- The Arcanum
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- The Arcanum #2
Hello, everyone! If you're seeing this, it means you signed up for my newsletter at some point in time. Don't worry, I'm not going to flood your inbox. I do like to give you guys regular updates, though. Let's get started!
What Am I Working On?
So, some updates.
I don’t think I’ve talked about it much here, but every book I work on goes through multiple drafts (at least five, sometimes more). At some point in the process, I pass my book off to Phill and try not to think about it again until he sends his edits back to me.
Once that happens, I either start the next draft concurrently with whatever I’m already working on, or I figure out a stopping place and switch to the book he just finished.
In this case, I’m stopping everything else and just focusing on Mistwalker.
I’m really excited about this book, and can’t wait to share more updates on it.
What Am I Reading?
While I'm technically reading several books at the same time—I think I'm up to twenty, though some are writing books and textbooks—I'm trying to focus on one physical fiction book, one ebook, and one audiobook at a time.
For my physical book, I'm still reading Moby Dick by Herman Melville. I’ll be honest, it’s been slow going so far, but that’s partly because I’ve been focusing a little more on Why We Love Middle-earth by Shawn E. Marchese and Alan Sisto. I’ve been following their Prancing Pony Podcast since 2016, when they only had six or so episodes out. I’ve you’re a fan of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, I encourage you to seek out both the podcast and the book. They are wonderful. |  |
 | For an ebook, I’m still reading They’re not identical, of course, but the worlds are very similar. The story has been good so far, although it focuses a little more on romance than I typically like. If nothing else, I’ll be keeping Flowerheart in my mind as a potential comp. title for my Mari series. |
In the audiobook realm, I'm still listening to Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs and The House Witch by Delemhach.
I know, I know, I’ve been listening to these for so long. I’ll finish them some day (but it is not this day…)
They are enjoyable, though.
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What Am I Playing?
Not much of anything, lately. LotRO here and there.
My kinship does have another chicken run coming up, so I’m looking forward to that.
To explain: in The Lord of the Rings Online, your character can be turned into a chicken by completing a few quests at a certain farm in the Shire. The quests get progressively tougher, to the point that you really need a guard (or several) to complete them.
That’s what my group will be doing: helping our chickens complete one of the tougher quests (possibly the toughest, and certainly the longest).
(And yes, my main character has completed all the chicken quests. 😄 )
What Am I Watching?
Still haven't been watching any TV shows, but I joined in my Lord of the Rings group’s movie night recently and we watched Jumanji.
This was one of my favorite movies growing up, and I still consider it one of my favorites today. Funnily enough, I brought up Mark Helprin’s Swan Lake trilogy in my last email, and it shares a fun connection with this movie: Chris Van Allsburg.
I first came across his name when I read Swan Lake—Chris Van Allsburg was the illustrator. (I really should do a whole side post about that trilogy). Anyway, he is also the author and illustrator of Jumanji, Zathura, and The Polar Express, among other titles.
It was great watching the movie again, and it reinforced that I really do need to see the newer movies.
What’s New in Life?
Phill and I returned from the Superstars Writing Seminar after many adventures and new friends made!
Getting there was an adventure all by itself this year. We flew and ran into some trouble, although it all got sorted out in the end.
As I mentioned last time, Superstars is one of the only conferences we know of that focuses on the business of writing, which makes it invaluable for anyone wanting to pursue a career as an author.
Phill and I also recently attended FenCon in Dallas, TX. This is one we’ve been going to for several years. It’s fun, and we always enjoying getting to spend time with friends while there.
Neither of us are great at taking pictures, so I don’t have any to share, unfortunately. Maybe next time!
Smashwords Read an Ebook Week
We are fast approaching Read an Ebook Week, a week that encourages readers to pick up the digital device of their choice and download a new book to read.
I'm excited to announce that my book, Jack of Crows, will be available as part of a promotion on Smashwords to celebrate 2024 Read an Ebook Week! This is a chance to get my book, along with books from many other great authors, at a discount so you can get right to reading.
You will find the promo here starting on March 3, so save the link:https://www.smashwords.com/ebookweek
If you wouldn't mind taking part in promoting this celebration of Ebooks and reading, please feel free to share this promo with your friends and family. Just forward this email to anyone who would love a chance to find their next favorite book and, as the name suggests, read an ebook!
Thank you for your help and support!
Happy reading!
Future Bestseller Podcast
Some of you may be following my podcast, but if not, consider yourself invited! On Future Bestseller Podcast, we talk about the craft and business of writing and feature various guests.
On our recent episodes, we talked about Superstars and spoke with Craig Martelle, with a surprise appearance by Chris. Give them a listen if you haven't already!
Language Corner
I love languages, both learning to speak them and learning how they work. I minored in linguistics in college, and have been studying Irish for about ten years now. While I've also been learning Norwegian and Finnish, I've been focusing more on Irish lately.
Here, I like to share words I've learned in the various languages I'm studying.
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Patreon & Ko-fi
Want more regular updates and sneak peeks at books I'm working on? Consider joining my Patreon or Ko-fi groups! I typically post once a week and share snippets of drafts once a month.
And that's not all!
I post exclusive short stories to both my Patreon and my Ko-fi accounts (don't worry, it's the same content on both platforms, so there's no need to join both).
I also plan to start sharing regular music-related videos, and I'll have more news about that once I have the details ironed out. I hope to see you there!
Get in Touch
 | I'm always happy to answer questions about my books, about writing in general, or whatever else strikes your fancy. Send me a message! |