One Step at a Time

Look at that. Take it in. Not only is the #Silo TV show real and coming out soon, the silo is freaking real. I’ve been inside it. The set would blow your mind.

Three stories tall and two hundred feet across, the silo is a mountain of steel and concrete inside a giant warehouse outside of London. The first time I walked into the set it was still under construction, but the sheer scale alone took my breath away. It not only dwarfed the men and women working on the set, it dwarfed the forklifts and other vehicles driving around to erect it all.

With a high-vis jacket and hardhat, I walked around in a stupor. My dominant emotion besides shock was guilt. A short story I’d written while working in a bookstore caused ALL THIS? It was a bit much. I felt like asking people to ease up a bit. Or apologizing for the fuss I’d caused. I feel bad when people do me small favors, and here were two hundred people working long shifts to make something I’d dreamt up a reality.

It was a mix of that guilt and my love of getting my hands dirty that had me jump in and give the carpenters a hand. They didn’t know who I was, and nobody complained about having some help. We put treads in on a few of the lower stairs, drilled holes slotting over pegs, raps with wooden mallets to get it snug, each piece rising up from the ground until we had a dozen stairs in place.

It was fortuitous timing, being there as the first steps went in. The story starts on those stairs, with Holston walking up the silo for the very last time. I went back to the set a dozen times during shooting, and every time I looked at the fifth tread, one that I put in myself, and soaked up the gravity of the moment. It started so small, this journey. Now it’s something that hundreds of people have poured their love and energy into. I’m so excited for you all to join us on this adventure.

Tomorrow, you’ll finally see it all in motion for the first time. AppleTVPlus is dropping the teaser trailer, and it’s absolutely epic. I’ve watched it half a dozen times, and I still get goosebumps.

For everyone who has been on this journey from the beginning, thanks so much for your support and love. Thanks for putting up with the tight-lipped teases and lack of information. All that will start ending tomorrow. I hope this show will make you proud.

If you are new here and wondering what all the fuss is about, check out my book series. As of this writing, the ebook version is on a massive sale (only two bucks for the entire series!). If you like audiobooks, a brand new audio edition is coming this month. Stay tuned for that. And more exciting announcements to follow.


44 responses to “One Step at a Time”

  1. Congrats! All the best.

  2. I started following you shortly after Wayfinder launched – I fell in love with your boat and then started reading your stories. I’m not even sure how I stumbled over Wool, but I’m so very glad I did. Best wishes to you on this new adventure. It’s a beautiful thing you were able to put some sweat equity into the set. And all of this? It couldn’t happen to a more decent guy. Very best to you, from another former book clerk and writer.

    1. Thanks, Kristen!

    2. About 10 years ago I somehow discovered the Silo Series. I read the whole thing, and was so intrigued. When I heard about Silo on Apple TV, I watched it and was so amazed by how the silo and all the characters came to life. Watching the series kindled my curiosity, I had forgotten most of the details of the story so I had to reread the series. I started with Shift and am now going back to Wool. I can’t believe how much I had forgotten. Reading the second time, I was able to really understand the story and enjoy your amazing writing. The way I imagined the silo is exactly how it looks in the show!

  3. This is incredibly awesome. Congratulations!

  4. Kim F Fillmore Avatar

    So many years ago, I stumbled across Wool – Part 1 (Silo Series Book One) – 50 pages that I wanted to never end. I am so very excited to see this story come to life the way it seemed it needed to back then. Congratulations!!!!!

    1. Thanks, Kim!

  5. Last spring I had just broken my ankle, so my summer was looking to be nothing but sitting and reading. I discovered a paperback copy of ‘Wool’ on our public library’s used book sale shelf. I’d never heard of it, but it looked intriguing. [Understatement!] I spent the entire summer ‘underground’ in the Wooliverse of original and fan fiction. Best summer ever! [Moved to ‘Sand’ came autumn.] So looking forward to the series! Congrats, Hugh, and thank you!

    1. Thanks! Hope you are fully recovered. :)

  6. It has been a long time coming. Very well deserved, Hugh. I can’t wait to see Wool come alive!!!

  7. I am looking forward to the TV series. If it is half as good as the books it will be impressive.

  8. Thank you Hugh for reminding me of your existence. I read one of your books years ago, found out you were cruising sailor which I have been, and was in contact enough for you to have my email address. I’m a voracious reader, and will now make an opportunity to find out what you have been writing lately. I’m thrilled that you have a major project about ready for launch. I loved the view inside your head as you made acquaintance with the silo becoming real. You are a good writer, and you really hooked my emotions there.

    I wish the project great great success, but I wish it was on something other than Apple tv, I have never ever had anything to do with the Apple world, so I may not have a chance to catch up with it until it hits some rerun connection in the future.

  9. Excellent! Cannot wait to see this.

  10. This is so exciting! I have shared my love of this story from the beginning with anyone who would listen. I’m so happy for the series to begin. What a thrill!

  11. To say that I’m excited about the show finally coming out is a monumental understatement. I CAN NOT wait anymore. So happy to see all your efforts, talent and creative writing get to a new audience. They’re in for a hell of a surprise (so let’s not spoil it for them!!).

  12. Wooohooooo!! Or should I say WOOL HOOOOO! (Because I didn’t want to say WOOL HO.) 🧐 Congratulations and huzzah to you, Hugh!!—the Silo finally becomes a reality. It’s been a long, worthy climb. Can’t wait to see all the rest!

    1. Thanks, Patrice!

  13. hey Hugh congrats on the new tv series. Loved the books!

  14. Recommended by a fellow musician, I couldn’t put it down. “Wool” was a page turner, and I loved how the back story of “Shift” worked. Mr Howey certainly wrote himself a hum dinger of a story.

  15. Congratulations! Wool was one of the inspirations for me to follow my own dreams. Which landed me in Guadalajara. Living the life.

    1. Very cool!

  16. Congratulations. I read the books years ago and loved them. I’ll listen to the audio for a refresher before checking out the series. Now I have a reason to get Apple TV. Keep up the great work.

  17. Really excited to see this come to fruition! Wool was the first of your writing I came across and what a ride that was, now to see a live production👏👏Even though they were your earlier writing the Molly Fyde books had me riveted. For a young(er) author you we’re damn good!

  18. Amazing. Such a good story. I have clear visualization from the story. Glad thatHou the author say it as you wrote it. People worked so hard in the silo I a expected work as part of being there.

  19. Super happy and excited for you Hugh. Well deserved man ! Stay humble.
    Fester

  20. I’m thrilled for you and for us to have the opportunity to see the vision of your writing and our reading! Obviously, I’m an excited fan of your terrific storytelling!

  21. It’s been very exciting following your journey from the time you published the first eBook of WOOL with the wool pad on the cover to all that has happened now. I love the eBook series and can’t wait for the show! I’m so happy for you! Congratulations on all your success!

  22. Congrats! Looking forward to watching.

  23. Congratulations! Man, has it been THAT long since the first Wool book? >:|

  24. Congratulations Hugh Howey! Well deserved. I love your stories and I can’t wait to see Juliette climb the stairs on my screen!

  25. What an extraordinary experience for you! Thank you for sharing that behind the scenes look at the making of what is sure to be a hit for AppleTV+, I can’t wait to see it!

  26. Rob Ostrander Avatar

    Having read Wool when it was serialized on Amazon, this is a dream come true! Those books changed me and I’ve never forgotten them. I think I will do a re-read before the show, and bought them again for convenience on the sale. Congratulations and following your career and reading every single thing has been such a joy – thank you SO much! Please don’t stop.

    1. Thanks, Rob!

  27. I could not be happier for you, Hugh. You have been a massive inspiration to me, and continue to be so. Congratulations!

  28. Christopher van der Lugt Avatar
    Christopher van der Lugt

    Nothing makes me happier than to see this Hugh. Hard work, big imagination, long days, and ceaseless interest from fans like me. This is tremendous and I wish you and the show well–“Break a Leg!”

  29. We are so excited about the coming series! Also wanted to let you know that I referenced Wool in my latest column for Sky & Telescope: https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-blogs/sucker-holes/

    1. Whoa! I love that magazine. Used to read it all the time! Great article.

  30. What an amazing achievement! Congratulations!

  31. Annette Martinak Avatar
    Annette Martinak

    I am so insurmountably happy and proud for you and for all of us who have journeyed with you in this story. It is my absolute favorite sci-fi story of all time. I have been with you from the beginning…maybe that makes me feel special but I have shared your story with so many other people. It’s one of those stories that needs to be shared. I am so happy that it’s making it’s big screen appearance. Love you and love your stories….keep them coming…

  32. Dollyce Beeman Avatar
    Dollyce Beeman

    I’ve read all 9 books in the Silo series by Hugh Howey! All 9 are MUST READ books! The Silo saga takes you places you never imagined! Chilling, thrilling, and totally unexpected! The 9 books in order are: Wool, Wool: Proper Gauge, Wool: Casting Off, Wool: The Unraveling, Wool: The Stranded, First Shift: Legacy, Second Shift: Order, Third Shift: Pact, and Dust. I purchase Hugh Howey books from Amazon on Kindle. You can get the Wool books in a set to save money. Anyway, check them out! Well worth your time and money!

  33. After watching the Apple TV+ SILO I ordered all 3 of Hugh’s books and reading now, almost through with Wool. Captivating but more importantly beautifully written. I have encouraged so many to order even if they’ve never seen Silo.

  34. Jerramie E Conant Avatar
    Jerramie E Conant

    I stumbled across Silo on Apple TV+. Couldn’t get enough of it. Couldn’t wait for the next season, so I read the whole series. Wool,Shift and Dust in about a month. First books I’ve read in years. So now I’m preparing to read Beacon. So far so good. Thank you and keep up the good work.

  35. Aaron Winchester Avatar
    Aaron Winchester

    I watched season one then found the books. I like the show,however i like the books better. Your writing is great, thanks for that.

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