Post "The Next Book." by "bluefishcake" from patreon

Blue Fishcake

I was aware that would be a problem and I chose the name anyway :D It tickles me pink that they're embarrassing to say aloud and they all have the same initials so it's a pain in the ass to know which one you're referring to :P

Moonlightwind

You know the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized I’m really excited to be exploring the Space setting again. In the immediacy of finishing Steampunk I was definitely thinking “I have to know what happens next!” and I think Sect is still my favorite so given the chance for reading more of that I was also super interested. But I realized that Space was the first I read and fell in love with and it’s been so long since we’ve been back to that setting, so I’m really looking forward to it. It was also definitely the most extreme of the gender divides, and your writing has definitely gotten even better so I’m excited to explore that dynamic again. Also funnily enough, Jason’s struggles at the start of space with suddenly being the fairer sex and being sexualized mirror some of my experiences as a trans woman, so I’ll never not look fondly on space for that aspect. (Ps Blue I need a different name to call these series, I’m trying to recommend them to my girlfriends but I can’t keep saying hear me out about a series called “sexy sect babes” and they all have the same initials!)

Blue Fishcake

Beta readers have it :D

Trevayne

Although thinking about it, I could see William collaborating with some of the faculty pointing out how it could have been done better if he had more time. Things like ensuring his pilots were all properly trained on their new gear. Granted, that would mean they need to decide how much can be disclosed about the new tech.

Trevayne

Can you imagine being his airship tactics professor? I doubt any of them have taken on odds of 1-7 and won.

Vonbaron

I still find myself amused at the thought of William showing up for class in the days after his victory. Everyone basically being like "why the fck are you here??" and he's like "I'm here to learn". I think some of the interactions with arrogant professors would be hilarious. It's kind of hard to argue against a guy who led one barely assembled prototype ship into a victory against overwhelming odds to save the capital.

Trevayne

I realize the next Steam book is 4-6 months away, but I still keep thinking about it. I am very curious about the outline because I think a new adversary has to be introduced. The first pair of books dealt with William's adventures at the academy and his efforts to gain power and delay the civil war between the Crown and the Blackstone-New Haven alliance. At the end of the last book, it looks like those efforts ultimately failed because the Blackstones have decided to attack. That means either the next book is perhaps a novella, dealing with the Blackstone attack and its immediate aftermath, or something else comes up. I don't see how you get a full book out of the few weeks (say 2-4) leading up to the attack and its resolution. It could be done. Some writers IIRC have squeezed whole novels out of covering a day in detail, but I don't think it would work here. That said, say the first five chapters cover the Blackstone arrival and their defeat. Then what? If the Blackstones lose, I suppose the rest of the book could cover the aftermath, but I think it needs more. One thing that could happen is the victorious Crown forces get a message that the Orc underships are attacking and trying to destroy as much as possible of the Blackstone lands while their fleet is away. William could find out that his first task is to take control of his new hands and negotiate with or defeat the orcs. However, even that doesn't seem enough. My guess is that New Haven will talk to the Solite Empress and they will make a large-scale attack. Their attack tries to take advantage of the opening created by the Lunite's recently losing 10 underships. their other reason for doing this is that the queen is likely to lean hard on New Haven after Blackstone has been defeated. The two duchies together could stand off the Queen, but I doubt New Haven has a chance by itself. I expect Blackstone had the better fleet between the two of them.

The Overlad McGuffen

Oh, I agree that the muse demands space and I want Blue to follow his muse. Just saying that I hope there isn’t just one book left of sect.

ColdButCozy

You know, wether by accident or on purpose you’ve kind of set up a valid story structure for a meta narrative. Space Babes introduces a technology advancing society, with reason for conflict. Steampunk has William/George, a veteran in the right age bracket to be a veteran of whatever resistance movement springs up on Earth at the end of Space Babes. Jack could be a couple centuries down the line, when humanity is still isolationist, but have started working with… what was it called, the Syndicate? And have their own space mega corps

ColdButCozy

Im all for more Sect, but i hope we aren’t gearing up for an ending anytime soon. There’s still so much of that universe still to explore and resolve

Trevayne

I think the problem with Sect is that doing it justice is probably another 2-3 books. It sounds like Blue's current intention is a one-book palate cleanser in the Space universe, before getting back to Steam. I do wonder about the expectation of a lot of combat. Yes, there is clearly a battle coming as the opening of a civil war. That said, I don't think it has to take up several chapters. If Poul Anderson could get away with a published novel where the whole book built up to a climactic battle that was only described in an epic song poem written afterwards, I don't know that you have to describe the battles in detail. I understand you don't like writing battles, even though IMHO you are pretty good at them. You might want to consider just how much needs to be shown and how much can just be mentioned in passing. I think the battle itself between the RN and the Blackstones will be big, but unless the Blackstones have some significant tech edges of their own (better AA), they are still going to lose. The shard advantage from Wiulliam's Corsairs is going to be too much to overcome. Especially since a lot of the older shards were destroyed in the attack. I expect some Corsair-Cs will be flown by experienced mage pilots, since I expect lots of shards were destroyed and fewer pilots were killed.

Redacted

I'd also like more sect, but it sounds like the muse demands space.

The Overlad McGuffen

Ending? I know it is up to Blue Fishcake but I hope there is more than just one more book. It’s just too good!

Kinnos Sharpe

If your getting burnt on Steam, Sect could use a valid ending. The poll suggests that would be a better choice then space.

O

I'm curious on where you'll take space

SarcSorc

I like your funny words, writing man. Follow that Muse!

Harrison F

MUSE! MUSE! MUSE! MUSE!

Vonbaron

I always say follow the inspiration. If you need a mental palette cleanser then do so. Could give you some ideas that would be useful for your steam outline.

Activist Moon

I miss jason as protag, but anything space has my vote

Hunter

NEVER APOLGIZE FOR NOT WANTING RUSHING THINGS OUT!! The culture of rush and grind that infects Hollywood is why we’re all here salivating of the work of an indie writer instead of throwing our money at a bunch of already vastly rich people who don’t respect our time and interests until it’s cutting into their dividends. Take your time and release your content when YOU feel it’s good and ready to come out… you’ve written how many books at this point?!… we are all well aware that you’re respecting ours and your own time professionally. When you say you’re going to work on the story you 100% mean it… even when shit don’t work out, you make time the next chance you get.

Dig_Dug_314

If you keep writing, I'll keep reading. I am not overly concerned with what you write. I know it will be exemplary, and worth it.

Alex

Every time you finish a novel I want more of that novel because it was executed so well. Every time you change course I’m blown away then reeled in like a fish. Follow your muse man

Drunk Pop-Tart

Forcing yourself to write a story you don't feel like writing will just push you to hate it in the long run. It will also decrease the quality of the story if your heart's not in it. Sometimes all you need to be at your best is to take a vacation, take a step back to let it marinate and then come back when you feel refreshed. Writing a side-story you're hyped about will only be beneficial to me and you. Plus it'll give you a chance to improve your writing in all sorts of ways! There's no time wasted learning after all.

Blue Fishcake

Anywhere between four and six months sounds about right.

Blue Fishcake

I wouldn't say it was anxiety. Merely a desire for something fresh before continuing :D Steampunk is already roughly the same length as the other SSBs at two books. And just as when I finished the third book of those series, there's a bit of burnout and a desire for a change in writing scenery.

The Overlad McGuffen

Mate, you put out high quality work with all your stories. My favourite has always been Sects. If you are dreading something then forcing it will only hurt your work as your heart isn’t in it. Flagging inspiration can often mean flagging work. Follow the muse.

Alex LordThorsen

I am very much on team muse but I do feel the need to ask a question. As someone who has avoidant behavior around work and sitting down to solve tough problems I do worry about the tone of voice in this post. Are you writing this post because you are excited about a new direction or are you writing this post because of anxiety? If it's anxiety related will that feeling go away with time?

Primarch359

I need some more femboy if you do make more space content

Gregory Sampson

I still think switching away from Jason in Space is missing an opportunity to explore higher level Shil politics, and that is kind of unbelievable that what he did would actually get him away from royal attention.

Trevayne

A question, roughly how long do you expect to be writing the Space book, 4-6 months? I figure the two Steam books took about a year so I was trying to figure out when Steam might start again, say Jul-Sep?

Adam Wurstmann

Chase your bliss my friend. It's time for some good ol' fashioned sexy space babes.

Colt Parris

Not really interested in space babes. But I can understand the muse whispers. Take us on a trip ^^

John

do what you want, i suppose. i'll probably unsubscribe in the meanwhile though. space never interested me

notreal name

Oh god finally some more space babes. The wait has been long, not to say the distractions haven't been pleasant. I'm glad we are going back, even if its only one book, I'm grateful.

Google Google

Take your time the last thing we want is a rush story.

Melggart

I like how you write the antagonists, they are smart and dangerous, but usually have limited information. They are a treat and can become greater if they get information or power. So, I just want you to not have a burnout and write as long as you can and want.

Allen Mainville

Always chase that muse. It’s better to do that and make a work you’re happy with than to try and force yourself to get something else your heart’s not into out the door. Perhaps some people will leave, but it’s not like your saying Steam is over, just temporarily postponed so you can write a palette cleanser and come back into Steam fully refreshed.

Cineos

You dont have to write battle if you dont want to. Of course i personally prefer more ssb, but if youre not into writing battle, and you still want to write steampunk, you can just write politics and have the war occur mostly off screen. A book set in a war political setting doesnt have to be mainly focused - or at all focused - on battle scenes. Some of the game of thrones tv series when it was best worked that way.

Larynx Punchworthy

Being an author is already hard enough without working on something you’re not very into. Follow your muse. I’m sure the time away from Steam will give you even more ideas to make the next book better

Moonlightwind

I’m a person who really struggles to write or doing anything creative when my heart and mind are not in the place for it. I think it’s absolutely okay to take a break and write something completely different for a little bit before going back to it. I think in the long run it will make Steam a better story if it has longer to cook in your brain while you’re working on something else. Also in the same way that you get cramped sitting in the same position for a long time, writing/doing the same thing for too long without a break is gonna give you creative cramps. I think if you write a short one off Space book, you’ll be better at writing Steam when you come back, and maybe it’s just me but I’d read anything you wrote to be honest. Your style and the content of yours stories is at the intersection of so many of interests, so I don’t think it really matters what it is to me.

Víctor Sanjose

The Muse is here! CHASE IT BEFORE IT DISAPEARS!!! GO! GO! GO!

Bas van Lissum

I would also prefer steam over space, but i vastly prefer to read the story you actually want to write. Even if you write steam now, you will only be thinking of writing this new book. So write the new book first, and blow off some steam ;)

Argamenta

honestly, anything you do work on will be enjoyable

Hector Haddow

Go for it, follow your inspiration *continues to salivate over the civil war*

Carl Philip Steuch

Id prefer steam, but its more important that you have your heart in it. Besides, i think most of us thought of the previous post as less of a democratic vote and more of a poll.

Richard Anderson

I have only read Steam, but I know if you don’t feel the story it will be not up to snuff. Write what is coming to you naturally.

Found&Lost

I've been voting for space since the start. I came in with space. I also made the comment wondering if you were good having a civil war combat book for steam. Take your break with space and be in a good place to do the hard stuff.

Trevayne

I have really been following for Steam, but will give Space a try. I did enjoy Sect and look forward to picking it up as an e-book. Even though I voted for Steam, I think we all agree that your really wanting to write a book will make for a better book. I would hate to see you get so sick of trying to force yourself that you abandon Steam. I can see why you are less than thrilled with pursuing Steam due to the upcoming civil war, since you don't like writing combat scenes. Did you ever consider just skipping the war and going straight to politics and intrigue again? One method would be opening with Eleanor Blackstone surrendering after her fleet has been wrecked, wondering how she screwed it up. Instead of describing the battle in detail, just some flashbacks of Northern shards getting cut to pieces and ships shot down. That way the next part could be Blackstone's trial and probable execution. Then William gets to head North and tries to rule the Blackstone lands and make peace with the orcs. Tala might be involved. She could be married into the group under the condition that this is William's house. She might do this because she still wants to live, and she might also think that somebody has to explain how things worked in the North before William incites a rebellion that gets more of her people killed. As for Patreon, I think I will drop down a tier or two. If I wind up liking the new story as much, I might go back up. I just don't think I will be waiting on Friday morning checking every 20 minutes to see if the update dropped the way I did with Steam.

ciopo

Take a third option: crossover! And curses on you for reminding me of the snake report :'(

Michael F.

If we're heading in a long string of combat sequences, a lighter, especially sexier interlude book might actually be a good idea. Personally, I'm also here for the smut and I'm looking forward to some of that old universe setting coupled with your advanced writing.

ColonelCodfish

Channel your inner Palpatine and DEW IT!

Matt Bradock

Do what you want, not what we want of you, because we are stupid. Think of the average person. Half of us are dumber than that. We think we know what we want but we only know what we think we don't want. I know I don't want one of my favourite current authors to burn out. Yes, that's you. And trying to please the audience instead of following your inspiration is a surefire way to burn out and get sick of your own creation.

Vortex

I have enjoyed all three, and while I am the most interested in steam. I would rather you go with what you want instead of pushing yourself into writing something you not ready to do yet.

Christopher Manoff

I've said it once, I'll say it again, I'm here to read what you put out. I'm happy either way. And I think most of us all agree as well that you could be like, "Nah, i want to write a story about 10 foot female orc that picks up human male hookers" and we'll be like, hell yeah! We're here for you smutty but story rich stories. Whatever you give us, I'm fairly confident we'll love.

TotalReck

Howdy Blue, I don't normally leave comments, but I feel like I should say this. I became a patron to support you as an author, not for any particular book or book series. You want to follow your muse, no problem, but experiment. Shake up the formula with this book. We have seen you make adventure war novels with book 2 and 3 of Space. We have seen political thriller isekaies with Steam and Sect. If you want a slice of life like Space book 1, sure, but really go out there. Maybe mix in some other genre like detective noir, or make it a heady drama like a soap opera. Either way, I think this is for the best. Truth be told, I think you should write a novella between each of your major book releases, as a writing exercise or a creative palette cleanser. Keep up the good work, I can't wait to see what you write next.

White Neko Knight

You do you! There's a reason some authors bounce between series.

aj0413

you’re writing is best when your heart is into it

TheDevotus

You sold me the moment you mentioned snekguy

Mark Lyons

More steam

Noah Benden

I want steam more than anything.... But without passion the work will suffer no matter what... Do what you believe to be best

zmessing11

Everything-enjoyers still winning. In all seriousness while I am glad Space is getting a new book, at the end of the day I'm still gonna be happy with whatever you put out since its your writing in general not any specific book that keeps me around.

Bookwyrm

Writing what you want to write and what your muse is driving you towards is a good path to follow. As disappointing as it is that we won’t be getting more steam soon, you getting burnt out would be even worse than that could ever be.

karl grimm

Seems like it shouldn't have to be, either or, if you are a politics and slice of life writer at heart. Every setting has politics and any setting can be slice of life. If you want to you could always do a story about some random dude living his life in the Steam world who gets caught up in the politics. If a world is built well it's often fun to see how the changed world affects how people in it live there day to day lives.

Sean Gregory Murray

Write what you want to write. I enjoy both. But I'm okay with you stepping out to write a space book if your not into writing steam at the moment. You can come back to steam after if you want

just_some_guy.

You need to do what you need to do. I haven't voted yet, but if this does go to space can you pretty please give us one or two slices of life of Steam when time allows? One more thing, where can I find a easy to parse on mobile version of your other works?

Kaywye

While I am somewhat disappointed with where you are emotionally, and I'm not as intonthe other stories as I am into Steam, I say without reservation do what you feel is right. Because like many others have said previously, burning yourself out by forcing something you aren't feeling is tantamount to crappy chapters. So breaks must be taken, even slightly extended breaks. I will wait with as much patience as I can muster for you to get back to William. Thank you for letting us know where you were on this, so that we can understand.

Lawrence Christian

I'd love to see more Steam, but that's really just because it's the best-written series so far. So it would also be neat to see you come back to an older concept with all that growth on ya.

Diego Villa

Forced art creates bad art. Do your passion otherwise why did you become a writer. People can forgive delays but they can’t forgive bad writing.

Tredecian

everyone's best work is when they're enjoying it and in the groove.

mraanonymous

Its kinda what i do. When i'm not writing fanfiction. I read somewhat esoteric series and i write their tv tropes. You should see what i did for dresden files. I'll get right to work. of course, i'll have to find someone who knows how to actually CREATE the tv tropes section. I'm just good at filling in the details. Quick side note, have you been keeping up with snekguy's works? You said he inspired you. Its easy to write your own after reading someone else's and forgetting to come back to it later.

Mega Art

Its your choice. If you force yourself now… we might get a shity continuation. So do what you want, follow that ass… muse

Blue Fishcake

I'd love a TVtropes page, but I'd never be so entitled as to request it :D

BronzePug

Been subbed to you since the first dozen or so chapters of Space and would love to see you return to that!

mraanonymous

Son of a bitch. I only get to talk to him once a week. For the tv tropes thing. Speaking of, you want me to write up a tv tropes section for your series?

Blue Fishcake

He was the one who inspired me to start writing in the first place - and once I wrote Space one, I reached out to him on Discord. Now we talk about author stuff pretty much every other day.

MS

While I really really want steam, you need to follow your muse not only for you personal joy but for the best product. I'd rather wait a while and get the best Steam than have it know and it being meh.

ethan

"MY MUSE IS A FICKLE BITCH, WITH A VERY SHORT ATTENTION SPAN!!" sorry, saw the word 'muse' and remembered my favorite 360 game 😅

mraanonymous

Do a pallet cleanser. Recharge the o'l batteries. Don't burn yourself out on your most popular series- also, how do you know snekguy? I write up his tv tropes for him.

mhaj58

Please write Space Interlude. Answer some of the questions I had about Jason’s life after the military

Blue Fishcake

One or two names have been changed and I'm adding some stuff to the epilogue of three. That's all really. Other than that, it's pretty much just final spot checks for spelling and grammar.

Business Casual

As much as I love and want to see more of Steam, it's better for you (and us) if you follow what you're more passionate about. At the end of the day, I started following you a few chapters in to Space... so I'll likely be happy with whatever you do next. In other words, you do you Baby Blue.

Admiralthrawnbar

Completely unrelated to the actual question but you brought it up so I'm curious, how much did/are you changing for Sect to publish as a full book, I remember you saying something about a scene of Huang finding out Jack was mortal, anything more than that?

HandsyUncleTickles

Follow your heart funny pancake man

Ryno Botha

My heart still favors sect , but I ultimately think it's best for you to follow where you passion leads you.

22junk

I voted for steam last month but I’d rather have a motivated space book than a lackluster steam book. Go with your gut. Also I’m very eager to explore the gender flip theme more. That’s what got me into Sexy Space Babes to begin with.

Geodux

As much as I want to see the conclusion of the Steam trilogy, I want to see it the way you envision it, not delivered because the patrons demanded it. I'd like to think that most of us are here because we like what you write and want to support you. I know I want to read what you want to write.

Michael W

Yeah, I joined for space and I've been jonesing for it for a while!

Nicholas Crowley

I've seen too many writers go into burnout trying to finish something they promised the readers. Go do Space! It's definitely not my favorite series but I think that the eventual Steam book will be substantially better for it.

Toby

I think I speak for all of us when I say that the best thing you could do is write what makes you happy. I’ve seen other creators burn out from forcing content that they weren’t inspired to write. I’d much rather you write at your pace, and with your desires. Saying that… I demand another trilogy of Sect immediately! /s

Themostwellprepareddeadguy

I'd rather wait longer for quality than get something "meh" sooner. Whatever comes next is going to be great and we'll will enjoy it regardless

Footbraclet

Whether you do Space or Steam, we get Sexy Babes, so I count that as win regardless.

Peter Liu

Hey brother do what u want and what u think is best for u. If u burn out we get nothing so do what u think will get the most from the stone we squeeze. I just enjoy ur stories.