Tag Archives: System of a Down

Rob’s Update: The Door Is Opening

Week 16 of 2022

Greetings all

It’s always exciting when I finish a big editing pass on a novel. The Door Into Winter went off to the editor and will come out on the 10th of May.

For those who thought I said the 9th, I did, but only because I apparently can’t read a calendar. The 9th is a Monday, and we do our releases on Tuesday. One day I’ll learn how these calendar thingamajigs work.

Anyway, I love how The Door Into Winter. I always go into that big edit knowing I’ve got some weak spots, places where the narrative isn’t as strong as it needs to be. But that’s why I do this particular pass, and it’s a terrific story.

I love stories of heroes doing heroic things, so that’s what I always write, and this has all that.

Also, of course, we’re still celebrating Aaron Rosenberg’s amazing story of skullduggery and mayhem, Deadly Fortune. Thanks to all of you who supported the release.

This week, I’ve turned my attention to Embers & Ash, by Marie Whittaker. This has more of a gothic fantasy feel. It’s a about a princess coming of age to ascend to a cursed throne. Fun stuff.

I also started on a new project that I can’t talk about just yet, but I’m loving it so far. More of a mil-fantasy thing.

Tonight, I’m headed off for a small trip with the sweetie to see the stepdaughter. Most importantly, she and her fiance are now in a place to take their kitty back, so it’ll be a meow-filled ride.

With that, I better get moving.

What I’m Listening To

Chop Suey by System of a Down. Such a great song to jam to.

Quote of the Week

Here’s a teaser quote from The Door Into Winter. Something I’ve always wanted in Shijuren were dwarves, my favorite of the standard D&D/Tolkien-style races. We’re calling them Delvers, or in Svellheim, the Dvergr.

Here’s something from a pair of new characters:

Sakhroa took a deep breath. “We mine in uncertain stone. I cannot but continue to dig, yet without bolstering it will collapse and slay us all.”

“Should this vein prove fruitful, I shall bring you that bolstering.” Karreka bowed slightly. “The path inside is fraught with peril.”

“The path outside is treacherous,” replied Sakhroa.

“Only in paths conjoined can we preserve our kin,” they said in unison.
The Door Into Winter

PS: I also added undead, which I absolutely love as bad guys.

Dudes In Hyperspace

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

The latest show includes stuff on the Masters, which didn’t turn out nearly as dramatic as they often do. .

Cool Stuff In Eldros Legacy

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

The Door Into Winter by me is coming May 10th!

Currently available:

New Mythology Works in Progress

2023 FantaSci Short Story Contest open call.

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

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

I’m currently working on Embers & Ash and something new, The Chimera Coup.

Giveaways
Free Books of All Genres for April
Free Books of All Genres for April

Free Books of All Genres for April

storyoriginapp.com/bundles/9ce792e6-a064-11ec-8156-034d0f9bf4b0

Free Book SF & F
Free Book SF & F

Free Book SF & F

books.bookfunnel.com/sffmegapromo/kafblovzsx

No Fooling April Giveaway
No Fooling April Giveaway

 

No Fooling April Giveaway

books.bookfunnel.com/rtb-aprilgiveaway/nep8fizkq1

The Music
The Music

And another book swap with Jessica Lewis. This time it’s her story The Music. Get it here: storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/7b679af6-08f9-11ec-a5c7-9f431ddfa2ec?swapId=817f5c40-a4c0-11ec-a182-7f20841f5e9a

Rob’s Works in Progress
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • CB (8,418)
  • VAL (571)
Upcoming Events
New Releases

This week we have Elaninae, the second in Jo Boone’s Combined Service series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B09X9KCSZS.

And of course, we’re still celebrating Aaron Rosenberg’s Deadly Fortune. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B09X3Q44FR.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 320.6

Updated Word Count: 135,836

Eldros Legacy Archives: 813 entries

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

Have a great week, everyone.

Rob Howell

Founder in the Eldros Legacy series