Category: Latest News

Final Checks Done & A Fascinating Read | Author Diary – December 12, 2025

This week, I wrapped final checks on Churchill’s Dragons, completed post-edit reviews of The Ravenglass Throne Books 11–12, and read Tara Westover’s brilliant memoir Educated.

This week, I completed the final check of Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2), which means it’s now officially ready for the editor.

It’s always a great feeling getting a book to that stage.

I also finished my post-edit checks on The Ravenglass Throne Books 11 and 12, bringing me one step closer to wrapping up that epic series.

For reading, I’ve been immersed in Educated by Tara Westover—a gripping and powerful memoir that I’d highly recommend.

It’s a deeply personal and thought-provoking story about resilience, identity, and the power of learning.

🐉 Final Edits, Wacky Shorts & Royal Scandals | Author Diary – December 5, 2025 ✍️👑

This week, I worked on final edits for Churchill’s Dragons, wrote a wacky progression fantasy short, and read Entitled: The Fall of the House of York—a gripping royal exposé.

This week, I’ve been hard at work on the final edits for Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2)—I’m about halfway through and pleased with how it’s shaping up.

I’ve also been writing a few short stories, including a wacky progression fantasy that’s been a real blast to put together. Sometimes it’s fun to let loose and experiment a little.

For reading, I’ve been deep into Entitled: The Fall of the House of York—a fascinating exposé on the Prince formerly known as Andrew and his ex-wife.

It’s a grim but revealing look at corruption and privilege in British high society.

Man Flu, Finished Draft & Audiobook Updates | Author Diary – November 28, 2025

This week, I finished Churchill’s Dragons, released the Punk’s Not Dead audiobook, and continued checking The Ravenglass Throne audio. All while bravely battling man flu.

This week, I’ve been bravely battling man flu (the most fearsome of ailments), but still managed to finish my draft of Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2)!

Next step: a final polish before I start posting the unposted chapters on Patreon.

The Punk’s Not Dead audiobook (Book 3 in the Punks Versus Zombies trilogy) is now live on Audible, and Ken has done an amazing job with the narration.

I’ve also been reviewing the audiobook for The Ravenglass Throne Parts 1–4—I’m about halfway through and really happy with how it’s sounding so far.

I’m hoping to have it live on Audible before Christmas.

80% Off Patreon Access to the Ravenglass Universe and RAF Dragon Corps

Join my Patreon with code WYVERN80 for 80% off your first month and get early access to The Ravenglass Throne, RAF Dragon Corps, Churchill’s Dragons, exclusive novellas, short stories, and weekly author updates. Discover the community where my fantasy worlds grow.

I’m running a short window offer for my fantasy readers.

You can now join my Patreon for 80% off your first month with the code WYVERN80.

This applies to any tier.

Patreon is where I share my novels long before they reach shops.

You’ll always be at least one episode ahead with The Ravenglass Throne.

You can read the full first novel of RAF Dragon Corps.

I’m currently posting new chapters of the second novel, Churchill’s Dragons.

I’ve just finished sharing the raw manuscript of The Prince and the Fool (Ravenglass Legends, book 4).

You can also read Hunters, my nautical fantasy novel, along with novellas such as Wyvern Rider, Orphan Farm Boy of Destiny, and many others.

There are exclusive short stories and lore documents waiting for you.

Patreon is also a community space where I welcome comments, questions, and feedback.

Even as a free member, you’ll receive regular short stories and my weekly author diary.

This is the online home where I’m most active, so I hope you’ll join us.

If you’d like to jump in, here’s the code again: WYVERN80.

Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor to see what you’ve been missing.

🐉 Fighting Through SAD & Nostalgic Movie Nights | Author Diary, November 14, 2025 🎬📚

This week, I talk about writing through SAD, hitting 50k words on Churchill’s Dragons, finishing House of Cards, and revisiting classic movies with my son like Brewster’s Millions.

This week’s been tough—I’ve been struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which has made writing harder than usual.

Still, I’ve kept pushing forward with Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2), and I’m now at around 50,000 words into the draft.

To switch off, I finally finished watching House of Cards on Netflix… and honestly, it didn’t quite land for me.

So I decided to dig out the DVD player and introduce my son to some classic films, starting with Brewster’s Millions. A much-needed hit of nostalgia.

🐉 Midpoint Milestone for Churchill’s Dragons & New Release Incoming | Author Diary – November 7, 2025 📚✨

This week, I hit the midpoint of Churchill’s Dragons and started posting chapters on Patreon. Plus, Rising Storm (Ravenglass Throne Part Eight) launches Monday!

This week, I reached the midpoint of Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2) and have started posting editor-ready chapters on Patreon for early access readers.

The story’s coming together well, and it’s exciting to share it as it develops.

I also talk about the upcoming release of Rising Storm (The Ravenglass Throne, Part Eight), which is out this Monday! If you’ve been following the series, be ready—things are about to escalate.

🐉 Churchill’s Dragons Progress, Audiobooks & Rest | Author Diary – November 1, 2025✍️🎧

This week, I hit 24k words on Churchill’s Dragons, prepped Punk’s Not Dead audiobook for final checks, and took a short AirBnB break with family to rest and manage early SAD symptoms.

This week, I passed the 24,000-word mark on my current work-in-progress, Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2).

The story’s really taking shape, and I’m enjoying building on the world established in Book 1.

I also received the completed audiobook for Punk’s Not Dead and will be doing my final listen-through before it’s ready to go live.

On a personal note, I’ve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) creeping in, so I took a few days off. I booked a short AirBnB break with my wife and son to rest, reset, and recharge.

Sometimes, rest is the work.

🐉 Back to Fantasy: Edits, Dragons & Getting Back into the Flow | Author Diary – October 24, 2025 ✍️📚

This week, I returned to fantasy—working on edits for The Ravenglass Throne Parts 10 & 11, and prepping RAF Dragon Corps Book 2. Great to be back in these worlds!

This week, I’ve been getting back into fantasy, and it feels great to return to the worlds I love.

I received Part 10 of The Ravenglass Throne back from my editor and spent time going through the edits.

I also completed final edits on Part 11, getting it ready to send off.

Alongside that, I’ve been getting back into RAF Dragon Corps Book 2—revisiting the outline, characters, and worldbuilding as I prepare to continue the series.

It’s been a productive week and a satisfying return to epic and military fantasy!

🍂 Low Energy, Project Juggling & Autumn Reflections | Author Diary – October 17, 2025 🧠📚

This week, I talk about early signs of SAD, working on thriller projects, planning my next fantasy book, and what’s coming soon to Patreon. Feeling the early autumn blues but pushing forward.

This week’s been a bit of a struggle—I talk about feeling off and wondering if Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has kicked in earlier than usual.

It usually hits me in November, but with autumn feeling like it arrived early, the dip may have too.

Creatively, I’ve been working on thriller projects and thinking ahead to my next fantasy book.

I’m torn between starting Ravenglass Guardians Book 3 or working on RAF Dragon Corps Book 2—both exciting in their own ways.

I also share what’s coming up soon on Patreon, with exclusive content and early chapters for supporters.

🎙️ 8 Years of the Author Diary & Lessons on Branding | Author Diary – October 10, 2025 📚🧠

This week marks 8 years of the Author Diary podcast! I reflect on author branding, launching my J. Cronshaw pen-name for thrillers, and lessons learned from building a focused audience.

This week marks eight years since I started this podcast—back in October 2017, I recorded the first episode, and here we are in 2025, still going strong!

I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned about author branding, especially as I launch my new pen-name, J. Cronshaw, focused entirely on domestic psychological thrillers. Narrowing the audience has made everything—from messaging to marketing—so much easier.

Branding has always been a challenge for me. I’ve wrestled with how to define what I do when my books range from dark fantasy to wacky steampunk to near-future sci-fi. Maybe I should have embraced pen-names earlier… but then again, setting up a new website, newsletter, and socials has been a lot of work.