I am happy to report that, this morning, I finished the first draft of Oratorio in Ursa Major. This novel, of course, is a sequel to Fugue in Ursa Major, which I published last year.
After a couple of rounds of author revisions, which should take a few weeks, the book will go to the beta readers. I have not yet set the date, but Oratorio in Ursa Major will be published next year by Acorn Abbey Books, my small press.
I am contracting with a well-established illustrator for the book’s cover art — Duncan Long. In the cover art, you’ll get to see what Jake looks like. The cover art will be a portrait of Jake with an appropriate setting in the background. There will be hardback, paperback, and digital editions.
Unlike Fugue, which was more contemplative and involved less action, Oratorio is an adventure. Oratorio picks up where Fugue leaves off. Jake’s mission will take him to Gaul in 48 B.C., and alien technology will get him there. All the characters of Fugue return, all in their old predicaments, and maybe — just maybe — a bit more happiness is in store for them in Oratorio, if they’re able to survive their adventures.
Will there be a third book about Jake? Almost certainly.
3 Comments
I wait with eagerness and wanting to know what happens…sci fi can be fun
Look forward to this. In addition to the storyline, I also enjoy the writing style and your excellent command of language.
Hi, Henry… Jo, thanks for noticing my writing style. I work hard to try to keep the writing clear and transparent. If someone asked me to name a style of writing that I most admire, I probably would say Tolkien. He was very erudite and spoke goodness knows how many languages, yet his writing was simple, unadorned, and lucid. Tolkien’s language translates almost directly into pictures, so that you’re hardly aware that you’re reading at all.
By the way, I’ve ordered a new book, “The Followship: The Literary Lives of the Inklings.” It’s about Tolkien’s writing circle at Oxford. Having read Tolkien’s letters, this book seems like a good next step.
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