Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Loukas Papangelis's avatar

Hello Michael(s)!

Cheers for this opportunity. So my question... bugging me since 2004. When the "The Lonely Dead" (Straw Men Book 2) was published, i was confused to see that it was written as a stand alone novel. Building the character of John Zandt in the first book, is one of the most amazing things i have ever read. The soul of this character is like a dark volcano slowly erupting black hole matter...Ward Hopkins was also a great one.

Rebuilding those characters in "The Lonely Dead" and "Blood of Angels", i felt it was mission impossible. I knew them from the first book and had strong feelings. Having to re-read their story and re-feel them, it took something away from me and in the end i failed to be sucked into books 2 and 3 in the same way as in "The Straw Men".

So the question: Does it bug you also? Did you consider the option of Book 1 to be mandatory in order to read 2 and 3? Was it maybe a publisher's recommendation? I understand that three stand alone novels is the financially viable option and i would probably advise that.

I hope i don't sound like a snob critic. I am not! Your books make this world a better, and slightly scarier, place and i am always waiting for something new (Michael Rutger where are you? We need a third book...).

Thanks!

Expand full comment
Francine Hibiscus's avatar

I am subscribed now, for my sins. Insert pithy comment about tuppenny happenny snips of money disappearing from our accounts adding up to something or other.

Tax season is nearly over. I am a person who when she was Young (I am 60 {sixty!} tomorrow) wrote obsessively. At some point, maybe in my early 30s I decided that I really had nothing new or interesting to say. Then I went on antidepressants. I work in ceramics now, and mess with yarn.

At any rate, I am interested to read the Q & A. I am listening to a Lovecraft podcast of the fine John Langan right now, and hearing people talk about how they write is fascinating.

Expand full comment
27 more comments...

No posts