http://www.deadline.com/2011/03/%E2%80%98the-hobbit%E2%80%99-finally-begins-filming/

I’m guessing this means he’s divided the book in half so it will be interesting to see how he handles it.

Cheers,

Chris

Thursday and Friday here in the Big Apple were absolutely glorious. Today is actually just as nice, but in a colder, more blustery way. Sort of a cool autumn as opposed to a cold spring if you know what I mean. I’ve been getting out and about as much as I can to enjoy it before the rain comes again.

In other news, I’m currently revising Ashes of a Black Frost. That should be done in another week or so at which point the wheels really start turning as the momentum builds to get the book ready for its October 18 debut in North America. As I verify pub dates in other markets around the globe I’ll post them. Anyplace where the series has been translated will, naturally, have later releases.

In yet other news, I will be in Canada (Ontario for certain) for the book launch there, and then traveling with my folks in what will be their 5th or 6th RV publicity tour, all the way from Toronto to Tampa in late October. This will be my first time joining them as they rumble down the highway in their big rig. Rumors that the truck will be adorned with large elf ears and the trailer will feature a large squirrel have yet to be confirmed.

I know some of you are interested in breaking into the publishing field so I thought I’d post this job opening. Here’s the link https://www.ultirecruit.com/hol1002/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*7E31C6861D96AFA1

Tor Books, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC, is a New York-based publisher of hardcover and paperback books, founded in 1980 and committed (although not limited) to Science Fiction and Fantasy literature. Between our extensive hardcover and trade-soft cover line, our Orb backlist program, and our stronghold in mass-market paperback, we annually publish what is arguably the largest and most diverse line of SF and fantasy ever produced by a single English-language publisher. Books from Tor have won every major award in the SF and fantasy fields, and for the last fifteen years in a row we have been named Best Publisher in the Locus Poll, the largest consumer poll in SF. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description:

Assisting two editors principally in science fiction and fantasy. Reading and editing manuscripts, jointly with a more senior editor initially, and tracking them through production, marketing, publicity, etc. Keeping track of complex scheduling. Some business travel.

Major Responsibilities:

* Filing, phone, email
* Copywriting
* Editorial work on mss
* Writing metadata
* Interacting with writers and agents

Required Skills / Knowledge:
* General knowledge of the science fiction and fantasy field
* Computer skills, including MS Word, excel. Experience with Title Management and Cognos a plus.
* Copy-writing skills, catalog copy, etc.
* In-house publishing experience, in interacting with the various departments in a publishing operation.

Experience Needed:

* 2 years in an editorial assistant position in book publishing or equivalent
* Extensive reading in science fiction; additional reading in fantasy a plus.

Educational Background Required:

* Some college; post-grad work a plus

So I’m currently in this strange place of having finished Ashes after living with it for two straight years. There will be some revisions, my editor will have some comments, copy editors and cold readers will suggest their changes, too, but the mountain has been summited. However, I am quickly finding ways to fill the void. In addition to getting in a short run in Central Park, I’m working on my next book.

Truthfully, it feels like the cosmic equivalent of pb&j right now. I get to tweak and revise Ashes of a Black Frost until it’s the best I can make it in order to give Konowa and the lads the best send off possible while at the same time starting to build a whole new world. If I believed in the concept of deities, I’d be one right now…vis a vis my manuscripts that is 🙂

Oh, and did I mention I went for a run in Central Park?

It. Was. Bliss. And so far, no excruciating pain. Now my challenge will be to rein in the horses so I don’t run too far, too fast and re-injure myself.

I am pleased, relieved, ecstatic, catatonic, overwhelmed, and a little dizzy as I officially tell one and all that I have just completed the third and final installment of the Iron Elves trilogy. The manuscript will shortly be winging its way to my editor and I will be collapsed in a semi-vegetative state in front of the TV with a big grin on my face as a I watch the Oscars while muttering over and over “I finished Ashes of a Black Frost.”

As far as I know, the pub date in North America is September 20, 2011. Should that change I’ll let you know, but as of now we are go for launch this fall.

Cheers!

Chris