, I understand. changes are hard, and the feel of *waiting* for more information or a resolution is awful.

PLease, don't worry about disappointing us, but do wha'ts fun for you. If book reviews make YOU happy, then do it! If book reviews are jsut more stress, then don't.

The important part is that you don't take on more than you can manage, and you do your best to keep your heart happy.

On which note, I'm guessing yoru situation leaves you with time to think, but not much time to put words down. Maybe you can find a way to be productive on AQ (if that would please you) while your situation is here. Writing down a sentence or two of plot outline and direction might not be 'much' work, but at least it's something.

Again, only if it pleases ayou. Your situation is undoubtably difficult and pleasure is something we should strive to hold close to ourselves. So if you'd rather just kick back with a book, then do that. but don't feel guilt because of us.

thank you for letting us know what's going on. And don't be a stranger. we miss you :) But don't let the stress of 'unfinished obligation' kill your enjoyment of us. and live journal and what not.

Just be happy.

[peraspera.livejournal.com]

For what it's worth, your book reviews are the highlight of my LJ experience. Hope that whatever's happening resolves itself soon.

[peraspera.livejournal.com]

Wasn't sure it was clear that I say this without implying, "...so you can crank out words for me!" All the best to you.

[indigo-mouse.livejournal.com]

I LOVE your book reviews. I'm never disappointed to see them.

I understand RL getting in the way, and also not wanting to share. My RL has been kicking my ass for the last couple of years (with several different shoes) and I don't post about it on social media. I haven't gotten any writing done in a long time (even though I think about it quite a bit and keep signing up for NaNoWriMo as some sort of wishful thinking exercise).

Your book reviews are the only reason I have LJ account.

[clanoblique.livejournal.com]

I can only hope that your situation in RL resolves itself (for the better) and don't worry about writing AQ if it has become a chore, obligation, burden, or, simply, you don't have any time for it! That won't produce a good book and it won't make your life any easier. I love reading your book reviews and commentary and if that is a useful creative outlet then full steam ahead. I hope that you're doing well and I always look forward to your reviews. All the best!

[cactuscommando.livejournal.com]

You should try slaying your life problems in glorious single combat. It worked in all the Greek epics, so it must be a pretty good strategy.

[graeme sutton (from livejournal.com)]

I like your book reviews! I only started on the Expanse because I saw it on here, I must have read over a dozen good books at this point after reading a review on here.

[luke warhurst (from livejournal.com)]

Don't beat yourself up, Inverarity. You've already produced some fine stories that have entertained and thrilled a great many people for quite a few years. Derive some pride and satisfaction from this. Alexandra Quick may or may not return in a new book, but she remains alive and well and engaged in all sorts of shady adventures in our imaginations. Be pleased with this, too.

You don't owe us anything. Indeed, we owe you something: our heartfelt thanks.

Thanks for your imagination.

Thanks for your literary skill.

Thanks for your perseverance.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to get to know your characters, and for breathing life into them.

But most of all, Thanks for bringing lightness, brightness and humour to those of us who read your novels during dark and trying times of our own.

Keep it up

[bob simons (from livejournal.com)]

I have greatly enjoyed your AQ novels. Don't lose heart, keep plugging away!

[lilybees.livejournal.com]

Hey, Inverarity!

I've just finished the fourth AQ, which I've been reading on my Kindle during all breaks from work this week (thank you for providing it as an e-book, it really was a great way to experience it). Do you know the erstwhile feminist website "The Toast"? I don't know if you know about this, but us Toasties have a secret spreadsheet of really well-written fics that we pass among each other, and that's where I found AQ. So your advocates are still alive and well.

Mainly I just wanted to comment and say that I believe in you, that I understand the way life just happens and makes writing the equivalent of pulling teeth, and I have full faith you'll get through whatever this situation is with grace. In the meantime, I've got all sorts of theories about where AQ is headed, which is really fun for me to think about (and ships. I'm not a shipper sort of person. I'm not sure why this is happening to me now. And yet the Alexandra/Anna and Constance/David ships have sailed forth...)

Anyway. Take as long as you need. We've got your back, whenever you feel up to writing and posting again.

update?

[ray243.livejournal.com]

I was thinking if there has been any recent updates regarding AQ? Or some comments about what you think about the wizarding America from the new Fantastic Beast movie?