I just finished IH2 after patiently waiting for a new installment--Glad I kept checking back because it was worth it :) I'm new to this blog site, so I imagine you've hashed this over before, but I'm somewhat confused as to why the same characters are used for both the IH and ZF series? I had assumed the IH series would wrap up and then ZF takes place down the road, but given everything that took place in IH2, I'm doubtful that is the case. Do I just need to be patient and follow the IH series to the end for this to make sense, or are we to read each series strictly as its own story exclusive of the other? Can you give me a little insight? Oh, and I just saw that both series will have additional books coming in a few months--can't wait to read them! I've grown very fond of all the characters and will be sad when their stories come to an end. --Carrie
Hi Carrie, I wish I had a short answer for this, but here goes! Glad you like the books! Okay so the IH series was written LONG before the ZF series and I picked the name Michael Talbot just because we share the same initials, plain and simple. So then a couple of years back I find myself laid off (again) and I'm driving my wife nuts, so she suggested I go write a book mainly to stop bugging her. So I sat down and started the ZF series, I went back to the name Michael Talbot because I guess I already had a history with him. Now at this point in my writing career I hadn't even made enough to pay for a Starbuck's coffee, so I really didn't see what was going to change with the ZF book. If I could go back and change the name, I might, I might not. At this point I am going with the fact that Michael Talbot walks the world in very different cataclysmic realities, neither story intersects at any point. Mike's realities do have some people that follow with him no matter where or when he finds himself, like Durgan and Paul and not others like Mrs. Deneuax. So yes it is technically the same character just in very different situations. I hope that clarified things as opposed to muddied the waters!
Thank you so much for taking the time to clarify! I adore Talbot and I will miss his sarcasm and wit when these stories are complete. I actually just bought my husband a Nook just so I can share these books with him. Keep up the great work--can't wait to see what's next!
It's funny because apparently I do too (miss Talbot). After I finished ZF5 I was supposed to be writing a book called The Hanging Tree, however just yesterday I found myself writing a story about Mike on day one of the apocalypse, called Day One Sucked, at least for now. Not sure if it'll be a short story or part of the prequel I am planning. And thanks for telling your hubby about the books I appreciate the shout out!
He has been curious about the books ever since I warned him and our friends of a possible alien attack/abduction when we went to see Widespread Panic in October :)
I just finished IH2 after patiently waiting for a new installment--Glad I kept checking back because it was worth it :) I'm new to this blog site, so I imagine you've hashed this over before, but I'm somewhat confused as to why the same characters are used for both the IH and ZF series? I had assumed the IH series would wrap up and then ZF takes place down the road, but given everything that took place in IH2, I'm doubtful that is the case. Do I just need to be patient and follow the IH series to the end for this to make sense, or are we to read each series strictly as its own story exclusive of the other? Can you give me a little insight? Oh, and I just saw that both series will have additional books coming in a few months--can't wait to read them! I've grown very fond of all the characters and will be sad when their stories come to an end. --Carrie
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie, I wish I had a short answer for this, but here goes! Glad you like the books! Okay so the IH series was written LONG before the ZF series and I picked the name Michael Talbot just because we share the same initials, plain and simple. So then a couple of years back I find myself laid off (again) and I'm driving my wife nuts, so she suggested I go write a book mainly to stop bugging her. So I sat down and started the ZF series, I went back to the name Michael Talbot because I guess I already had a history with him. Now at this point in my writing career I hadn't even made enough to pay for a Starbuck's coffee, so I really didn't see what was going to change with the ZF book. If I could go back and change the name, I might, I might not. At this point I am going with the fact that Michael Talbot walks the world in very different cataclysmic realities, neither story intersects at any point. Mike's realities do have some people that follow with him no matter where or when he finds himself, like Durgan and Paul and not others like Mrs. Deneuax. So yes it is technically the same character just in very different situations. I hope that clarified things as opposed to muddied the waters!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking the time to clarify! I adore Talbot and I will miss his sarcasm and wit when these stories are complete. I actually just bought my husband a Nook just so I can share these books with him. Keep up the great work--can't wait to see what's next!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because apparently I do too (miss Talbot). After I finished ZF5 I was supposed to be writing a book called The Hanging Tree, however just yesterday I found myself writing a story about Mike on day one of the apocalypse, called Day One Sucked, at least for now. Not sure if it'll be a short story or part of the prequel I am planning. And thanks for telling your hubby about the books I appreciate the shout out!
ReplyDeleteHe has been curious about the books ever since I warned him and our friends of a possible alien attack/abduction when we went to see Widespread Panic in October :)
ReplyDeleteI love this series. The new art work on your books is incredible! Your work just keeps getting better all the time
ReplyDeleteCarrie, Im really jealous about that. I saw them in June, nothing like one of their shows!
ReplyDeleteSiusan,
Thank you so much for writing. Im glad you are enjoying the books and I love the new artwork too. The guy is amazing