Jon Cronshaw – The King of Nobledark
Author of epic fantasy with heart, grit, and moral weight. Where hope bleeds, but never dies.
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.
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.
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.
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 has been a bit of a mixed bag. I’ve been working on The Ravenglass Throne and Hunters, but progress has been slow as I’ve been feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
I realised I forgot to mention some big news in the podcast: I’ve started posting The Ravenglass Throne on Patreon!
The first few chapters are up now, and I’m also sharing Blade of Sorrows (Guild of Assassins Book 3). If you’re a fan of dark fantasy and epic tales, be sure to check them out!
On the reading front, I finished Ringmaster, a book about Vince McMahon, and I’m now diving into The Contrarian, a biography of Peter Thiel. Both are fascinating reads and fantastic sources of inspiration for storytelling.
Next week, I’ll be continuing with The Ravenglass Throne and pushing forward with my writing projects.
This week’s Author Diary touches on managing seasonal affective disorder while progressing on exciting literary fronts.
🌨️ Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder:
As November rolls in, so does my annual encounter with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s a familiar challenge by now, and understanding what to expect helps me navigate it more effectively. While SAD does pose its difficulties, recognising the symptoms early allows me to adjust my schedule and self-care routines to maintain productivity and well-being.
📖 Starting “Blade of Sorrows”:
In terms of writing, I’ve begun drafting “Blade of Sorrows,” the third book in the Guild of Assassins series. I’m currently 15,000 words in, about 25% through the manuscript. Diving back into this dark, intricate world is exhilarating, and the initial chapters are shaping up to bring more thrilling twists and deep character explorations.
📚 Reading Insights:
My reading this week included “Opus” by Gareth Gore, a deep dive into the enigmatic world of Opus Dei. The book provides an intriguing glimpse into the inner workings and controversies surrounding this Catholic institution. Additionally, I’m about halfway through “The Damnation of Power” from the Horus Heresy series, which continues to expand on the epic saga with intense conflicts and rich, detailed lore.
📅 Looking Ahead:
Despite the challenges posed by SAD, I remain committed to my writing goals and literary explorations. The support and understanding of the writing community also play a crucial role in managing these seasonal hurdles.
I’d love to hear from you about how you cope with seasonal changes or manage personal challenges while keeping up with creative or professional commitments.
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly updates from my author’s life and the ongoing journey through worlds both real and imagined!
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!
