Tag Archives: C.S. Ferguson

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

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: Clearing Hurdles

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Week 28 of 2023

Greetings all

A Hope In Hell
A Hope In Hell

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
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.

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.

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.

First Line of Next Riddle:

Three is a magic number But thrice ten is mine

Latest Snippet: Chapter 2 of Shadow, Ash, and Prophecy

New Mythology Works in Progress

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

New Releases

More Abner Fortis, ISMC! Harvest, book 8 in P.A. Piatt’s excellent space marine series is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C1RQ415L.

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.

Your pre-release this week is In Isolation from Purpose, book 3 of C.S. Ferguson’s Transhuman War series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CBSQFMJP.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 352.8

Updated Word Count: 205,566

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

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: Dude, Where’s My Week?

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Week 22 of 2023

Greetings all

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

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

Shadow, Ash, Prophecy
Shadow, Ash, Prophecy

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

Isn’t that amazing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A great week indeed!

What I’m Listening To

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

Quote of the Week

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

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

Rob’s Riddles

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

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

First Line of Next Riddle:

Born from sand but         Built on rock’s strength

Latest Snippet: Chapter 5 of Farewell, My Ugly

New Mythology Works in Progress

Rob’s Works in Progress

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

Upcoming Events

New Releases

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

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

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 351.0

Updated Word Count: 114,169

Firehall Sagas Archives: 737 entries

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

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: Forward, March!

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Week 21 of 2023

Greetings all

I’m up and operational! Not fully, in the sense of everything arranged, but I’m at the point where I can work then procrasticlean. I’ve an office, and maybe I’ll take a picture or two of it next week

Most importantly, I’ve been working, actually working, instead of simply moving.

I spent much of this week working on Shadow, Ash, and Prophecy, by Trisha J. Wooldridge. This returns to here lush, intricate setting of The 27 Kingdoms.

This comes out on June 20th, if I’m remembering dates correctly. Stay tuned next week for a cover reveal.

I had a great time at Anthony’s Balloon Fest. We had a beautiful day for meeting people, watching a parade, and selling a few books. I expect it’ll be a normal thing for us going forward.

We have a couple small things left at the old house, but they’re so minor, I’ll worry about them over Lilies.

It’s such a relief to finally be settling in. Tonight is my first night having a late worknight in my new office, but right now, it’s time for a beer at the Idle Hour. Probably a Stone Arrogant Bastard, because I clearly need to be more arrogant!

What I’m Listening To

Langt Nord I Trollebotten by Lumsk. This is one of my favorite songs, a combination of intricate Scandinavian folk styles and crunching guitar riffs. I stumbled upon it, and Lumsk, from a Pandora selection. The song was so good I immediately bought the album.

Here’s a YouTube of the song: youtube.com/watch?v=wjtIgTpc2qc.

Quote of the Week

We’ve had a number of celebrity deaths of late, including the amazing Tina Turner. However, you might have missed the passing of Rick Hoyt. He and his father formed Team Hoyt. The father ran marathons pushing his son Rick, a paraplegic.

Rick said that during these events, around 1000 races, he felt like his disability disappeared. He also said this, and it doesn’t get much more powerful.

“The best that has happened to me in my life has come from handling the worst that’s happened to me in my life.
– Rick Hoyt

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.

Back on track on Monday!

New Mythology Works in Progress

Rob’s Works in Progress

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

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week’s release is We Dare: Old Age and Treachery, a new MilSF anthology edited by Jamie Ibson. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C5H9HHXT/

Your pre-release this week is C.S. Ferbuson’s The Province of Danger, book 2 in his Transhuman War. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C665BS1P.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 346.8 (Not a typo. Amazing what happens when I’m not driving all the time)

Updated Word Count: 113,461

Firehall Sagas Archives: 737 entries

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

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: NFL Draft Night

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Week 17 of 2023

Greetings all

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

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

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

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

What I’m Listening To

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

Quote of the Week

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

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

– Chuck Knox

Rob’s Riddles

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

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

New Mythology Works in Progress

Rob’s Works in Progress

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

Upcoming Events

New Releases

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

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

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

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 351.0

Updated Word Count: 110,841

Firehall Sagas Archives: 737 entries

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

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: Marathon, Part II

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Week 16 of 2023

Greetings all

I’m beat. Moving is hard, and that’s with movers helping. We still have way too much stuff at the old house.

So I did almost nothing workwise this week. Answered emails. Did some brainless editing prep, not much else.

Fortunately, people around me are kicking it, especially those at Podium.

Last week, we announced the pre-release for Hunting the Hart, book 5 in Jon R. Osbourne’s modern fantasy series The Milesian Accords. Pre-order it here: audible.com/pd/Hunting-the-Hart-Audiobook/B0C24XX31G.

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

Stay tuned next week for some special tidbits on these.

There’s more to talk about, but I think I’m going to bed so I can pack some more tomorrow. Where did all this stuff come from?

What I’m Listening To

My favorite Black Sabbath song, Sign of the Southern Cross.

Quote of the Week

Moving is such a hard trek, even when things go smoothly. Rush’s Marathon has the perfect quote.

It’s a test of ultimate will
The heartbreak climb uphill
– Rush, Marathon

And sometimes it’s the heartbreak climb upstairs with yet another box.

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.

Note: The move has delayed a couple of normal entries in the Patreon. I’ll be resuming on Monday.

First Line of Next Riddle:

I have saved a realm       Riding on the waves

Latest Snippet: Chapter 5 of Farewell, My Ugly

New Mythology Works in Progress

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • Farewell, My Ugly (72,812)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

We begin with Mike Jack Stoumbos’ first foray into the 4HU, Defender’s Rise. This book gives you a look at the elSha and opSha, a couple of races that—until now—have been secondary in nature, so it’s not to be missed. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/1648557058.

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

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

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 351.0

Updated Word Count: 110,397

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