Tag: author diary

📤 Leaving Substack, Focusing on Patreon & Audiobook Work | Author Diary – October 3, 2025 🎧📚

This week, I closed my paid Substack to focus on Patreon, continued working on thrillers, and reviewed the audiobooks for The Ravenglass Throne and Undead Anarchy.

This week, I’ve made the decision to close my paid Substack and focus fully on Patreon as the central hub for my writing, early releases, and community.

 It feels like the right move to streamline things and better serve my readers.

On the writing front, I’ve continued working on my psychological thrillers, while also reviewing the audiobook editions of The Ravenglass Throne and Undead Anarchy (Punks Versus Zombies, Book 2).

Lots going on behind the scenes as I keep building stories across genres!

🐉 Draft Progress, Kate Bush, and Hoping for Healing | Author Diary – June 13, 2025📚🎶

This week, I’m 60% through The Prince and the Fool, reading about Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love, and watching House of Cards. Still nursing a bad back—hoping to recover in time to see Nine Inch Nails next week!

This week, I’ve hit the 60 percent mark on the draft of The Prince and the Fool (Ravenglass Legends, Book 4).

The story is moving steadily, and I’m excited to see it coming together.

I’ve also been reading the 33 1/3 book on Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love—a fascinating deep dive into one of my all-time favourite albums.

And I’ve finally started watching House of Cards on Netflix—dark, sharp, and brilliantly acted.

I’m still dealing with a bad back, which has been slowing me down. I’m really hoping it improves soon, especially with Nine Inch Nails coming up next week—fingers crossed I’ll be well enough to go!

🏰 Progress on The Ravenglass Throne & My First Contest! | Author Diary – January 17, 2025 📚✨

This week, I’ve been making slow progress on The Ravenglass Throne—I’m now just three chapters away from finishing Book 7.

The story is heating up, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

I’ve also been enjoying The Diplomat on Netflix. It’s a gripping show full of political intrigue, and it’s been a nice way to recharge between writing sessions.

For the first time ever, I’m running a contest!

You could win a year of free access to my Patreon’s Hero Tier, where you can enjoy exclusive chapters, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.

Enter here.

📚 Wrapping Up 2024 and Big Plans for 2025 | Author Diary – December 27, 2024 🏰✨

In this week’s Author Diary, I share exciting developments and reflections as the year draws to a close.

I’ve just completed the fourth novella in The Ravenglass Throne series, only to realise that what I’ve created is a full novel, not four novellas! Moving forward, I’ll start posting chapters exclusively on Patreon, as I shift to a Patreon-first publishing approach for my work.

I also look back on 2024, reflecting on the progress of the Ravenglass Legends series and my plans to expand it in the coming year. With several books currently with my editor—including Guild of Assassins 2 & 3 and the Punks Versus Zombies trilogy—I’m gearing up for a busy and productive 2025.

I discuss my open projects, including Dawn of Assassins 4 and Scoundrels Book 1, which are on my must-finish list for next year.

Additionally, I touch on a crucial area for growth: marketing. Feeling that my author business has plateaued, I’ve started a course on book marketing to refine the strategies I’ve been using since 2017.

Join me for updates, plans, and insights into what’s next for my writing journey!

follow on Patreon.

🏰 Slow Progress, Winter Blues, and Exciting News | Author Diary – December 20, 2024 📚✨

In this week’s Author Diary, I share the challenges of making slow progress on The Ravenglass Throne while navigating the struggles of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

On a brighter note, I’ve received edits back for my upcoming novel, The Knight and the Rebel (Ravenglass Legends, book 3), and I’m thrilled to announce its release date: January 30, 2025! This story blends adventure, rebellion, and political intrigue, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Join me as I discuss the ups and downs of the creative process, upcoming releases, and how I’m managing writing during the darker months.

pre-order the knight and the rebel.

🏰 Writing “The Ravenglass Throne” & Exploring Riyria’s World | Author Diary 📚✨

This week, I’ve been writing the third novella in The Ravenglass Throne serial and reading Drumindor by Michael J. Sullivan. Join me for updates on my writing journey and thoughts on the Riyria series!

 I’ve been making great progress on the third novella in my ongoing serial, The Ravenglass Throne.

The story continues to unfold with twists, political intrigue, and the personal struggles of its three royal sisters as they face mounting conspiracies and power plays.

In addition to writing, I’ve been rading Drumindor by Michael J. Sullivan, the latest instalment in his Riyria series.

Sullivan’s ability to craft rich characters and intricate plots is as gripping as ever, and it’s been a fantastic source of inspiration for my own storytelling.

Join me as I share updates on my writing process, thoughts on the Ravenglass Universe, and reflections on the brilliant world of Riyria!

📘 Draft Completion & Seasonal Reflections | Author Diary – October 25, 2024 🍂📚

In this week’s Author Diary, I celebrate a significant milestone in my writing journey and share my plans for the coming weeks as the seasons change.

📖 Completing “Forged in Blood”:

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve completed the draft of “Forged in Blood,” the second book in the Guild of Assassins series. Finishing this draft marks a major achievement in the development of the series, and I’m looking forward to the next stages of editing and refining.

📚 Current Reading:

Continuing my literary exploration, I’m currently delving into “Illuminatus Part II” by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson. This series, known for its complex narrative and intriguing themes, provides a thought-provoking read that perfectly complements the darker, introspective months.

🕰️ Adjusting to Seasonal Changes:

With the clocks changing and the onset of colder weather, I’m mindful of the impact this time of year tends to have on me, notably Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In anticipation, I plan to take things a bit easier over the next few weeks, allowing myself some needed rest and recalibration to stay healthy and maintain my creative output.

🍁 Looking Ahead:

During this quieter period, I will be focusing on self-care, continuing my reading, and beginning the initial edits on “Forged in Blood.” It’s important to balance productivity with personal health, and I’m committed to managing both as we move into November.

I’d love to hear how you adjust to seasonal changes and manage your creative projects during these times. Do you find certain times of the year more challenging or inspiring? Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights and updates from my journey as an author!

🎉 7 Years and Countless Stories: Celebrating My Author Diary Podcast! 🎙️

Hello from Morecambe!

Can you believe it? This week marks the 7th anniversary of my Author Diary podcast!

On October 8, 2017, I nervously hit ‘record’ for the very first time, not knowing where this journey would lead.

Now, 366 consecutive weekly episodes later, I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you, my loyal listeners and readers.

🌟 A Journey Through the Ravenglass Universe 🌟

For seven years, every single Saturday, I’ve invited you into my world:

• Sharing the triumphs and challenges of bringing my fiction to life,

• Offering exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming releases and works-in-progress,

• Discussing my favourite reads, films, and TV shows,

💖 Thank You for Being Part of This Adventure 💖

This podcast has been more than just a diary; it’s been a conversation with you, my wonderful community of readers and fellow fantasy enthusiasts.

Your support, questions, and enthusiasm have fueled this journey, making each episode a joy to create.

🔮 Looking to the Future 🔮

As we embark on year eight of the Author Diary podcast, I’m more excited than ever about what’s to come. Expect:

• Even more behind-the-scenes insights into the Ravenglass Universe,

• Exciting announcements about new projects,

• In-depth discussions on fantasy literature and storytelling,

• And maybe a few surprises along the way!

🎧 Never Miss an Episode 🎧

If you haven’t tuned in yet, now’s the perfect time to start!

You can find Jon Cronshaw’s Author Diary podcast on all major platforms:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• Stitcher

Simply search for “Jon Cronshaw’s Author Diary” and subscribe.

Or ask Alexa to play “Jon Cronshaw’s Author Diary podcast” (be sure to add podcast at the end).

New episodes release every Saturday – perfect for your weekend listening pleasure!

Thank you for seven incredible years.

Here’s to many more adventures!

Until next time, cherio.

Jon

P.S. If you prefer video, I post my weekly diaries on YouTube every Friday. Visit: youtube.com/c/joncronshawauthor

📚 Perseverance and Progress | Author Diary – September 27, 2024 🤒✍️

This week’s Author Diary is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of the creative process, even when under the weather.

🤒 Battling Illness:

Despite being ill this week, I pressed on with my writing commitments. It’s often difficult to maintain momentum during such times, but staying connected to my projects helps keep my spirits up.

I managed to add about 10,000 words to “Forged in Blood,” the second book in the Guild of Assassins series

📘 Reading Updates:

 I wrapped up “Fake Heroes” by Otto English, a compelling read that offers sharp insights into cultural and historical narratives.

Moving on, I’ve started “Vengeful Spirit,” part of the expansive Horus Heresy series. Diving into this new book has been a great way to escape and recuperate, immersing myself in the rich lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

📅 Looking Ahead:

As I recover and continue with “Forged in Blood,” I look forward to regaining my full strength and embracing the creative challenges ahead.

Next week, I hope to share more positive updates and perhaps some insights from my journey through the Horus Heresy series.

I’d love to hear about how you cope with setbacks and continue to find inspiration in your projects or readings. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights from my author’s life and the perseverance that drives it!

🚢 A Week of Travels and Literary Journeys | Author Diary – September 22, 2024 📚🌍

Step into this week’s Author Diary as I share my experiences from a recent cruise and delve into some compelling reads.

🚢 Cruise Adventures:

This week, I took a break from writing to embark on a cruise that took me to some of Europe’s most storied destinations, including Pompeii, Rome, and Girona. Each city offered its own unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking sights. From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the medieval charm of Girona, this journey was a treasure trove of inspiration and a wonderful escape from the daily grind.

📘 Reading Along the Way:

During the cruise, I immersed myself in “Among the Trolls” by Marianna Spring, a captivating exploration of modern conspiracism. I’m currently engrossed in “Fake Heroes” by Otto English, which offers insightful commentary wrapped in engaging storytelling.

Next week, I plan to return to writing, energised by the wealth of experiences and ideas gathered during my travels. I’d love to hear about your experiences with travel and how they have influenced your creative or professional life.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates from my author’s life and the inspiration that fuels it!