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.
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!
This week: thriller writing, final edits on Ravenglass Guardians, prepping Divided Crown launch, boxed set plans, Punks Versus Zombies disappointment, Spinal Tap 2, and my son turning 13.
This week, I’ve been juggling projects—working on my psychological thrillers while doing final checks on the first two Ravenglass Guardians novels.
I’m also getting ready for the upcoming launch of Divided Crown (The Ravenglass Throne, Book 7), and exploring the idea of putting together Kindle boxed sets for other series.
On a less exciting note, I talk about my disappointment with the Punks Versus Zombies launch, which didn’t land as well as I’d hoped.
Outside of writing, I saw Spinal Tap 2 (yes, it goes to eleven), and reflect on the fact that my son’s about to turn 13—where does the time go?
This week, I launched The Ravenglass Throne boxed set, released Punks Versus Zombies and Trial of Thieves on audiobook, and answered questions about my writing process and worldbuilding.
This week’s been packed with releases and reader questions!
I launched The Ravenglass Throne: Parts 1–4 as a boxed set, available now in ebook and paperback formats.
The Punks Versus Zombies audiobook is now live, as is the Trial of Thieves audiobook (Dawn of Assassins, Book 2)—great news if you’re an audio listener!
I also took time to answer questions from readers about my writing process and worldbuilding techniques.
This week, I finished The Sentinel’s Mercy, made progress on a pen-name thriller, and received the retirement date for my guide dog Digit—an emotional but important milestone.
This week, I’m happy to share that I’ve finished the draft of The Sentinel’s Mercy, the latest standalone in my Ravenglass Guardians series.
With that wrapped up, I’ve shifted gears and started writing a psychological thriller under a new pen name—an exciting side project that’s been on my mind for a while.
I also talk about something more personal: I’ve received the official retirement date for my guide dog, Digit. It’s a big emotional moment, and one that marks the end of an important chapter.
This week, I scouted Lytham for a thriller project, made big progress on The Sentinel’s Mercy, and launched Punks Versus Zombies and Dark Gambit on Amazon—though I forgot to mention that last bit in the video!
This week, I took a research trip to Lytham to scout locations for a future psychological thriller.
I’ve got two domestic thrillers planned and will be writing them as side projects under a new pen-name to keep them separate from my fantasy work.
On the fantasy side, I made solid progress on The Sentinel’s Mercy (Ravenglass Guardians). I’ve now reached 75% of the draft and hope to finish it next week.
Also—though I forgot to mention it in the video—both the Punks Versus Zombies trilogy and Dark Gambit (Ravenglass Throne: Part Six) are now live on Amazon!
This week, I reached the midpoint of The Sentinel’s Mercy and prepared for the launch of the Punks Versus Zombies trilogy, releasing August 31. Feeling better and back in the writing flow!
This week, I’ve been recovering and feeling much better—just in time to reach the midpoint of The Sentinel’s Mercy, my latest Ravenglass Guardians novel.
The story’s hitting its stride, and I’m excited with how it’s coming together.
I’ve also been hard at work preparing for the launch of the Punks Versus Zombies trilogy, which goes live this weekend on August 31!
Can’t wait to get this wild post-apocalyptic ride into readers’ hands.
Despite a throat infection, I made progress on The Sentinel’s Mercy, wrapped up The Silent Watcher, and prepared for the Punks Versus Zombies launch on August 31. Busy week for the Ravenglass Universe!
This week’s been a bit rough—I’ve been dealing with a throat infection that had me in bed for a few days.
Despite that, I made good progress on The Sentinel’s Mercy (Ravenglass Guardians, Book 2), reaching eight chapters out of a planned 24.
I’ve also finished my final readthrough of The Silent Watcher (Book 1 in the same series). Though I’m calling them Books 1 and 2 for now, the Ravenglass Guardians series will be seven standalone novels, so their final order may shift.
Meanwhile, I’m gearing up for the launch of Punks Versus Zombies on August 31—just a few weeks to go!
This week, I took a mini-break to Chester, enjoying peaceful walks in Delamere Forest, the stunning Chester Cathedral, and strolling the historic city walls—a great way to reset.
Creatively, I’ve been working on Hunters, my wacky Space Western originally written as a Patreon side project. I’m now rewriting it as a nautical fantasy set in the Ravenglass Universe, and it’s been a fun challenge adapting the tone and setting while keeping the spirit of the original.
I also reflect on my prolific writing strategy—following my energy and excitement rather than rigid plans, which keeps things creatively fulfilling.
Elsewhere, Trial of Thieves has now been submitted to ACX, so the Audible edition should be available soon.
Punks Versus Zombies trilogy – all three books go live on August 31 (paperbacks are already available, audiobooks in production). Dark Gambit (The Ravenglass Throne: Part Six) – launches September 1 on Amazon. The Ravenglass Throne (Parts One to Four boxset) – goes live September 15 (paperback available, audiobook in production).
Post-edit, final checks
The Ravenglass Throne: Part Seven – need to schedule the final three chapters for Patreon.
Drafts completed, with editor
The Ravenglass Throne Parts Eight to Twelve. Dragon Squadron (RAF Dragon Corps, book 1).
Final edits before sending to editor
Ravenglass Legends book 4 – 70% complete, chapters posting on Patreon. The Silent Watcher (Ravenglass Guardians).
Current focus
Hunters – rewrite from space opera to nautical fantasy, 50% complete.
Open projects
Sentinel’s Mercy (Ravenglass Guardians) – 40% through first draft. Scoundrels – 25% first draft (last worked on March 2025). Mark, The Chosen One – 70% first draft (last worked on April 2025). Dawn of Assassins 4 – last worked on July 2024. Guild of Assassins 4 – last worked on January 2025. Lord Sidebottom novel – 25% first draft (last worked on April 2025). Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, book 2) – 10% (last worked on March 2025). Pen name sci-fi book 2 – 20% (last worked on June 2025).
This week: alpha feedback on The Silent Watcher, audiobook progress on Trial of Thieves, Punks Versus Zombies paperbacks ready, Emmy Coates returns for The Ravenglass Throne, boxed set up for pre-order.
It’s been a busy week! I’ve been reviewing alpha reader feedback for The Silent Watcher and checking through the audiobook edition of Trial of Thieves (Dawn of Assassins, Book 2).
The paperbacks for the Punks Versus Zombies trilogy are now ready, and audiobook production is underway.
I’m also thrilled to have Emmy Coates back to narrate The Ravenglass Throne—she was brilliant on The Ravenglass Chronicles, so it’s great to have her voice returning to the Ravenglass Universe.
Plus, I’ve put the Ravenglass Throne Boxed Set (Books 1–4) up for pre-order ahead of its September 15 release.
