๐Ÿฐ Slow Progress, Winter Blues, and Exciting News | Author Diary โ€“ December 20, 2024 ๐Ÿ“šโœจ

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, Iโ€™ve received edits back for my upcoming novel, The Knight and the Rebel (Ravenglass Legends, book 3), and Iโ€™m thrilled to announce its release date: January 30, 2025! This story blends adventure, rebellion, and political intrigue, and I canโ€™t wait to share it with you.

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

๐Ÿฐ Writing “The Ravenglass Throne” & Exploring Riyria’s World | Author Diary ๐Ÿ“šโœจ

This week, Iโ€™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!

 Iโ€™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, Iโ€™ve been rading Drumindor by Michael J. Sullivan, the latest instalment in his Riyria series.

Sullivanโ€™s ability to craft rich characters and intricate plots is as gripping as ever, and itโ€™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!

๐Ÿ“˜ Draft Completion & Seasonal Reflections | Author Diary – October 25, 2024 ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ“š

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.

๐Ÿ“– 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.

๐Ÿ“š 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.

๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ 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.

๐Ÿ 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? Donโ€™t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights and updates from my journey as an author!

๐ŸŽ‰ 7 Years and Countless Stories: Celebrating My Author Diary Podcast! ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ

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.

๐ŸŒŸ A Journey Through the Ravenglass Universe ๐ŸŒŸ

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

โ€ข Sharing the triumphs and challenges of bringing my fiction to life,

โ€ข Offering exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming releases and works-in-progress,

โ€ข Discussing my favourite reads, films, and TV shows,

๐Ÿ’– Thank You for Being Part of This Adventure ๐Ÿ’–

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.

๐Ÿ”ฎ Looking to the Future ๐Ÿ”ฎ

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

โ€ข Even more behind-the-scenes insights into the Ravenglass Universe,

โ€ข Exciting announcements about new projects,

โ€ข In-depth discussions on fantasy literature and storytelling,

โ€ข And maybe a few surprises along the way!

๐ŸŽง Never Miss an Episode ๐ŸŽง

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

You can find Jon Cronshawโ€™s Author Diary podcast on all major platforms:

โ€ข Spotify

โ€ข Apple Podcasts

โ€ข Stitcher

Simply search for “Jon Cronshawโ€™s Author Diary” and subscribe.

Or ask Alexa to play โ€œJon Cronshawโ€™s Author Diary podcastโ€ (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

๐Ÿ“š Perseverance and Progress | Author Diary – September 27, 2024 ๐Ÿค’โœ๏ธ

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

๐Ÿค’ 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

๐Ÿ“˜ Reading Updates:

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

Moving on, Iโ€™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.

๐Ÿ“… 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. Donโ€™t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights from my author’s life and the perseverance that drives it!

๐Ÿšข A Week of Travels and Literary Journeys | Author Diary – September 22, 2024 ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŒ

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

๐Ÿšข Cruise Adventures:

This week, I took a break from writing to embark on a cruise that took me to some of Europeโ€™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.

๐Ÿ“˜ 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.

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

๐Ÿš€ Preparing for New Ventures & Ancient Explorations | Author Diary – September 6, 2024 ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ›๏ธ

This weekโ€™s Author Diary takes a step back from writing to focus on administrative duties, setting up new platforms, and gearing up for an inspiring journey.

๐ŸŒ Launching Patreon:

My week has been heavily focused on preparing to officially launch my Patreon page.

This platform will provide a dedicated space for more personalized interactions with my readers and offer exclusive content that dives deeper into the worlds I create.

I’m excited about the opportunities this will open up for both new projects and the community that has been with me throughout my writing journey.

๐Ÿ›ซ Preparing for Pompeii and Rome:

In preparation for an upcoming trip to Pompeii and Rome, Iโ€™ve been planning the details of the visit.

This adventure isnโ€™t just a vacation; itโ€™s a chance to gather rich historical insights and inspiration from some of the worldโ€™s most storied ruins and artworks.

The history and mystery of these places are bound to infuse new ideas into my future writings.

๐Ÿ“– Reading “Pompeii” by Mary Beard:

To enhance my upcoming trip, Iโ€™ve been reading Mary Beardโ€™s “Pompeii.”

Her detailed exploration of the ancient city provides a fascinating backdrop to the remains I will soon see firsthand.

The book is an excellent primer, enriching my understanding and anticipation of the historical context I will explore.

As I prepare for these exciting ventures, Iโ€™m reminded of the importance of taking time to fuel creativity with new experiences and dedicated planning.

I look forward to sharing the insights and inspirations from these adventures with you all.

Iโ€™d love to hear your thoughts on balancing creative work with travel, experiences with Patreon, or your favourite historical reads.

Donโ€™t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates from my author’s life and the experiences that shape my stories!

๐Ÿš€ Book Launch & Series Finale | Author Diary – August 30, 2024๐Ÿ“š๐ŸงŸโ€โ™‚๏ธ

Join me in this weekโ€™s Author Diary as I celebrate the launch of a new book and the completion of a beloved series.

๐Ÿ“˜ “The Wolf and the Wyvern” Launch:

This week marked a major milestone with the launch of “The Wolf and the Wyvern,” the second installment in the Ravenglass Legends series. Itโ€™s always exhilarating to see a project come to fruition, and Iโ€™ve been busy with the various aspects of the book releaseโ€”from coordinating with distributors to engaging with readers. The feedback so far has been incredibly encouraging, and I’m thrilled to see how the book resonates with fans old and new.

๐ŸงŸโ€โ™‚๏ธ Finishing “Punks Versus Zombies”:

In addition to launching the book, I’ve completed the redrafting of the final two episodes of “Punks Versus Zombies.” Bringing this series to a close has been a bittersweet journey. These last episodes wrap up the story arcs that have been building over time, and I hope they provide a satisfying conclusion to the saga that has captivated so many.

๐Ÿ“ Reflections and Next Steps:

As I reflect on this weekโ€™s accomplishments, I’m also planning the next steps in my writing career. Finishing one project and launching another opens up new opportunities for creative exploration and development. I’m looking forward to diving into new stories and possibly revisiting familiar ones, depending on where inspiration leads.

Iโ€™d love to hear your thoughts on series endings, book launches, or any advice you might have on transitioning between major projects. Donโ€™t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights into my author’s journey and the evolution of my work!

๐ŸŽ‰ Series Finale & Exciting New Beginnings | Author Diary – August 16, 2024 ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿš€

Join me in this week’s Author Diary as I celebrate the completion of “Punks Versus Zombies,” launch new reading opportunities, and dive into fresh storytelling perspectives.

๐ŸงŸโ€โ™‚๏ธ Finishing “Punks Versus Zombies”:

This week marks a significant milestoneโ€”I’ve completed writing “Punks Versus Zombies.” After crafting 52 episodes and a whopping 180,000 words, this series is ready to be repackaged into a trilogy and sent off for editing. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m thrilled to prepare these stories for a new format.

๐Ÿ“– New Side Story Development:

In addition to concluding the main series, I’ve started work on a side story featuring Tommy’s girlfriend, Niamh, and their son, Sean. This narrative explores a different point of view within the same universe, adding depth and new angles to the overarching story.

๐Ÿ“š “The Wolf and the Wyvern” Paperback Release:

I’m excited to announce that the paperback version of “The Wolf and the Wyvern” is now available on Amazon. As we gear up for the eBook release on August 29, I’ve also made the book available for early access to paid members on my Patreon. This approach ensures my most dedicated readers get first dibs on the new adventures awaiting in the Ravenglass Legends.

๐Ÿ“˜ Early Access on Patreon:

For those interested, “The Knight and the Rebel” is also now being serialized on Patreon. I’m posting chapters every weekday, giving members an exclusive first look at this fresh installment in the series. Additionally, Book 1 is available for free for members to read, providing a perfect entry point for new fans and a refresher for those following the series.

As we transition from one major project to another, I’m energized by the ongoing support and engagement from my readers. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to my work, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy.

Check out my Patreon at patreon.com/joncronshawauthor for exclusive access and more.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on series finales, side stories, or your experiences with transitioning between major writing projects. Donโ€™t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates and insights into my author’s life and creative process!

๐ŸงŸโ€โ™‚๏ธ Writing Updates & Preparing for Launches | Author Diary – August 9, 2024 ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿš€

Watch this weekโ€™s Author Diary as I make strides in writing, setting up a new platform, and gearing up for an exciting book launch.

๐Ÿ“ Progress on “Punks Versus Zombies”:

This week, I wrote two more episodes of “Punks Versus Zombies,” bringing us closer to the thrilling conclusion of this series. Crafting these episodes is always an intense process as I aim to escalate the suspense and tie up the overarching narratives.

๐ŸŒ Populating Patreon:

As I transition to Patreon, I’ve been busy populating the new account with content. This platform will offer a more direct way to connect with my audience, providing exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes looks, and first access to my writings. I’m committed to making this space vibrant and engaging for all my supporters.

๐Ÿ“… Launch Date Set for “The Wolf and the Wyvern”:

I’m excited to announce that “The Wolf and the Wyvern” (Ravenglass Legends, book 2) is set to launch on August 29. Preparations are in full swing to ensure a successful release. This sequel will delve deeper into the entwined fates of its characters, expanding on the epic tale started in book 1.

๐Ÿ“š Current Reading – “The Quiet Damage”:

This week, I’ve been reading “The Quiet Damage,” a poignant exploration of the devastating impact the Qanon conspiracy has had on families and relationships. It’s a heartbreakingly real account that sheds light on the personal toll of these widespread theories.

As I juggle writing, platform management, and book preparations, I’m reminded of the diverse challenges and rewards that come with being an author. I look forward to sharing more updates and hearing about your experiences with new reads, upcoming launches, or platform transitions.

Donโ€™t forget to check out my Patreon for exclusive content and updates: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor.

Feel free to share your thoughts on handling multiple projects, experiences with reading impactful books, or preparing for book launches. Donโ€™t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights into my author’s life and creative endeavors!