I know the updates have been a bit thin on the ground lately, but I’m one of those writers who believes that his readers would rather be more focused on finishing the next book than on blogging. Here’s where we are on Book III of the “Man of War” Trilogy, Brothers in Valor (or “BIV”). A few days ago, I finished the rewrite based on editor Mike Shohl’s “conceptual edit” of the original manuscript. Mike liked it a lot (or, perhaps, spared my feelings by telling me that he did), shot me back a few more suggestions that I pulled an all-nighter to implement in 20 hours of straight work, and shot back to him. He approved it and forwarded it to the publisher, 47North.
The “Editorial Lead,” Jason Kirk (whom I generally refer to as the “Uber Editor,” mainly because I haven’t a clue what an “Editorial Lead” does) says that a publication date will be announced in a few weeks. Naturally, I will proclaim, promulgate, and shout it forth here as soon as the publisher notifies me.
A few notes on what you are going to be getting in this book. First, it is action heavy–space battles, a two chapter long boarding action, lots of “fun with nuclear weapons.” Without any identifiable decision to do so, I seem to be moving from a “Patrick O’Brian Model” more to an “Early Heinlein Model.” This book contains a lot less of Max and Bram sitting in Max’s Day Cabin drinking Wortham-Biggs Four Planet Community Coffee and eating Cajun/Southern food and a lot more shooting and blowing things up. Second, this novel is a bit shorter than the first two, but has more battle and action sequences than they do, so I don’t think that anyone is getting shortchanged. Third, the “early Max” flashback that I mentioned a few times didn’t make it into the final version. Expect it to appear in a later book, in a separately issued novella, or some other place. I’m environmentally friendly and throw nothing away.
Fourth, the ending is a shocker. Big time.
Now, back to work. The story continues in what is tentatively titled the “Brothers of the Black Sky” trilogy, consisting of To Stations My Lads, Our Courage Defiant, and Hearts of Steel (titles tentative, your mileage may vary, not available in all states, check local laws, written near a kitchen where wheat products are in use).
Let’s see if I can get this one done a lot (A LOT) faster than the last book.
Now, where’s that map of the galaxy . . . .
H. Paul Honsinger 