It seems The Divided Region cannot stop earning praise and comparisons to the mighty… the legendary… the memorable…
…
….
… Lord of the Rings.
At this point, some of my biggest sceptics might start wondering (if they haven't already) whether I'm hurling coin at those willing to shout the loudest.
Alas, such an endeavour would yield them little fruit, as I am NOT in the business of compensating people to leave me nice reviews.
My ego is big, but it's not that precious.
However, that didn't stop me from savouring the latest compliment paid by this audiobook listener:
My friend you have the makings of another Tolkien sir excellent work I hastily await more books from you I'm hard to get hooked on books but brother these hold all the makings of rivaling the LOTR I hope these one day become movies that I may watch with my children good work again sir
The heart is there even if the commas and periods are not.
"hope these one day become movies that I may watch with my children good work again sir."
Me también, and for a bucket of reasons that have nothing to do with fame. In fact, now that I think about it, I'd make an awful celebrity. I'm far too reclusive for starters. And the hostility I hold towards those who pretend to be holier than thou would have me blacklisted from Hollywood.
Or worse, killed.
So for any agents or producers lurking around in the shadows, take note.
It's funny because only the other week I spoke about how feedback — especially the ones intending to sting — doesn't really faze me much. How, if anything, it's the ones comparing me to giants like Tolkien, Martin, or Sanderson that do.
That's not to dox or discourage fans who did draw those comparisons because, hand on heart, few things give me greater joy than reading such comments, as Laura, our resident lady, can attest.
Maybe it's the Brit in me.
Perhaps it's the tall poppy syndrome that pervades this small island of ours.
In any case, high praise just isn't something I'm used to embracing fully, or not without some self-deprecating joke to help absorb it. However, that's NOT to say I am not making great strides to improve that.
Because I am.
I'm indebted to The Divided Region for many things, but not least for thrusting me out of my comfort zone with nothing more than my bare hands to cover you-know-whats.
Anyway, this email is in very real danger of turning into one of those cringey, preachy Oscar-winning speeches espoused by those most out of touch with reality.
Quite shambolic really, but I'll cut myself some slack. I'm still wading through the brain fog left behind from whatever in the seven hells virus we contracted last week.
Anyhoo, thanks to the chap above for the comment and to all those who have said pleasant things about this series.
We've still got one more dance before this show comes to a close, and I am fighting through fog and fatigue to deliver a finale that does justice to the story, its characters, and, most importantly…
To the time YOU’VE invested in the series.
Now, if you would like to venture deeper into the world of Estos and the histories that govern it, you can do so in Lore & Order: Chronicles of Estos.
I will be updating it once Book 7 is published and, as ever, Patrons who already own a copy will get the updated edition at no extra charge.
The price will likely rise to reflect the additional substance, but you can lock it in at its current tag by hitting the link here:
https://djjwatsonstore.com/products/lore-and-order
DJJW