Tag: speculative fiction author

Rome, Rollercoasters & New Releases | Author Diary, June 1, 2026

This week: a trip to Rome, a day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Guide Dog updates, and the release of Two of Swords on Kindle. Plus plans for the week ahead.

This week’s Author Diary is a little different as I look back on a fantastic trip to Rome.

From ancient ruins and historic landmarks to wandering streets packed with history, it was a great chance to recharge and gather plenty of story inspiration.

Before heading off to Italy, I also enjoyed a fun day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, proving that rollercoasters and holidays make a pretty good combination.

I provide an update on my application for a new Guide Dog, which continues to move forward as my current guide approaches retirement. It’s a significant change on the horizon, and I share a little about the process.

I also talk about my plans for the coming week and some of the projects I’ll be getting back to now I’m home.

And finally, Two of Swords (The Ravenglass Chronicles, Part 23) is out today on Kindle!

Editing Through Man Flu: The Prince and the Fool | Author Diary, March 13, 2026

Still feeling unwell, so I’ve focused on editing The Prince and the Fool (70k so far) ahead of a professional edit. Also reading book six of Dungeon Crawler Carl, which hasn’t hooked me yet.

I’m still feeling under the weather this week, so instead of drafting I’ve been focusing on editing.

I’ve been working through  The Prince and the Fool (Ravenglass Legends, Book 4) to prepare the manuscript for a professional edit next month.

I’m now around 70,000 words into the edit, so if all goes well I should have the manuscript finished early next week.

On the reading front, I’ve moved onto the sixth Dungeon Crawler Carl book. I absolutely loved book five, but so far this one isn’t quite grabbing me in the same way.

Spring Virus, Silent Watcher Edits, and a Lisa Jewell Thriller | Author Diary, March 6, 2026

A slower week thanks to a spring virus. I worked through edits on The Silent Watcher and read Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell, a gripping psychological thriller.

This week’s been a quieter one as I’ve been under the weather with a spring virus.

Even so, I’ve been working through the edits for The Silent Watcher, making progress on polishing the manuscript.

I’ve also been doing some reading and picked up Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell, which was a gripping psychological thriller.

Not the most energetic week, but still moving things forward behind the scenes.

Three of Swords, Running Blind, and Loving Dungeon Crawler Carl | Author Diary – February 6, 2026

60% through Three of Swords, loving Dungeon Crawler Carl, and starting Couch to 5K with my wife as my sighted guide. Writing progress, reading joy, and a new running challenge.

This week I’ve been making strong progress on Three of Swords (The Ravenglass Chronicles, Part 24), reaching around 60% of the draft.

It’s always a great feeling when a story starts accelerating towards the final stretch.

I’ve also been reading Dungeon Crawler Carl, which I’m enjoying immensely—fast, funny, and brilliantly inventive.

On a personal note, I’ve started the Couch to 5K running programme. As someone who is legally blind, this is a new challenge, but my wife has trained as a sighted guide, so we’re tackling it together. It’s early days, but I’m excited to see where the journey leads.

🐉 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.

🐉 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.

🍂 Low Energy, Project Juggling & Autumn Reflections | Author Diary – October 17, 2025 🧠📚

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.

🧠 Thrillers, Final Edits & Launch Prep | Author Diary – September 26, 2025🎸📚

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?

📍Location Scouting, Thriller Plans & Fantasy Progress | Author Diary – September 5, 2025 🧠🛡️

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!

😷 Writing Through Sickness & Book Launch Prep | Author Diary – August 22, 2025 🧟📚

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!