Kicking Off 2026: Plans, Projects & What’s Coming Soon | Author Diary – January 2, 2026

In this first Author Diary of 2026, I share writing updates, new short stories on Patreon, and upcoming releases including The Prince and the Fool, boxed sets, and Ravenglass Throne on Audible.

It’s a brand new year, and in this week’s Author Diary I share my plans for 2026.

Over the Christmas break, I wrote several short stories, including a new Soren tale set in the Guild of Assassins universe, now live on Patreon.

I’m currently on Chapter 7 of Guild of Assassins Book 4, and looking ahead to the spring launch of The Prince and the Fool. I’ll also be wrapping up The Ravenglass Throne releases this year—with Book 1’s audiobook now live on Audible!

Other updates include:
RAF Dragon Corps will remain a Patreon-exclusive for now
Ravenglass Guardians series continues—two books finished, third underway
– Boxed sets coming in 2026 for:
Punks Versus Zombies
The Ravenglass Throne
Ravenglass Legends (Books 1–3)
Guild of Assassins (Books 1–3) My release schedule for retail will depend on fitting around my wife’s editing availability, as she’s kindly squeezing me in between her paid clients.

2025 in Review – A Year of Highs, Lows & Lessons | Author Diary – December 26, 2025

In this year-end episode, I reflect on my author journey throughout 2025—month-by-month wins, struggles, and lessons—and share my hopes for a successful 2026.

In this special year-end episode, I take a look back at 2025, reflecting on the high points, challenges, and key milestones in my author career.

I walk through the year month by month, revisiting the projects I launched, the goals I met (and missed), and everything I’ve learned along the way.

Thank you for being part of the journey—wishing you all the best for an exciting and creative 2026!

New Soren Story & Slowing Down for the Holidays | Author Diary – December 19, 2025

This week, I wrote a new Soren short story for Patreon, set in the Guild of Assassins universe, and talk about managing SAD and winding down for the Christmas break.

This week, I wrote a new Soren short story set in the Guild of Assassins universe, exclusively for Patreon supporters.

It’s always great to return to Soren’s world and explore new corners of the guild.

I also talk about struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and how I’m starting to wind down for the Christmas break to rest and reset before the new year.

Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor

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.

🐉 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!