Category Archives: Aesc & Thorn Publishing

Posts related to Aesc & Thorn Publishing and various aspects of Rob’s professional life.

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: Over the Hump

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Week 38 of 2023

Greetings all

Another productive week! Almost ready to send Farewell, My Ugly to the editor. Soooo  close.

Where Now the Rider
Where Now the Rider

First, I’m really excited about Where Now the Rider. It comes out on October 3rd, and is the 3rd of the Edward novels. In this one, Edward fulfills a promise made in A Lake Most Deep. Unfortunately, that promise involves asking questions most everyone thinks are better left forgotten. Edward ends up facing a foe who’s been plotting against Edward for far too long.

The ARC went out to the advance team this week, so if you’re on the team, check your inboxes. If you’re not on the advance team, but want to read new stuff before anyone else, drop me a line.

This is one of those “negative” writing weeks, in that I ended up with less words. However, somewhere around 85% of the story is polished so I’m getting there. Today, for example, I did my “that” search. I eliminate as many “thats” as I can, which ends up getting rid of a whole bunch of wasted verbiage. I did that for a couple other phrases/words that often just clog up the reading.

This is also the part where I’m starting to really love the story. I start with a cool idea, then I get to about 70k, and things get slow and boggy. Frustration sets in a bit as it’s tough. Then I get over the hump, and the story pops of the page again.

I’m at that point, which is always a great feeling.

Also close is the layout of the bookstore. By this time next week, I should have all the shelves constructed and start sorting books by category. Hopefully, next week, we’ll have a bunch of the layout of the quilt shop done. Also, might have our POS computers up.

What we did finish is the big multi-purpose room floor. It looks good. I’ll have pictures next week after we have the lighting redone. It has a dropped ceiling and we’re putting in 2x2ft LED panels that are really nice. We also put these in the AirBNB.

We aim to have the AirBNB ready at some point in October. We’ll be painting it next week, and might even have part of the floor done there too.

Progress, progress, progress.

What I’m Listening To

49ers v. Giants. Right now, the step-spawn is yelling at the TV.

Happenings in Anthony

I’m starting a new category this week, and that’s a local report from Anthony, KS.

We’ve started going to the Idle Hour’s Wednesday night trivia and half-price wings. Our name last week was, “We Don’t Have One.” This week it’s “We Still Don’t Know.” We’re doing okay, though it’s just the two of us and we have no clue about popular music. If you know popular stuff, come join us!

Speaking of trivia night, the city is hosting a trivia night on November 4th as a fundraiser. More details next week.

Quote of the Week

Today is Bill Murray’s birthday, and that’s a fact, Jack!

Whatever you do, always give 100%. Unless you’re donating blood.
– Bill Murray

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:

I gave birth to an age in elementary fashion

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 (48,341)
  • Farewell, My Ugly (92,450)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

Book 4 of Kevin Ikenberry’s Guardian Covenant series is out. It’s entitled Volunteer Fury and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CHZ14TWK.

The Eyes of a Doll is live! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CGMV3B91.

Your pre-release this week is D.T. Read’s Ganwold’s Child. This is not the next book in her excellent Seventh Shaman series, but is actually book one in the Sergey Chronicles. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CJDLJ4H2.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 351.6

Updated Word Count: 212,924

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: Coming Around the Bend

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Week 37 of 2023

Greetings all

It’s amazing how productive I can be during weeks where I don’t have to travel. This was a very good week, and for the first time in a long time, I averaged over 1000 new words a day.

The main work was in Farewell, My Ugly, where I added over 7000 new words, plus did final edits on over half of it. The end and off to the editor should happen next week.

It’s finally coming around the bend. Thank goodness.

I also did work on the project coming out after that. I’ll talk about it more, but I started a short story in it and I got about 1600 words written in that one too.

Where Now the Rider
Where Now the Rider

The big news this week, however, is I have a cover reveal! Where Now the Rider comes out on October 3rd, and here’s the cover. Many thanks to J. Caleb Designs for yet another great cover. As, of course, we expected because he is one of the best cover artists in the business.

This was also a great week for working on the building. We started laying floor in the big room. I expect we’ll have pictures next week because we’re done.

We also got the AirBnB cleaned out. We’re aiming for that to be available in October, but there’s a long way to go.

Finally, at some point next week, I can start organizing books. Plus there’s stock coming in for the quilt store. Hopefully next week we’ll have a logo to show off.

It’s been a great week. I hope yours go just as well!

What I’m Listening To

With our current setup, it’s really easy for me to watch Thursday Night Football and do my update. So, guess what I’m doing now?

Quote of the Week

“Give me a ping, Vasily. One ping only.”

Happy birthday to Sam Neill, who played Vasily Borodin in The Hunt for Red October. Here’s a quote from him, something I’m glad I’ve learned along the way.

“Failure is never quite so frightening as regret.”
– Sam Neill

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’ve done a bad job here, this week. Been focused on Farewell, My Ugly.

First Line of Next Riddle:

I gave birth to an age in elementary fashion

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

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)
  • Ruriksaga (48,341)
  • Farewell, My Ugly (92,673)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

And more in the high-intensity Abner Fortis, ISMC series from P.A. Piatt. This time it’s Peace Dividend and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CGXL8JYX.

Nic Plume completes her Shadows of Peace trilogy with Tinaree: Tempered by Blood. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CHDLXFLB.

Your pre-release this week is book 4 of Kevin Ikenberry’s Guardian Covenant series. It’s entitled Volunteer Fury and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CHZ14TWK.

The Eyes of a Doll is live! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CGMV3B91.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 354.2

Updated Word Count: 212,115

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: What the World Kneeds Now

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Week 36 of 2023

Greetings all

At least, what the Rob kneeds now. He needs to not hurt his knee and then drive over 2000 miles over a weekend. Sadly, that’s exactly what Rob did this past weekend. Hard to have an especially productive week when you lose 4 full days between the trip and the recovery.

The Eyes of a Doll
The Eyes of a Doll

Still, I did get some writing done. I got a couple thousand written on Farewell, My Ugly plus about 1500 on a short story I’ve wanted to write for a while.

I want to thank all of those who are part of New Mythology’s ARC team. I say it sometimes, but not enough. They do a great job helping up have great releases. I especially want to thank them for all the help getting The Eyes of a Doll released. You can get that here: amazon.com/dp/B0CGMV3B91.

We could use a few more on our ARC team, though, so if you’re interested in contributing to what we’re building, hit me up. You get to read cool stuff and be part of the magic.

I did a goodly amount of work on this house this week too. We’re ticking off things, despite the normal challenges of DIY stuff. By the end of next week, we’ll be kicking it into hyperdrive organizing the stores. I’ll have shelves. We’ll have storage. Exciting times.

Also next week, we’ll be ramping up for the release of Where Now the Rider, book 3 of the Firehall Sagas. Edward’s back and this time has to fulfill a promise he made in A Lake Most Deep, despite the fact that Zupan Vukasin really doesn’t want to see that happen.

Expect a cover reveal next week, too.

Also coming soon is an announcement about an anthology that includes, quite literally, the first story I ever wrote. It goes back to 1997, long before I thought I’d ever really write for a career.

For now, I’m going back to work.

What I’m Listening To

The Chiefs v. the Lions. The NFL is back, and I’m here for it.

Quote of the Week

One of my favorite songs to sing in the SCA is Conn MacNeil’s Crusader’s Song. Today happens to be the anniversary of the Battle of Arsuof, which is more than enough excuse for me to quote from that song.

“At Arsouf on the coastline we met with the Paynim,
We won the battle, though many men fell,
And one was a Baron with lands that need tending,
Now they are mine, and I’ll tend them well.”
– Conn MacNeill, Crusader’s Song.

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:

I gave birth to an age     in elementary fashion

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

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 (85,012)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

And more in the high-intensity Abner Fortis, ISMC series from P.A. Piatt. This time it’s Peace Dividend and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CGXL8JYX.

This week’s pre-release is Nic Plume’s Tinaree: Tempered by Blood. This is book 3 in her Shadows of Peace series and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CHDLXFLB.

The Eyes of a Doll is live! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CGMV3B91.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 352.0

Updated Word Count: 211,456

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: Wish Not One Man More

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Week 35 of 2023

Greetings all

The Eyes of a Doll
The Eyes of a Doll

The Eyes of a Doll is live! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CGMV3B91.

Edward returns and all he has to do is find a little girl’s doll. There’s no way that ends up involving Achrida’s crime lords, murderous servants of the emperor, and an ancient evil, right? Right?

It was a pretty good week of writing, almost 5000 words more in Farewell, My Ugly. I hope to do better next week, but I’ve been faced with so much around the house.

I spent this week wishing for one man more. Or woman. And I got it. With lots of help, we got a ton done around the house.

The big news here is that the classroom/temp office/storage/game room is ready to lay floor. This room is about 1000 square feet, and it was sort of a catchall room. But it’s been cleaned out, carpet floor strips removed, floor trim salvaged, and we have the underlayment ready to install.

This is one of the biggest dominoes we’ve needed to fall, because once it’s built, we can set up her fabric storage shelves. Just getting all the fabric totes out of the big room will be a huge step.

I also managed to get my woodshop to the point where I can putter without necessarily having to move something first. Some of its shelves are up and ready to go, and I can use the table saw, which will be needed for the underlayment of the big room.

The previous owner had bought some windows for our apartment area, and we got those installed. This is a major thing in terms of heating and air, as it’s a bank of 4 big west-facing windows.

Also, now we can set up the bar.

We made major progress cleaning out the AirBNB room, too. Some of that is the simple fact the windows were stored in there, but there’s a bunch more that’s gone.

A big help today was the arrival of Autumn from Prairie Rose Mortuary. This is the other mortuary in Harper County, and I asked her to come over and take all the things she might want, like coffin inserts and such.

The place we bought was a mortuary, by the way, if you didn’t know. Prairie Rose is the reason we were able to buy this place, because Anthony is… wait for it… a one-hearse town.

I’m pretty proud of that one.

And if you need an out-of-date style coffin for your Halloween, hit me up.

What I’m Listening To

The Cult, She Sells Sanctuary. This isn’t in my top 10 songs of all time, but it ain’t far off.

Quote of the Week

Happy Deathday to Henry V. Okay, so maybe deathdays aren’t as enjoyable as birthday, but he died August, 31, 1422, and if you think I’m going to pass up a chance to quote part of the Crispin’s Day speech, well, now you know.

God’s will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
– Henry V, Shakespeare

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:

I gave birth to an age     in elementary fashion

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

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 (82,888)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

More 4HU! This time it’s from a new author in the universe, William S. Frisbee. Get Brass, Inc. here; amazon.com/dp/B0CGCJQXKS.

And more in the high-intensity Abner Fortis, ISMC series from P.A. Piatt. This time it’s Peace Dividend and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CGXL8JYX.

The Eyes of a Doll is live! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CGMV3B91.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 351.6

Updated Word Count: 210,728

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: Home, Sweet Home

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Week 34 of 2023

Greetings all

It’s been a hectic week. I spent a goodly amount of it in North Dakota with family. There was more than a little cuteness with a grandbaby and a kitten, but a bunch of stuff to do.

The Eyes of a Doll
The Eyes of a Doll

It was so busy I barely mentioned my new release. Last Friday, Imagine That!, the new collection of postcard nanostories released by Raconteur Press, came out. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CFX7XPPW.

I’ve also hardly mentioned that The Eyes of a Doll, sequel to A Lake Most Deep, comes out next Tuesday. How did it get to be late August already?

Nevertheless, the Firehall Sagas continues! The Eyes of a Doll does come out in only 5 days. Edward is back and all he has to do is retrieve a lost doll. Nothing could go wrong with that, right?

And if you want the first in that series, A Lake Most Deep, you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL. Following that, by the way, will be Where Now the Rider, coming out on October 3rd.

I’m getting back into the groove finishing Farewell, My Ugly. About all I could do during much of the recent traveling was editing it, so I’m farther along on that than I normally in, but behind on the new content. I’m actually down on my count from last week, cutting several thousand wasted words out, but I expect to get those back tomorrow or the day after.
I have a number of other irons in the fire right now, but I’m still recovering from a month on the road, so for now, I’ll wish you all a good week.

 

What I’m Listening To

The Steelers v. the Falcons in preseason. Football is almost here, baby!

Quote of the Week

Happy birthday to Stephen Fry!

“You are who you are when nobody’s watching.”
– Stephen Fry

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:

I am a king      Conquering all before me

Latest Snippet: Chapter 2 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 (78,255)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have the  heart-pounding conclusion to TimTaylor’s Chimera Company series, The Last Redoubt.  Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CFTDXCTP.

Your pre-release this week is more 4HU, and it’s from a new author in the universe, William S. Frisbee. Get Brass, Inc. here; amazon.com/dp/B0CGCJQXKS.

And remember, The Eyes of a Doll comes out on Tuesday!

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 356.6

Updated Word Count: 209,934

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 Left Turn At Albuquerque

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Week 33 of 2023

Greetings all

Well, I made it home safely from Pennsic. However, I had to jump right back on the road up to North Dakota for some family things. Nearly 40 hours of driving in 4 days makes a tired me. There are some great things happening, though.

Thomas Guarding JJ
Thomas Guarding JJ

Check out this picture of Thomas the Cat taking care of JJ the Grandbaby. We’ve actually had an abundance of cuteness as not only is there JJ, there’s a tiny kitten my sweetie rescued bumbling around.

I haven’t done much work this week, for reasons not excuses, but I can’t complain about all the cuteness.

Also, there’s so much going on with stuff already in progress, I barely have time to breath. First, it’s been a month since A Hope In Hell came out. This is book 3 in Christopher G. Nuttall’s excellent Heirs of Cataclysm trilogy. It’s been a great honor to be a part of this and you can see why by getting it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CBDGZ7D6/.

A Lake Most Deep is only a couple of weeks old and I’m very pleased with the release. Here’s one of my favorite reviews on the book so far: jimbossffreviews.blogspot.com/2023/08/rob-howells-lake-most-deep.html. Thanks to Jim for such an in-depth review.

Get A Lake Most Deep here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL.

The Eyes of a Doll
The Eyes of a Doll

I did a cover reveal of The Eyes of a Doll last week, but here it is again. It comes out on the 29th, so in less than two weeks.

In this one, Edward just has to retrieve a girl’s doll lost at a picnic. What could go wrong?

But wait, there’s more. I was accepted to an anthology of horror coming out around Halloween. Expect a cool cover reveal in a few weeks. My contribution is literally the first story I ever wrote. Man, did I cringe when I edited it.

And there’s still more!

Imagine That!
Imagine That!

Imagine That!, a new Postcards anthology following Imaginarium, comes out tomorrow. Again, I’m honored the folks at Raconteur Press chose my story and I think you’ll all like it.

After we get all the family stuff dealt with, I’m looking forward to an extended period of little travel. It’s time to start settling down after a really busy past few months.

What I’m Listening To

The baby and the kitten playing together. Pretty darn cool, if you ask me.

Quote of the Week

Happy birthday to Brian Aldiss, who has a quote that really resonates with me. I’ve certainly never fit into the system.

 Why had I become a writer in the first place? Because I wasn’t fit for society; I didn’t fit into the system.
– Brian Aldiss

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:

I am a king      Conquering all before me

Latest Snippet: Chapter 2 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 (80,232)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

More MilSF awesomeness! Stand on Xanadu, book 9 in John E. Siers’ amazing Lunar Free State series, is out. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CF441GQ7.

Your pre-release this week is the heart-pounding conclusion to TimTaylor’s Chimera Company series, The Last Redoubt.  Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CFTDXCTP.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 356.0

Updated Word Count: 209,354

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: Madness Recovery Program

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Week 32 of 2023

Greetings all

We're MAAAADDDD!!!!
We’re MAAAADDDD!!!!

It’s the 2nd Thursday of Pennsic and that means one thing: It’s the day after Moonlight Madness, which means everything is slow in the merchant area.

Moonlight Madness is as much roaming around with friends in the merchant area as it is a shopping time. We had a great evening, with a lot of traffic interested in our vine-ripened, organic, dolphin-safe madness, so it was a lot of fun.

Overall, Pennsic has been incredibly busy. My writing output is nowhere near what I expected, but that’s because we’ve sold way more than ever. In fact, on Monday, we’d sold more than we had at any previous Pennsic. There were several irregular expenses for this Pennsic having to do with the new trailer and other such things so I hoped to break even. We did way better than that.

I got 20 copies of A Lake Most Deep and I sold them. In fact, I had people coming up asking for The Eyes of a Doll. And Where Now the Rider. So all that is exciting.

That being said, I did make some progress on Farewell, My Ugly. I got through an editing pass to catch up with where I’d lost track during the move, and I added a number of scenes to conclude various threads. I’d hoped to be in the 90s by the end of the week, but the 80s with a lot of sales will have to do.

I also had quite a bit of interest in Rob’s Riddles. Obviously, more subscribers there would be very nice.

I entitled this Madness Recovery Program, but the truth is there’s so much left to do before leaving, that program will have to start when we get home. We have the kingdom party tonight then the long process of packing out. I should be on the road Saturday morning and it’ll be good to get back to the kitties.

With that, I better take care of the customers coming into my store.

What I’m Listening To

Conversations around the merchant area, like last week. It’s a beautiful day here and people are strolling about enjoying the last couple of days of Pennsic. A pair of friends are warping the last two looms I have for sale, and they’re talking weaving stuff that is way too complicated for me.

Quote of the Week

Happy birthday to Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull! That’s one of my favorite bands ever, which is probably not a real surprise.

This quote is from Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day, which is in my top 10 songs of all time.

“You were bred for humanity and sold to society.
One day you’ll wake up in the present day,
a million generations removed from the expectations
of being who you really want to be.”
– Jethro Tull, Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day

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:

I am a king      Conquering all before me

Latest Snippet: Chapter 2 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 (80,232)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

Book 9 in Chris Kennedy and J.N. Chaney’s Uplink Squadron MilSF series is out! This one is Uplink Squadron: To Rule in Heaven and you can get it here: amazon.com/gp/product/B0C6L99R43.

And, of course, A Lake Most Deep, book 1 of the Firehall Sagas is live. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL.

Your pre-release this week is more MilSF awesomeness! It’s Stand on Xanadu, book 9 in John E. Siers’ amazing Lunar Free State series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CF441GQ7.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 352.0

Updated Word Count: 208,641

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: At the War

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Week 31 of 2023

Greetings all

I’m at Pennsic! The shop is set up and I’ve been selling. Going to be a fascinating year as this is Pennsic 50.

I had a great week. Obviously, it’s been a week or so since A Lake Most Deep, book 1 of the Firehall Sagas, came out. Thanks to all who helped, including especially Larry Correia, for contributing to such a great release.

You can get it here, by the way: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL.

It was a bit challenging to keep abreast of comments and other things on social media as I literally got on the road on release day. However, it meant that at stops I had the pleasant task of checking and answering. Again, thanks very much.

The Eyes of a Doll
The Eyes of a Doll

Of course, at New Mythology, we set things up so we put out a bunch of books in a series in quick succession, so today I’m giving you the cover reveal for book 2, The Eyes of a Doll, which comes out on August 29th.

Jake has done a great job again on this cover and I’m honored to get to work with him.

As mentioned, I left for Pennsic last week and was setting up Friday afternoon. For a variety of reasons, setup this year was particularly hard and complicated. I didn’t really recover until yesterday morning, in fact, though part of that was the effort to run and clean up my yearly bardic circle.

However, I’m here at the shop now, fully operational and selling like a madman.

As you can see, I have books, including more on the shelf perpendicular to the main table, pottery from Lobster Rose pottery, looms, yarn, and even some wooden folding chairs.

A goodly selection, if I do say so myself.

I’ve gotten a bunch of editing done on Farewell, My Ugly, plus some quasi-outlining I hope to write tomorrow during the slow times. Overall, I’ve made good progress on the book given the challenges, and I’m excited how it’s going.

And in fact, I’m going to throw some words on the page now.

What I’m Listening To

Conversations in the merchant area as I sit here inside my tent.

Quote of the Week

Happy birthday to Ernie Pyle!

“I love the infantry because they are the underdogs. They are the mud-rain-frost-and-wind boys. They have no comforts, and they even learn to live without the necessities. And in the end they are the guys that wars can’t be won without.”
– Ernie Pyle

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:

I am a king      Conquering all before me

Latest Snippet: Chapter 2 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 (77,112)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

Your release this week is Tinaree: Forged in Crucible by Nic Plume. This is book 2 in her Shadows of Peace series and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0CCTC4BYB.

Also, Chris has a variety of special announcements this week on his mailing list, too many for me to list here. There are books on sale, new audiobooks, and he needs launch team readers. Go here to become a part of his email list: chriskennedypublishing.com/newsletter/.

Side note, I could also use more launch team readers, so send me an email at rob@chriskennedypublishing.com to get added to the list.

And, of course, A Lake Most Deep, book 1 of the Firehall Sagas is live. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 352.0

Updated Word Count: 207,866

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: It’s Alive!

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Week 30 of 2023

Greetings all

A Lake Most Deep is live and has had a great week already. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL.

Achrida
Achrida

By the way, this is the first in the books of the Firehall Sagas, which has its own home page at: https://firehallsagas.com. There’s all sorts of things there including descriptions of people, places, and things in the world of Eard.

It also has the maps! Here’s the new map to Achrida, the city where all the action in A Lake Most Deep happens. Click for the bigger version.

I had a great week talking about it too. Thanks to HP Holo for having me on her show on Saturday. You can watch the video here: facebook.com/rhodri2112/videos/142667502188632.

Then, I was on Inside CKP with Jeremy Comeaux on Monday. Watch this one here: youtube.com/watch?v=YQc3FEO3LBo.

What an amazing release week and thanks to a huge list of people for helping make it awesome.

But wait, there’s more news about A Lake Most Deep! It’s part of this month’s book giveaway headed by Dave Butler. It’s even the headline book (never mind they’re listed in alphabetical order). Check out this page for the complete list: davidjohnbutler.com/giveaways/july-2023-six-fantasy-books-giveaway/.

To explain, there will be 5 winners chosen this weekend from all who sign up and each will get 6 books, physical, signed copies, from the ones listed there. That’s like $100 value, so it’s well worth taking the time to sign up.

Again, that’s davidjohnbutler.com/giveaways/july-2023-six-fantasy-books-giveaway/.

Overall, this has just been a fantastic week. I made progress on a number of projects, including Farewell, My Ugly. I also had a couple of really cool things happen early in the week that I can’t tell you about yet, but are awesome. Finally, I’m typing this update in Grove City, PA, which consistent readers will recognize as my normal stopping point the night before Pennsic.

And what a Pennsic this promises to be as it’s Pennsic 50. I’ve been about 20 times now, and it is truly a home. Friends I see once a year, great bardic circles, stories of old and new ones getting made, it’s just something special.

Best of all, Pennsics have become productive, what with the way I have my shop set up and the ability to work whenever there’s no customers. Either I’m getting words on the page or selling something. It’s works out well.

I’ll get you updates while I’m there, but for now, I’m off to get a good night’s sleep. I’m going to need it.

What I’m Listening To

Not much. In the hotel room relaxing after a long and moderately arduous trip.

Quote of the Week

Happy birthday to Gary Gygax. Thanks for bringing D&D into the world, my life is so much better for that. Here’s a great quote that actually describes my writing style too.

The worthy GM never purposely kills players’ PCs, He presents opportunities for the rash and unthinking players to do that all on their own.

– Gary Gygax

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:

I am a king      Conquering all before me

Latest Snippet: Chapter 1of 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 (77,112)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

More Salvage Title awesomeness from Nick Steverson and Melissa Olthoff! Privateers & Pandemonium is live and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CC9TGLJS.

Your pre-release this week is Tinaree: Forged in Crucible by Nic Plume. This is book 2 in her Shadows of Peace series and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0CCTC4BYB.

And, of course, A Lake Most Deep, book 1 of the Firehall Sagas is live. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 352.0

Updated Word Count: 207,132

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