The Works of Nick Hayden

Washington State Dept of Transportation via Compfight

If you’ve paid attention over the last five-plus years, you’ve probably heard me say something like this: “You know what, I’m really going to start working on Strin & Fred again. Like, really really.”

I’ve said it on podcasts. I’ve said it on this blog. I’ve said it to various friends and fans over the years.

And, you know what? I keep saying it, but it never quite happens. I start a family. I start teaching. I start a shared universe.

But, this time…I really mean it! Like, really really!

Okay. No promises. But I’ve been forcing myself to write a page or more every day I write. I’ve pushed other projects aside. And you know what–it’s hard.

Oh, sometimes I get in a groove. But every time I think I’ve got this middle-of-the plot, I-think-I-know-how-to-get-where-I’m-going roadblock smashed to pieces, another rolls down off the mountain, stopping me in my tracks. I love these characters, but getting back into the fabric of a story I published initially ten years ago isn’t always easy.

My long-time fans always ask, “Is it done yet?” I’m glad people like Strin and Fred and the rest so much. I really have no good excuse for why I’ve put it off so long. When the series is done (not if, but when), I hope it’s a great story. At the very least, it’ll be a record of my evolution as a writer. (Whether that’s good or bad, I don’t know.)

So, no promises, but I’ll keep plugging along. I won’t get fancy. I’ll just keep putting pen to paper, leaving my nearly incomprehensible scribbles on  page after page. I’ll probably blog about it, because as long as I’m talking about it, I’m thinking about it, and if I’m thinking about it, I’m unconsciously moving the pieces of the puzzle around in my head, and bit by bit I’ll get to the end.

And it’s a pretty great ending, for book 3, at least. One I’ve had in mind, in some form, for more than 10 years.

Maybe someday you’ll all be able to read it.

After a holiday break, I’m actually up to some more promo from The Unremarkable Squire.

I know, I know, you’ve all already read it and loved it and wrote gushing reviews for it, but I’m sure someone, somewhere, hasn’t heard about Obed and his band of misfits yet. (Maybe they live under a rock. Or aren’t one of  the almost-a-dozen people who read this blog.)

Anyway, two things are happening the first week in February.

First, I’m participating in a virtual book tour. I’m new to this sort of thing, but it looks like it’ll be a great time. There’ll be author interviews, unique blog posts by yours truly, and a surprise or two, so join me for a trip around the web from Feb 3-7. And tell your friends, too!

Here’s  the schedule:

February 3: Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
February 3: Journey of a Bookseller – review only
February 4: Welcome to My World of Dreams
February 4: For the Love of Bookends – promo only
February 5: Live To Read ~Krystal
February 6: Long and Short Reviews
February 7: Kit ‘N Kabookle

Don’t worry, I’ll remind you that week, so watch for the links on Facebook.

Also, there’ll be prizes! Stolen from the blog tour website:

Nick will be awarding a Winner’s choice of a $10 Starbucks card or a 4-piece box of Moonstruck truffles to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a Winner’s choice of a $10 Starbucks card or a 4-piece box of Moonstruck truffles to a randomly drawn host.

Then, to cap things off, I have a book signing at Better World Books in Goshen, IN. If you happen to live up that way, or know people who do, I’ll be there from 6-8pm on Friday, February 7.

Here’s the event page for it: Event Page

So, once again, I’m pretending to be social and all that. Hope you’ll come along with me.

Look, it’s Obed!

It’s snowing outside my window right now, and sure, you could go outside and traipse around or try building a snowman or start the-snowball-fight-to-end-all-snowball-fights, but eventually you’re bound to get cold, get inside, and get your hot cocoa. And then you’ll need a nice, warm book.

What? You don’t have one? Well, I might be able to help.

From now until Sunday, Dec. 15, you can get The Unremarkable Squire for half price. Yes, you heard that right! Imagine, a sale, in mid-December, just when you might need a book for yourself or some long-lost cousin who’s decided last minute to visit.

Here are your options:

If you like your Kindle, head this way.

If you enjoy your Nook, head that way.

And if you’re one of those wonderful people who like to hold dead trees in your hands, head over to my publisher’s website and use the coupon “TUESDAY”. It’s in this corner here.

Also, for further details, you can check this here page out.

Finally, if you already have a book, for goodness sake, go enjoy it. I’m finishing up some journeys on Mars myself and am enjoying it immensely.

Merry Christmas!