Tag: writing update

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.

30% Into Seven of Swords & I Finished Cradle | Author Diary, September 11, 2026

Jon Cronshaw reaches 40% of Seven of Swords, adds new chapters to Wyvern Academy, and shares his final thoughts on Will Wight’s Cradle series.

This week, I’m around 30% of the way through the first draft of Seven of Swords and talk about how the story is progressing as I get deeper into the book.

I’ve also spent some more time on Wyvern Academy, adding three new chapters to the first act and continuing to develop the story beyond the original Wyvern Rider novella.

On the reading side, I’ve finally finished Will Wight’s Cradle series.

40% Into The Hammer and the Crown & Returning to Wyvern Academy | Author Diary, September 4, 2026

Jon Cronshaw reaches 40% of The Hammer and the Crown, returns to Wyvern Academy, and shares his thoughts on finishing Will Wight’s Cradle series.

This week, I’m around 40% of the way through my draft of The Hammer and the Crown, book five in my Ravenglass Legends series.

The story is gathering momentum, and I talk about how the draft is progressing as I move deeper into Ragnar and Maja’s next adventure.

I’ve also returned to an older project, Wyvern Academy, a follow-up to my Wyvern Rider novella for Patreon.

On the reading side, I’m nearing the end of Will Wight’s Cradle series. I’m now on the final book and have been hugely impressed by how the series has developed.

Wight has done a fantastic job of building the characters, escalating the stakes and improving his craft across twelve books while keeping the story compulsively readable.

Six of Swords Finished & 25K Into The Hammer and the Crown | Author Diary, August 26, 2026

Jon Cronshaw finishes Six of Swords, reaches 25,000 words on Ravenglass Legends book five, and discusses Will Wight’s Cradle series.

This week, I’ve finished Six of Swords and sent it off for editing, bringing another Ravenglass Chronicles novella to the next stage of production.

I’ve also made good progress on The Hammer and the Crown, book five in the Ravenglass Legends series. I’m now around 25,000 words into the draft as Ragnar and Maja’s story continues.

I also talk about my ongoing readthrough of Will Wight’s Cradle series. I’m currently on book eight, Bloodline, and thoroughly enjoying it.

One of the things that has stood out is how much Wight’s craft develops as the series progresses, particularly in terms of pacing, character work and handling an increasingly large story without losing momentum.

Working on Two of Swords and Embracing Smart Tech | Author Diary, January 23, 2026

Nearly finished Two of Swords! This week I talk writing progress and how Meta’s smart glasses are helping me navigate the world as a visually impaired author.

This week I’ve nearly finished Two of Swords, with just three chapters left to draft.

I also share my thoughts on using Meta’s smart glasses and how they’re proving surprisingly useful for someone like me with a visual impairment.

🍂 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.

🐉 Back to Writing, Midpoint Milestone & A Bit of Back Pain | Author Diary – June 6, 2025 📚🦌

After taking last week off, I’m back at the writing desk and making great progress on The Prince and the Fool (Ravenglass Legends, Book 4).

I’ve just hit the mid-point of the book—and the series itself!

I’ll be sharing unedited chapters on Patreon over the next few weeks for those following along early.

This week, I also chat about reading Homecoming by Robin Hobb—a beautifully written book as always—and watching Baby Reindeer on Netflix, a dark but excellent drama that’s definitely stayed with me.

On a less fun note, I’ve been nursing a bad back, which means I’ve had to miss out on seeing one of my favourite bands, James.

Hoping to be back on my feet properly soon!

🐉 Double Launch Week & A Passion Project Grows | Author Diary – April 18, 2025 📚✨

This week, I launched Wyvern’s Shadow and Blade of Sorrows, and began writing Ravenglass Legends Book 4—part of a newly planned seven-book passion project I’m excited to share with readers.

It’s been a big week!

I launched two new books:
🔥 Wyvern’s Shadow (The Ravenglass Throne, Book 2)
⚔️ Blade of Sorrows (Guild of Assassins, Book 3)

On top of that, I’ve started work on Book 4 of Ravenglass Legends.

I’ve made the decision to expand this into a seven-book series, with this fourth instalment serving as a mid-point in the larger story.

While it’s not my bestselling work, Ravenglass Legends remains my passion project—a world and cast of characters I care deeply about.

I’m writing it for the love of the story and hope readers will join me for the journey ahead.

follow jon on YouTube.

Jon’s Author Diary – November 24, 2023

What a week it’s been! From major progress in my writing to embarking on a legendary literary journey, this episode is packed with exciting updates and insights.

📚 Welcome to Jon Cronshaw’s Author Diary! 📚

✍️ A Productive Writing Spree

I’ve had a tremendously productive week, penning down five new episodes of Punks Versus Zombies.

The story is escalating—higher stakes, intense emotions, and fraying nerves.

📖 Embarking on “The Wheel of Time“

I’ve finally taken the plunge into Robert Jordan’s The Eye of the World, the first book in The Wheel of Time series.

It’s a world I’ve been hesitant to step into, given the sheer scale of the series, but I’m finding the journey enjoyable and intriguing so far.

🎉 New Releases and Endings

I released the ninth episode of Punks Versus Zombies on Substack this week.

Additionally, I’ve brought The Long Night, the second prequel to my forthcoming Ravenglass Legends series, to a close.

🎩 Lord Sidebottom’s New Adventure

Get ready for a treat this weekend—a brand new Lord Sidebottom story is on its way!

These tales are always a delight to write, and I can’t wait for you to see what’s in store.

To read the latest episodes and stories, visit joncronshawauthor.substack.com.

#JonCronshawsAuthorDiary #PunksVersusZombies #TheWheelOfTime #RavenglassLegends #FantasyFiction #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife