Keith_w wrote:Can I introduce you to L. E. Modesitt Jr., born 19 October 1943 and still writing and attending WorldCons? I just saw a picture of him with Robert J. Sawyer at the current one in Seattle. Robert A. Heinlein had his last book published when he was 77 (Job: A comedy of Justice). Our esteemed author is also 1 year younger than I, so please do not hustle him into his grave nor me into mine.
As a fan of the "Forever Hero" & "Recluce", no intro to L.E. Modesitt Jr. is needed and yes, R.A.H. was still writing at 76+ (would to God that he had the current dictation technology that MWW enjoys!). And, surprise, I am older than YOU so the same back at you!
HOWEVER!!! Pertinent facts remain. Primus - IIRC, our illustrious author planned this initial arc of overthrowing the CoGA theocracy in fewer volumes than our current count of 8+, no? I'm not arguing with the MANY hours of pleasurable reading and forum discussions BUT it does appear to delay the denouement of wiping out the Gbaba as they so richly deserve!
Secundus - MWW is not writing for one, nor two, nor three universes NOR is he writing a single book for his most prolific Honorverse, although maybe the wording should be 'producing' or 'lead writing' for the other paths there. While others have had multiple Fictons (RAH - # of the Beast) (yes Modesitt), MWW does seem to do this by the nines and this diverged effort does take time!
SO, my SINCERE HOPE is that MAD WIZARD WEBER (MWW) have the kindness to his reading public and at least make a start in closing off these marvelous universes BEFORE the inevitable that would lead us to the unfortunate non-Weber writer being called in to complete the job. Of course, there is always the possibility that I will do the coil shuffle before MWW and be reading the latest Heinlein in the Celestial Library while waiting for the Gbaba / Mesa / Saints / Kontovar ... messy but satisfying endings.