((Cataclysm))

It's been quite a while since I brought the travelogue to an end. Since then, I've graduated with a Master's Degree, spent nine weeks studying German in Berlin, and started on a rewarding (if rather hectic) job. I've also been writing.

So far, I have four short stories with which I am satisfied enough to attempt publication (and have attempted several times; getting published is not easy). Two more are in the works. Regrettably, I can't share them with anyone, since magazines obviously won't publish anything that can be found for free on the Internet.

On the whole, however, I realized that I was writing much less than I had been in the past. It's perhaps not surprising that I began to detail the Cataclysm zones. I kept these to myself, working on it when I couldn't think of original fiction, or when inspiration was lacking. That's how I ended up with a pretty formidable backlog of content. I shared it with a few people, and finally decided I may as well share it with everyone else.

Since I'm already more than halfway through writing about Cataclysm, I think I can update without having the travelogue seriously interfere with my writing schedule. There is an admitted risk in me returning to such a thoroughly drawn well. The travelogue can help me keep my skills sharp, but it probably can't expand them any further.

However, I will try to change the format a little bit. The sections dealing with Kalimdor will try to develop some other characters besides the narrator (though they are still told from his perspective). The Eastern Kingdoms chapters have more of a cohesive storyline. This also means that the old suggestion of reading them in whatever order you please no longer holds true (though it was becoming rather questionable by the Northrend entries). I figure if you've gotten this far, however, it's no longer an issue.

I'll make the first update (Kezan) tonight, and the second (the Lost Isles) on September 1.  After that, I'll continue with the old twice a month update schedule.  Depending on how soon I finish the Cataclysm write-ups, I might increase the speed.

Also, if you're wondering how I have time to do all this stuff while working... I write the travelogue (or original fiction) during lunch breaks, and exclusively original fiction on weekends. As always, please share your comments and critiques.  If you know any other travelogue readers, please let them know I'm updating.  I'll also be updating the soundtrack with suggestions for the new zones.

Finally, I don't really have any comments as to whether or not I'll do anything with MoP.  I would caution you against expecting it, however.