Today I wrote about 2700 words on COLD STEEL. Not much detail to report although I’m not quite to the scene I’m desperately scrabbling toward. I hate that bit where you keep writing toward a specific moment and yet can’t quite get there, while meanwhile knowing that you’ll be cutting and revising most of the words you’re slapping down. But I don’t mean to complain: It’s moving forward.

I also heard last week that the Orbit UK division is reprinting COLD FIRE, so thanks to all you lot in the UK, Australia, NZ, and other points where that edition is sold. You are awesome!

Some people have asked if there will be a fourth Spiritwalker book or other novels set in this universe, but that will naturally depend on sales. Sales depend, of course, on people wanting to read a book and knowing that the book is out there.

Speaking of which, there are a couple of new books out I want to enthusiastically mention.

Michelle Sagara’s CAST IN RUIN is out, the next in her Chronicles of Elantra series. I love how these books are both similar to and quite different from her Hunter’s Universe books (which is what I call them, since the sequence starts with HUNTER’S OATH).

David Anthony Durham completes his Acacia Trilogy with THE SACRED BAND, released today. This is a fine epic fantasy story with heft, depth, and powerful characterizations.

Not quite out yet but arriving at the end of the month is Madeleine Robins’ THE SLEEPING PARTNER, the next in her alternate Regency England mystery series featuring Sarah Tolerance. I gulped this down in three evenings while on the road. A really engaging style, a compelling plot, and I adore Miss Tolerance.

N.K. Jemisin’s KINGDOM OF GODS is evidently shipping now although not officially due until later in the month. I read this as a beta reader, and I just want to say that it is a provocative choice of point of view character, which she totally pulls off. Another final volume in a trilogy. I expect this to be on many awards ballots next year.

ETA: Another trilogy finale! On Oct 18, Laura Anne Gilman’s THE SHATTERED VINE closes up The Vineart War. I haven’t read book 3 yet, but this is an unusual and powerfully drawn world with lots of interest to say about power, faith, and — of course — wine.

It’s late, and I’m missing a couple of titles I wanted to mention, but I’ll catch up with them later. Or you can tell me about what you’re reading right now that’s caught your interest.