First, you might have noticed, the title changed. Jethro 5 is now titled Gods of War. I had the original title long before I wrote the First A.I. War. While writing J5 I got into A.I. names and realized Ares God of War wasn't appropriate.
Second, I have finished the first draft just before a rather late lunch today. It is 564 pages so far, I expect it to top out over 570 by the time I add the TOC, edits, and back matter.
I was told by some of the betas, plus other people that I should split the book. Have act I and II as 1 book, act III as the second. There is a lot going on in the third act, it is... 31 chapters long. lol Usually I have it at 15 chapters.
There are 2 endings.
If you want to know why, go over to the Facebook Fan Group. Remember to vote!
I've been told that the feeding frenzy is slowly picking up speed. I've already gotten the first nips from some of the betas. lol
I've got a ton of edits to wade through, some other corrections, and Wayne's act II edits, plus spell checking act III before I farm it out to the first of the betas tomorrow or Wednesday. It should be interesting how it goes. :)
It should also be interesting to see who among the betas (other than Wayne) who lines up first to read it. :)
Third: I am going to do the cover art later this week then look at working on that Sluggyfreelance.com guest strip I pitched to Pete Abrams and Mechmaster a while back. I might take a couple weeks to play with that.... depending on how it goes and how the temperature is. (I hate rendering when it is 100+ ouch, which it will be all week! GRR!) I am not sure when I'll get around to more content for the wiki. We'll see.
Fourth: Given that J5 took a bit long to write I can't guarantee it will be out next month. Maybe. Highly doubtful though.
Fifth: There were a lot more retcons than expected. I didn't realize I stepped on my... ahem, anyway, confession time... (tugging on collar) ...I messed a few things up in writing Pirate Rage and Retribution. Getting them sorted out has been a headache.
Sixth: The next book is up in the air again. I said I'd do Shelby Logan's adventures but I'm seriously tempted to go back and play with the short stories in the Foundation time period.
