Sorry about this
Among the many things we have to be thankful for this time of year, I hesitate to introduce a note of the opposite (what in my youth would have been called a “downerâ€) but I’ve had judgment on TOUCHSTONE, and I’m sorry to say, it won’t be out in 2007.
This is due to a number of circumstances, all of them beyond the reach of a mere author, beginning with the delay caused by my husband’s illness (much improved now, for which Thanks are given) and continuing through an already packed-full Random House schedule for fall 2007. As it turns out, the best time for the book appears to be winter 2008–that is, some time between January and April. I hate, absolutely hate not having a book out in 2007, but I reluctantly agreed with my editor that it would be best to delay it.
And it’s not altogether bad, because it means I will have time to make the book what I want it to be. TOUCHSTONE is a book I don’t want rushed into print, and this way I’ll have the time to polish it in a further draft. (Sour grapes are better than no grapes at all..)
I am sorry to disappoint all of you who are so eagerly awaiting the next LRK, but this is one of those times when plans and life crash headlong, and as we know, life always wins.
I’ve lived through other draughts and knowing this one has an end in sight as well as a delight to end it will make the wait bearable. The news your husband is better is reason for much thanks giving. Life does seem to have its own timetable. I usually do best when I stick to it.
Adrenaline is really not conducive to the sort of rich marinade-ing process the best writing asks of us. Much as I look forward to your next book, I look forward to it because of the care, craft and quality YOU put into it. I’m glad you’re not rushing for some external concept of a deadline.
No need for apologies. You owe us (the “public”) nothing and have given us so much. I feel blessed with the gifts you have already bestowed upon us. I am sure Touchstone will be worth the wait.
I am also happy to hear that your husband is much improved. Perhaps this delay is yet another gift, allowing you time to relax a bit. Maybe not such ‘sour’ grapes …
Whenever a new divorce client asks me,”How long will this take?” my answer is always the same: “Too long.” While the time between your books always feels “too long” to those of us eagerly waiting for them, the wait–of whatever length–is always well worth it.
Best wishes for continued improvement in your husband’s health.
I’m so glad your husband is better.
Don’t worry about a delay in the book — just a few months later than it would have been, right?
Just another reason to hope 2008 gets here soon.
Laurie-
So glad to hear your husband is improved. As for your readers, we will wait (maybe a bit impatiently), but we will wait for the next book. There will be much rejoicing on its arrival. In the meantime–the rereads, the audio versions–all are worth doing again.
Kay
Laurie, I’m so very glad to hear that your husband is doing well.
We will entertain ourselves by rereading your entire catalogue while we wait for Touchstone. My copies of your previous books are sufficiently tattered that maybe I’ll treat myself to new ones. Why not?
Perhaps your 2007 schedule will allow for some readings? Come to sunny Tucson, why don’t you?
I’m 1/3 of the way through rereading Folly and enjoying it hugely. No rush with your next book, as the others have said, we will just reread the “canon.” This disappointment is only a mild one for us.. a little wait will only whet our appetites! Keep up the good work!
Just to echo some of the other posts here – very pleased to hear of the improvements with Mr King’s health.
Plus, the early months of the year are normally starved of quality new titles, so something special to look forward to, in New Year-plus-one!
All the best,
Chris, Edinburgh
Laurie, where can one found out more news about Noel’s health? I’m sure you have more help than you can swing a stick at but if you get caught short, I’ll be glad to try and stand in for awhile.
In Salinas
Paulo
Ditto to all of the above. I hope your husband’s improvement and the freedom from book-stress let you enjoy the holiday season and New Year to their fullest. As for me, I’ll enjoy the re-reads; I need to revisit Folly again — and I’m not being redundant 🙂 — and I think I’d like to hang out with Dian again for a while, too.
By the way, do you pronounce her name “die-ann” or “dee-on”? Or somewhere in between? It’s December, so I figure I can ask!
Peace . . .
I’m definitely willing to wait for raisins if they are from your vine! OK, I’d love to have them in hand tomorrow, lol, but will be glad there is a book to come in the future.
What good news though about your husband. Thanks.
After a few (selfish)groans from greater Pasadena, I heartily concur with the other comments, espec. L. Crampton. I also have two whole LRK photos sitting in my camera, dating from B’con; I can occupy myself with finally figuring how to post such things. Hope you and the family have wonderful and non-exhausting holidays.–Meredith T.