Update on Deep Roots

[ashnistrike]

I've just finished the proof edits on Deep Roots, so we should be on track for July publication. The release date is currently set to July 9th.  This is more appropriate than Winter Tide's April release date, since the story takes place during a muggy New York June. These are very seasonal books. I kind of wanted to have the first one come out in time for its titular holiday, but apparently December releases lose more sales to people not buying for themselves than they gain from holiday gift purchases.* The Science of Publishing!

Things that can be found in this book:

• The looming gentrification of Innsmouth
• Other-dimensional vistas of cosmic wonder and fear, and their nasty side effects
• Awkward relatives
• Terrifying relatives
• The looming threat of human extinction
• Aliens worried about the looming threat of human extinction, and eager to do something about it
• Bagels and lox

I've started on the first couple of chapters of Book 3, but don't yet have a contract. While I wait, I've been playing around with "What if the ancient language that drives men mad... was an area of academic study like any other?" If the woes of the world don't completely distract me, it'll be a novelette draft by the time I have official deadlines again.


*Winter Tide does, in fact, make a great Winter Tide gift--and it's also appropriate for other portions of the Great North American Festival to Combat SAD.

Comments

[sovay]

Bagels and lox

I am pretty much permanently up for bagels and lox. Including right now, which is really inconvenient, since I have only the bagel.

While I wait, I've been playing around with "What if the ancient language that drives men mad... was an area of academic study like any other?"

That sounds delightful. I look forward.

[child_of_the_air]

One of these days I actually have to try bagels and lox. Especially since I live a couple blocks from the based real bagels place in the DC area. But I've never tried lox because it's so expensive and I can just get cream cheese.... On the gripping hand, I will be in Brooklyn for New Year's....

[child_of_the_air]

Expresses confusion: how can the threat of human extinction be looming when some humans will live in glory under the sea until the sun burns out?

The main difficulty with giving Winter Tide as a Winter Tide gift is that people of the air who haven't already read the book mostly don't celebrate Winter Tide yet.

Speaking of which, I want to make honeyed saltcakes for the friend whose Solstice vigil I'm going to, but they're allergic to eggs. I don't suppose you or Nora have any recommendations on subsitutions for the egg?

[sporky_rat]

I have used mashed banana and applesauce before to bake with instead of egg. I haven't done so with the honeyed saltcakes, but that's on the menu for tomorrow's baking. I can let you know how it goes?

[child_of_the_air]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'd definitely be interested in hearing how it goes! It sounds counter-intuitive to me, but it would certainly be an easy solution if it works.

[ashnistrike]

Speaking more precisely, it's only the looming threat of extinction for humanity's land-based branches. Still, this is sufficient to stress people out, both above and below the waves. And the Deep Ones are aware that, "dwelling in wonder and glory" or otherwise, the next mass extinction is not going to be fun to live through.

We haven't tried it with the saltcakes, but second the recommendation below for applesauce, which we've used with other recipes (and is period-appropriate plus a good complement for the honey). Please let us know how it goes!

[child_of_the_air]

*nods* I guess that, depending on the means of extinction of the men of the air, it could be pretty unpleasant. (It also occurs to me to wonder, if the men of the earth don't generally have children anymore, how long their lifespans are and if it's known how long they're expected to survive.)

And *nods* re mass extinctions...it is strange to think just how much life on Earth can change in a billion years, and to realize they're going to live through all that.

Thanks for the seconded recommendation! I think I'm definitely going to try that (another friend suggested it in person this evening, too). Now I just need to look at the fish stew recipe and figure out if it can be consistent with the person I'm cooking for's dietary needs, too.

I'll let you know how things go!

[sartorias]

That sounds intriguing!