Erich w/ an h
asked
Jason Pargin:
Hey Jason! You've mentioned before how it takes you about 2 years to write a novel. Recently you posted a roadmap for your next 4 novels, and 3 of them land on consecutive years. Are you writing quicker, or have things changed that allow for a faster release? Are you still comfortable with the pace?
Jason Pargin
There's no broad change in the process, I made the deal for these exact books for somewhat boring reasons related specifically to them, but here they are:
For those who don't know, what they're referencing is the new 3-book deal I've signed that breaks down to:
Book 3 in the Zoey series, due at the end of this year, for publication in fall 2023.
A standalone thriller that is not part of any series, due at the end of 2023 for publication in fall of 2024.
A fifth novel in the John Dies at the End series due at the end of 2025 for publication in fall of 2026.
So, the deal is that I can get the third Zoey book done by the end of this year because I actually started on it in the summer of last year because I got my last book done early. In other words, instead of 2 years, it really took 1.5 to write JDATE 4 (aka If This Book Exists, You're in the Wrong Universe, up for pre-order now!) which then that gave me another 1.5 to write Zoey 3, which appears to be working out fine, I have a finished manuscript with five months left to edit before turning it in.
The standalone thriller I'm releasing in 2023 is, simply, shorter - I know from the outline that it's going to be around 100,000 words or so, which is still full novel length (and these days it seems like lots of readers prefer them shorter than that) but still shorter than most of mine (for example JDATE 4 is 130k). So the bet that I'm making is that I can write that book in one year, simply because there is less book to write, I have already done the research and I have an outline.
Then, once that's turned in, I have a full two years to write the next John and Dave book.
Side note: This is a brutal schedule I've set for myself, and it is definitely taking a toll on my brain because I won't let the quality of writing slip, not if I can help it. But imagine that statement about the brutal schedule being read by, say, a nurse working 15-hour shifts due to staff shortages or a roofer working laying shingles in 110-degree weather all day, every day, and you can see how silly I'm being. I'm working crazy hours again but I'm working them from home, in air conditioning, on my own schedule. So I've set an extremely difficult schedule for myself but if you hear me complaining you need to come and slap me.
For those who don't know, what they're referencing is the new 3-book deal I've signed that breaks down to:
Book 3 in the Zoey series, due at the end of this year, for publication in fall 2023.
A standalone thriller that is not part of any series, due at the end of 2023 for publication in fall of 2024.
A fifth novel in the John Dies at the End series due at the end of 2025 for publication in fall of 2026.
So, the deal is that I can get the third Zoey book done by the end of this year because I actually started on it in the summer of last year because I got my last book done early. In other words, instead of 2 years, it really took 1.5 to write JDATE 4 (aka If This Book Exists, You're in the Wrong Universe, up for pre-order now!) which then that gave me another 1.5 to write Zoey 3, which appears to be working out fine, I have a finished manuscript with five months left to edit before turning it in.
The standalone thriller I'm releasing in 2023 is, simply, shorter - I know from the outline that it's going to be around 100,000 words or so, which is still full novel length (and these days it seems like lots of readers prefer them shorter than that) but still shorter than most of mine (for example JDATE 4 is 130k). So the bet that I'm making is that I can write that book in one year, simply because there is less book to write, I have already done the research and I have an outline.
Then, once that's turned in, I have a full two years to write the next John and Dave book.
Side note: This is a brutal schedule I've set for myself, and it is definitely taking a toll on my brain because I won't let the quality of writing slip, not if I can help it. But imagine that statement about the brutal schedule being read by, say, a nurse working 15-hour shifts due to staff shortages or a roofer working laying shingles in 110-degree weather all day, every day, and you can see how silly I'm being. I'm working crazy hours again but I'm working them from home, in air conditioning, on my own schedule. So I've set an extremely difficult schedule for myself but if you hear me complaining you need to come and slap me.
More Answered Questions
Ryan Dunne
asked
Jason Pargin:
I first read JDATE around 9 years ago when I was in high school. It was the book that made me realize that reading can actually be engaging and enjoyable instead of just some bullshit a teacher forces you to do. Since then I've preordered every subsequent book of yours and I'm psyched for If This Book Exists You're in the Wrong Universe! Sorry this wasn't a question?
Ryan Dunne
asked
Jason Pargin:
Do you ever see yourself starting your own podcast, or do you prefer being a full-time podcast guest? I once heard that it's way better to have a friend with a boat than to own a boat yourself, because you can enjoy it without having to worry about maintenance. So I understand if you feel similarly about hosting a podcast lol.
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