So the Trouble With Peace is out. You think something’s so far off it’ll never happen, then before you know it, it’s fading rapidly into the past. Went well, overall, I think, given that Covid has rather messed up the normal operation of the book trade. We managed to do take some events online, which was great – and I’m sure the fact that anyone, anywhere can potentially tune into those will mean that they become part of the routine in future – but I must admit I did miss the sense of occasion you get from actually getting out on the road and into bookstores. The trains and the cars and the schlepping around can be a ball-ache but there’s no substitute for looking into the excited eyes of the little people, queueing up for days in their countless thousands merely to catch a glimpse of me.
One by-product of the Covid situation was that there was a real backlog of big books to be published, and hence that competition in that particular week of september was fierce. I think I sold better with this book in the UK than ever before but only just crept onto the Times bestseller list at number 10. Very pleased with that, testament to the hard work of the team etc. etc. I think for the first time also this book sold more in audiobook in both the UK and US than in hardcover, which is both a sign of the times in terms of the importance of that side of the market and a ringing endorsement of the prodigious reading talents of Steven Pacey.
I seem to believe that at one time my fond dream had been that I’d have had book 3 in the series, now titled The Wisdom of Crowds, more or less finished by the time the first book came out. Perhaps predictably, the project has expanded to fill the time available, and I’m still working on the bastard after the second one has greeted the public. Still, we’re very close now: I’ve been attending to the Line Edit – which is where my editor goes through the manuscript in detail – at one time with a pencil but these days using track changes on Word – and I find ways to do what they suggest slightly differently than they suggested so I can somehow make a pathetic bid at asserting my creative independence.
Three or four slightly bigger issues were thrown up by that edit to consider, mostly concentrated towards the end of the book but also some stuff to have an eye on as I make my (theoretically) final pass of revision. This is usually focussed on the prose, which is to say the detail of the writing, mostly word choice and rhythm and generally making things sound as good as they can. For this I zoom in and make the words real big on my screen, which both helps for bringing out the details (ridiculous I know, but somehow it does) and makes you feel like a really big man when you make changes in huge letters. I find it gets harder and harder to make significant changes the more passes of revision you do – the whole things seems to set like concrete after a while and even swapping a word can feel like a massive effort. Eventually the time comes when you have to say you’re just not making much progress any more, and hand it on…
So the book should go off for its copy edit well before Christmas, with any luck, and then we really will be close to done. I also wrote a short story called The Point to go with a special edition, as I have with the other two books, and we put the cover copy out a couple of weeks back. So there’s no doubt it’ll be out in mid September 2021, and I’ll actually have managed to stick to the original regular schedule of 1 book every 12 months, which is pleasing. Famous last words….
24 comments so far
As one of those countless thousands that have met and chatted with you, I would think it a terrible tragedy if that were to cease altogether 🙁 Hopefully when all this is said and done, we will be able to flood the bookstores and fight each other to meet with you again. Colchester, it better be Colchester.
That said, how about doing a zoom meeting with a choice few? Or several zoom meetings so we have a better chance at getting a slot??
Sounds on point! Very true comment on the ‘minor’ changes making massive efforts, I’ve felt that before in a short story so it must be a world ending feeling in trilogy novel situation, no doubt… Hopeful things might be cool in sept 2021 as got a book for you to sign 🙂
Really enjoying the 2nd book btw but still reading as not commuting at the moment which really spoils my reading time!
What day is it? Let me check this calendar. Oh shit, it’s September 16th, 2021 – better press the big red Release button, Joe!
The best authors are never quite happy with their work, looking forward to seeing the final product! I just finished The Trouble With Peace, and I love how much the story moves, so much happens. Keep up the great work Joe you’re an inspiration.
First time I’ve bought one of your audiobooks without reading it in print first. You’re spot on about Stephen Pacey, one of the best audiobook performers I’ve heard. Keep up the great work.
Why revise so many times? Why not write it properly in one go?
After so many edits and revisions do you get sick of looking at it or desensitized to subtlety and nuance?
Thank covid I found you. I’m a cardiac nurse from Chattanooga TN a rebel not a yank. To take my mind of all the crap covid has caused here I was in the market for a new author. I am so glad I found you by accident when they reopened the bookstores. I just finished a hardback signed version of The Trouble With Peace. You are the 21st century Roger Zelanzey.
How do you know when that times comes to finally hand over the finished article?
I can’t wait for the third book next year and hopefully we might have some semblance of normality. Having said that I was lucky enough to buy a personalised signed copy from Topping and Company of Bath and I love it, thank you!
Can’t wait to listen to it 😀 Clover is an utter badass and I can’t wait to see what new badassery he gets up to. He has stolen the show in my opinion.
Thank you very much for sharing the zoom in thingy, sounds pretty useful!
Once again you’ve knocked it out of the park with ‘The Trouble With Peace’. Although, I must admit, slightly more predictable plot points made a common appearance , which I will chalk up to an increased sense of foreshadowing in earlier chapters/books. That aside, the way action is written is unparalleled, as is tradition, and completely immersed me in the narrative that unfolded in tandem.
Incredibly excited for the next installment in the trilogy (series? Saga?) and what twists and turns it may bring. Another glimpse of Bayaz, perhaps? Maybe some set-up for another book involving Mamun? Or another story implementing the unkown offspring of Logen Ninefingers, or the more absolute force of the Bloody Nine? Who knows?!
Forever a fan of your body of work of betrayals and blood.
– T. Wright
P.S. Any signs of progress on a live-action/animated ‘First Law’ trilogy (and friends)? It’s one I would love to work on, or at the very least see come to fruition should fate decide it so!
I’m right near the end of ‘The trouble with peace” audiobook version. I tried so hard not to start it too soon. Then I caved and started it, but tried hard not to listen to more than 30 minutes a day…. That was about 5 days ago.
I honestly think Abercrombie prose with Mr Pacey’s voice talent is one of the greatest double acts in literature.
That’s the trouble with great entertainment, it’s like great sex; a wonderful experience, but it is never enough, no matter how long it lasts!
Glad to hear you are nearing the finishing line with The Wisdom of Crowds. Any hints in regard to future titles? Perhaps some more standalones focusing on individuals? One I’d like to see would cover Cosca’s early years in The Company of the Gracious Hand.
“An Ambivalent Fan
November 1, 2020 at 4:08 pm
Why revise so many times? Why not write it properly in one go?”
What a priceless comment! Not sure if this is a piss-take or someone who has never written anything…
Yes unexpected, good spin carry on
Hi Joe, currently reading The Trouble With Peace and I have a theory which I was hoping you could confirm or deny… Is Collem Sibalt (the rebel) the son of Savian from Red Country? My reasoning is that they are both rebels, it is 20 years later so the timelines fit and Savian’s son is also called Collem. Keep up the good work!
Just finished The Trouble With Peace a couple of minutes ago – I can’t believe how the 9th book in a series can be so emotionally impactful, but there it is. I feel as if Joe is improving as a writer. Either that, or now that he has established such a rich world, he has the freedom to play with abandon without having to spend time world building. Can’t wait for more!
Im slowly realising you are my favorite author. Its crazy that you are in my mind greater then the likes of GRRM or Andrzej Sapkowski. I have no doubt that The Wisdom of Crowds will be amazing.
PS. I have said it before but i will say it again. Give me more Ninefingers and i will be a happy boy.
Just finished The Trouble with Peace, and my goodness, I don’t think anyone writes better battle scenes than you, they are my favorite parts. I’m a nurse, and I re-read all your books to catch myself up before I started TTWP, and as wild as it sounds, the brutality of your worlds felt so familiar it was comforting. Can’t wait to read the next book!
Hey Joe, just wanted to let you know my family and friends have all consumed The Trouble With Peace and there’s a general consensus the new trilogy may be your best work yet which is pretty damn impressive given how much your works are loved here within our circles in Australia.
Secondly as a far more selfish request, it’s our best friends birthday on 5th December, two twins named Luke and Ethan. They both love your works and Ethan is perhaps your biggest fan and is single handedly responsible for getting at least a dozen people into your books. If you could write a happy birthday message for Ethan and Luke or wish them happy birthday somehow you’d really make their year in what has been a very lousy year for all of us!
Love your work always brother 🙂
Hi Joe – listened to TTWP in a couple of days and then again at a more leisurely pace not to miss anything – great to be back in Sipani and a rebuilt Cardotti’s
Looking forward to the inevitable face off (literally) – between everyone’s favourite Eaters Sulfur and Shenkt !
I’ve just finished the trouble with peace yesterday and can’t wait till September 2021 haha! Awesome books Joe! I truly enjoyed them here from Denmark after I started on the first law on recommendation of a friend about a year ago. Thanks for the great work and looking forward to the next one 🙂
I’m just a hillbilly living in the mountains of West Virginia, which I feel confident stating in a non-disparaging way, that I’m quite certain you don’t know or care about. And that’s ok. I just appreciate your books and enjoy them very much. Thank you for all you do.