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.
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.
Another productive week! Almost ready to send Farewell, My Ugly to the editor. Soooo close.
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.
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.
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
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 theRider, 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.
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.
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
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 sinceA 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/.
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!, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Salvage Title awesomeness from Nick Steverson and Melissa Olthoff! Privateers & Pandemonium is live and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CC9TGLJS.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
This was a week of clearing hurdles related to the move. Most particularly, the old house closed so we can get seriously into the process of setting up the new stores. Expect a bunch of updates after Pennsic.
This was also a release week! A Hope in Hell, the thrilling conclusion to Christopher G. Nuttall’s Heirs of Cataclysm trilogy, came out on Tuesday. From my perspective, it was amazing to watch him bring it all together, and I’m honored to have been a part of it.
So much going on in the Firehall Sagas. A Lake Most Deep comes out on the 25th. Find out why Glen Cook called it a “Damn fine read.”
Its sequel, The Eyes of a Doll, is back from the proofer and the third one, Where Now the Rider, is going to the proofer next week.
H.P. Holo invited me to join her on her podcast on July 22nd. 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
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.
Hopefully, I’ll be on a couple other podcasts in the next month or so.
I also did some writing this week! Go me! I got about a thousand done in Farewell, My Ugly and I sent in a short story this weekend. I’d hoped to get more done, but that’ll happen next week. I’m aiming to get a full draft of Farewell done by the end of August.
I also did a bunch of work on a sooper-sekrit fun thing for the Firehall Sagas.
So, all in all, despite the fact that I’ve had a bunch of things related to the move this week, it was pretty productive. A bunch of hurdles cleared.
What I’m Listening To
We finished Morse and on to Endeavor.
Quote of the Week
Happy Birthday to Harrison Ford, so let’s pick a Han Solo quote.
“It’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.”
– Han Solo
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.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
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)
OG (2,379)
Hyarkeen (2,991)
Farewell, My Ugly (74,921)
Rick Blaine (8,845)
The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)
Upcoming Events
Pennsic War, July 28 – August 13, Slippery Rock, PA, pennsicwar.org
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.
I had a great time at LibertyCon this past week. I did a full AAR here, but suffice to say it rocked. You can find the full AAR here: robhowell.org/blog/?p=3117.
A Hope In Hell
At LibertyCon, I did not one, but two cover reveals. You can see both in the AAR but I’ll just highlight A Hope In Hell, the thrilling conclusion to Christopher G. Nuttall’s post-apocalyptic swords and sorcery series.
This comes out on July 11th. If you haven’t read the first two books in the Heirs of Cataclysm yet, here’s the link to the series: amazon.com/dp/B0BFLWPL5N.
The other reveal was for A Lake Most Deep. This comes out on July 25th, starting a sequence of Firehall Sagas stories coming out every 5 weeks until some point in 2024.
I’m incredibly stoked about these re-releases. The writing is stronger, the art is more powerful, the maps are better, and the layout is more professional. Better in every way because I’ve learned a few things over the past decade.
One of the things I didn’t cover in the AAR were all the conversations about the Valor anthologies. I’ve not talked about how awesome Bonds of Valor has done, at least, not as much as I should have. The move sort of distracted me, but I got a number of compliments on it at LibertyCon.
I also talked to a number of writers to be a part of the next one, and while I can’t give you the full list yet, it’s as good if not better than Bonds.
There is, again, and open call for stories. If you’re interested in contributing, here are the details: 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest.
LibertyCon was also the conclusion to an incredibly busy 4 months. On March 1st, I became a grandpa. Then there was FantaSci. Then we closed on the house here in Anthony. Then we did the actual move and that was something, let me tell you. Then Lilies. Then LibertyCon. Then… Then… Then…
During this time, I drove over 20,000 miles, ate way too much road food, and took a bunch of ibuprofen.
My life changed in so many ways, so many great ways, that I can’t wait to see what’s coming, but I basically have a month to stay at home before Pennsic.
Time to take a breath and just write and edit.
What I’m Listening To
We’re watching Inspector Morse on BBC. We’re going to watch all the way through it and then do Endeavor.
Quote of the Week
Happy birthday to Ian Paice, drummer of Deep Purple. I guess that means I have to quote from the song you’re never supposed to play in guitar stores…
We all came out to Montreux
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
To make records with a mobile
We didn’t have much time
Frank Zappa and the Mothers
Were at the best place around
But some stupid with a flare gun
Burned the place to the ground
– Deep Purple, Smoke on the Water
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.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
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 (73,704)
Rick Blaine (8,845)
The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)
Upcoming Events
Pennsic War, July 28 – August 13, Slippery Rock, PA, pennsicwar.org
Shadow, Ash, and Prophecy is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/1648557732. This is book 2 in Trisha J. Wooldridge’s amazing Asian-themed epic fantasy, and focuses on the fey of her world in a battle against an evil prince.
Tracked Items
Today’s Weight: 356.0 (I’ve got to get better when I travel)
Updated Word Count: 121,021
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.
It’s Wednesday, which is about right. I need at least a few days to recover from the awesomeness that is LibertyCon. I hated missing it last year, but I suppose I made the right choice. I am still married, after all.
Anyway, before I get going into my weekend, I want to take a moment to thank all the crew at LibertyCon. Brandy Hendren is a rock star among rock stars, and her crew is the single best organized con crew out there. I deal mostly with Rich Groller (programming) Matthew Fanny (gate) because I never get a chance to go to the best con suite around (Vonn Gants and crew), the art show (Ann Robards), or the game room (Misty Kat Gutierrez-Waller). And that doesn’t count all the behind the scenes folks.
That crew is amazing, but it’s not really a surprise. We often talk about how much LibertyCon is a family, and this is the core of the family. They’ve all done the job for a while, helping their family members have a great time.
I thank them all the time, but it’s really never enough.
Anyway, I was so ready for LibertyCon that last Tuesday night I couldn’t sleep. It was like Christmas Eve, so I gave up the ghost, got up at 430am and was on the road by 5 to Murfreesboro, my stop on the way. It’s good to have friends to crash with, especially when they make chicken and mashed potatoes for a weary traveler.
I got to the hotel early on Thursday and did a bunch of work in the room before heading down to the lobby.
The lobby at the LibertyCon hotel on Thursday night is a trap. A great trap, a wonderful trap, a trap worthy of Grimtooth, but a trap nonetheless.
There are friends there I haven’t seen in at least a year, lots of them! I flitted from friend to friend, getting snatches of conversation, talking business, the past year, beer, writing, and all the other things in swirling conversations that make the Thursday night at LibertyCon one of the single most important days of the year professionally.
We closed down the bar and then went to a room party. This was an oft-used plan by many at the bar. Marriott might want to reconsider closing the bar right at midnight.
Friday was breakfast at the City Cafe. Sadly, they’re being forced to move a few blocks away. It’s a shame as it was only a block away from the hotel and it is really good.
Then I got into panels starting at 1pm. This was the Out of the Trailer Park anthologies panel led by William Joseph Roberts. He’s a really smart dude and the driving force behind Three Ravens Publishing. If you haven’t checked that company out, do so. They’re really good.
Anyway, I’m not saying I committed myself to writing a redneck version of Beowulf, but I committed myself to writing a redneck version of Beowulf for a future anthology.
After that, I was generally off until 8pm and my Author’s Alley stint from 8pm to 10pm. I was really pleased with how this went. I only sold 4 books, but I talked to a bunch of folks and that’ s a big part of why I do those slots.
More importantly, I had bought a rolling toolbox to make setup and teardown go smoothly. It holds 4 stacks of books, so about 40 or so without difficulty. It also came with a smaller case that holds promo and setup stuff like the Wandering Signature Chart and the big d20. I can bungee two racks on top and it was really easy, so that’ll be a help going forward.
I was originally scheduled to be on Author’s Alley until 11pm, but the CKP Year Ahead panel went from 9pm to 11pm, and I skipped my last hour (actually I donated it to Cedar Sanderson, who couldn’t make the con) to go do the New Mythology portion of the presentation.
And that’s where I lost my name.
I showed up to find they were mostly through the New Mythology portion and that Kacey Ezell had impersonated me. Apparently, she’s a better me than me.
A Hope In Hell
So I took her tiara and tagged in. I got there in time for not one, but two cover reveals. The first was for A Hope in Hell, the conclusion to the Heirs of Cataclysm trilogy by Christopher G. Nuttall. This comes out on July 11th and it’s the post-magical-apocalypse swords and sorcery series you didn’t know you’d love but you will. The art, by the way, was done by Laercio Messias.
Then came the most exciting part of the presentation. I’m re-releasing all of my books under New Mythology Press starting with A Lake Most Deep on July 25th. This is the first of the Edwardsaga, the fantasy mystery series.
The Firehall Sagas schedule starts like this:
July 25th: A Lake Most Deep
August 29th: The Eyes of a Doll
October 3rd: Where Now the Rider
November 7th and every 5 weeks afterward for a good while, something else.
No surprise that I’m excited. These books have updated art, maps, new edits, and a better layout. Basically, I’m taking all that I’ve learned over the last decade and refreshing them. I’ve said a number of times that while I love A Lake Most Deep because I created good characters, a great setting, and a challenging mystery, I didn’t execute the writing well. No surprise there, it was my first novel. Now, however, I’m as proud of the writing as I am the story and this is true for all the rest.
A Lake Most Deep
Did I mention art? Here’s the other cover reveal. This art is by J. Caleb Designs, one of my favorite cover artists around. I think you can see why. It’s much the same cover as before, but it’s so much more energetic and strong.
On top of this, I’ve been pleased to get a couple of blurbs from other authors. Glen Cook, yes that Glen Cook, the one who wrote the Garrett, PI series, said A Lake Most Deep is “a damn fine read.”
Yes, my head exploded when I got that email.
Also, at LibertyCon, Larry Correia gave me a writer blurb: “Rob mixes intrigue, murder, and magic in to his own cool blend.” Plus, Dave Butler agreed to get me a blurb as well. I’m honored by their trust and hope to live up to everything they expect of me.
Back to LibertyCon. Following the CKP panel, we had a CKP YouTube internet thing. This was a hoot. I sat in the back and heckled, not that it needed my heckling to be hilarious. Check it out here: youtube.com/watch?v=x35cP0ir34M. Uhhh, not safe for work, or your ribs from laughing too hard.
Saturday started with the brunch. We had a fun table including Gary Shelton the donut god, Ann Margaret Lewis (who’s releasing her first CKP title soon), and Scott Huggins, writer of the Responsibility series.
The theme for our table was, “Dammit, Scott!!!” The banquet was set up so each table would go up in succession, with the table number drawn randomly. Scott said he had terrible luck with this sort of thing and we’d go last, so every time another table was called, we yelled, “Dammit, Scott!!!” Then Scott McIntosh-Mize got in line and we yelled it at him too. He was appropriately confused. Then they said the last table to be called would get a prize, so we yelled “Dammit, Scott!!!” when we were second to last. We may have had to wait, but we had more fun than all the other tables.
Scott’s working on book 3 in his Responsibility series right now, by the way.
At noon I had a reading with Patrick Chiles. He’s a hard SF author writing with Baen and his first reading reminded me of Inherit the Stars, at least it had the same sort of awesome puzzle from James P. Hogan. That’s still one of my favorite books, even if some of the scientific basis hasn’t entirely held up in the nearly 50 years since it came out.
For myself, I read the new first chapter of A Lake Most Deep, which is much stronger then the first chapter of Farewell, My Ugly.
Then I had another long break until panels at 7, 8, and 10pm. The first was a panel on Writing from the Perspective of a Historian. In general, I enjoyed the panel, and David B. Coe did a good job of moderating it.
I think the key thing to remember about this topic is that history doesn’t have to make sense, but fiction does. Also, there’s always another level to the history, and at some point you have to cut that off in fiction to keep the reader in the story.
Then there was another panel on history, this time writing for history, and again moderated by David B. Coe. It wasn’t an exact reply, though, as it was focused more on worldbuilding.
He asked what 3 things we start with, and my answer is that all the worldbuilding has to provide kinetic energy to the story. Hence, I start with foundational stuff like the magic system and also the ancient history that is hidden in the epic fantasy quest. Then I start with regional stuff to create trade routes, political tensions, and such. Then I mention my Wikipedia random article process to create a database of ideas for characters, places, and events.
Then came the Great Tiara Exchange of Ought-23 and me getting a new name.
On the schedule it was the Valkyries panel where a bunch of authors in The Valkyrie Protocol anthology talked about their story. Kacey Ezell introduced herself as Rob, so I took her tiara again. This, by the way, was a huge blue-stone studded tiara as opposed to the simple circlet from the previous night.
I rocked it the rest of the night.
But I’m getting ahead of myself, as the Joelle Presby introduced herself as Rob. Then Melissa Olthoff introduced herself as Rob. So I introduced myself as Kacey Joelle Olthoff to much rejoicing.
All the while wearing the tiara balanced on my head. Did I mention it didn’t fit? It was just perched there, but I never once had it fall off.
Back to the panel, which had some business moments. Marisa talked about the plan to keep writing in that world, and that a number of books were coming out along these lines, ultimately concluding with an Avengers-like book with all the characters kicking ass. I don’t have time to write a book, but Vigdis hasn’t saved her last soul.
Side note: www.irocktiaras.com is available and I might need a new website.
Following the Valkyries panel, we retired to the bar to close it down. Then went to room parties. Then we went on an excursion!
I skipped right over the part where Trisha J. Wooldridge was at her first LibertyCon with her brand new release, Shadows, Ash, and Prophecy. She seemed to have a great time and is a great addition to the CKP crew. She’s also working on book 3 in that series right now.
Shadow, Ash, Prophecy
Here’s the cover, by the way.
She was staying at a neighboring hotel, so we formed a party amoeba and escorted her home. Then we returned to the room party.
I usually do my major night of reveling on Thursday, but apparently I was too hyped to stop. I closed out the room party, then spent time helping Nathan Balyeat edit a story. A drunk editor can be good, but he either sacrifices his editing skill or his ability to phrase things nicely. Fortunately, Nathan didn’t kill me, but I was like a director yelling, “cut, cut, cut!”
Then I realized it was 6am and I had planned to drive to Fayetteville, AR after the con.
Ooops.
Well, I packed my stuff up except just what I’d need and took it down to the car. Went to the breakfast buffet, which opened at 630. Then I caught a few hours of sleep to join the Kaffeeklatsch.
After that was the Four Horsemen panel and suddenly, the tables turned.
They started the presentation and were introducing all the people up on stage when they came to an empty chair. Kacey Ezell’s chair.
Yes, I jumped up and did my best Kacey impersonation. To be fair, she’s a much better me than I am of her. I apparently can’t do a soft, higher-pitched voice without doing it in Southern. Still, it was a lot of fun and most of the crowd had been to the previous panels so was in on the joke.
At that point, I got out of Dodge as quickly as I could because I was already tired. I figured if I got out early, I could stop for a nap or two, which I did. However, leaving LibertyCon is not a fast process, something I appreciate. Lots of people to hugs, lots of goodbyes, and even a homemade cookie.
The trip home wasn’t terribly eventful, though I did make a detour when I saw the weather going through the middle of Arkansas. I ended up going north around it and getting a hotel in Mountain Grove, MO instead of stopping at a friend’s house in Fayetteville. Ah, well, I got home safely.
Overall, LibertyCon was as awesome as usual, maybe even more so since I’d missed it last year. Never again, unless I can’t help it.
All the business things I’d hoped to cover got covered, and more. I got to hang out with a people I haven’t had much of a chance to before, including Patrick Chiles, Howard Andrew Jones and the Holos. I met a bunch of new folks, too.
So, can we go back next week? I already miss my family.