This week I’ve continued making progress on Six of Swords and now have 17 chapters drafted. The book is moving along well, and I’m getting close to the final stretch.
I’ve also been working on The Last Eagle, a prequel novella for a potential new Arthurian Britain series. The idea is to take the legends of Arthur and place them in a grittier, more grounded post-Roman Britain, while still keeping the heroic and mythic elements that make the stories so enduring.
That project also tied in nicely with a couple of recent visits to Lammerside Castle and Pendragon Castle. Both places have plenty of history and atmosphere, and Pendragon in particular comes with its own Arthurian associations.
So this week’s diary is a mix of Ravenglass progress, new Arthurian ideas, and a bit of real-world historical inspiration.
This week I’ve been making good progress on Six of Swords.
I’m 12 chapters into the draft, which probably puts me somewhere around the halfway point.
I’ve also been going back over what I’ve written so far for The Hammer and the Crown, continuing work on the next Ravenglass Legends novel.
One of the more satisfying things this week has been returning to older projects. I revisited Blind Sight, a prequel novella to Blind Gambit that I originally abandoned back in 2018. I’ve finally finished it and published it on Patreon.
I’ve also been working through another story from my open projects folder, this time set in the Black Death world, which should hopefully be ready next week.
On the reading front, I’m continuing with Will Wight’s Cradle series and have now reached Book Five, Ghostwater. I’m really enjoying the series, and I’ve also finally worked out why I struggled to follow parts of the second book, Soulsmith. It turned out to be a useful lesson in storytelling craft.
This week I finished Five of Swords and sent the manuscript off to my editor, marking another milestone in The Ravenglass Chronicles.
I also completed a proof-listen of The Ravenglass Throne: Parts 5–8 audiobook, and once again Emmy Coates has done an outstanding job bringing the story to life. I can’t wait for listeners to hear it.
One of the more interesting things I did this week was a full audit of all my open writing projects. The results surprised even me: more than 15 novels, around 10 novellas, and several short stories in various stages of completion—including ideas dating back more than a decade.
Some of them still excite me and will definitely get finished. Others have probably had their day. It was a fascinating exercise in taking stock and deciding which stories are still worth telling.
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!
📘 Preparing for “Guild of Assassins” Launch: The launch of “Guild of Assassins” is just around the corner, and preparations are in full swing. This phase is always thrilling as everything starts coming together—from final edits to marketing strategies. I’m eager to share this new installment with you all and hope it captivates and entertains.
📖 Current Reading: This week, I’ve been engrossed in “Rip It Up and Start Again,” a fascinating book about the post-punk music scene. It’s an insightful exploration of the genre’s evolution and its impact, offering great inspiration and a break from the writing routine.
📝 Writing Updates:
“Wyvern Rider”: I managed to draft a new chapter for “Wyvern Rider,” further developing the story’s complex world and deepening the characters’ journeys.
“Punks Versus Zombies”: Additionally, I’ve written two new episodes for “Punks Versus Zombies.” Keeping the narrative fresh and engaging in this series is always a fun challenge.
As I balance book launch preparations with writing and reading, I look forward to the new insights and developments each brings. Stay tuned for more updates on the launch and my creative progress next week.
I’d love to hear what you’re reading or how you manage multiple creative projects. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights into my author’s life and journey through the worlds I create!
It’s been a full six orbits around the sun since I first introduced you to the desolate yet hopefuly world of Wizard of the Wasteland.
Wow! Time really does have a knack for performing its own magic tricks, doesn’t it?
I find myself reflecting on this amazing journey that started with a spark of an idea, flourished into my first novel, and then set the course for me to become a full-time storyteller for the past five years.
A heartfelt thank you for your support in making this possible. As a disabled author, it means I don’t have to deal with bosses (or more specifically, snooty HR reps) who ask whether working at a computer is the best for someone who is legally blind.
I get to tell stories for a living, and that is beyond amazing.
Ravenglass Legends
This past week, I wrote “The End” on the final draft of my next novel, The Fall of Wolfsbane, and it’s now in the capable hands of my editor.
And I’ve plunged right into the sequel, The Wolf and the Wyvern. With the first draft of the first point of view halfway through a redraft, and an entire second point of view still to write, there’s plenty of thrilling work ahead.
I’m so excited about this new series! Not only does it answer many of your burning questions from The Ravenglass Chronicles, but it will add an even richer tapestry of stories and adventures to the world we’ve been exploring together.
Guild of Assassins
If that wasn’t enough, I’ve also been working on Guild of Assassins, a tale I’m gradually releasing on Substack. This series paints a vivid picture of Soren, the master assassin from Dawn of Assassins. Remember the guy who refused to vacate our minds? Yep, him.
It’s been so much fun to delve into his journey, from the subtle craftsmanship of a sculptor’s apprentice to the deadly finesse of a master assassin.
If you’re craving more updates, or just fancy a chat with fellow readers, I invite you to our cozy little corner of the Internet—The Ravenglass Universe Facebook Group.
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