The end of August is nigh. According to our original plan, the first two books in the Doc Wilde relaunch should be out by now. That hasn’t happened, as I’ve explained previously, because of schedule conflicts artist Gary Chaloner had to deal with.
I hate that the plan has gone awry, not just because I’m losing possible income every day that goes by without these books being available, but because I feel bad that I said I was going to bring them out now and failed to do so. I was too optimistic, or unrealistic, or both. And it’s conceivable that had I made certain choices I might have managed to stick to the schedule, or at least closer to it. I could have found another artist for the books, and that might have sped things up…though maybe not, because I’d have had to find them and negotiate the deal with them and familiarize them with the world of the books, and then might have had timing issues on their end as well. And it would have meant not having Gary’s art in the books, which would have been a shame.
I could have opted to forego the interior illustrations, and just have covers by Gary. We almost certainly could have had the books out on time doing that, but I promised illustrated books all through the Kickstarter, and I’m wedded to doing it that way because I want the books to be everything they can be. That was part of the big appeal in going independent in the first place.
So the decisions I’ve made have been to the detriment of the original schedule, rather than to the detriment of the books themselves, and I think most would agree that’s the wise choice. I’m loathe to give a publication date at the moment, considering the way things have gone, but Gary is hard at work finishing up the interiors for Doc Wilde and The Frogs of Doom and painting the cover of Doc Wilde and The Mad Skull. Here’s an early peek at that, complete with cackling skull, unfriendly dead people, and snakes made of fire:
We’re also producing a book of supplemental Wilde material including deleted scenes, historical notes, personal essays, and lots of Chaloner art tracing the artistic development of the characters and their action-packed world. And we’re going to give a free digital copy to every one of our Kickstarter friends as a token of appreciation for your patience.
We’re sorry for the delays, but we remain excited about the Wildes and committed to producing all the books as promised in as timely a manner as we humanly can. When the books are in your hands, I’m confident you’ll think they were worth the wait.
Under An Outlaw Moon 
We all know Doc Wilde will be launched only when it’s really ready to go, with all the great details that will make the adventures even more enjoyable to follow.
While I can hardly wait to have them in my hands, I have no doubt they’re worth the wait. It’s not the first time a writer needs to postpone their original plans to meet reality – heck, even Stephen King had to do it recently on his Dr. Sleep book!
And following Gary’s art developing in the meantime is thrilling! :o)
Thank you, Nydia. :)
Better to get it right than to rush it! Super excited to see it when it’s ready! I’m totally loving the artwork – really fun! You shouldn’t feel bad for not hitting the deadline, this almost always happens when creative minds are at work!
Thanks, Chelsea. Creativity is a volatile substance, and the more people involved the easier it is for things to get complicated…
Honestly, I’d rather have late books with Gary Chaloner than on-time ones without. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Me too, Chris. And you’re welcome.
Thanks for the update. I always appreciate transparency with a project like this.
You’re welcome. I just try to stay mindful of how I feel when I’m at the opposite end of the equation.
I think we all know by now that it’ll be utter joy when Doc Wilde and the others come finally into our lives, so go easy on yourself, Tim.
The important thing is that you’re being straightforward and honest with us, much appreciated.
And that cover of Doc Wilde and The Mad Skull looks already creepy!
Best,
Aura
P.S. Thanks for the generous freebie!
Yeah, the Mad Skull cover is going to be amazing.
You’re very welcome, Aura.
Way too many books are rushed through the writing, editorial, and production processes, and it shows. Your projects will be ready when they’re ready. I know what it’s like. Thanks for the update.
Thanks, Bill, and you’re correct. We want to do this right.
As longs as we get the books eventually, I won’t be complaining – it sounds like you’re taking the time to get them as good as they can possibly be. And I love books of supplemental material, especially when they’re “in-character”, so getting a copy of one for the Wilde family is greatly appreciated.
Thanks. We really wanted to do something for you guys, what with the delays…