This past week, I finished the book I’ve been working on for the last year or so. But in some ways, it’s been even longer than that, because this was the first book I sent to my agent several years ago. He actually passed on it and suggested I put it aside to write something else. I followed his advice and wrote The Clockwork Three, so I think it fair to say his advice was good, and I’m glad I followed it. But I never let go of that first book, the first novel-length piece of fiction that I’d written. I loved the characters, the idea, and the emotional heart of it. So I went back to it with the benefit of perspective, having been away from it for a few years, and I saw immediately what it needed. It is now a very, very different book, and so much better than it was. That’s why I think it’s a good idea for every writer to step away from material, especially if the book isn’t working. Go, write something else, and come back.
That can be a hard thing to do, especially if you’re still trying to get your first book published, like I was. I was eager, and impatient, and I didn’t want to be told to put it aside. I’d already put a year into that manuscript, and I didn’t want to think about another year of writing, or more, before I would be ready for another chance. But I also knew that I didn’t just want to publish that one book. I wanted a career as a writer, hopefully with many books. So I told myself it made sense to go ahead and get started on the next one and see what happened. And that worked for me.
I’m sure my editor will have some revisions for me to consider, and I’ve already thought of two more scenes the book needs. So I’m not exactly “done”. But I’m really close, and I’ve been able to move on to my next project, which will be my installment in the Infinity Ring series. I have an idea that I think will be really fun, and cool, and as soon as I can talk about it, I will. But in the meantime, here is what’s upcoming for the Infinity Ring.
The first book in the series, A Mutiny in Time by James Dashner, will come out August 28th, 2012.
The second book, Divide and Conquer by Carrie Ryan, will be released November 6th, 2012.
And the third book, The Trap Door by Lisa McMann, will be released February 5th, 2013.
Don’t they all look amazing? I can tell you, having read them, that they are. I’m so excited about this series.
And there’s some other great stuff coming up on the blog. Some Icefall news, some news on what I’ll be writing after the Infinity Ring, a cover for my next book. Lots of exciting stuff, and I look forward to sharing.
16 responses to “Another book finished!”
Billy!
Yup!
Love that feeling of finishing a book. Yay, Billy! Can’t wait to see him resurrected. 🙂
It’s one of the best feelings I know of.
Are you coming to SCBWI in LA?
I guess Billy Bartram finally grew into his role. Matt Kirby certainly did.
I enjoyed all the paths Billy wandered that I knew of, even some I may have found fault with. Now I look forward to reading the newer ones I have never seen.
I’ve also enjoyed the new paths you’ve wandered, too. (Instead of typing wander, I keep typing wonder.) Your success is wonderful.
Here’s to Tuesday nights or whatever night it was before that.
To Tuesday nights!
I’m proud as a reader of your books to see you grow into this amazing writer. You are the first author I follow and it’s very exciting.
It’s very exciting for me too, Alex! And I’m proud to have a fan like you!
Writing is a solitary process, so our colleagues tend to be other writers…sometimes we gather in small groups to critique, or meet in passing at a conference or in a bookstore. You never really know if you are heading in the right direction, or if there is a right direction! I really enjoy reading other writer’s blogs, and this post is extra YAY! for me. I think I’ll dust off that early YA and give it some sparkle. Thanks for the inspiration…I needed it today!
So glad it spoke to you in some way. In this writing business, we all need inspiration, and I’m sure you’ve inspired others, in turn. We’re a community that supports each other, and I’m honored to be a part of it. Good luck with that YA!
Yay. I have so much good reading to look forward too.
Dear Mr. Kirby,
I really enjoyed your book The Clockwork Three. Thank you for writing it. I look up to you and your writing style is simply amazing! Thanks again for everything.
~Nicole
Every summer my wife and I take our now 11-year-old son on a few road trips, usually to national parks, and listen to audio books on the journey. We listened to Lord of the Rings on a long trip through the Northwest–perfect for driving among volcanoes and misty forests. This year we’ve been making our way through Susan Cooper’s books on a series of trips around California. Last week, we listened to Ice Fall on a trip through the Eastern Sierras. We still had a few hours left when we got home, so we plugged the iPhone into the stereo and listened to the rest of the story instead of watching a movie. What a masterful and compelling story! My wife is the local librarian, and has added your book to her repertoire of top recommendations. Thank you for such wise and interesting writing. We’re heading to Yosemite tomorrow with Silver on the Tree, but we’ll pick up The Clockwork Three when we get back.
Thanks so much, Chris! That means a lot. And I think it’s awesome that you guys listen to audiobooks on your trips. My parents did the same thing with us, and I think it’s one of the things that instilled in me a love of stories and the desire to write my own. I hope your family enjoys The Clockwork Three. In the meantime, have fun in Yosemite!
Dear Mr. Kirby,
I am in love with The Clockwork Three! My favorite book of all time. I remember, my teacher had assigned my class to pair up into groups, and pick up a book from our Book Fair in school. My friend had suggested it and we all agreed. Giuseppe is my favorite character and I enjoyed his story the most. Spoilers! I literally threw the book in the air and squealed like a fangirl when Stephano died. The media should really make a movie out of this. If it was, I’m first in line at my theater, haha! Keep up the good work.
Thanks Katherine! It makes me happy that you got excited enough to throw the book in the air. In a good way!