This is the part of the novel that the reader hates to read and the writer loves to write. Whenever I type those two words, it’s like a permission slip for my brain to let go of something that has occupied it every day for the better part of a year.
I just turned in the completed draft for SCORPIO, the first novel in a new Frontlines spin-off series. I don’t have an exact release date yet, but it will most likely be toward the end of this year.
Now I’m going to engage in my usual post-draft brain rinse where I work through a backlog of shows and play games for a week or two, and then I’ll reset the office for the new project and get back to work. Next on the docket is Palladium Wars #4, which will be called DESCENT.
2022 wasn’t a great year for me as far as output goes. Starting a new series always takes more time and energy than continuing in an existing world with established characters, and I underestimated how long it would take my brain to turn the idea I had into a cohesive whole. But I think I managed it, and you’ll be able to judge for yourselves when the book comes out later this year.
So much enjoying the first novel of yours that I have read–Aftershocks. I have only just started writing fiction, having spent almost 50 years in Academia, specifically in Biblical (Jewish and Christian) literature. I have published my first novel for kids ages 8-14 (Beyond the White Fence), and am about to publish the sequel for kids just slightly older (Down the Valley). They are a mix of history and fantasy. Normally I simply enjoy what I read, when reading fiction, but more recently I have been trying to read not only for pleasure but purposefully, looking at how the author creates character, maintains and alters point of view, manages time and space changes, keeps the tempo while including suspense and retrospection, and shows rather than tells. I have found your writing very helpful in learning how to create characters, and in interconnecting these in fascinating ways. For example, I really like how we learn about Solveig and Aden are siblings through the “Hello Shortie” message being introduced, left alone for many chapters, then reintroduced. It was delightful.
Anyway, thank you. You probably didn’t expect to be a mentor as well as an entertainer, but that’s what happens when you put a book out: the umbilical cord is cut, and it does what it will….
Edith
Thanks for the update. Looking forward to both books. Very curious to see where Scorpio leads?! Your books are always a treat. I bid adieu to Andrew with great reluctance. Left the last portion of the book unread for some time to delay the end.
Hope 2023 is a good year for you on all fronts.
I’m excited to hear you working on Palladium Wars #4, I can feel Descent being a good one!
I will pre-order as soon as available and wish you good commercial success. Your work is very well done and is a joy for us readers. Thank you.
Great news! Take all the time you need, except your fans are chomping at the bit for more Palladium Wars. And a spinoff of Frontlines will be a treat too.
Well, Marko, you just made my year. With new Kloos books on the horizon, 2023 looks to be pretty awesome. Thank you!!
I know that no details of the offshoot Frontlines series will be divulged for awhile. But I always imagined you might cover the (mis)adventures of Senior Sergeant Dmitry Chistyakov. I can just imagine he and his crew getting into the most sticky and bizarre situations, looking at how I perceive his personality.
It’s a good day when new Kloos books are announced. While I’m going to miss Andrew and Halley, I think exploring the Frontlines universe is going to be awesome. Looking forward to another Palladium Wars novel too, that series has very quickly grown on me.
I’m so excited to read your new book, especially continuing on in the Frontlines universe! Moreover, I’m excited for “Descent,” and cannot wait to continue on in the Palladium Wars series, especially with how “Citadel” ended. I really enjoy your books a great deal and I always look forward to your new books.
I’m looking forward especially to the new Palladium Wars novel. Enjoy your break!