This is the fourth of six stories. I felt, after The Black Ospreys, that I had figured things out, and things would go smoothly. Hah. However, I am refining my organization, such as it is, and at least it was a completely new mistake, as opposed to the prior mistakes. I am confident that I am learning how to do this properly.
The Weapon takes place during the period of the Blood Barons, as they were affectionately called. In the Hidden City, and actually in at least one of the Sun Sword novels, mention is made of the first day rites, and of the festival of The Ten. The Weapon is the story behind the first day rites.
Of the six stories that are connected to the Empire of Essalieyan, this is the one I like second best. (My personal favourite is Memory of Stone). It’s possible that it’s because these work well as standalones.
As usual, the story is up at Smashwords now. It will be available at Amazon within twenty-four hours (or possibly less). In two weeks, it should be available in the iBooks store, and at Diesel.
I’ve started to put the word-length in the product description, because it’s something I look for when I’m looking at ebooks.
Michelle West & Michelle Sagara 
Jul 21, 2011 @ 20:24:23
is it close enough to the end of july yet? :D (patience was my new year’s resolution..not going so well!)
Jul 22, 2011 @ 00:33:24
@ae : and it only just occurred to me now that what you’re referring to is the first chapter of Cast in Ruin .
Yes, I still intend to put that up by the end of the month :)
Jul 21, 2011 @ 20:27:06
Just wanted you to know I bought ’em all at Smashwords except Echoes.
I was wondering, is there a difference between Echoes on Smashwords & Echoes on your download page?
Thank you for taking the time & effort to make these works available.
All the best,
Rob
Jul 21, 2011 @ 20:29:50
@ ae: LOL! Well, it was January :). I’ve never made patience – which I lack – my new year’s resolution because I find I start to cheat on the definition of patience about two months in.
But four of the six stories are proofed and as ready as I can make them, one is half-way there, and the other, a quarter. I find that I can proofread a maximum of 100 print pages a day before I start missing too many mistakes; the ideal is more like 50.
Jul 21, 2011 @ 20:36:09
@ RK: The only difference is the cover, the introduction, and the typos. I’ve been writing introductions for each of the stories as they go up – I think the only one that people would probably find amusing is the one for The Black Ospreys.
If you’ve already read the stories or already own them all–and I honestly can’t imagine that you, at least haven’t or don’t :)–the sampling on any of the ebook sites/platforms should pick the introduction up, so you can read it that way.
I *did* do a read-through before I posted the story here a while ago, but it wasn’t the same regimen of proofing I’m doing now. I did mention in the original post about Echoes that it was probably not exciting to most people because it was available for free download in the sidebar.
Jul 21, 2011 @ 23:20:36
I have really enjoyed seeing the new covers! This one surprised me though…that’s Notre Dame Cathedral! Somehow this makes me want to read this story even more. Probably because it combines my favorite series of books and my favorite city in the world! :-D
Jul 22, 2011 @ 09:25:59
@ Erin – the cathedral is actually not Notre Dame in the story. I’ve even been there, but I honestly didn’t recognize it >..<
Jul 22, 2011 @ 04:03:35
And…it’s up on Amazon. Four down, two to go!
Jul 22, 2011 @ 07:27:26
Huntbrother is also up on iBooks as well.
Jul 22, 2011 @ 09:22:10
So, what does this mean for the future of your short story publishing? Will you continue to publish new, original short stories online? Or, will you only publish them “in print”, and then later produce an online version when feasible?
Jul 22, 2011 @ 09:28:12
@ fyreink: Thank you!
@ Aaron: Well, I have 60 stories, in total, to reprint here before I look at future short story publishing. I have one short story in the pipeline that hasn’t seen print yet (“Anne”). I have one CAST novella I would like to write, but beyond finishing the six stories and getting them to the typesetter so I can arrange for the PoD, I haven’t really thought beyond the 60.
I’d be interested to know what other people think.
Jul 22, 2011 @ 17:21:19
My vote is: if the work doesn’t overwhelm you (I like my regular full novel Elantra and Essalieyan fix), do write new novellas and offer them as ebooks and experiment with the sell-through you get at various prices.
Jul 22, 2011 @ 19:38:19
I’m with ae; can’t wait… last week July…. September!!!. Elantran and Essalieyan books, may they never end. Looking at the huge amount of work you seem to be always involved in, I wonder if when you enter the writing closet in your home, you enter a 48 hours day world ( a la Narnia), versus 24 for the rest of humanity, 60 more short stories to reprint!!!!!!
Jul 22, 2011 @ 21:57:53
I knew the story wouldn’t have anything to do with Notre Dame, but it’s still pretty great! :-)
Jul 23, 2011 @ 14:08:50
I may have to pick and choose from these short stories. If I follow my initial idea and simply buy them all I’ll have completely used up my book budget for the rest of the year. Not that that wouldn’t be worth it, mind you.
So far I’m thoroughly enjoying all the Essalieyan short stories. Never had the chance to read them before so I appreciate that you’re making them available as ebooks
Jul 29, 2011 @ 20:44:39
One thought brightened my summer, throughout my physics class and exams, that soon I would get to read the first chapter of Cast in Ruin! I understand that writers sometimes live in a different universe, but would you please take time out to post the first chapter ” Cast in Ruin”? I have a little breather before my organic chemistry class starts and I really need a pick me up!