Tag Archives: Nick Steverson

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: My Goodness

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Week 41 of 2023

Greetings all

My goodness, what a week! Around 7,000 new words in a number of projects, plus so much else going on.

The EdwardsagaI got some great feedback on Where Now the Rider. Check out this review: “I shouldn’t have started this book at 2230. I should have known better. I do know better. All three of these have done violence to my sleep, and I did it willingly. I look forward to another.”– Greg Gagnon, KU Reader.

Get Where Now the Rider here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0CK6Q8TYV.

But wait, there’s more!

13 Stories of Horror
13 Stories of Horror

The first story I ever wrote was in 1997 and it was done only to fill a quire in the program for Neocon 8. It was, at the time, wretched and required a goodly amount of hubris to put it there.

Still, it filled the quire almost exactly and now that it’s been edited after all this experience, I’m quite pleased with it. Thanks to Nick Steverson and Marisa Wolf for including it in Thirteen Stories of Horror, which comes out tomorrow!

Stay tuned tomorrow for both the release link and details of a fun podcast with a bunch of the authors on Saturday evening at 7pm Central.

I’ll be there for part of it, but I’m going to be pretty busy on Saturday. It’s Anthony’s Fall Fest and I’ll have a booth in front of Pack N’Flavor restaurant. Come get books from me and some of the great cookies they sell there.

We made huge progress on our personal library this week, which is basically a long hallway extending from my den, which is behind my desk in the bookstore. I also got a big step up on the bookstore layout, plus put up new lights in the store. I’m making progress actually putting books on shelves. The vast majority of them are in stacks of their categories. Next week will bring a bunch of labels, more organization, and my checkout counter.

Oh, and stay tuned for cool new logos coming next week.

We’re starting to get a whole bunch of things in their actual place!

Oh, and we have a new assistant.

Bella
Bella

What I’m Listening To

The Chiefs beating up on Denver. Man, the Broncos simply aren’t a good offense. I don’t know what their overall problem is, as I don’t really study them, but they’re just not good.

Happenings in Anthony

Fall Fest 2023
Fall Fest 2023

Anthony Fall Fest! Click the thumbnail for the larger image.

Well, Team Nobody of Consequence didn’t, quite, defend their title at trivia last night. We were just too far behind after the music and entertainment categories. However, we almost made a miracle comeback, running the entire last category and getting a full 16 points. Lost by 2, 37 to 35. We’ll get ’em next week.

Quote of the Week

On this day, in 322, Demosthenes died. Demosthenes was one of the world’s greatest orators. I don’t have time here to give more than a quote, be he’s well worth looking into.

And, of course, you can read Jack McDevitt’s excellent A Talent for War to get a perspective on Demosthenes.

In any case, this is perhaps the most true quote I’ve ever posted, and something we all have to work against.

Nothing is easier than self-deceit.
– Demosthenes

Rob’s Riddles

I have a Patreon where I write Old English style riddles and provide snippets of my work. You can find it here: patreon.com/rhodri2112, along with a sample riddle.

First Line of Next Riddle:

Myriad am I     Molded for memories

Latest Snippet: Chapter 1 of The Eyes of a Doll.

New Mythology Works in Progress

I’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.

Of note, this now includes our recent releases, so if you’re not sure what we’ve put out lately, you can go here and check.

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • Ruriksaga (50,266)
  • The Seven (13,766)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week is a new 4HU novel. It’s Gunpowder Geishas by Carolyn Kay. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CKF8BP29.

Get Where Now the Rider here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0CK6Q8TYV.

Your pre-release this week is a new series from a new author! It’s Final Assembly by Dennis M. Myers, the first book in his Rise of the Automated Empire series. This series is set in a post-scarcity society on the moon in the distant future, where no one lacks for anything, and everyone gets along. Right? Not so fast… Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CKVFR1PL.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 355.8

Updated Word Count: Did too much to do that full accounting, but will try to do so next week.

Firehall Sagas Archives: 743 entries

Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: A Giant Leap

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Week 29 of 2023

Greetings all

It was a very productive if scattershot week. First, we had a great first full week from A Hope in Hell, the conclusion to Christopher G. Nuttall’s excellent post-apocalyptic swords and sorcery trilogy. The Heirs of Cataclysm has been a great series to publish and it’s been an honor to work with Chris.

And next week we have the re-release of A Lake Most Deep on Tuesday! I’m beyond the moon excited about this. It’s the first of the Edward mysteries, and Dave Butler said about these: “You’re going to love Edward’s adventures! It’s like Harry Bosch got crossed with Uhtred of Bebbanburgh!”

A Lake Most Deep Wrap No Text 600
A Lake Most Deep Wrap No Text 600

This updated version has this amazing art from J. Caleb Design! Here’s the blank wrap cover to show it all off.

Tomorrow, I’ll reveal the updated map of Achrida by Sean Stallings. It’s brilliant.

I also made good progress this week on Farewell, My Ugly as I get back into the swing of writing consistently. I’m aiming to have it to the editor by the end of August.

I also made good progress on the sooper-sekrit Firehall Sagas project that I’ll talk about in good time. Basically, the Firehall Sagas is about to explode.

Then there’s been setting up the bookstore. I did a ton of work on this too, getting the basic layout in place, including finally locking down my office space. I also started the acquisition of the basic inventory over and above what I had.

I’ve got a ton going on during the next few days. Saturday, I’ll join H.P. Holo. We’ll be talking about A Lake Most Deep and whatever else comes to mind. If you haven’t seen her stuff before, you should check her out. She’s a rock star, as is Jacob, her husband.

H.P. Holo Q&A
H.P. Holo Q&A

And look at the graphic she made for this episode! And here’s the link if you want get updates on Facebook: facebook.com/events/234711226078834.

Then on Monday, I’ll join Jeremy Comeaux on Monday for a pre-release party. Come join us for giveaways and whimsy. Here’s the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj9v3n1H_Ew for that.

But wait, there’s more! On the 27th, I’m scheduled to join Blasters & Blades again. That’s a great podcast, so if you’re not following them already, check them out here: youtube.com/c/BlastersandBladesPodcast.

That’s going to be interesting, if only because I’ll be Pennsylvania getting ready to go to Pennsic. By the way, if you’re going to Pennsic, I’ll be selling out of Area… errrr… I mean, Booth 51. It’s next to Calontir Trim and on the side of the barn.

Oh, and there’s a fun thing I’m doing with Dave Butler next week. Check out next week’s update for a fun giveaway.

And another oh, I should mention thing. Congrats to Nick Steverson, Melissa Olthoff, William Alan Webb, and Larry Hoy for all winning Imadjinn awards at Imaginarium last weekend. Best novel, best short story, and best anthology. I think covers it all, right? Well deserved.

Wow, so much great stuff going on. I’m glad y’all are here to be a part of the journey.

What I’m Listening To

More of Endeavor while the wife knits next to me. Not a bad way to work.

Quote of the Week

It’s July 20th. Could there be any other quote for the week?

“That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”
– Neil Armstrong

Rob’s Riddles

I have a Patreon where I write Old English style riddles and provide snippets of my work. You can find it here: patreon.com/rhodri2112, along with a sample riddle.

First Line of Next Riddle:

Three is a magic number But thrice ten is mine

Latest Snippet: Chapter 1 of A Lake Most Deep

New Mythology Works in Progress

Of note, this now includes our recent releases, so if you’re not sure what we’ve put out lately, you can go here and check.

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • Farewell, My Ugly (75,321)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

A Hope in Hell by Christopher G. Nuttall, the conclusion to his Heirs of Cataclysm trilogy, came out on Tuesday! It’s available here: amazon.com/gp/product/B0CBDGZ7D6.

This week we have In Isolation from Purpose, book 3 of C.S. Ferguson’s Transhuman War series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CBSQFMJP.

Speaking of Imadjinn winners Nick Steverson and Melissa Olthoff, this week’s pre-release is Privateers & Pandemonium from the Salvage Title universe. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CC9TGLJS.

And remember, A Lake Most Deep is out on Tuesday!

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 354.0

Updated Word Count: 206,306

Firehall Sagas Archives: 742 entries

Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe

Rush, Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: Lilies War 2023

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Week 23 of 2023

Greetings all

Hey, look, I remembered today is Thursday. Go me! I’m back on schedule, except for the fact that there’ll be no regular update next week as I’ll be at the War of the Lilies and not have enough internet access to post.

However, I’m going to try something out, so expect something special.

I’ve had another great week and there’s so much coming out soon!

Shadow, Ash, Prophecy
Shadow, Ash, Prophecy

Shadow, Ash, and Prophecy went to the ARC readers yesterday. If you’re on the team,  check your email. This is the 2nd book in The 27 Kingdoms by Trisha J. Wooldridge. It’s Asian-themed epic fantasy with dragons, fey, and as you can see on the cover, a tough bad guy.

By the way, with all that’s coming down the pike, I’m going to need a bunch more ARC readers. If you’re interested in becoming part of the advance team, send me an email at: rob@chriskennedypublishing.com.

But wait, there’s more! A Hope In Hell, the high-powered conclusion of Christopher G. Nuttall’s excellent Heirs of Cataclysm trilogy, is in process. The target date for release is July 11th.

And yet, even more!The Firehall Sagas, the re-release of the former World of Shijuren is nigh.

A Lake Most Deep by yours truly gets re-released on July 25th.  It’s got a new cover, an editing pass to streamline the story, but with all the same mystery and adventure.

Expect the rest of the Firehall Sagas to come out in sequence, about every 5 weeks at least through 2023 from that point.

I can’t tell you all how excited I am with this release. I love A Lake Most Deep, but it suffered from normal first-novel issues. The characters, mystery, and setting are great, but I wasn’t as good a writer in 2014 and 2015 as I am now. Not only that, it has a new opening scene I really love.

Plus wait until you see what J. Caleb Designs did for the cover. It’s amazing.

There’s also been a bunch of unpacking and organizing here. Bit by bit, the boxes are getting emptied. We can even sit at a pew or two.

Now all I have to do is learn how to back up a trailer. This hasn’t gone well yet, but I’m learning.

By the way, following the War of the Lilies, I’ll be going to Chattanooga for LibertyCon. Here’s my schedule: https://www.libertycon.org/lc35pros/rob-howell.

As you can see, Richard Groller and the rest of the programming staff have given me a great list of things to do. By the way, I’ll be reading the brand new opening scene to A Lake Most Deep.

With that, I better get back to work. Lots to do before leaving for Lilies. Have a great couple of weeks, everyone!

What I’m Listening To

Take the Long Way Home by Supertramp. Seems fitting now that I’ve move back to the Wichita area after all those years away.

Quote of the Week

Happy birthday to Jerry Stiller. You may remember him from Seinfeld, King of Queens, or as Ben Stiller’s dad.

I remember him from the videos he made for Rush concerts. Here’s one to start with: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Cz9VjjvCE.

“Did I miss the band? Where’s the band? Where’s my man Lerxst? Hit me baby. And the skinny guy, Dirk. Give it to me. And the other guy. Yeah, the Professor! Where are you guys?”
– Jerry Stiller

Rob’s Riddles

I have a Patreon where I write Old English style riddles and provide snippets of my work. You can find it here: patreon.com/rhodri2112, along with a sample riddle.

First Line of Next Riddle:

With fierce heart              Defend I your soul

Latest Snippet: Chapter 5 of Farewell, My Ugly

New Mythology Works in Progress

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • Farewell, My Ugly (73,704)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have Pirates & Payback from Nick Steverson and Melissa Olthoff. This is the second of their Salvage Treasure trilogy in the Salvage Title universe originally created by the amazing Kevin Steverson. Get your fast space opera action here: amazon.com/dp/B0C6QWXCB6.

Also in Kevin Steverson’s Salvage Title universe, It Takes All Kinds, an anthology of fun races including my story Careful with that Axe, E.U. Gene. Get it in, electronic, paper, or audio formats here: https://books2read.com/u/bQApGE.

Your pre-release this week is New Horizons by Chris Kennedy. This is a collection of sixteen of his best short stories. You don’t want to miss it. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C7BP8PJ3.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 351.8

Updated Word Count: 115,029

Firehall Sagas Archives: 737 entries

Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: Dude, Where’s My Week?

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Week 22 of 2023

Greetings all

What a great, productive week! So much so I completely lost a day in there somewhere. Well, actually, I remember yesterday, as I was falling asleep, “Wait, today’s Thursday!”

So I apologize for getting this out a day late, but as I said, I got a lot done.

Shadow, Ash, Prophecy
Shadow, Ash, Prophecy

Let’s start with a cover reveal, and let me just say, this is one of my favorite covers I’ve seen so far. It’s the cover for Shadow, Ash, and Prophecy by Trisha J. Wooldridge, which comes out on the 20th.

Isn’t that amazing?

It’s from J. Caleb Designs, one of the best cover artists out there. You’ve seen his work with the Valor anthologies, the Balance of Kerr series, and now this.

Side note: There’s another cover coming next month from him that’s awesome, though I might be biased. But we’ll get to that in due time.

Trisha and I spent a great deal of time putting the final touches on Shadow, Ash, and Prophecy and I’m excited with this story. It’s set in The 27 Kingdoms and is a great follow up to Heart, Wings, and Fire, and focuses on the fey allies and enemies Byria gained in that book.

Trisha did a great job of creating a culture with Asian influences, especially Taiwanese, that still has the alien feel that the fey should have.

But wait, there’s more! I’ve also been working on A Hope in Hell. This is by Christopher G. Nuttall and is the conclusion to his first trilogy in the Heirs of Cataclysm series.

This will come out on July 11th, so it’s coming soon!

On the home front, there’s been a bunch of unpacking and the barest hint of organizing. Getting there. I also spent a day getting a trailer hitch put on the car and then a pretty epic shopping trip across Wichita. Amazing how many steps when you go through Sam’s, Wal-Mart, Aldi’s, and Ollie’s.

A great week indeed!

What I’m Listening To

Pandora’s Classic Prog Rock channel has gotten me of late. Rush, Jethro Tull, Yes? Sign me up.

Quote of the Week

I learned today that both Morena Baccarin (1979) and Jewel Staite (1982) were born on the 2nd of July. Any day is a great day for a quote from Firefly, but this seems perfect!

Kaylee: No, it’s shiny! I like to meet new people. They’ve all got stories…
Jayne: Captain, can you stop her from being cheerful please?
Mal: I don’t believe there’s a power in the ‘Verse can stop Kaylee from being cheerful. Sometimes you just want to duct tape her mouth and dump her in the hold for a month.
Kaylee: I love my captain.
– Firefly, Pilot

Rob’s Riddles

I have a Patreon where I write Old English style riddles and provide snippets of my work. You can find it here: patreon.com/rhodri2112, along with a sample riddle.

I got a bonus riddle out last week and I’m back on track.

First Line of Next Riddle:

Born from sand but         Built on rock’s strength

Latest Snippet: Chapter 5 of Farewell, My Ugly

New Mythology Works in Progress

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • Farewell, My Ugly (73,704)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

Your first release this week is Pirates & Payback from Nick Steverson and Melissa Olthoff. This is the second of their Salvage Treasure trilogy in the Salvage Title universe originally created by the amazing Kevin Steverson. Get your fast space opera action here: amazon.com/dp/B0C6QWXCB6.

Next is C.S. Ferbuson’s The Province of Danger, book 2 in his Transhuman War. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C665BS1P.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 351.0

Updated Word Count: 114,169

Firehall Sagas Archives: 737 entries

Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: A Man, A Plan

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Week 18 of 2023

Greetings all

I bet you all are tired of hearing stuff about the move. Good news we now start the last week of getting out of the old house. Yes, it’ll take months, many months, to fully organize the new place, but getting everything down to one house will be a huge victory.

One more week of bouncing up to Olathe or down to Anthony about once a day. That’s 3.5 hours each way, by the way. I’m ready to be done with it.

I’m also ready to really get back to proper work. We’ve been pushing through this move at warp speed, and I’m glad because I’d hate it if it really dragged. I mean, when I look at what we’ve done since April 11th, I have to say, it’s been impressive, especially since neither of us truly believed we’d get the house in Anthony until close actually happened.

We’re ecstatic about the new house and I daresay you’ll get some cool pictures as we get rooms and things organized. I’m hoping to have my main working area arranged by next Thursday and have a full week of work starting then.

I’ve been nibbling at Shadow, Ash, and Prophecy, book 2 of the 27 Kingdoms series by Trisha J. Wooldridge. I’m behind, but making progress. I hope to have that ready to publish at LibertyCon.

Partially, that’s because the art is done and it is awesome.

Anyway, I need to get back to packing. Have a great week everyone.

What I’m Listening To

La Villa Strangiato by Rush. Seems apt for my life right now. Intricate, amazing, and long.

Quote of the Week

A man, a plan, a canal, Panama.

In 1904, work on the Panama Canal started. I had the great pleasure of transiting the canal in 2016, and much of The Eyes of a Doll was written on that cruise, so here’s a quote by Teddy about the accomplishment.

“A finer body of men has never been gathered by any nation than the men who have done the work of building the Panama Canal; the conditions under which they have lived and have done their work have been better than in any similar work ever undertaken in the tropics; they have all felt an eager pride in their work; and they have made not only America but the whole world their debtors by what they have accomplished.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

Rob’s Riddles

I have a Patreon where I write Old English style riddles and provide snippets of my work. You can find it here: patreon.com/rhodri2112, along with a sample riddle.

I apologize for the hiatus on the move. Back to full speed soon, hopefully next Monday. Thanks for everyone’s patience.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • Farewell, My Ugly (58,812)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have Hunters and Hijinks, a new Salvage Title novel by Nick Steverson and Melissa Olthoff. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C3KVXYS6.

Also, it’s not a new release, but there’s a sale on The Last Stand, book 1 of the Guardian Covenant by Chris Kennedy and Kevin Ikenberry. Get it here: amazon.com/gp/product/B0BJNW843S. Get it for half off now!

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 352.4

Updated Word Count: 111,491

Firehall Sagas Archives: 737 entries

Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: NFL Draft Night

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Week 17 of 2023

Greetings all

Things are progressing on the move. We’re starting to settle into the new place a bit, and are making progress getting the house in Olathe ready to sell.

I’ve been puttering with a couple of projects, but it’s been difficult as I’ve spent so much time on the road. I’ve averaged more than one trip between the two houses (about 3.5 hours) per day over the last two weeks. I know I-35, US-400, K-42, and K-2 too darn well.

We moved the cats yesterday. That’s always a thing, but they’re starting to settle in.

Anyway, a short update today. Have a great week.

What I’m Listening To

The NFL Draft! One of my favorite things all year.

Quote of the Week

Seems like I should have a quote from a football guy, and hey, look, Chuck Knox was born today.

Winning and losing are both very temporary things. Having done one or the other, you move ahead. Gloating over a victory or sulking over a loss is a good way to stand still.

– Chuck Knox

Rob’s Riddles

I have a Patreon where I write Old English style riddles and provide snippets of my work. You can find it here: patreon.com/rhodri2112, along with a sample riddle.

I apologize for the hiatus on the move. Back to full speed soon, hopefully next Monday. Thanks for everyone’s patience.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • Farewell, My Ugly (58,812)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

Your pre-release this week is The Backbone of Surprise, by C.S. Ferguson. This is book one in a new MilSF series called the Transhuman War. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C2XYB421.

Podium has opened up Pandora’s Box, book 2 in Christopher G. Nuttall’s excellent swords and sorcery post-apocalyptic series Heirs of Cataclysm. Pre-order is here: audible.com/pd/Pandoras-Box-Audiobook/B0C2QMZLHF.

Your pre-release this week is Hunters and Hijinks, a new Salvage Title novel by Nick Steverson and Melissa Olthoff. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C3KVXYS6.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 351.0

Updated Word Count: 110,841

Firehall Sagas Archives: 737 entries

Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: Heart, Wings, and Fire

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Week 41 of 2022

Greetings all

Heart, Wings, and Fire
Heart, Wings, and Fire

What a week! There was the  release of Heart, Wings, and Fire by Trisha J. Wooldridge. This is a great story inspired by Asian myths and legends that includes princesses, dragons, and fey, oh, my!

I met Trisha at Superstars and she’s is incredibly impressive. Smart, enthusiastic, and talented. Hard to pass up this combination and I’m incredibly honored to have been able to publish her in New Mythology Press.

By the way, get Heart, Wings, and Fire here: amazon.com/dp/B0BGZ3ST1M.

A Murder of Wolves
A Murder of Wolves

But wait, more’s just around the corner! The 9th Eldros Legacy novel comes out this upcoming Tuesday. It’s A Murder of Wolves by Jamie Ibson. It’s got a bit of military fantasy mixed with swords and sorcery and a lot of adventure.

Again, this comes out on Tuesday and it’s great.

By the way, in last week’s poll, the cover for A Murder of Wolves edged out the cover of Heart, Wings, and Fire. I think I like the art on Wolves better, but the title treatment of Heart is amazing, so that pushes it over the top for me.

On my end of things here I had one of those weeks where I was productive but the numbers won’t exactly show it. I’ve had a bunch of words come out on Farewell, My Ugly, but I cut a bunch as well. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that’s part of my process.

Like I say, it won’t really show up in the running tally below, but this was one of my best weeks in a while, topping 7,000 new words even if about that number went by the wayside.

I’m in the midst of the transition from Act I to Act II and I realized that a bunch of what I had in Act I really doesn’t drive the story, but this new stuff will absolutely push us ahead.

I also took a bit of time off, like really off, this past weekend while the sweetie was off in North Dakota. I told y’all I’d watch football, and I did, watching 6 NFL games and some or all of 8 college games.

I have to admit I’m especially excited about the University of Kansas Jayhawks right now. I don’t ever expect them to win, so going 5-0 thus far is way ahead of expectations.

They’re even hosting College GameDay, a big thing for college football, this weekend. This is ESPN’s Saturday pregame show and they move it around to various campuses to give fans a chance to be a part of the show. It’s quite fun, and this is the first time ever it’s been to Lawrence. Whether they beat TCU this weekend or not, it’s already been a successful season for the Jayhawks.

Rock, chalk, baby!

And with that, I’m going to go write a fight scene. Have a great week everyone.

What I’m Listening To

Currently, I’m listening to Wolgemut play Chanzonetta Tedesca. Wolgemut is a neat band that uses medieval instruments to play medieval songs but often with a metal edge and enthusiasm. Really fun, fantastic stuff.

Here’s their website: wolgemut.net.

Quote of the Week

Happy birthday to the amazing David Brin!

If you have other things in your life-family, friends, good productive day work-these can interact with your writing and the sum will be all the richer.
– David Brin

Dudes In Hyperspace

Follow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
bleav.com/shows/the-dudes-in-hyperspace-podcast/

The latest show includes a fun interview with Nick Steverson.

Cool Stuff In Eldros Legacy

Get five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.

A Murder of Wolves by Jamie Ibson comes out on the 11th of October.

Currently available:

Get all the Eldros Legacy novels at: amazon.com/dp/B09Z9WVKYV

New Mythology Works in Progress

2023 FantaSci Short Story Contest open call.

The theme is Bonds of Valor, and you story must include deeds of valor centered around bonds between characters. This could be a romantic relationship, a buddy adventure, oaths to kings, or whatever you can come up with.

Deadline: November 30th, 2022
Word Count: 7-10,000 words
Specifics: Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1.5 line spaced.

Current Schedule of New Mythology Press

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Farewell, My Ugly (23,685)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • CB (8,418)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week’s release is Vendetta Protocol by Kevin Ikenberry. It’s actually a re-release of Kevin’s first series and it’s fantastic. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BGN41SY7.

Your pre-release this week is D.T Read’s Running from the Gods. Get it here: amazon.com//dp/B0BHCMKH2L.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 333.2

Updated Word Count: 159,067

Eldros Legacy Archives: 813 entries

Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Founder in the Eldros Legacy series

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: September is Here!

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Week 36 of 2022

Greetings all

No Game For Knights
No Game For Knights

I am so excited for September this year because it’s going to be huge for me.

First, coming out in only 5 days is No Game For Knights. It’s available in pre-order here: www.amazon.com/dp/B0B57DS9JD.

I am so pleased to be a part of this anthology. It is, of course, an honor to be in something with so many big names like Correia, Hamilton, Buettner, et. al., but for me it’s more than that.

I love noir, especially the hard-boiled detective versions. I love the intricate plots, the vivid language, the multi-dimensional characters, and a setting that is as much a character as it is a place. Raymond Chandler’s writing is almost poetry, and I heartily suggest people get audio versions to listen to his rhythm and cadence.

It’s the genre I lean into, whether I’m writing fantasy, pure mystery, SF, or whatever.

The Valkyries Initiative
The Valkyries Initiative

So that brings me to my next awesomeness for September. On September 16th, The Valkyries Initiative comes out. This is an anthology set in the Hit World created by William Alan Webb. The anthology is edited by Marisa Wolf, who wanted to add more powerful women characters to that universe, and also create a whole separate thread in that universe.

Let’s just say, Marisa weaves a tangled web, which will make even more sense when you read the anthology.

Anyway, I leaned into noir with my story here, which is sort of a hard-boiled PI version of a Norse Valkyrie just trying to do her job in modern St. Louis and finding it’s not so easy as she thought. The Norns have woven a fate for Vigdis that she has to discover, else they will be wroth with her.

At least Vigdis gets to drink all the Schlafly Oatmeal Stout she wants.

And that brings us to the next reason I’m excited about September. That weekend, the 16th through the 18th, I’ll be at FenCon in the DFW Metroplex. This is a con I’ve been looking forward to going to for a while, especially since I’ll see a number of friends I haven’t in a long while.

This includes William Alan Webb, and we’ll be talking up The Valkyries Initiative quite a bit. Plus Larry Correia will be there and I’m sure we’ll be talking up No Game for Knights.

But wait, there’s more!

September will have not one, but 2 releases with New Mythology Press. First, we’ll have The Pain Bearer, by Kendra Merritt on the 13th. This is the 8th in the Eldros Legacy.

Then, on the 27th, we start with a new series from Chris Nuttall. The first book is entitled The Chimera Coup, and it’s a blend of post-apocalyptic with some Harry Potter in a swords and sorcery story with a host of action and adventure. It’s great stuff.

Basically, I have something coming out each week in September (plus the first two weeks of October, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves).

Man, I’m excited. Let’s do this!

What I’m Listening To

Pellonpekko by Korpiklaani.

What by who?

Korpiklaani is one of my favorite folk metal bands, in their case, it’s Finnish folk music that inspires them. Pellonpekko is an instrumental that’s one my “Must Play Again Every Time” list.

Pellonpekko is a Finnish god, and here’s a version of the song on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=fCY5b36U9t8. It’s the kind of song that crosses a lot of genres, so even if folk metal isn’t normally your thing, you might still like this one.

Quote of the Week

“Aspen 30, I show you at one thousand nine hundred and forty-two knots, across the ground.”
– Brian Shul

On this day, the SR-71 set the record for flying from New York to London in the time of one hour, 54 minutes and 56.4 seconds. Today’s quote is from a different SR-71 moment.

If you haven’t heard this story yet, watch this video. It’s hilarious. youtube.com/watch?v=8AyHH9G9et0.

Dudes In Hyperspace

Follow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
bleav.com/shows/the-dudes-in-hyperspace-podcast/

The latest show includes a fun discussion of the upcoming college football season with Joe Deleone.

Cool Stuff In Eldros Legacy

Get five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.

The Pain Bearer by Kendra Merritt comes out on the 13th.

This is the 8th in the Eldros Legacy and is set in Noksonon, the continent of light and shadow. I have to add, this might be favorite EL novel so far, and that even includes my own The Door Into Winter.

Currently available:

Get all the Eldros Legacy novels at: amazon.com/dp/B09Z9WVKYV

New Mythology Works in Progress

2023 FantaSci Short Story Contest open call.

The theme is Bonds of Valor, and you story must include deeds of valor centered around bonds between characters. This could be a romantic relationship, a buddy adventure, oaths to kings, or whatever you can come up with.

Deadline: November 30th, 2022
Word Count: 7-10,000 words
Specifics: Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1.5 line spaced.

Giveaways
YA Sci Fi and Fantasy
YA Sci Fi and Fantasy

YA Sci Fi and Fantasy

mybookcave.com/g/future-and-fantastical-ya-sci-fi-and-fantasy/?bcsrc=m96pfh

Rob’s Works in Progress
  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (5,108)
  • Farewell, My Ugly (23,151)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • CB (8,418)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)
Upcoming Events
New Releases

This week we have Darkness Rising by William S. Frisbee, Jr. This is the 2nd in his Gods of War series. Side note: Chris has 6 of these in hand and will be releasing them about every 5-6 weeks. That means if you jump in now, you won’t have to wait long, so get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BBQ5J3R9.

Our special early release for this week is The Ghosts of Xicotepec by James Tarr. This is the 3rd book in his Echoes of Pangaea series and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BCHX1XKR.

And new in audio is Action, by Nick Steverson. It’s part of the Salvage Title universe and is narrated by Michael LeBlanc. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BBQ47LFH.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 327.2

Updated Word Count: 152,140

Eldros Legacy Archives: 813 entries

Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Founder in the Eldros Legacy series

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: NFL Draft Week

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Week 18 of 2022

Greetings all

It’s the week of the NFL Draft!

Yes, I know I’m crazy, but I really love the draft. I enjoy the research and studying prospects, and I tend to keep track of my pet cats throughout their careers, especially the ones that go in the later rounds.

If you want a non-first round pick that seems like someone that’ll be fun to follow, I’d suggest Bernhard Raimann. He’s an Austrian kid who played on a youth American football team in Vienna. He started as a wide receiver, got bigger and played tight end, and now he’s an intriguing offensive tackle prospect. He’s a little old, and not the biggest out there, but he’s got good athleticism and might be something. He’ll hear his name called tomorrow.

The Door Into Winter
The Door Into Winter

Anyway, it’s been a really productive week. The Door Into Winter went out to the review team. And guess what! We have a cover reveal. I love this cover. It’s so kinetic and the colors match me.

The week actually started with Planet Comicon. I had a great time and I had my best-selling year yet. My feet hurt, though. Been a while since I’ve had to do that sort of thing.

I also finished an editing project that I’ll be talking about much more down the road.

I’ve started working on the sequel to The Door Into Winter, which I’m tentatively titling Sowing Spring’s Wrath. Mostly, I’ve been playing around with some Save the Cat Beat Sheet ideas.

I’ve got a ton of projects in the wings coming, and I’m really excited about what we’ll be bringing in the summer and fall.

What I’m Listening To

I’m listening to draft coverage on the Dallas Cowboys network, which is actually one of the best across the board draft shows around.

Quote of the Week

This quote comes from the performer at the first concert I ever went to. My mom took me to see Willie Nelson at Cessna Stadium, the Wichita State football stadium, when I was in 7th grade or so. Fun, strange experience. Anyway, Willie’s birthday is today, and here’s a great quote from him.

Indecision may or may not be our biggest problem.
– Willie Nelson

Dudes In Hyperspace

Follow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
bleav.com/shows/the-dudes-in-hyperspace-podcast/

The latest show includes discussions on character building.

Cool Stuff In Eldros Legacy

Get five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.

The Door Into Winter comes out on the 10th of May!

Currently available:

New Mythology Works in Progress

2023 FantaSci Short Story Contest open call.

The theme is Bonds of Valor, and you story must include deeds of valor centered around bonds between characters. This could be a romantic relationship, a buddy adventure, oaths to kings, or whatever you can come up with.

Deadline: November 30th, 2022
Word Count: 7-10,000 words
Specifics: Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1.5 line spaced.

I’m currently working on The Door Into Winter, my next novel.

Giveaways
Tales of the Future
Tales of the Future

 

Tales of the Future

books.bookfunnel.com/maysff001a/hqjxwa6r8l

Military Space Opera and Cyborgs
Military Space Opera and Cyborgs

Military Space Opera and Cyborgs

storyoriginapp.com/bundles/04d190a6-a86b-11ec-bd85-dfe21ce89d01?bundleLinkId=CBbHu1T

Boundless
Boundless

 

 

Boundless

storyoriginapp.com/bundles/b9cecff0-a3e3-11ec-aebd-5b561e3fd270?bundleLinkId=vfqwZMt

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • The Door Into Winter (1,043)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • CB (8,418)
  • VAL (571)
Upcoming Events
  • Updated list coming soon

New Releases

Another Steverson with another Salvage Title story. Stop me if you’ve heard this before! This time, it’s Nick Steverson, with Consequences. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B09YC47GMG.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 323.2

Updated Word Count: 137,048

Eldros Legacy Archives: 813 entries

Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Founder in the Eldros Legacy series

Conventions

Rob’s Ramblings: FantaSci 2022 AAR

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Greetings all

I’m home after a great time at FantaSci. This con is in the Research Triangle in North Carolina, so it’s a bit of a hike from Kansas City, but it’s well worth it. To put it this way, I have already bought my pass for 2023.

I got to the hotel on Thursday afternoon, and began the hanging out almost immediately. The best part of cons isn’t really the con, though all of it is necessary for my business, it’s the people.

The first afternoon at cons is therefore a great time of re-connecting. Then, Thursday evening we went to Trali Irish Pub for a group dinner. Then, there was drinking at the bar.

I got to bed far too late.

Friday, I had some errands to run for the CKP Party on Saturday night, then I was back for three straight panels.

Keen Edge of Valor
Keen Edge of Valor

First, we had the release panel for Keen Edge of Valor. In this, we get as many authors who are in the anthology to come to the panel and talk about their story. It’s fun to share all the cool stuff in an anthology, and we had a great time because it’s a great anthology.

Get it here, by the way: amazon.com/dp/B09W91TP24/

Then we had a panel on Killing People and Breaking Stuff, including Mark Wandrey as moderator, Joshua Palmatier, Monalisa Foster, and William Joseph Roberts. This went over how much combat and violence to put in a story. The basic answer is that each of us have to develop a style that works with whatever genre we’re writing in.

Last on Friday night was perhaps my favorite panel on the week, talking about making books into movies. Carolyn Kay did a great job as moderator. Chaz Kemp, Cathy DeMott, and I went over a wide variety of topics and it was a hoot.

Then on Saturday we started with the Chris Kennedy Publishing Year Ahead panel. TL:DR is that there’s a bunch of great stuff coming. For the long version, go to chriskennedypublishing.com.

I had a bit of a break then before going into a panel on podcasting. There weren’t many people in the hall, but that became a good thing as Ian J. Malone sort of turned it into a roundtable. It was a blast, especially because Nicole Givens Kurtz is a hoot, and very, very sharp. Plus there was Kevin Steverson. Really good panel.

Immediately after, we had a great panel on overcoming Writer’s Block with Mark Stallings and Mark Jack Stoumbos. There are tools we can use, but one thing I want to emphasize is that we need to differentiate between those times when writer’s block has to do with the story and times when it has to do with fatigue, frustration, depression, and other things with the writer.

Then I had another panel on alternate history. I didn’t prepare for this as well as I should as moderator because I didn’t find out about it until Saturday afternoon. This is all on me because it was in the program, I just didn’t notice it.

Anyway, I had a Chuck Gannon and Dave Butler on the panel, along with Jason Cordova and Chris Kennedy, so I didn’t have to do much. They just got to riffing on stuff back and forth. At least I’m smart enough to sit back and let them go.

That was my last panel of the day, but then there was a huge evening of socializing. The Four Horsemen Dining Out that FantaSci hosts is unique, as far as I know, and an amazing experience.

Side note: Nick Steverson started the Dining Out off with a bang.

Anyway, then we had the CKP party, which went well as far as I could tell. All I  know is I spent Saturday night chatting and schmoozing until late in the night.

This last part was an issue, because on Sunday morning at 9am I hosted the New Mythology Press year ahead panel. I was really impressed with how many we got to come out on Sunday morning, because I for one wouldn’t have minded sleeping in.

Deadly Fortune
Deadly Fortune

The big announcement was the cover reveal for Deadly Fortune by Aaron Rosenberg. This is a swashbuckling private eye novel with swords and intrigue and pirates.

Then there was time to hang out until Closing Ceremonies. I got to announce the winners of the FantaSci Short Story Contest.

The four finalists were C.M. DeMott, Nathan Balyeat, Chris Hepler, and Jonathan Miller. The winner was Chris Hepler, with his story “The Torturer of Camelot.” A great story that was at the top of my list from the start.

I also announced next year’s anthology theme. It will be entitled Bonds of Valor and while the primary theme of deeds of valor remains unchanged, we’re also adding a subtheme of bonds between characters.

This includes characters in a romantic relationship, buddy adventures, oaths sworn to others, and any other bond between characters.

The submission details are:
Deadline: November 30th, 2022
Word Count: 7-10,000 words
Specifics: Times New Roman, 12 point, and 1.5 line spacing.

Get writing!

As for me, I’m going to look forward to FantaSci 2023. Tickets are available here: fantasci.rocks/

See you there!