Dear Bernard,
I just read you article “Writing Advice” and enjoyed it immensely. I make contemporary fine furniture, and your advice is strangely applicable to my craft. I am for ever being asked “how do you make a live as a furniture craftsman”? They expect me to launch in to a technical discussion on woodwork, when the answer is really “understand what your job is”. My job is to make furniture that people enjoy living with. Your job is to tell compelling stories. There is so much more to it than that, but boil the whole lot down and that is what we are left with at the bottom of the pan.
Ok, so I digress- back to the point. In your article you are specifically critical of the first half of the Winter King. I couldn’t disagree more. I understand the commercial framework in which you are working, and I understand that from your current perspective/experience you would do it all differently, but the Winter King is an absolute cracker and works as it is. I read the book many times, then bought the audio book on tape. I would not care to know how many times I have listened to the damned thing while sanding chair parts. I have always enjoyed the detailed build up in the first half of the first book, followed by the acceleration of the pace over the trajectory of the series. And yes, I would like to be Derfel when I grow up.
I still think the Warlord Trilogy is your most satisfying series (which is not to disrespect the others).
I’m looking forward to getting my copy of The Pagan Lord. It is my birthday soon, and I have dropped plenty of subtle hints to the wife and kids, such as “get me this book, people!”.
Happy writing.
Cheers,
Evan
(Australia).