Tag: speculative fiction

Writing Through the Heatwave & Returning to Mark, The Chosen One | Author Diary, June 26, 2026

Writing through the UK heatwave, revisiting Mark, The Chosen One, and reading The Hobgoblin Riot. Plus updates on my fantasy writing and the sequel to Orphan Farm Boy of Destiny.

This week’s been a challenge thanks to the UK heatwave, but I’ve still managed to make progress on my latest fantasy project.

I’ve been working through what I have so far on Mark, The Chosen One, a follow-up to my Patreon novella Orphan Farm Boy of Destiny.

The story picks up 20 years later. Mark is now in his forties, has a teenage son, and hasn’t picked up a sword in over two decades.

The Dark Lord never appeared when prophecy said he would… but now the prophecy has finally come true.

After years of living an ordinary life, Mark must decide whether he can become the hero everyone expected him to be.

On the reading front, I finished Dominion of Blades by Matt Dinniman and immediately started Book 2, The Hobgoblin Riot. I’m really enjoying the series and seeing another side to Dinniman’s writing outside Dungeon Crawler Carl.

Nine Years of Publishing, Dragon Corps Progress & Sentinel Edits | Author Diary – June 19, 2026

This week: 60% through RAF Dragon Corps Book 3, editing The Sentinel’s Mercy, and celebrating nine years since publishing Wizard of the Wasteland.

This week I’ve continued working on RAF Dragon Corps Book 3 and have now reached the 60% mark in the draft.

 It’s been great returning to the skies over wartime Britain and continuing the series.

I’ve also been working through The Sentinel’s Mercy, getting the manuscript ready to send off for a professional edit. It’s always satisfying to move a project closer to publication.

And this week marks a special milestone: nine years since I published my first novel, Wizard of the Wasteland.

Looking back on nearly a decade as an indie author, I reflect on how far things have come, the lessons I’ve learned, and the stories still waiting to be told.

Thanks to everyone who’s joined me on this journey. Here’s to the next nine years!

Meta Description:
This week: 60% through RAF Dragon Corps Book 3, editing The Sentinel’s Mercy, and celebrating nine years since publishing Wizard of the Wasteland.

Dragons, Guardians & Giant Monsters | Author Diary – June 5. 2026

This week: outlining RAF Dragon Corps Book 3, planning the Keeper-focused Ravenglass Guardians novel, and reading the dark and gripping Kaiju Battlefield Surgeon by Matt Dinniman.

This week, I finished outlining  RAF Dragon Corps Book 3 and wrote the first chapter, officially kicking off the next stage of the series.

This instalment takes the story into the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, so there’s plenty of research and planning involved before the dragons take to the skies once more.

I’ve also been planning the next Ravenglass Guardians novel, this time focusing on the Keepers.

Each Guardians book explores a different path within the order, and I’m excited about the themes and conflicts this one will tackle.

On the reading front, I’ve been making my way through Kaiju Battlefield Surgeon by Matt Dinniman.

It’s much darker than Dungeon Crawler Carl, with less humour and more horror, but it’s exceptionally well done and has completely pulled me into its world.

A week of planning, plotting, dragons, Guardians, and giant monsters.

Audio Editing, Battle of Britain with Dragons & Applying for a New Guide Dog | Author Diary, May 21, 2026

This week: audio editing Reign of Daggers, planning RAF Dragon Corps Book 3 during the Blitz, and beginning the assessment process for my next Guide Dog.

This week I’ve been doing an audio pass of Reign of Daggers (Dawn of Assassins, Book 4), listening through the full manuscript to make sure the story flows properly before putting it aside for a while.

I find hearing a story aloud is one of the best ways to catch pacing issues and awkward moments.

I’ve also started work on RAF Dragon Corps Book 3, mapping out the timeline before begininng the draft.

This instalment will take place during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, which should make for a dramatic backdrop for dragons and aerial combat.

On a more personal note, I talk about beginning the process of being assessed for a new Guide Dog.

My current dog is retiring this year, so I’ve started the application and assessment process for my next guide.

As someone who relies on a Guide Dog to get around, it’s a big life transition.

Birthday Break, Dungeon Crawler Carl, and Finishing Reign of Daggers | Author Diary, May 15, 2026

Birthday break, a brilliant new Dungeon Crawler Carl novel, and near-finished drafts. This week I worked on Reign of Daggers and listened to A Parade of Horribles in just two days.

This week I took a few days off for my birthday and ended up listening to the new Dungeon Crawler Carl book, A Parade of Horribles, over the space of just two days.

Safe to say, I absolutely loved it. The series continues to balance chaos, humour, and surprisingly emotional storytelling brilliantly.

I also continued working on Reign of Daggers (Dawn of Assassins, Book 4).

I initially thought I’d finished the draft, but realised the story needed a little more room to breathe, so I’m adding three extra scenes plus epilogues for each of the core characters.

That should bring the draft to a proper conclusion next week.

Back to Dawn of Assassins, WrestleMania Letdown & New Release Incoming | Author Diary, April 24, 2026

Back working on Dawn of Assassins after years away, sharing thoughts on a disappointing WrestleMania, and gearing up for the launch of Ravenglass Legends Books 1–3. Plus updates on The Prince and the Fool.

This week I’ve returned to Dawn of Assassins after a few years away and made solid progress on the draft.

It’s been great getting back into that world and finding the story again.

I also share my thoughts on a disappointing WrestleMania, particularly from a storytelling perspective.

On the publishing side, Ravenglass Legends Books 1–3 are launching this Monday, and The Prince and the Fool is currently with my editor.

Lots happening behind the scenes!

Draft Done, New Reads & Rethinking Old Projects | Author Diary, April 17, 2026

Finished Four of Swords, started The Wandering Inn, and reflected on WrestleMania storytelling. Also considering a return to Dawn of Assassins Book 4.

This week I’ve finished the draft of Four of Swords, which feels like a great milestone as I continue The Ravenglass Chronicles.

I’ve also started reading  The Wandering Inn and I’m really enjoying it so far—huge world, compelling characters, and a very different pacing to what I usually read.

I also share some thoughts on the build-up to WrestleMania, which, from a storytelling perspective, has felt a bit off—more corporate than compelling.

Finally, I’ve been taking another look at my  Dawn of Assassins series, and considering whether it’s time to return and work on Book 4.

Back on Form: Four of Swords, Guild of Assassins, and Project Hail Mary | Author Diary, April 10, 2026

Feeling better after a month of illness. Progress on Four of Swords and Guild of Assassins Book 4. Also saw Project Hail Mary at the cinema—thoroughly enjoyed it.

This week I’m finally feeling better after a month of illness, which means a welcome return to proper momentum.

I’ve been working on Four of Swords and also going back over my progress on Guild of Assassins Book 4, getting a clearer sense of where that story is heading.

I also went to see the film adaptation of Project Hail Mary, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s well worth a watch if you liked the book.

A much more positive and productive week all round.

Edits, Andy Weir & New Patreon Chapters Incoming | Author Diary, April 2, 2025

This week: editing Churchill’s Dragons and Four of Swords, reading Project Hail Mary, and starting The Silent Watcher on Patreon. Plus thoughts on dark domestic fantasy.

This week I’ve continued working through edits on  Churchill’s Dragons and  Four of Swords, keeping the momentum going across both projects.

On the reading front, I finished Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, which I thought was excellent—a brilliant mix of science, tension, and heart.

I also talk about my dark domestic fantasy project, Until the Wyvern Spoke, and share that I’ll be starting to post Silent Watcher on Patreon from Monday.

Lots of new content on the way!

Edits Done, Dragons Revisited & Storytelling Lessons | Author Diary, March 20, 2026

Finished edits on The Prince and the Fool and sent it to my editor. Also revisiting Dragon Squadron, composing music, and sharing storytelling lessons from Dungeon Crawler Carl.

The illness is still hanging around, so it’s been another editing-focused week.

I’ve now finished my edits for The Prince and the Fool and sent it off for a professional edit.

I’ve also been revisiting  Dragon Squadron (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 1), going through the manuscript and tightening things up.

On the creative side, I’ve written a short piece of music to accompany Until the Wyvern Spoke, which was a fun change of pace.

I also share some storytelling lessons from Dungeon Crawler Carl—what’s working, what keeps readers hooked, and what I’m taking into my own writing.

Grab yourself a cuppa—this one’s a bit longer than usual.