Merlin edits complete, Cardiff Half update

 Yesterday I sent off my final corrections on MERLIN'S WAY, all 600 pages of it - it's the biggest book I've produced in some years - and barring any minor gremlins, that'll be it now, with the book moving into production for publication early next year. It's been a really protracted process, this one, and it's with a degree of relief that I can finally turn all my energies over to the current work in progress.

Here's the cover, by the way:

I do think it looks bloody fantastic, and I'm excited to see the final package when it arrives.

Talking of even bigger books, my wife and I went up to London last week for the launch of China Mieville's massive new novel THE ROUSE. It looks and sounds fabulous and it was great to hear China talking about it. China and I were both on the same Arthur C Clarke shortlist back in 2001 (he won, deservedly, with PERDIDO STREET STATION) and I've been following his work with slack-jawed admiration ever since.

Moving on, thanks to those who've already helped with my fundraising bid for The Stroke Association, for which I'll be running the Cardiff Half Marathon in just over a week. We're just shy of a thousand pounds on the main donation page, although taking into consideration some very generous contributions made directly to the charity, we're actually well over that figure. But it would be nice to bump the figure on the donation page, wouldn't it?

https://cardiffhalf26.enthuse.com/pf/alastair-reynolds

Every little bit really helps, both with the charity and my own motivation. I'm feeling pretty good about the run itself right now. I did a 15K on Monday and while that's still 7 and a bit K short of a half, I reckon I grind out the difference, especially when you add in the hydration stops and so on, not to mention the boost you get from the spectators. I was going to run a full practise half sometime this week but I'm not sure that's wise now; it'd be unfortunate to pull a muscle with only a few days to go.

I was saddened, incidentally, to hear on the radio last night that Michael Kiwanuka has had a very severe stroke. I love his music and I hope he makes a good recovery and can continue doing what he does best. Strokes are horrible.

Here's Michael with the equally brilliant Little Simz. Get well soon, Michael.

Al R