Category Archives: Weekly Update

Rob’s Weekly Updates.

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: Home is Where the Heat Is

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Week 27 of 2024

Greetings all

i’m home from LibertyCon. What a great time, as always. Here’s my full AAR if you’re interested: robhowell.org/blog/?p=3534. The TL:DR version is basically that there’s never enough time to properly wallow in the great adopted family there.

The big announcement I made there was an upcoming series from Aaron Rosenberg. This man is ridiculously talented and has proven it in universes such as Star Trek, Stargate Atlantis, and Warhammer 40k. Now he brings us his own series, the BEO Files. You’re going to love them when the come out in spring/early summer of 2025.

Lots of stuff is percolating in the Milesian Accords as well. Jon R. Osborne is not only adding to his main line that starts with A Reluctant Druid, he’s joined by H.Y. Gregor and David Shadoin to bring two more threads into the universe. After that, who knows?

I’m going through the submissions and by the end of the summer, I hope to have similar announcements. Exciting times.

I’ve not done much this week, but of course, that was to be expected since I was LibertyCon and the travel back was grueling. I did get some writing done at the con, but not as much as I’d like.

Then, of course, the drive took it out of me. I’m basically back in the saddle now, but I’ve learned not to push it.

Next week, however, promises to be pretty productive as we roll into July 4th weekend. It is, however, hot! Of course, it’s always hot this time of year in southern Kansas, so it’s to be expected. Home is definitely where the heat is.

Have a great week everyone!

What I’m Listening To

Freebird. Need I say more? I suppose I do, actually, as it’s a live version that I love. I think the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert I saw in 2019 is the last show I’ve caught. I’m glad I got to see them. Another bucket list item.

Quote of the Week

June 27th is a bland day for birthdays, but a sad day for bassists as both John Entwhistle (2002) of the Who and Chris Squire (2015) of Yes died on this day. Two of the best to ever do it, and here’s a quote from one of these music legends.

“Being called a ‘music legend’ is a very funny thing. It’s nice to know that my work has been appreciated and that people have given me that status. On a personal level, however, I can’t think about it too much. It means a lot… but then it doesn’t.”
– Chris Squire

Rob’s Riddles

Like challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!

You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!

First Line of Current Riddle:

Great treasures I hold, Trading past for present

But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.

This week’s snippet is Chapter Two of The Feasting of Vengeance.

Dragon’s Tidings

We’ll be closed on July 4th but open on the 5th and 6th. Have a great holiday everyone!

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (29,799)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have the start of a new series, the Other Reaches, by A.J. Gordon and Peter J. Aldin. It’s entitled Iconic and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HBPPS.

Your pre-release this week is more from the amazing Bill Fawcett and Casey Moores. It’s No Further, book 3 in their Blood and Armor series. This series is rapidly becoming one of my favorites, and you’re not going to want to miss it! There’s a new player in the arena that wants to wipe out the Kurdish Republic, but the peshmerga aren’t going down without a fight! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0D842YY8L.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 371.0lbs

Updated Word Count: 112,000

Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 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: LibertyCon

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Week 26 of 2024

Greetings all

I’m at LibertyCon after a I made a winding trip here. I caught the UFL championship game in St. Louis with some friends I haven’t seen in a while. Then I went to Townsend, TN, which is the Smoky Mountains, for some writing and recharge time. Then spent this morning with a leisurely drive on blue highways to Chattanooga. Honestly a delightful trip.

I got work done here and there. I’m approaching 30k in The Feasting of Vengeance. I was hoping to have more writing time today, but check in at the hotel did not go smoothly. Like a train wreck.

But I’m in my room now getting ready to head out and see folks! It’s good to be among my tribe. Because of that, it’s a short update, so you all have a great week.

I know I will. I’m at LibertyCon!

What I’m Listening To

Nothing except the hotel AC. It’s the first thing I do after I’ve gotten my stuff inside.

Quote of the Week

Happy 99th birthday to perhaps the greatest warrior in America’s history. Certainly, Audie Murphy is the most decorated.

He also suffered from his experiences, not only dealing with PTSD himself but also trying to help others, especially Korean and Vietnam vets, deal with coming home.

A true hero.

“No soldier ever really survives a war.”

– Audie Murphy

Rob’s Riddles

Like challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!

You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!

First Line of Current Riddle:

I am woven by wyrd My warp and weft tight on life’s loom

But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.

This week’s snippet is Chapter Two of The Feasting of Vengeance.

Dragon’s Tidings

If you’re at LibertyCon, hit me up! We’re offering a code for 20% off for those interested in quilting I talk to at the con.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

The Ruriksaga is out! Get this one here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (29,231)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have a pre-release from A.J. Gordon and Peter J. Aldin. It’s entitled Iconic and it’s the start of their new series, the Outer Reaches. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HBPPS.

Then we have three LibertyCon specials!

The Last Stand by Chris Kennedy and Kevin Ikenberry here: books2read.com/u/baB0La0.

Hunters & Hijinks by Nick Steverson and Melissa Olthoff here: books2read.com/u/mYQ2LP.

The Chimera Coup by Chris Nuttall here: books2read.com/u/bxrG6d.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 372.0 lbs

Updated Word Count: 110,000

Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 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: Dance Upon the Mountains

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Week 25 of 2024

Greetings all

A Lake Most Deep
A Lake Most Deep

The big news this week is that A Lake Most Deep is on sale through tomorrow for $0.99! You won’t have a better chance to get it than now. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL.

I won’t say it was my most productive week ever, but it was solid. I made progress in The Feasting of Vengeance, which is over 25k now. Not great progress, but hopefully I’ll boost that over the next week.

I’m also making progress on Responsibility of the Fleet, which is G. Scott Huggins’ next Endless Ocean book. One thing that happened is we finalized the cover art and it’s epic. We’ll have a cover reveal when we get closer to release date, which should be in August.

The wife was away at Lilies all week, so I’ve been eating and watching all the things I like that she doesn’t. Actually, the two of us are ships in the night this week as we’ll only touch base briefly on Saturday as I start my trek to LibertyCon.

Why am I leaving so early, you may ask. Glad you asked! I have a ticket to watch the inaugural UFL Championship Game. I’m bummed that my Battlehawks aren’t in it, but ‘ll get to hang out with a couple of dear friends I haven’t seen in ages.

Also, it’ll still be cool to watch live. Probably the closest thing I’ll ever get to going to the Super Bowl. Unless, of course, you all want to buy me a ticket and hotel rooms…

After that, I’m spending a couple days in Townsend, TN and aim to have a small writing retreat. I actually need to schedule a week off to do one for real. They’ve been really productive for me in the past. At the very least, I get to dance upon the Smoky Mountains for a couple of days.

I get to Chattanooga on Wednesday of next week, which is early. However, we’re throwing a party on Saturday night of LIbertyCon and I don’t want to have to rush around doing everything on Friday.

Should be a fun week and I can’t wait to see my LibertyCon buddies!

What I’m Listening To

All Good People from Yes. I love this song. It’s so weird and quirky. I like it so much I once actually built an RPGA dungeon around it.

Quote of the Week

Happy birthday to William Butler Yeats, one of my favorite poets. He was just so evocative, like in this passage.

“Faeries, come take me out of this dull world,
For I would ride with you upon the wind,
Run on the top of the dishevelled tide,
And dance upon the mountains like a flame.”
― William Butler Yeats, The Land of Heart’s Desire

Rob’s Riddles

Like challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!

You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!

First Line of Current Riddle:

I am woven by wyrd     My warp and weft tight on life’s loom

But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.

This week’s snippet is Chapter Two of The Feasting of Vengeance.

New Mythology Works in Progress

The open call is completed and man do I have a bunch to read! I got 15 submissions including one I’ve already decided to accept. I’ll tell you all who that is when the time comes.

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (25,799)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have Devil’s Outpost by Chris Maddox. This is the second book in Chris’s Devil’s Choir series. Get it here:amazon.com/gp/product/B0D67MVPF9.

A Lake Most Deep is on sale through tomorrow for $0.99! You won’t have a better chance to get it than now. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL.

Also on sale from CKP this week is The Moon and Beyond, which is book 1 of John Siers’ excellent Lunar Free State series. Trust me, it’s great. Get it here: amazon.com/gp/product/B097QMN7PJ.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 372.0 lbs

Updated Word Count: 109,075

Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 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: The Longest Day

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Week 24 of 2024

Greetings all

Eighty years ago. Utah. Omaha. Gold. Juno. Sword. The names still linger in our memory. The tributes today are amazing.

Also amazing is the successful Starship launch from Space X. I have long looked at NASA and despaired of making it to the stars. Thanks to Elon Musk for pushing us down that road.

That being said, it’s been a down week here. Seasonal allergies/cold have knocked me back. Worse, they make it hard to sleep, so my brain’s been foggy. I got almost no writing and only a little editing done this week. I’m better today than I have been and if I get a good night’s sleep tonight, I think I’ll be able to rock and roll again tomorrow.

I did get a number of projects done this week that are ancillary or don’t require brainpower. Might as well do them when I simply can’t think up words.

But for now, I’m going to keep things short and sweet. Have a great week everyone.

What I’m Listening To

Karn Evil 9 by Emerson, Lake, & Palmer. I love the way this song trips off the tongue.

Quote of the Week

It’s almost impossible to imagine just what D-Day was like for those troops in the first wave. The opening scene of Saving Private Ryan was a glimpse. Then there’s things like this. Wow.

“They’re murdering us here. Let’s move inland and get murdered.”
– Colonel Charles D. Canham, 116th Infantry Regiment commander, on Omaha Beach

Rob’s Riddles

Like challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!

You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!

First Line of Current Riddle:

I dash to and fro Daring dire perils

But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.

This week’s snippet is Chapter Two of The Feasting of Vengeance.

New Mythology Works in Progress

I’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.

Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

The Ruriksaga is out! Get this one here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (20,486)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

The Conqueror’s Promise, the third book in Chris Kennedy and Kacey Ezell’s amazing Ashes of Entecea series, is out!. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HTN4M/.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 368.8lbs

Updated Word Count: 108,000

Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 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: Balloon Fest

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Week 21 of 2024

Greetings all

Lots of exciting things going on around here this week. First, the Ruriksaga is out and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.

Ruriksaga
Ruriksaga

This is a companion volume with a bunch of short stories I’ve written in the world, along with new maps, some historical documents, and, of course, the Ruriksaga, a poem describing the beginnings of Periaslavl.

It’s exciting for me if only because it’s what I want all authors to do. If I like a world, I want to see under the hood, and this is your chance.

Also exciting is that it’s time for Balloon Fest in Anthony! I had a great time last year and that was after only about a month of starting the move here. Now we’ve got the store open and I’m part of the process.

My big contribution is the sponsoring and addition of an ESports tournament. Chaparral High School here has an ESports team and next year it becomes an official KSHAA activity on par with band. I think this is a great thing, plus events like Balloon Fest don’t often have enough stuff for teenagers to do. I’m excited and hope to make this a yearly event.

If you plan to come down, make sure you visit our booth. We’ll be near the axe throwing, which seems sorta right, doesn’t it?

The next exciting thing is I’m starting to get rolling on The Feasting of Vengeance. I’m over 10k now with consistent progress every day this week. It’s in that phase where some of the chunks are just rolling off the keyboard onto the page.

I also started back with my riddles! That’s exciting. I didn’t mean to take six months off, but I’m back on the horse, so to speak.

And one more thing. It’s early days, but I’m up to 3 days in a row working out. A long way to go, but now I’ve taken the first few steps. Hopefully, I’ll still be excited next week.

But for now, I’ve got some things to get ready for the weekend. Have a great day!

What I’m Listening To

Different Stages, by Rush. I’ve been meaning to edit the numbers of all the tracks on Different Stages so I could listen to the album in order. I finally got that done and am enjoying it. It’s a quarter-century old now, but man that was an amazing tour.

Quote of the Week

Today’s the birthday of both Liberace and Danny Trejo. How’s that for duo? Both have great quotes, but I have to give it to Liberace this time.

 Why don’t I just step out and slip into something more spectacular?
– Liberace

Rob’s Riddles

Like challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!

You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!

First Line of Current Riddle:

I am the killer of worlds and     Keeper of trust

But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.

Dragon’s Tidings

BalloonFest on the 18th.

Also, check our website (www.reddragonquilts.com) for our May 30% off special!

New Mythology Works in Progress

I’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.

Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

The Ruriksaga is out! Get this one here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (10,041)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have more in the 4HU!!! It’s Companion to Ghosts by Kacey Ezell and David Shadoin. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CWNTPW6N.

Your pre-release this week is D.T. Read’s fifth book in her Seventh Shaman series, Trial by the Gods. It superbly blends Native American mythos with far future scifi. It’s one of a kind, and well worth giving a look! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D46LXS5G/.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 370.8lbs

Updated Word Count: 105,739

Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 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: The Ruriksaga

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Week 19 of 2024

Greetings all

Paladins of Valor
Paladins of Valor

So much going on at New Mythology Press right now. First, Paladins of Valor came out on the 19th Thanks to all who’ve already bought it and reviewed it. If you haven’t gotten it yet, get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

We have another release to talk about! On May 14th, we’re releasing Ruriksaga by yours truly.

This is a companion volume in the Firehall Sagas. What’s a companion volume, I hear you asking. Great question!

Ruriksaga
Ruriksaga

A companion volume is collection of cool things related to the universe. In this case, it’s six previously published short stories plus a brand new one. But wait, there’s more. There are also a variety of worldbuilding documents I created as part of building up the world of Eard including, shockingly enough, a poem I wrote called the Ruriksaga.

There are a whole bunch of hints of what’s coming there, including some really cool maps (Thanks Sean Stallings!). It’s a peak behind the curtain, including my commentary on some things. Basically, it’s a bunch of stuff I love to get from writers about series I can’t get enough of. I want to be the writer who matches the kind of writer I admire, so here’s stuff I like.

The Ruriksaga is out on May 14th, as I said!

I am back on the horse, so to speak. I’m fully recovered from both getting back from all the trips and cutting off caffeine for a time. I’m allowing myself a little caffeine again and, hey, it works again. Good thing because there’s lots to do.

I did a bunch of publicity stuff this week, along with making solid progress on The Feasting of Vengeance. You won’t really see it in the word count but I went ahead and did a Save the Cat beat sheet for it. Save the Cat has a basic outline format that occasionally gets me going, and to be honest, a challenge to The Feasting of Vengeance is both to conclude the trilogy while doing things I haven’t done yet.

Spoiler alert: The Save the Cat idea added some huge moments. You might say it went nuclear.

I also edited another scenario in Okkorim, which is now available for some Patreon subscribers (patreon.com/GaxxWorx).

Lots of fun stuff going on, too. Today is the 3rd birthday of the New Mythology Discord Channel. Send me an email if you’re interested in joining.

I’m also doing a couple cool things in Anthony. First, this weekend, on May the 4th, David Birdsall is coming in to run Star Wars RPG and the Outer Rim board game before we all go watch Star Wars: A New Hope at the 1936 movie theater here.

And on that now, I’ll bid you adieu. And, of course, May the 4th be with you!

What I’m Listening To

Kashmir by Led Zeppelin. This might be my favorite Zeppelin song, though Ten Years Gone and Stairway to Heaven are right up there. This version is the Physical Graffiti original release, but the best version in my mind is the Page and Plant release with doumbeks and bunch of other things thrown it.

Quote of the Week

I’ve become more and more of a fan of the Rock over the years. A bunch of that is him bringing back the XFL (now UFL) since I’m a fan of the St. Louis Battlehawks.

Anyway, his story is pretty interesting and this is a quote that’s relevant to writing, especially writing a novel. Also, happy birthday.

 I’ve learned over the years that when it comes to success, consistency is key. Consistent hard work that we may not like doing today, but for a payoff we’ll love tomorrow. Earn it. Enjoy it.
– Dwayne Johnson

Dragon’s Tidings

Come by on Saturday for Star Wars gaming! May the 4th be with you.

New Mythology Works in Progress

I’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.

Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

The Ruriksaga is out on May 14th!

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (5,121)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

Your release this week is The King’s Daughter by Kacey Ezell and Chris Kennedy is out! This is book 2 in the Ashes of Entecea series which is going to be our next big shared world, I think. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D2JYKN61.

Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

Your pre-release this week is Jo Boone’s The Celestial Sea, book 3 in her Combined Service series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D32JTRWS.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 371.2lbs

Updated Word Count: 95,630

Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 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 Is The Hunter

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Week 18 of 2024

Greetings all

I’m home from FantaSci! I even have an AAR: robhowell.org/blog/?p=3481.

The best part of FantaSci for me was to be with the portion of the tribe I’ve not had a chance to see since LibertyCon, really. That crew is awesome and it was just too long since I’d seen them.

Paladins of Valor
Paladins of Valor

The Paladins of Valorrelease went very well! Thanks to all who’ve already bought it and reviewed it. If you haven’t gotten it yet, get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

At FantaSci, we announced this is the last of the Valor anthologies for the foreseeable future. They’ve been awesome, but it’s time for New Mythology to shift its focus.

Hence, we’re having an open call for longform stuff from June 1st to June 10th. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.

If you read the FantaSci AAR, you basically cover my week since the last update. I’ve been recovering the past two days, so I didn’t do much writing or editing. I did get a project done in Okkorim, however. You’ll get it soon if you’re in the GaxxWorx Patreon.

That being said, the last six weeks have been weak on the writing/editing side since I’ve been on the road so much. I actually had planned to go to Foolzcon this weekend, but I just don’t want to drive anywhere. In fact, I’m basically down to local stuff up until LibertyCon. I need the break.

There will be some fun doings here in Anthony, though. May 18th is BalloonFest, which should be awesome. I will have more to say on that in upcoming weeks. Also, David Birdsall is joining us to run some Star Wars game on May the 4th, then we watch Star Wars: A New Hope in the 1936 art deco theater here. Gonna be a great day.

And look here, I’m officially part of Harper County! I’m on the list of local authors at the Harper City Library: harper.scklslibrary.info/local-author-links/.  Thanks to the folks at the library for doing that!

And with that, I’m off to start another project.

What I’m Listening To

Icarus Dream Suite 4 performed by Yngwie Malmsteen. It’s basically Adagio in G Minor, and Yngwie is, above all else, a master at turning classical music into metal.

Quote of the Week

April 25th is an interesting day for birthdays, including Oliver Cromwell, Guglielmo Marconi, Meadowlark Lemon, and Al Pacino. However, it’s also the birthday of La Marseillaise.

Aux armes, citoyens,
Formez vos bataillons,
Marchons, marchons !
Qu’un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons
– La Marseillaise

New Mythology Works in Progress

I’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have Never Again, the first book in Bill Fawcett’s new Blood and Armor series. I’m incredibly stoked to have Bill in the CKP crew. Get this one here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW18N86G.

Your pre-release this week is The King’s Daughter by Kacey Ezell and Chris Kennedy is out! This is book 2 in the Ashes of Entecea series which is going to be our next big shared world, I think. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D2JYKN61.

Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 374.8lbs

Updated Word Count: 94,803

Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 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: Laying On Hands

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Week 17 of 2024

Greetings all

I’m at FantaSci!!!

Paladins Table of Contents
Paladins Table of Contents

It’s been a long time since I’ve been with this tribe. Not since LibertyCon, so nigh unto 10 months. I’ve really missed these folk and been looking forward to getting here.

Of course, you can lay your hands on (see what I did there) Paladins of Valor tomorrow! Check out the awesome art and the amazing list of authors in the Table of Contents. It’s really awesome.

Pre-order it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

One of the people I’m most looking forward to seeing is Chris Kennedy. He’s made all this happen and it’s too long since I bought him a beverage.

Most of this week has been about logistics, both getting to the event (which is a decent drive) or things for the store, but I did get a really cool thing written for Okkorim over the weekend. As usual, I can’t talk details, but I can say it’ll be one of the ways innovative DMs will make Okkorim their own.

I’m sure I have more to say, but I’m at a con and I’m getting distracted. Shocking, I now. Catch you all next week!

What I’m Listening To

The sound of friends chatting in the hotel lobby. Pretty darn awesome.

Quote of the Week

On this day in 1943, the plane holding Isoruku Yamamoto was shot down. You’ve probably heard the famous quote by him, but here’s another along the same vein.

“A military man can scarcely pride himself on having smitten a sleeping enemy; it is more a matter of shame, simply, for the one smitten.”
– Isoroku Yamamoto

New Mythology Works in Progress

Paladins Table of Contents
Paladins Table of Contents

It’s live tomorrow here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/!!!

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week’s release is Prince Dominator, the eighth book in Fred Hughes’ Prince of Britannia series. Hazard has taken the Sol System… but will he be able to hold onto it while getting the information back to Britannia? Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D19WN6HN.

Your pre-release this week is Never Again is the first book in Bill Fawcett’s new Blood and Armor series. Bill Fawcett? THE Bill Fawcett who’s list of accomplishments in SF is a mile long? That one?

Yep, that’s the one. Get Never Again  here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW18N86G.

And then, of course, there’s Paladins of Valor out tomorrow!

They defend the weak, no matter the time, place, or foe.

They stand up for others in the cold dark of space, the dusty Wild West, and lands of mystical empires.

They fight with any weapon that can help them save those behind them, whether it’s battlemechs, magic, swords, or even Sharps rifles. Along the way, they discover they can be more than they ever thought.

So come join us as we visit, in fourteen great stories, the worlds of Hanuvar, the Black Company, Kish, the Milesian Accords, and more great universes because there are always those who stand up for those who can’t.

We call them paladins.

Pre-order it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 369.6 lbs

Updated Word Count: 94,188

Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 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: Paladins on the Horizon

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Week 15 of 2024

Greetings all

Paladins of Valor
Paladins of Valor

We have a bunch going on with Paladins of Valor right now! First, take a look at that amazing cover by J. Caleb Designs! He always seems to know what I want.

Next, it’s up for preorder! We don’t usually do this but we thought we’d try it out this time. Go to amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/ to preorder a copy now!

We’ll do a reveal of the Table of Contents next week so you can see all the authors and the universes you get to see again. There’s some awesome worlds in it!

I had somewhat of a surreal week in many good ways, but not necessarily the most productive. On the down side, I’m struggling to get back into the creative flow. Not surprising given the recent push, but still something I’ll fix next week.

Overall, though, it was a positive week. I’ll get to the surreal bits in a moment, but let’s start with some things I did get done.

We’ve had a bunch of great books come in and I’ve had to expand my bookshelves! I spent much of this week getting things re-arranged. I’m still a long way to go, and I know I’ve got another batch coming tomorrow.

I don’t entirely know what’s in that batch, but here’s what I can say. We now have a YA section! It’s not huge, but it’s not tiny either. We also have a western section! And our romance section grew a ton. Plus, I haven’t even had a chance to line up all the mysteries, as they forced me to rearrange everything!

Exciting times there.

I also did a bunch of fairly mundane catchup work. I finally sent some emails after GaryCon. I also cleaned up on some invoicing, both some to pay out and to pay in. Fortunately, lots more coming in. I also ordered a new laptop to replace the old soldier.

I expect I’ll have to start looking at going to Linux for all my systems. I hope Office 2010 can work smoothly on it. However, I refuse to go to Windows 11 with the massive amount of spyware you can’t opt out of. That’s a fall project, I think.

Anyway, time for the surreal and cool things!

First, the small one. I somehow ended up on the Anthony Chamber of Commerce board. Still not quite sure how that happened. Anyway, if you see me posting odd questions like, “What kind of cool things does your town do,” you’ll know why.

By the way, what kind of cool things does your town do?

The best for last, however, was Easter weekend with a 1-year-old grandbaby. We took her to her first easter egg hunt. The Kiwanis here sponsor one and it’s divided by age group. The 0-2 age group wasn’t entirely sure what was going on, but there were still a bunch of smiles.

What I’m Listening To

The Raven by Alan Parsons Project. It’s part of their album Tales of Mystery and Imagination, and homage to Edgar Allan Poe. It’s a fun album for Poe fans, and I’m certainly one!

Quote of the Week

Since I already mentioned Poe, let’s have a quote.

“Lo! Death has reared himself a throne
In a strange city lying alone
Far down within the dim West,
Where the good and the bad and the worst and the best
Have gone to their eternal rest.”
– Edgar Allan Poe

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’m back, starting on April 11th! 2nd and 4th Monday of every month!

First Line of Next Riddle:

I am the killer of worlds    And the keeper of trust.

Dragon’s Tidings

Lot’s of new books, as I already said. Plus blocks of the month, new fabric, and more!

Check out our class schedule:
reddragonquilts.com/calendar.htm

New Mythology Works in Progress

Paladins of Valor right now! Go to amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/ to preorder a copy now!

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (5,612)

Upcoming Events

Freebies and Cool Stuff

FREEBIES

New Releases

This week we have Holy War, 10th book in P.A. Piatt’s Abner Fortis, ISMC series. Abner has made it a habit of jumping out of the frying pan into the fire, and then having to pull his troops back out of it again. This time, the Kuiper Knights are back, and it’s time to take them out. But Abner has a long history with them, and they don’t like him very much. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CZ7G7VYP.

You get two pre-releases this week! First is Revelation, the third and final book in the Sol Saga series by James Fox. The revolution on Mars is gaining steam… at least until President Trent decides to break out the Rods from God! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW6C4Y7D.

And then, of course, there’s Paladins of Valor!

They defend the weak, no matter the time, place, or foe.

They stand up for others in the cold dark of space, the dusty Wild West, and lands of mystical empires.

They fight with any weapon that can help them save those behind them, whether it’s battlemechs, magic, swords, or even Sharps rifles. Along the way, they discover they can be more than they ever thought.

So come join us as we visit, in fourteen great stories, the worlds of Hanuvar, the Black Company, Kish, the Milesian Accords, and more great universes because there are always those who stand up for those who can’t.

We call them paladins.

Pre-order it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 370.2lbs

Updated Word Count: 92,760

Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 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: So Much GaryCon

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Week 14 of 2024

Greetings all

It’s been an off-kilter week, but I expected it would be. What I didn’t expect was a laptop dying. It’s not a huge surprise. I’ve had it since 2016 and 7.5 years is yeoman’s work. I also didn’t have anything on the hard drive I don’t have elsewhere, and besides, I probably can salvage the drive.

In other words, no big deal, but a nuisance, and the main reason why I didn’t get this week’s email out on time. The other was fatigue.

GaryCon was excellent, and I have a full AAR here: robhowell.org/blog/?p=3457. But it was a long, exhausting trip. I achieved all my goals, but this week I’ve been paying the price.

Paladins of Valor is in the can. The ARC copies will go out in the next day or so. I’ll have a cover reveal next week. Spoiler alert: It’s really, really cool.

With that, I’m going to get back to catching up. Have a great week everyone!

What I’m Listening To

Primus, Tommy the Cat. Primus is not a band I can listen to constantly. Les Claypool is just too much. Yet, Primus is a band I must listen to periodically because Les Claypool is just too much. If you know, you know.

Quote of the Week

One nice thing about being a day late, I can celebrate Eric Idle’s birthday today! If you didn’t know already, I’m a huge Monty Python fan. Here’s a short and simple quote from him.

Life has a very simple plot: first you’re here and then you’re not.”

– Eric Idle

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’m back, starting on April 11th! 2nd and 4th Monday of every month!

First Line of Next Riddle:

I am the killer of worlds    And the keeper of trust.

Dragon’s Tidings

We’re rearranging to get more space for books! We have a bunch more romance and westerns to fit in, plus even more mysteries.

And we have a new Young Adult section, which will be on sale during April.

Check out our class schedule:
reddragonquilts.com/calendar.htm

New Mythology Works in Progress

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (5,612)

Upcoming Events

Freebies and Cool Stuff

https://books.bookfunnel.com/free-sci-fi-fantasy-paranormal-march-april/jqt9z8aypr

New Releases

The Queen’s Fixer, first of a brand new series by Kacey Ezell (along with Chris Kennedy) is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CYHB5QPB. I’ve seen some of what they’ve got planned in the Ashes of Entecea series, and it promises to be huge.

Your pre-release this week is Holy War, 10th book in P.A. Piatt’s Abner Fortis, ISMC series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CZ7G7VYP. Abner has made it a habit of jumping out of the frying pan into the fire, and then having to pull his troops back out of it again. This time, the Kuiper Knights are back, and it’s time to take them out. But Abner has a long history with them, and they don’t like him very much.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 371.2lbs

Updated Word Count: 91,338

Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 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