Tag: visually impaired author

Seven of Swords Finished & Starting The Waywarden | Author Diary, September 25, 2026

Jon Cronshaw finishes Seven of Swords, starts new Ravenglass novella The Waywarden, and goes gliding with local sight-loss charity Galloway’s.

This week, I finished Seven of Swords and sent the completed draft off to my editor.

With that one done, I’ve started work on a new novella set in the Ravenglass Universe called The Waywarden. It’s a nobledark ranger story set on the border between Ostreich and Molotok, and I talk about the story and its place in the wider world.

I also did something completely different this week. I went gliding in an unpowered aircraft with Galloway’s, a local charity supporting blind and visually impaired people. It was a fantastic experience, and I talk about what it was like getting up into the air without an engine.

Plus, the usual thoughts on writing, storytelling and life as an indie author.

Writing Through a Rough Week & Preparing to Say Goodbye to My Guide Dog | Author Diary, September 18, 2026

Jon Cronshaw shares progress on Seven of Swords and Wyvern Academy, prepares for his guide dog’s retirement, and talks about his assessment for a new dog.

I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather this week, so writing has been slower than usual, but I’ve still made progress on both Seven of Swords and Wyvern Academy.

Away from the writing, there’s a much bigger change coming. My guide dog’s retirement is now imminent, and he’ll be rehomed early next month. I talk about preparing for that goodbye and what the next few weeks are likely to look like.

I also had my assessment for a new guide dog on Wednesday. The process is moving forward, but it sounds as though I could be without a dog for a while before the right match comes along.

No Writing This Week: Adventure Week in the Lake District | Author Diary, August 8, 2026

This week I swap writing for an Adventure Week in the Lake District with Galloway’s, trying canoeing, fell climbing and sailing, including a brilliant session on a Dart catamaran.

This week’s Author Diary is a little different because I did absolutely no writing.

Instead, I spent the week at Coniston in the Lake District on an Adventure Week organised by Galloway’s, a charity supporting blind and visually impaired people.

It was a brilliant week packed with canoeing, sailing, fell climbing and plenty of other activities.

One of the best parts was getting to meet other blind and visually impaired people, hearing how they approach different challenges, and picking up ideas about ways of doing things that I hadn’t considered before.

The highlight for me was definitely the sailing. I especially loved getting out on a Dart catamaran, which was enormous fun. It’s something I’d really like to do more of, so I’m now looking into what sailing opportunities might be available locally.

No word count this week, then, but plenty of new experiences, new people and perhaps the start of a new hobby.

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!

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.