Since March I’ve been getting questions from readers worried that there is no planned third installment into The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs (TCOJT). If you fall in that group I want to relax your concerns. I’m working on the next book daily. I have an infant these days, so sometimes I only get butt-in-seat-typing time for twenty minutes, but I use it to move the project forward.
I have a working title for the next installment, but I’m holding off on announcing it for two reasons:
- I’ve decided that, if TCOJT III starts heading upwards of 800 pages without feeling like I’m near the planned conclusion, I’ll need to seriously consider breaking the book in two. I am rather resistant, after having stated for years that I had planned a trilogy. Regardless, if this happened I would obviously need two titles and in that scenario my current working title might not fit either of the theoretical books.
- I’ve learned my lesson from book two. If you don’t know, I was at one time, pretty sure that The Never Paradox was going to be titled The Never Trespass. During the revision process I felt the book should be more focused on the complexities of time paradox then it was on the many ‘trespasses’ that took place. So, I changed the title, and for months afterward, I saw people confused about what book was coming out. So… yeah… let’s not do that again.
Updates:
(1) The Never Store
The Never Store launched back in August. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can here.
(2) Kindle X-Ray
Amazon has given authors more power to improve the reading experience of ebooks. If you have seen the X-Ray option in the kindle app when reading before you may already know what I am talking about. If you haven’t, the X-Ray option now allows me to go in and basically set things like a glossary of characters and terms that the reader can access while reading. This includes descriptions of characters as well as aiming Wikipedia articles to the appropriate content. For instance, if you didn’t know who Mr. Miyagi was when the name was dropped in The Never Hero, I can now actually select the appropriate Wikipedia information that will tell you about the karate kid character.Now, I know most of you reading the blog aren’t going to go reread the whole book for that…
“but wait… dares more!”
The new tools now allow me to put in commentary. So, I spent awhile the other day putting in anything I thought was noteworthy about the characters. In other words, it is a lot like watching a movie with director commentary turned on now.
Anyhow, if you were ever curious about things like what inspired characters like Hayden and Collin, you can check it out in your Kindle App. Also, if you haven’t done so, I do recommend making sure you have the latest version of the ebook. It has been a long time since I’ve been notified of any errors in The Never Hero, as I always fixed them immediately if a reader was kind enough to let me know, but that doesn’t mean that the file you’ve have on your device is getting those updates. I recommend checking out this tutorial on how to check for updates and make sure all your ebooks are actually the most recent published version.
*Note, at this time I’ve only completed commentary for The Never Hero.
(3) Donuts Gaming
Readers, I am going to abuse you– just this once, I promise–but its for nepotism! …er I meant… a good cause!
My oldest son, Luke, has always wanted to start a youtube gaming channel. For obvious reasons he has always found the idea daunting. So, in an attempt at being… I don’t know… a role model or something, I recently decided to help him. So, I’ve started teaching him what I know about video and sounds editing so he could learn to bring the production quality of the videos up.
Anyhow, if you happen to be a gamer, like gaming videos, or just want to laugh a bit, it would mean the world to me if you’d check out our first video. Hoping a few likes, comments, and subscriber will inspire him to put his creative efforts “all in.”
I just finished book two, it was awesome, I need to read book 3. Any idea when we can expect to see it on amazon?
Hi Dennis. All I can tell ya at this point is that I’m about half way through the first draft.
But, thanks so much for reading and I appreciate all your interest and enthusiasm! Helps me keep my butt in the chair and writing!
Is it possible that we can sign up to be notified when the third book is released? An email listing of some sort?
Hi Ronifae, The easiest way to do this is to follow me on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2skKxPt
However, you can also sign up for my newsletter here: https://telleryhodges.com/contact-info/
I just finished book 2 about a week ago and I am distraught… I need book 3 in my life. I really can’t wait for the third book.
Great books! But man those set-ups and cliffhangers throughout are too much! Best accidental purchase ever!
your son finds it daunting? I find it daunting (and I majored in film at USC back in 93-97) trying to help my 10 year old set up his channel. we got a Mic, mixer and camera, but making it all work together to record his games, voice, and visage…. I’m still studying. good luck to you and Luke.
Ass for your books, devoured them both on Audible. here’s to the hope your next one comes quicker then the second.
I’ve listened to Paradox 3 times now, about to complete run 4, your attention to detail and works building is impeccable. I’m going back to book 1 to see anything I missed there.
But there is one question I have, is there any sort of information on these characters in a consolidated location, like a wiki? Mainly, I’m hoping for some sort of art for the series, to compare my mental image of the Ferrocks* (pherrocks? Idk, I’m an audio listener! I can’t even search it properly, please send help).
Either way, tremendous work and I can’t wait for book 3 (or 3/4, I would get behind a quadrilogy, in a heat beat). Keep it up and good luck to your son.
Thanks so much for listening! Spelled “Ferox”
Unfortunately there isn’t any fan art that I’m aware of but if anyone ever wants to take a crack at it I’m supportive! Would be happy put work up on the blog and social media.
The Ferox physical appearance, below the neck, was heavily influenced by Spider-man villains Venom and Carnage. I’ve never seen a close approximation of their face, but the green, red, and alpha all look a bit different in my imagination. A cross between the monstrous appearance of a gargoyle and the smooth eyes and features of a generic alien (Independence Day alien would work). Sorry, if I were a better artist I’d try, but not so much 🙁
Same here. My skills did not fall in visual artistry. I’m better with a camera or at a keyboard.
Here’s another question for you, will the universe begin and end with Tibbs? Have you ever considered off shoot stories of others around the globe? Short snippets, smaller ideas that wouldn’t fit into the Seattle story arc? Ideas that hit me would be maybe a soldier that got sick and tired and pulled a Riely, went AWOL on enemy human combatants in a war zone, or pulled criminal mischief like robbing a bank while super human to see reactions or find massive bank accounts to empty. Or maybe just others struggling with the Ferox. How other cultures respond to the challenge.
Hi Lance, yes, I’ve had ideas. A Douglas or Heyer prequel. A Christmas story about one man who had the option to turn away from the device. A few other short story size ideas 🙂
Just wanted to say thank you for writing such an amazing story that can really wrap the reader up in Jonathan’s world it’s an enjoyable experience can’t wait for the third one.
Hodges, My good man
You have singlehandedly (or maybe you used both hands) created my favorite series of books of all time, and I thank you for that. I absolutely can’t wait until the third book, I’m so excited. I loved it so much that I convinced my librarians at school to get both books so that others may read them as well. Unfortunately no one at my school reads, but if one person picks it up, I will have felt successful. Your works have inspired me to become a better writer myself and I hope that one day I can write something that makes someone feel what I do towards the Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs. Your series is an exercise for both the imaginative and philosophical parts of my brain which is very, very refreshing. Thanks so much and keep up the great work. I hope the family’s good.
P.S. If there are any books that you love or draw inspiration from, (if you reply to this) could you send me some recommendations because the well has indeed run dry.
Hi Justin, thanks so much for all the kind words! I’m on my phone at the moment, but I did post a book list blog post a few months back. I’ll try and find you the exact link when I get in front of a computer.
Here is that link: https://telleryhodges.com/2018/05/06/what-books-inspired-you-to-write/
Just wanted to send you a note to say thanks for the great work! I’ve read and listened to both books and thoroughly enjoyed them. In fact, I was reading The Never Hero while my twins were only a few months old and I barely got sleep – probably the only book I read that year!
Aslo – congratulations on your new baby! Hopefully your brain works better under sleep deprivation that mine does 🙂
Hey there,
I just want to start off by saying that this is by far my favorite novel series of all time. The story literally had be gripped until the very last sentence ended. I just HAVE to know more and how it all ends. I am sure that you are super busy with family and kids, but if there is ANY update you might be able to give on how the last book, or books are coming along?
You know we might not be the biggest fan base, but I’m sure were some of the most passionate about your work! It’s just so GOOD.
Hello! Just thought I’d share my enthusiasm with your books on here like several others 🙂 I’m not sure at this point how many times I’ve listened to the books and recommended it to friends and family. I’m about ready to just play the audiobook in the car so my boyfriend is forced to listen to it with me so we can talk about it. I’m so excited to go over every detail with him once he takes a break from nonfiction. What a nerd 😉 just kidding! He’s great and your books are fantastic! THANK YOU for such great reads (one day I’ll get the actual book not audiobook) Hope you and your family are well, have a good summer!