Macromere Press

David Ewald’s thoughts on June 30th, and beyond….

Macromere: Now that it’s looking like the release date for He Who Shall Remain Shameless will be moved up just a little, will you be okay with the book not coming out on June 30th? Why June 30th for the release date, anyway? 

David: Call me crazy, which you would be entirely justified doing because I am, but I had this idea when discussing the release date that June 30th would work best because that’s the day He Who Shall Remain Shameless begins. As you’ve done a good job pointing out on this site, “Harriet”, the first story in the novel, takes place on that day, night, and the following morning, July 1st, to coincide with Harriet Quimby’s date of passing. 

M: But how important is this date for the book’s release, really? 

D: I’ve come to terms with the idea that June 30th is not all that crucial of a date to have the book come out on. The book can come out a bit before then, as it looks like it will, and it could even come out a little bit after…The idea we discussed was to have the reader follow the protagonist’s adventures as they happen….

M: But….

D: I know what you’re going to say. ‘But the next story, ‘Chris’, starts around mid-July. Should the reader wait to read that story then?’”

M: ….Well?

D: Of course not. The reader should read the book as a whole at whatever pace suits him or her. It is a novel, after all. As a whole, the book takes place over exactly half a year, from June 30th to year’s end, and a reader can’t be expected to abide by that timeline when reading.

M: We have to admit the adherence doesn’t make much sense. Especially if the book’s ready to be released sooner. 

D: Yes, crazy, like I said. June 30th is just June 30th—in our world, anyway. In the world of He Who Shall Remain Shameless it has a greater significance, of course. The same with July 15th, and the end of July, and August 18th, and so on. But when the book comes out sooner—in our world—my hope is that readers will dive right in and just keep going.

M: That’s our hope too. Did you have any thoughts of having the book’s narrative play out for longer than half a year?

D: I had thoughts, sure, but it just seemed that half a year—and fourteen stories, or encounters—was enough.

M: We certainly think so. The book is looking good as we near the finish line.

D: Thanks. I’m looking forward to it being out there soon.