Posted below, please find a note from Rob regarding the upcoming project The Fall of Skullkeep:
Hello and good day to you,
This is one of the “special announcement” emails I mentioned in the onboarding sequence when you first signed up for my newsletter. Additionally, you’re receiving this because you signed up for my newsletter in the back of one of my books (Histories of Drakmoor, et al), the publishing company site (knightsfall.press or knightsfallpress.com), or my personal site (robertmkerns.com). You are welcome to unsubscribe at any time, but I’ll be sorry to see you go.
I’m writing to discuss the two projects that I have right now: The Fall of Skullkeep and Consular Times.
In my previous newsletter, I mentioned that I spent the last half of July and some of August unable to do such simple things as sit in a chair, due to a chronic issue with my back.
I appreciate all the kind words, well wishes, and thoughtful treatments that flashed into my mailbox in short order, and thank you for them.
Unfortunately, between my own challenges and helping family with their own challenges, I am sufficiently behind on these two projects that it is unlikely I can complete both of them by September 28th.
You don’t know how much I regret that, but I can’t honestly apologize for it, because… well… my family will always be first in my mind. They are why I am the person I am, and it seems poor repayment not to help them when they’ve helped me as much as they have.
For this reason, I will be canceling the pre-order of The Fall of Skullkeep on Friday the 17th of September. I’m waiting that long, mainly to give this message the chance to reach as many people as possible.
But fear not!
“Skullkeep” is not disappearing into oblivion. As soon as I finish Consular Times, I will double-down on The Fall of Skullkeep and publish it as soon as humanly possible. I want to say October, but don’t quote me on that. I don’t see a reason why I couldn’t publish it in October, but Life is what happens while we’re busy making plans.
I thank you for enjoying my stories as much as I do, and I wish you and yours all the best.
Stay safe out there.
Regards,
Rob
While disheartened to see the delay to a very good storyline, I wish you and your family the very best and hope your challenges resolve with the very best outcomes.
Hi, Kristy,
Thanks for taking the time to comment and for your kind words and thoughts.
I agree that putting The Fall of Skullkeep on hold was not the best choice. If I had my way, I would write all the stories in my head at the same time. š
I look forward to completing both The Fall of Skullkeep and the remaining five books of that series. I do plan to take a little bit of a break from Drakmoor, once āSkullkeepā is published, to get a few other stories out of my head, but Gavinās story doesnāt end at Volume 5. I promise you that.
Hiya Rob,
I’m new to your books and have just finished “Home Sweet Home” and what an apt book to finish on!! While I’m sorting out my withdrawals, I can move onto a different series of yours….why did it have to be Skullkeep *twitches*…..oh sorry where was I?? I understand issues with the back as I’ve a spinal disability and can therefore put myself sort of I’m your shoes, as no two people suffer the same!! But more importantly your family should always be your first priority!! It may hurt some more than others *twitches* that the book won’t be published in time for next week….I mean why Skullkeep?!?!…..sorry about that, everyone will just be all the more excited for when the gang do come back and kick some necro butt….hmm is that a thing?? Any ideas as to which one of your other books I can get stuck into next??
Please though in all honesty, we fans aren’t going anywhere, as for me….I’d rather wait a couple more months and know that both yourself and your family are all at your best!! Take care x
Hi, Laura,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Yeah… back problems can make Life challenging, even at the best of times. But the important thing–at least for me–is for each day to better in some way from the day before. Maybe more words. Maybe better words. Maybe remembering to schedule Life Stuff, like a car appointment for service.
In terms of which of my other books… well… I love them all for different reasons. Cole & Srexx has a few fun moments. “The Fires of Aurelius,” which ended the series, isn’t even that bad… as long as you approach it for what it is and not what you want it to be. But that’s a button/rant I’m going to step away from right now. š The Primogenitor Saga is Fantasy, just Contemporary/Urban, and there are some fun things developing over there. So, the question of which book you should read next? Well, that honestly depends upon you. š
Best wishes to you and yours!
–Rob
I’m so sorry you’re having pain problems complicated by family problems. I had to spend the last half of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 sleeping upright in a chair due to leg infection pain. It was awful but I finally got through it. My Dalmatian slept curled up around my feet each night and I treated my pain with alcohol. Authors like yourself kept me distracted with such wonderful books. I am so greatful!
Thank you kindly, Roger, and Iām glad you defeated your leg infection.
Things have eased considerably over the intervening weeks, and I plan to return to a regular writing schedule, starting with The Fall of Skullkeep.
After all, I have many story ideas, and they wonāt write themselves!
I hope the days treat you and yours well.
So where is the book at?
Hello, Khai,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
As I had three comments asking the same question, I answered the most recent one. You can find the status in my reply to William Cheney.
Hope the days treat you well!
Hello, I hope you are doing well this Holliday season. I am looking forward to reading the fall of skullkeep when it arrives, I was sad to see the preorder had been cancelled but it’s obviously understandable. The whole series has been very well written, thank you for all your hard work.
Hi, Curt,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment plus the kind words and understanding.
I answered your question in my reply to William, so forgive me for not typing it multiple times.
Best wishes to you and yours!
Is there any status on when Skullkeep will be published?
Thanks. I really love your books
Hi, William,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and the kind words. I’m glad you enjoy my stories.
I am in the principal composition stage. As soon as I finish that, I’ll do a quick-n-dirty proofing pass, then hand it off to the editors. Once the editors have it, I’ll start writing the next project while they do their first pass. After their first pass, I’ll do my first-pass revision and then send it back to the editors for them to double-check that I didn’t break anything. After that, it’ll go through a final proofing pass, and then, we’ll publish the e-book.
At that point, I’ll hand off the formatted PDF to the cover designer to produce the print covers (paperback & large-print paperback).
In terms of audio, I’m going to try something a little different this time around, and if it goes well, I may use it as the default audio method from here on out.
Hope the days treat you well!
Update? Please?
To quote from Rob’s Newsletter, Vol 4, Issue VI (Sep 6, 2022)
“I am now back to working on The Fall of Skullkeep and Tempus. These will be the fifth and fourth in their respective series, and I am thoroughly enjoying writing them. ”
…
“Histories of Drakmoor has five more books after The Fall of Skullkeep to finish the story I have worked out.”
Oh okā¦ I hope the story comes out soon although I donāt wanna bother
Will The Fall of Skullkeep be available on Kobo? I just finished Awakening, and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Hi, Sue,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and the kind words.
All of my catalog will be available on Kobo for as long as I publish stories. You should see The Fall of Skullkeep on or before the first Tuesday in August.
Best wishes to you and yours.
Regards,
Rob
Thank you, Robert! I reread the 4 books, and had a sudden thought of where you may be going with the series. Canāt wait to see if I am correctā¦.
Hi, Sue,
So… I just have to ask. Have you considered the second quintet, or does your side-bet with yourself only involve the first? You should totally send me an email (or leave a comment if you prefer) with your thought. I’m kinda curious.
Regards,
Rob
Here it is, late March of 2023. Are you ok, Rob? Just wondering!
Hi, Rob! Itās now the end of March, 2023. Hope you are well.
Any word on the next book?
Hi, Cat,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m doing well enough, thanks. (Responding to two comments here)
The Fall of Skullkeep is currently with the editor. I anticipate it being published on or before the first Tuesday in August. Tempus will be the next publication after that.
Hope the days treat you and yours well.
Regards,
Rob
Rob,
I tried you first book, and was hooked on the plot lines and characters. I ran through the 4 books in a week. I cannot wait for Skullkeep, and I am really pleased to see there are more books in this series.
How soon will Skullkeep hit the shelves?
Hi, Mike,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the stories.
As I replied to Cat, I anticipate that The Fall of Skullkeep will be available on or before the first Tuesday in August.
Best wishes to you and yours.
Regards,
Rob
Hey, Rob. I didn’t know if my first post went through, so accidentally did a double post.
2 quintets = Decket? (Spelling….)
Now you got me wondering. Majorly.
Hi, Cat,
Any series that has six books or more is often just called a ‘saga.’
And no worries on the double post.