As noted last Thursday, it has recently come to my attention that questions have arisen around the availability of The Wall Of Night Book #4 (The Chaos Gate) in the UK & Commonwealth.

To reiterate what I said then, thank you to everyone who has gotten in touch to seek clarification. If you had not done so I would still be writing on, blissfully unaware. O-o.

As is often the way, there are several wrinkles to be ironed out. So let’s take them from the top.

1. The Wall Of Night Book #4, “The Golden Fire”?

Apparently some UK sites showed The Wall Of Night Book #4, under the title “The Golden Fire“, being published on December 10, 2020.

As I have explained to inquirers, readers may not be aware of this, but in traditional publishing it is the publisher, rather than the author, that sets the publication date, usually once the manuscript is finished and has been accepted by the editor.

As I am currently completing WALL #4 — which has the working title The Chaos Gate, as set out at the end of Book 3, Daughter of Blood — I cannot readily explain how a publication date of 10 December 2020, for a book titled The Golden Fire, came about. I do apologise however, most sincerely, for any inconvenience and disappointment caused to readers.

2. Has Book #4 and Completion Of The Wall Of Night Series Been Abandoned?

This question arises because I understand Book #4 (The Chaos Gate) has subsequently been tagged as “abandoned” on a UK retail site.

Firstly, I would like to assure you that I remain committed to completion of the book and the series. I hope to reach ‘the end’ in the midpart of this year, at which point the publisher will set a definitive publication date.

As promised last week, my ‘life in Haarth’ is predicated upon writing on.

In the meantime, as those of you who check in here regularly will already know, I am providing semi-regular updates on this blog. If the update is not on the front page, the place to look is under Categories, which is located in the far-right-hand sidebar. The two most relevant categories are About My Books or About What I’m Doing.

As also noted last Thursday, I’ll be doing another update next Monday, April 5. 😀

3. Will The Wall Of Night Book #4, The Chaos Gate, Be Available In The UK and Commonwealth?

The answer, dear readers, is yes.

While there have been difficulties around UK publication (which together with the incorrect December publication date may have led to the “abandoned” notice), I can confirm that both paperback and e-editions of The Chaos Gate will be available in the UK. The books will be distributed via The Wall Of Night’s US publisher, HarperVoyager, through the good offices of the series’ editor there, Kate Nintzel.

These UK distribution arrangements are of very recent duration, but I hope will flow through to retailers in the near future and provide reassurance to readers.

The HarperVoyager Editions

4. Going Forward

In the meantime, I do hope you will check in on my updates “at the source.” 😀

I am aware that many of you are keenly waiting, which is why I am making an effort to do more updates, and also to post a greater number of general bulletins from Inside the Writing Life. (The most recent one that contains links to all its predecessors, is here:  Sometimes It’s A Case of ‘O Frabjous Day.’ )

I am also mindful that my chief part is to get the book finished so publication dates can be set, publication happen, and distribution follow. I can only assure you that I am doing my utmost both to reach ‘the end’, but also to write a book that is a satisfying conclusion to the series.