Readers have been asking if there's going to be a sequel to my historical novel "Napoleon's Pyramids," given the somewhat cliffhanger ending and uncertain fate of some characters. The answer is yes, because I'm curious to find out what happens next too!
Unfortunately, that means I have to write it, not just read it, so I'm hard at work. Publication is tentatively scheduled for early next year, 2008.
Actually, it's great fun to follow Ethan Gage and Napoleon Bonaparte on the next stage of the general's real-life adventure: the 1799 invasion of the Holy Land. Not only am I once more immersed in details of 18th Century military history and practice, but I'm once swimming in that bottomless pool of speculation that includes Jewish mysticism, Egyptian secrets, Knights Templar, lost cities, and sacred books. Throw in love, war, and Ethan's inexhaustible ability to get himself into trouble, and I'm having a grand time.
One of the pecularities of an author's life is the necessity to talk about one story while having gone on to the next. While I'm still talking about "Napoleon's Pyramids" when the opportunity arises, I've moved beyond that brief 15 seconds of fame a writer has upon publication and back in that more familiar role of trying to figure out how to get my characters out of the dilemmas I put them into, staring blankly at the computer screen or up at the ceiling. At the same time I'm teaching environmental journalism and writing on a wild variety of subjects for the Seattle Times' Sunday magazine, and trying to keep it all straight on my calendar and in my head.
Later this month sees the publication of the Art Wolfe photo book, "On Puget Sound," which I wrote the copy for, and I'm happy to once again have an opportunity to write about my native Pacific Northwest. Again, leaping from its rainy ecosystem to Egypt and Israel keeps me mentally hopping.
I've had some nice correspondence on "Napoleon's Pyramids" and I invite readers to communicate via my web page,
www.williamdietrich.com. But right now Ethan is surrounded by decidely unfriendly cavalry, and it's time to attend to his rescue.
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