Get the latest updates on my Substack novel, Guild of Assassins, in this week’s author diary. Plus, discover what I’m currently reading from the Horus Heresy series!
Hello from sunny Morecambe!
In this week’s author diary, I dive into the latest progress on my Substack novel, Guild of Assassins.
Buckle up, as I’ve completed not one, not two, but three new chapters!
I also delve into my current reads from the Horus Heresy series—The Unremembered Empire and Scars. If you’re a Warhammer 40k aficionado or just love a good sci-fi read, stick around.
So, what are you waiting for? Hit that ‘Like’ button if you enjoyed the video, smash ‘Subscribe’ to never miss an update, and ring that bell icon so you’ll be the first to know when a new video drops.
Let’s keep the conversation going—leave your thoughts in the comments!
Join me in sunny Morecambe for this week’s Author Diary where I discuss new chapters in Guild of Assassins, and my journey of turning Blind Gambit into an audiobook.
Hello from sunny Morecambe!
In this week’s Author Diary, I delved into the progress of my Substack novel, Guild of Assassins and share insights oncrafting three new chapters.
Not just content with the written word, I also used Eleven Labs to transform my novel Blind Gambit into an audiobook.
You can gain early access to novels and exclusive stories by signing up to my Substack page.
Join the author’s adventure in sunny Morecambe as he embarks on a new space opera project, enjoys thrilling reads, and supports a noble cause.
Hello from sunny Morecambe!
Last week, I found myself overwhelmed by too many open projects, a struggle I shared with you all.
But then, as if by some cosmic joke, inspiration struck and I started a new project—a space opera with fantasy elements, set in the far future of my existing universe.
I outlined a trilogy and even wrote the first draft of a novella.
The words flowed and new worlds unfolded in my mind, sparking an excitement I couldn’t resist.
I continued reading the Horus Heresy series, immersing myself in “Mark of Calth” and “Vulkan Lives.”
Then a new thriller, “Fearless” by M. W. Craven, caught my eye and added a different flavour to my literary journey.
Outside the world of words, I’m excited about something very special happening on Saturday.
I’ll be taking part in the Cross-Bay Walk to raise money for Galloway’s Society for the Blind.
It’s a walk over Morecambe Bay when the tide is out, and it promises to be an incredible experience.
I invite you to support this noble cause on my Facebook page @joncronshawauthor.
And lastly, if you’re curious about my works, you can get early access to future stories on my Substack @joncronshawauthor. I hope to see you there, joining me in this ever-unfolding adventure.
Join Jon Cronshaw as he revisits the inspirational streets of Ravenglass and shares exciting updates on the ‘Dawn of Assassins’ series, plus insights on his reading journey.
Hello from cloudy Morecambe!
This week was truly special for me. Finally visiting Ravenglass—where I derived the name of my main series from—was a moving experience.
Walking through the very streets that inspired so much of my writing and exploring the beauty of the surrounding area felt surreal and invigorating.
If you haven’t been there, I recommend it—the place truly resonates with creativity.
Writing update:
In writing news, there’s a fresh treat for you on my Substack—a brand new short story which serves as a prequel to the Dawn of Assassins series.
It’s my little way of saying thank you for the continued support.
I also continued work on the fourth installment in the series.
I’ve been redrafting scenes I dictated earlier in the year and hope to carry on with the full first draft in the not-too-distant-future.
Oh, and another chapter for the Guild of Assassins novel is complete!
Reading update:
I’m still on the Horus Heresy journey. After wrapping up Angel Exterminatus, I’ve moved on to Betrayer—the plot twists and turns never cease to amaze me.
A little confession:
I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the number of projects I’ve taken on.
But paradoxically, while juggling all these tasks might seem slower, it’s making me more productive.
The key, I’ve realized, is to follow where my energy leads.
Yet, there’s a nagging reminder in the back of my mind to wrap up Guild of Assassins—especially with The Fall of Wolfsbane soon returning from the editor.
If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to follow my journey on my YouTube channel and the ‘Jon Cronshaw’s Author Diary’ podcast.
Do me a favour? Hit that thumbs up, subscribe, and let’s chat in the comments.
I also delve into my current read – the 20th book of the Horus Heresy series, The Primarchs.
Please note, next week’s Author Diary will be a bit delayed as I’m taking a week off to recharge.
In the meantime, you won’t be missing out as daily blog posts will still be going live on my website https://joncronshaw.com/blog as well as updates on my Substack.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Remember to hit the subscribe button and stay tuned for more insights into my writing journey.
Discover progress on ‘Guild of Assassins’ & epic Warhammer 40k journey. Join me on YouTube for more adventures! Subscribe now.
Hello from sunny Morecambe!
Welcome back to my weekly author diary, where I share all the updates from my writing journey and reading escapades.
This week, I am thrilled to bring you the latest developments on my novel, “Guild of Assassins.”
I’ve been focusing my attention this week on my novel “Guild of Assassins.”
And another chapter is ready for you to read!
Head over to my Substack profile to read the latest installment of this action-packed adventure.
Your support and encouragement have been the driving force behind my progress, and I’m grateful for each one of you who has been on this journey with me.
I’ve also been continuing my epic readthrough of the Warhammer 40k Horus Heresy series. The battles, the mysteries, and the character arcs have kept me hooked.
As we venture into the school summer holidays, I’d like to share my plans for the upcoming weeks.
My main focus will be on writing “Guild of Assassins.” This is so I can be sure to get the next chapter out on Substack on time every Saturday.
To stay connected and not miss a single update, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel, where you’ll find the latest video of this author diary.
By subscribing, you’ll be part of an incredible community of like-minded individuals passionate about storytelling, world-building, and thrilling adventures.
Discover effective ways to support indie authors and help them gain the recognition they deserve. From positive reviews to social media promotion, be their champion and ensure their captivating stories thrive. Learn how in this comprehensive guide.
Indie authors pour their hearts and souls into crafting stories filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters.
However, without the backing of a corporate publishing house, these talented writers often face an uphill battle when it comes to getting their books noticed.
That’s where you, the reader, can help.
By actively supporting indie authors, you can help them gain the recognition they deserve, ensuring they continue to create the stories you love.
Here’s a guide on how to be the champion these authors need.
1. Leave Positive Reviews on Amazon, Bookbub, and Goodreads
One of the easiest and most effective ways to support indie authors is by leaving honest positive reviews on platforms like Amazon, Bookbub, and Goodreads.
These reviews improve the visibility of their books, making it more likely that other readers will discover them.
If you enjoyed a book, take a few minutes to write a thoughtful review that highlights what you loved about the story and why others should give it a try.
2. Share Your Enthusiasm on Social Media
Harness the power of social media to spread the word about your favourite indie books.
Share your thoughts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, using relevant hashtags to reach fellow fans of your genre.
Don’t forget to tag the author and the book’s title so that others can easily find it.
3. Create Engaging Content
If you have a blog or podcast, consider dedicating a post or episode to discussing your favourite indie authors.
By sharing your favourite titles and what makes them special, you can introduce new readers to these hidden gems.
4. Use Word of Mouth
Sometimes, the most effective form of promotion is simply telling others about the books you love.
Recommend your favourite indie titles to friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage them to spread the word as well.
5. Produce Fan Art and Cosplay
If you’re artistically inclined, consider creating fan art or cosplay inspired by your favourite indie books.
Sharing your creations on social media can help generate buzz for the title and showcase the author’s imaginative world-building.
Plus, it can be a good way to promote your own creations when an author shares your work with their audience.
6. Make Videos About Your Top Indie Reads
If you enjoy making videos, consider creating content centred around indie books.
Whether it’s a book review, a list of recommendations, or a discussion of themes, your video can help shine a light on deserving authors and their captivating stories.
7. Request Books at Your Local Library and Bookshops
Ask your local library and bookshops to order copies of your favourite indie titles.
If your library uses an ebook library such as Borrowbox or Overdrive, ask for your library to order books for that too.
By increasing the availability of these books, you’ll help introduce new readers to the world of your favourite authors.
8. Support Subscription Programs like Patreon or Substack
Many indie authors offer subscription programs like Patreon or Substack, where you can gain access to exclusive content and help fund their creative endeavours.
By supporting authors financially, you can enable them to focus more on writing and less on making ends meet.
9. Engage and Be a Leader in the Author’s Online Communities
Many authors have dedicated online communities where they interact with their readers and share updates on their work.
These communities often exist on platforms such as Facebook groups, Discord channels, Reddit, and more.
By actively participating in these spaces, you can not only stay informed about the author’s latest news, but also help create a vibrant, welcoming environment for other fans.
10. Follow the Author on Amazon and Bookbub
Amazon and Bookbub are two popular platforms where authors share their work and connect with readers.
By following your favourite author on these platforms, you can stay up-to-date on their latest releases and any promotions they may be running.
It also lets the platforms know that these are authors they should be promoting.
11. Sign Up for the Author’s Newsletter
Many authors maintain an email newsletter to keep their fans informed about their latest news, upcoming releases, and any events they might be attending.
By signing up for their newsletter, you’ll be among the first to know about these updates and can help spread the word to other fans.
Many authors also offer exclusive stories and content not available anywhere else.
12. Be Supportive and Encouraging
Above all, being supportive and enthusiastic about indie authors and their work is crucial.
Let them know how much you appreciate their stories and encourage them to keep writing.
Like their posts, share them, and leave comments.
Your passion for their work can be the driving force that motivates them to continue creating magical worlds for readers to explore.
By following any of these steps and actively championing indie authors, you can make a significant impact on their careers and help ensure that the fantastic stories they create continue to thrive.
So go ahead, be their champion, and share your love for indie authors with the world.
Speaking of newsletters, you can sign up for mine and claim your free Ravenglass Universe starter library !
This week, Jon balanced writing, web migration, and tax work. A new chapter of “Guild of Assassins” is ready for Substack. His website shifted back to WordPress. Amid tasks, he read “The Outcast Dead” and began “Deliverance Lost.” He plans to return to “Ravenglass Legends” next week.
Welcome back to Jon’s Author Diary for the week ending July 9, 2023.
This week has been filled with a fair mix of creation, organization, and some obligatory tax paperwork.
I’m delighted to announce the completion of another riveting chapter from my ongoing project, Guild of Assassins, which is scheduled to go live on Substack this coming Saturday. You won’t want to miss it!
Much of my time this week was consumed with a digital migration of sorts, moving my website back to WordPress – a task that required plenty of patience and attention to detail. In between the lines of coding and content organization, I tackled my taxes, something I’m sure we can all agree is a thrilling way to spend a week.
Amid all the work, I managed to find some treasured reading time, completing ‘The Outcast Dead’ in the epic Horus Heresy series. With no pause, I’ve already dived into the next book, ‘Deliverance Lost.’ I can’t wait to share my thoughts on these in an upcoming review.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to return to the heart of my craft – writing. Next week, I will be immersing myself back into the world of Ravenglass Legends with the second book, along with the continued work on Guild of Assassins.
Make sure to tune in next week to follow along on my author journey. Like, share, and subscribe if you haven’t already, and let’s continue this writing adventure together.
Join author Jon Cronshaw on his exciting writing journey, from the release of his latest novel to upcoming projects and a Facebook community. Discover the world of Ravenglass Legends and Guild of Assassins in this author diary.
Hello from sunny, rainy, sweaty Morecambe!
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.
