Monday, December 26, 2016

No News Is, etc.

Ever hear the saying "no news is good news?"

It's a lie.

Mostly.

Health-wise, I've been doing pretty well for over a year now. So why haven't I finished the next Hunter Chronicles book (or any book for that matter)?

I have no idea.

Well, I have some idea. Okay, a pretty good idea, actually. The problem is, there's a conspiracy of factors and no simple answer. Five years of health problems weren't in my game plan. Book sales didn't exactly carry me through the period either. So I'm playing catch up, financially and otherwise. Trying to survive. My family, it seems, prefers eating over not eating. I've been trying to teach my children to subsist on delicious toast, but sadly I'm no Samuel the Simpleton. Guy could live for like a year on a single piece of sourdough. Crazy.

But I digress.

When will I finish my next book? I don't know. But honestly, if I haven't finished something in the next six months, I'm going to start sending myself hate mail. I know what it's like to fall in love with a series, or even a shy liking, and have to wait years for an author to get around to writing the next book. Now that I'm seeing it from the other side, well, I should probably write some letters of apology. I'm not going to, of course, because seriously, just finish it.

I appreciate the prodding and encouragement. I'll try to blog more, even if all I can share is bad news. At some point, I will have good news. Or some really funny hate mail.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear that you've been going through FIVE YEARS of health problems!! I hope you're in good condition now and always will be. I absolutely LOVE the Hunter Chronicles and am looking forward to the third book very much, but don't rush yourself or feel too pressured because of it. Take the time that you need. You can't rush perfection.(Which is what I think your books are!;)
Happy New Year!

Pax said...

Hey, your fans will be praying for you and waiting patiently,
Kyle
Is.26:3-4

kchbgfskjf said...

you are the best i read your first book seven times, and i love everyone time i read it, here in Spain the second book is not published, and i would love put my hands in the second book

Little Buddy said...

Glad to something is happening with the next book. there i said some thing nice, now for the bad. . . . . filth, file filth, stinky head, get to work and get it done or i will fong you (you wont like it). but seriously glad to hear we might actually get to read, it maybe.
Devon

CJ Eastman said...

why dont you do a go fund me? itll help with the bills and give your fans for the 3rd book in the series that their asking for. ill gladly give a $100 just to get the third book sooner than later.

AaMom said...

Just wanted to send some words of encouragement. We discovered your books last year (thankfully we haven't had to wait as long as others for the next book...ahem). I was trying to get my son to read some new books and happened across yours (thank you to the book cover artist too). He was so into your story that I read it too (twice). Wonderful details, twists and turns.

We look forward to reading book 3. I've a couple author friends so I see the struggle. Good luck with the balance between writing, life (aka family), health (wishing you great health!) and surviving (paying the bills).

I've requested my library pick up your next book (a couple times) so you do have an audience.

Anonymous said...

I would just like to tell you, as an avid book lover that your books are the the only ones that I make sure to read at least once a year. Your style and humor is unlike any other. I would like to both thank you and give you my best wishes.

KA said...

Sorry to hear life is throwing you curveballs, but Love your work - tell the whiners to back down as genius and art must take time. I'm amazed you can create such a dynamic and delightfully long story w twists and wit galore. I have a 10 year old son and when he really loves a book he suggests I read it. Maybe you could pair with another author for the third book? You've gotten great reviews from other awesome authors, so just an idea. Wishing you and your family healthy, happy, and able to write more soon, -KA

Unknown said...

It has been 3 years since this here blog and I'm getting a little antsy. I hope Author-san is doing ok. I mean you sir are my childhood hero and if I wasn't for you I would not have found this wonderful world we like to call the imagination. Please come back to us. We miss you

Anonymous said...

As far as I know this blog post is actually the last of what we've heard from Mr. Patten. December of 2016. At this point I'm wondering why his website is still running. The links to his social media accounts on the Return to Exile website lead to accounts over a year more inactive than the website itself, so either he's buried his life as an author, he somehow cannot post anything on any of those sites, or deceased. I'd honestly be shocked if he actually ended up posting anything at all online in his name.

Little Buddy said...

just wanted to say I'm still here and waiting.

Unknown said...

Where are you?!?!?!

Jacob Dunn said...

It would REALLLY nice if you posted something here so we know you’re not dead.....

Fablelore said...


I hope you and your family are well! I reread your books annually... I'm trying to wait until at least October to start Rertun to Exile again...Since I've already read it once this year!
I've been a fan since 2012, even though there has been a lot of time spent wondering, waiting for word from you, I'm still happy that at least I get to read 2 of your books! And I haven't given up hope yet.
I draw sometimes, and I dedicated a Tumblr Blog to your book series, here's the link if you want to see: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/returntoexile
I don't have a single follower on the blog, but I love to keep posting my stuff there anyway.

Again, I wish you and your family well. Book or no book. And thank you for writing what you did write, I've had plenty of fun with it so far!

Best wishes,

Fablelore

Jacob Dunn said...

that's something I'm going to try falbelore. this year on Dec 27 and every year after I'm going to give these books another reread in your honor, E.J Patten. I only got 2 under my belt rn, but I plan on changing that in a couple years.

Fablelore said...

That's the spirit Jacob! See you this time next year lol

Anonymous said...

Any word on future developments? Don't leave us on a cliffhanger!

Jacob Dunn said...

Welp time for me to get ready for my yearly reread. I just gonna do it early this year. I gonna buy them off Amazon, and after I finish up with rhythm of war I finna crack them open

Anonymous said...

Surprised this website still exists. It's been years since I've really had the time to pick up a book. Honestly, it's been kinda rough lately.... but ya know my mind seems to always seems to come back to this series. Dunno why. Its actually become physically difficult for me to read the way I once did, but the next chance I get I'm gonna give these books another read.

By the way, if any stranger sees this, try to spread the word about the series. If it touched you enough for you to seek out any information on it, then it deserves at least that much.

Little Buddy said...

STILL WAITING....... about 2 times a year I check to see if there is an update and each time I get disappointed, maybe I just need to give up on the thought of a new book. well thanks while it lasted I guess.

Unknown said...

I hope everything is going well. I love your books and i hope that your health is better.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm a Library media specialist in a junior high school. My student, Daniel, is dying to read the third book in the Hunter Chronicles series. He wanted me to investigate why a third book was not written, so we've been searching this morning. We are super sad to hear you've had health issues and will pray for your life to get back to normal or better than normal. Daniel says you are too good to be silenced. He feels you left at the biggest cliffhanger ever and would love to be able to read what happens next. I hope it brightens your day to hear that your books are loved and your fans miss you.
Ms. B

Anonymous said...

Well, just letting you know even after 5 years, you still have an audience. I've grown a lot older since I first got your books when I was 11, but I still absolutely love them. They are the books I've read the most and I would buy a third book in an instant if you ever decide to do it. Hope your life works out well (if you're still alive) and just know I'm still rooting for you and a book 3!

Anonymous said...

Even though I'm not a kid anymore, I'm still waiting for the next book! Loved the series, had me hooked from the start. Hope you and your family are doing well.

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