James Preller's Blog

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I suppose that all writers have their own hopes and dreams for the books they write. Little benchmarks and accomplishments. I’m not talking about results — like awards or parades — but things that appear in the books. 

For example, one goal that I’ve never reached is to write a work of true science fiction. It’s on the list! Maybe someday. Another, conversely, is the thrill I felt when there was a fistfight in Bystander. I’d written so many kind and benign stories up to that point, many of them in the Jigsaw Jones series, that it was a heart-pumping moment when I finally induced a character to sock someone in the jaw. Ka-pow!

Today I am thrilled that after 40 years as a published author, I have one more thing I can check off the list: I’m writing books that will have maps included!

That’s right: MAPS!

Who doesn’t love a book with a map? 

Anyway, there’s time to kill before that day arrives. The first two books in my Survival Code adventure series will feature nonfiction elements, a dramatic storyline, awesome illustrations . . . and a map! For the map, the publisher, Penguin, had to hire a different illustrator than the one who was doing (almost!) all the interior artwork. Because map-making is a unique skill. So they brought in an expert. 

As the author, I provided a very rough drawing of a map. Then I backed away. Now we’re waiting for the map-maker to ply her craft. I hope to share that final art sometime down the line. 

The books are titled: SURVIVAL CODE: Wildfire Escape and SURVIVAL CODE: Snow Blind. Two more will be coming in 2028, but I haven’t written them yet. So: Shhh. Never talk about unwritten books, it’s bad voodoo. 

It’s a recurring mistake in my professional life, but I have high hopes for these books. Ack, hope? That’s the bumpy road to heartbreak. And here I go again!

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