Tag Archives: The Feasting of Vengeance

Weekly Update

Rob’s Update: In the Grasp of Reka

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Week 35 of 2024

Greetings all

It’s been a productive week here, though it went a little different than expected.

One thing that was expected is cleaning and organizing from Pennsic. I’ve made huge progress on all that, and by the end of next week, I hope it’ll all be put back into the trailer ready for the next event.

I had anticipated a sort of normal week where I work on a variety of projects, but one of those was Reka’s Grasp, a new series set in the Milesian Accords universe by H.Y. Gregor. The book was so good I couldn’t stop editing and I finished it in, if not record time, close to it.

Responsibility of the Fleet
Responsibility of the Fleet

I spent the evening cleaning up a bunch of stuff in The Feasting of Vengeance. It’s amazing what changing how you view a document changes how you edit it. In this case, I was what I call bediting, or reading it on my phone and making notes while in bed.

It may sound dumb, but it’s proven really effective for me. The small screen forces me to focus on the words more, and I see a ton I miss in any other setting.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sending out the ARC for Responsibility of the Fleet. If you’re on the NMP ARC team, keep an eye on your mailboxes.

If I’m announcing the ARC, that means we’re getting close to release! It comes out on September 13th. It’s the 3rd in G. Scott Huggins’ amazing Endless Ocean series.

I also edited a a new adventure in Okkorim coming from Kacey Ezell for Patreon subscribers called the Book of the Drowned. It’s a quick one, but fun and challenging. You can join the GaxxWorx Patreon here: patreon.com/GaxxWorx for all sorts of stuff in Okkorim that I’m helping to create!

So, while I spent more time with Reka’s Grasp than I expected, I ended up doing pretty good with other stuff too!

But I better get back to work.

What I’m Listening To

If 6 Was 9. This isn’t Jimi Hendrix’s most popular song, but it’s one of my favs. Basically, it’s a small structure allowing him to riff, and I’m totally in favor of that.

Quote of the Week

Happy birthday to Dorothy Parker, born August 22, 1893. She’s one of the great quote machines of all time. Picking just one is tough, but I think you’ll like the one I chose.

If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second-greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first-greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.
– Dorothy Parker

Side note: I have extra copies of The Elements of Style available. Hit me up if you want one.

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 a thing of whimsy wildly careening

Dragon’s Tidings

The circus is coming to town and we have tickets! The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus comes to Anthony on September 19th to Anthony. We have advance tickets at the store for $13 (adult) and $8 (child and senior).

New Mythology Works in Progress

Lots coming soon!

Responsibility of the Throne comes out on September 13th.

Reka’s Grasp from H.Y. Gregor in the Milesian Accords universe in the middle of October.

And a bunch more after that! The schedule’s about to explode.

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (44,326)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have Salvage Race by David Alan Jones. Get more awesome action in the Salvage Title universe here: amazon.com/dp/B0DD4BFV6R.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 363.8lbs

Updated Word Count: 193,070

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: Into The Future

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Week 30 of 2024

Greetings all

It’s been a good week here, and one that marks the passage of time. First, thanks to all who reached out to wish me a happy birthday. I do appreciate you all.

I got quite a bit done this week, though it was one of those weeks where no plan survives contact with the enemy.

For example, I had someone weed-eating and they kicked up a rock through one of my car windows. It’s fixed now with nothing out of pocket, so no big deal, just one of those things. Of course, that happened Friday afternoon as the wife and I were about to get on the road to an SCA event. With help, we frantically switched cars and, really, it all ended up fine.

Still, it took time. In fact, there was a lot going on this weekend. Appointments most days this week of one sort or another. Stuff that had to get done, and it all went really smoothly, for which I’m grateful. Anthony’s a cool place, and if you need tires, Joe at Pronto Tires bends over backwards to help us.

I got a lot of writing and work done, probably the most in quite a while despite all that, but none of it is finished and at least one project needs to be. In fact, I’ll be finishing it after I send this out.

Speaking of finishing, have you gotten your copy of Bureau 42 yet? It’s the new Four Horsemen anthology and it came out Friday. I’m really pleased with what Dan and I did with our story in there, and it’s feeding straight into The Feasting of Vengeance.

I Smell a Rat
I Smell a Rat

Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D96DN6BY.

I actually made significant progress on that, though the numbers won’t show it. One reason is that I miscounted about 1000 words, having accidentally duplicated them. Another is some editing and smoothing of earlier chapters to fit with later stuff. Still, I think I’ll hit 40k next week and still aiming for the end of August.

I finished Ted Lasso this week. What an amazing show, and honestly it’s better as a whole than even the individual clips I’d seen. It ties together so well across all three seasons, which I find impressive. Can’t recommend it enough.

I also did a bunch of work around the building to get ready for Pennsic. I leave Wednesday morning, which means I have lots to do before getting on the road. As usual, I’m looking forward to it. It’s a cool thing where I get to work all day and enjoy myself in the evenings. I enjoy the second more when I know I’ve earned it.

But that’s enough for this week’s update. I’m a year farther into the future and I’ve got stuff to do!

What I’m Listening To

Over the Hills and Far Away. Not the song by Led Zeppelin, though I love that too, but rather, it’s this one: sharpe.fandom.com/wiki/Over_the_Hills_and_Far_Away.

Raise your hands if you’re surprised I love the Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwell and the BBC TV show with Sean Bean. Anyone? Bueller?

Quote of the Week

I’ve always been a wanderer, but not like this. Happy birthday to John Glenn, and thanks for being so curious.

“I suppose the one quality in an astronaut more powerful than any other is curiosity. They have to get some place nobody’s ever been.”
– John Glenn

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

Check our website next week. We have a cool special thing about to happen!

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (34,799)
  • The Chivalric Orders (6,597)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have Bureau 42, the new anthology in the Four Horsemen Universe. Lots of great action as the Peacemakers deal with a host of cold cases.

In my case, Dan Bridgwater and I wrote a story with Rick Blaine on the trail of Kukuluki. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t go smoothly!

Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D96DN6BY.

Your pre-release this week is more from Fred Hughes in his Prince of Britannia series. This book, number 9, is the conclusion of the first storyline! Get Prince Imperator here: amazon.com/dp/B0CYZ8Q92N.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 369.2lbs

Updated Word Count: 157,000

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: When In The Course Of Human Events

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Week 28 of 2024

Greetings all

Happy 4th of July to everyone! May you all have an excellent and safe holiday.

Anthony is fireworks mad, and they’ve been shooting them off for a week now. We get a nightly show out our windows, which is actually kinda neat. I like fireworks, and the SWMBO enjoys the lights, but the booms get to her. This means she gets to see them without all the sound.

I spent much of today setting up my woodshop (finally). It’s still a loooong way to go but progress is progress. In true American fashion, I have to run to the hardware store for specific parts.

Responsibility of the Fleet
Responsibility of the Fleet

I also made progress on Responsibility of the Fleet, by G. Scott Huggins. I’m chugging away and on the downward curve. I anticipate it’ll be back to Scott by the end of next week and then off to the editor after that.

The planned release date, by the way, is September 12th, and here’s the amazing cover by J. Caleb Designs.

This time, Responsibility faces demons at the end of the world. How can you not want to read that?

I made go progress on The Feasting of Vengeance too. Man, I love these characters. They, of course, hate me, given all the crap I put them through. Right now, Rhan’Kiial’Tala wouldn’t mind stomping me with his CASPer. I did the worst thing ever to him: he got a promotion.

I’m going through the open call submissions, though it’ll take time. I’ll keep everyone updated as I make decisions.

Speaking of open calls, CKP is having it’s own open calls for SF/space opera/mil SF novels and trilogies. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/ckp-open-submission-period/.

I also spent part of today writing out my plans for ChattaCon. In case you didn’t know, I’m the Toastmaster and man, am I excited about this honor. I hope everyone can come to ChattaCon in January. It’s the 50th one, after all.

Oh, and I’m cooking up something special for opening ceremonies. If you’re there, make a point of attending that for sure.

And with that, time to go enjoy the holiday! Have a great week, everyone.

What I’m Listening To

If Eternity Should Fail, one of the many great songs by Iron Maiden off their album Book of Souls. Some Maiden fans will consider this heresy, but I think it’s one of the best things they’ve ever done.

Quote of the Week

Can I quote anything but the Declaration of Independence today? Here’s a passage I think is really important but which often gets glossed over.

“The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.”
– Declaration of Independence

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.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Responsibility of the Fleet is the next release, but starting in October, you’re going to see the world of the Milesian Accords explode like the series of fireworks at the finale of the biggest fireworks display around. We’re very excited.

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (33,245)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have 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 a favorite, 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.

Your pre-release this week is more from John E. Siers in his excellent Lunar Free State series. I actually played a bit of hooky from reading fantasy to go through this series. In this one, Three Player Game, a new group of nations has joined the space race, and it’s going to upset the apple cart!. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D76SLN6B.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 369.6 lbs

Updated Word Count: 116,631

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

Uncategorized

Rob’s Update: Open Call Starting Soon

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Postcard Front

Week 23 of 2024

Greetings all

A pretty productive week here despite taking some time off for Memorial Day. Once again, thanks to the memory of those who sacrificed for us all.

I’m over 20k on The Feasting of Vengeance and it’s still flowing smoothly. It’s a blast to write, will be just as much a blast to read with as many blasts, explosions, and rounds downrange as I can fit inside.

I Smell a Rat
I Smell a Rat

And there’s more in the Foresters saga coming! July 12th, we have Bureau 42, which includes I Smell a Rat by myself and Dan Bridgwater. Check out the amazing image Dan made using the cool cover art!

Also this week, I received Responsibility of the Fleet, book 3 in G. Scott Huggins’ excellent Endless Ocean series. I don’t have a firm release date, but I’m excited to see this amazing trilogy get finished. Don’t have the first two? Get them here: amazon.com/dp/B095CXTH85.

Postcard Front

I also spent this week catching up on some smaller projects. I’ve needed to update the cards I hand out at events, so here’s the front and back. As you can see, they’re much flashier than the Firehall Sagas cards I was handing out, plus it’s got all my relevant social media and Amazon details. I really like how they turned out.

I did a goodly amount of Okkorim work as well. By the way, there’s some special stuff coming out soon that I can’t wait to talk about from some folks you might already know. Exciting times!

Man, I’m enjoying having all this work. I’ve had times in my life where I didn’t have enough to do and I much prefer it this way.

Speaking of which, the open call for novel/trilogy submissions starts on Saturday! Send me stuff to read! Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.

And with that, I wish you all a great week!

What I’m Listening To

Nothing, actually. I was only going to sit down and do a short task, so didn’t pop up my MP3 player, but got to doing things and didn’t notice until now.

Quote of the Week

Happy birthday to Mel Blanc! He’s be 116 today.

It’s amazing just how good Looney Tones really was. Great characters. Good stories. Images that remain with us.

“We didn’t make pictures for children. We didn’t make pictures for adults. We made them for ourselves”
– Mel Blanc

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.

The current snippet is Chapter 1 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 (21,171)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

New stuff from Bill Fawcett and Casey Moores! It’s the second book in Bill’s Blood and Armor series called No Fail. Get it here:https://amazon.com/dp/B0D3VLLPB6.

Your pre-release this week is from Kacey Ezell and Chris Kennedy. It’s The Conqueror’s Promise, the third book in their amazing Ashes of Entecea series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HTN4M/.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 372.0lbs

Updated Word Count: 107,439

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: Under the Thumb

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Week 4 of 2024

Greetings all

Was a bit of a dreary week this week because we’ve had mostly gray days. One drawback to the new building is its lack of insulation, so not only has it been gray, it’s been chilly inside.

My wife thinks it’s hilarious, though, as when we lived in Kansas City, I never wore sweaters at home. Now, I often do. She likes to knit, but she’d never make me one that I wouldn’t wear. Now she just taunts me with it a bit.

I spent much of this week helping not only write Okkorim stuff but assisting with G20, which is the newsletter that Luke Gygax puts out. If you’re part of his Patreon, you can see some of what I’ve written for his world, plus get other tidbits. His Patreon is here: patreon.com/GaxxWorx.

I did about 5,000 new words in Okkorim, plus started reading through the notes for The Ravening of Wolves.

I also made great strides with getting Paladins of Valor done. I feel odd a bit this year, as I feel like I’m really late. However, FantaSci is a month late, so I’m really exactly where I should be.

I did some reading this week too. I’ve been getting back to my roots, and currently I’m re-reading the Barsoom books from Edgar Rice Burroughs. Also, I spent a lazy afternoon re-reading The Ghost of Dibble Hollow. This was a book I read in 4th grade or so, one of the many things I pestered my parents about during the Scholastic Book days, and it was one of my favorites as a kid.

I hadn’t read it since the early 80s, at least, and I was a bit nervous that it might not have aged well. However, it’s still a great kids book, even if the editing of 1965 used different standards than I do nearly 60 years later. The book has action, mystery, suspense, rivalries, and of course, a ghost. I’m keeping it to read to the grandkid.

And hey, tonight, I’m going through making this newsletter under the thumb of viewers. A couple of writers who are on the New Mythology Discord joined me as I typed it up. I showed them my methods, and hopefully it’ll help them.

Really, it’s been another one of those weeks where I didn’t think I got much done, but in retrospect, we did a goodly amount.

And with that, I’m going to go introduce myself to the wife.

New and Cool

Did I mention G20 from Luke Gygax on Patreon? This month’s issue, edited by me, along with a lot of my content, comes out in a few days. Sign up here: patreon.com/GaxxWorx.

Quote of the Week

It’s been 7 years since Mary Tyler Moore passed, but I still love watching reruns of shows she’s in. Plus she provided all creators with a great quote here.

Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.
– Mary Tyler Moore

Dragon’s Tidings

We had our first game night at the store. Sadly, as it was the first and the weather was wretched (cold, gray, and icy), we only got one person. However, I expect that’ll grow as we go along.

Every Monday night starting 5ish to 9ish.

Tonight, we’ve got the second session of the wife’s Beginning Quilting class. Also, we have some paper piercing classes coming. If you’re interested, check out our class schedule at:
reddragonquilts.com/calendar.htm

New Mythology Works in Progress

I had an incredibly hard time choosing the winners of this year’s open call for Paladins of Valor. So many stories I wanted to publish, but here are the four I finally selected as the best.

  • Chris Hepler with High Water Mark
  • Nathan Balyeat with Welcome to Detroit
  • David Birdsall with The Passing of the Mantle
  • Chad Boyer with Apprentice in Trouble

I’ve edited all of these at this point, and I’m pleased to say they’re even better than I realized.

Rob’s Works in Progress

  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)
  • Okkorim (52,813)

Upcoming Events

Freebies and Cool Stuff

Step out of the shadows

https://storyoriginapp.com/to/t0OCEsf

Adventure, Horror, and Wonders in Space

https://storyoriginapp.com/to/JHgHfww

New Releases

More 4HU awesomeness this week in Foiled Ambitions from John M. Olsen. This is the eleventh book in the Four Horsemen’s Phoenix Initiative. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CSKNY8FS/

Your pre-release this week is Stolen Dreams from Dennis M. Myers, the 4th and final book in his Rise of the Automated Empire. Get it here: amazon.com/gp/product/B0CT5V8G8M.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 368.2lbs

Updated Word Count: 15,467

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: Winter Weather

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Week 2 of 2024

Greetings all

Apparently, I needed a snow day, and I got one. We closed for the snowstorm on Tuesday and I spent the day essentially out of it. I guess I’ve been going pretty solid, so time to breathe.

I did a bunch of work in Okkorim this past week. I’m up to over 42,000 total words written there, and more coming. That’s about 7k this past week despite the day off.

I made progress in editing for Paladins of Valor, though not as much as I intended. I’ll have most of them edited by the time of next week’s update. It’s great stuff, guys. Going to be very hard to choose the best one out of the open submissions, plus of course great stuff from H.P. Holo and Glen Cook.

We also had a major project finished here. The front door to the apartment literally had a 1/8th in gap in the panels. Also, there was a set of old windows that needed replacing because it wasn’t any better at holding in the cold wind.

Those got replaced yesterday and we already see a huge difference.

Also this week has been some cleaning up for the classes we’re holding here. We have students! Another revenue stream! Go us.

Overall, I’d intended to start seriously writing on the Feasting of Vengeance, but too much was going on. Hopefully next week, but we’ll see. Got to finish with Paladins of Valor first.

New and Cool

This isn’t really new to me, but the last time I was at Jungle Jim’s, I found a new salsa I love: Da Bomb Scorpion Garlic.

As you might guess, with scorpion peppers it’s got a huge kick. However, it had so much garlic that was the flavor that dominated. Really tasty.

Quote of the Week

In 1787, William Herschel discovered Titania and Oberon, two moons of Uranus. This quote from him is sort of like his work, the deeper you look at it, the more you learn.

“Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt.”
– William Herschel

Dragon’s Tidings

We had a very slow week of traffic, but we’ve had a bunch of enthusiasm for the classes. Next week won’t be much better, what with the weather.

Given us time to do projects. Oh, did I mention we have a longarm quilting machine and my wife has too much time on her hands? (Yes, I know I’m going to pay for that)

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

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)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)
  • Okkorim (42,101)

Upcoming Events

Freebies and Cool Stuff

First, I’m doing a book swap with Merick N.H. Ulrik. John Price: Lost in Time looks really interesting.

Check it out here: storyoriginapp.com/swaps/eb23b8c0-af64-11ee-b338-679d4d4ff22d

 

 

 

New Year BookTopia

New Year Booktopia
New Year Booktopia

books.bookfunnel.com/newyearbooktopia/bwq06b6j5q

New Years Sci-fi and Fantasy Promo
books.bookfunnel.com/newyears_sci_fi_fantasy/fznou11zrh

Free Science Fiction Books

New Releases

This week we have Prince Conqueror by Fred Hughes. This is book 7 in his Prince of Britannia series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CRD7CL1V.

Tracked Items

My Weight Today: 366.8 lbs

Updated Word Count: 1,412

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: New Websites!

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Week 47 of 2023

Greetings all

Another productive week in Rob world. The big success was getting the quilt store’s website live. It’s here: reddragonquilts.com/.

Then I did a bunch for our Grand Opening. Expect to see a number of posts on Facebook about the opening, but here’s the ad that’ll be in the Anthony Republican. Grand Opening

We hope you can join us!

Also, if you’re on Facebook, check out our Facebook page: facebook.com/reddragonquilting.

Oh, hey, there’s another new website! Chris Kennedy Publishing has its own shop. It’s got some things, but lots more to come. Check it out here: chriskennedypublishing.com/shop/.

On the writing front, I’ve been focusing on a short story due for a new Four Horsemen anthology. I’m getting close to having it done. I aim to have it finished by the end of next week.

Once I’m done with that, I’m turning my focus to The Feasting of Vengeance. I’m about a year behind on that project, like much of the other things in my life. However, I hope to turn it over in the spring.

I also finished a project in the world of Okkorim and sent that off. I’ve started the next phase on that, though only dabbling so far.

I mentioned a couple of weeks that I’m working on learning Facebook ads. I’m making progress, but it’s slow, in part because you have to try an ad or two, see the results, then adjust. Definitely a learning experience.

I’ve got another advertising thing coming, and it includes a Christmas present to all of you. More on that in a week or two.

Just know that I’m honored you guys read my updates and I’ll try and keep them informative and entertaining.

With that, I’m going to get more writing done.

What I’m Listening To

Seahawks against the Cowboys. Was there any doubt?

Happenings in Anthony

Walking back from trivia yesterday, we got a chance to see the downtown all lit up with Christmas lights. It’s not a huge display, but it’s cool. You should come visit.

Quote of the Week

Today is one of the hardest days of the year to find a quote. I mean, seriously, there are 365 days in the year. Why do 2 of the top 5 quote machines ever (Winston Churchill and Mark Twain) have to be born on this day?

So you get two quotes. Sorry, not sorry.

“Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.”
– Mark Twain

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
– Winston Churchill

New Mythology Works in Progress

I’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.

Today is the day! Get me your story before I wake up tomorrow.

If you submit, I aim to have all the submissions read and the decision made by Friday the 8th.

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)
  • A Broken Sword (8,845)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)

Upcoming Events

New Releases

This week we have book 7 in William S. Frisbee’s Last Marines series, Son of the Wolf. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CMPFGZZC/.

Your pre-release this week is Tentacles of the Dominion, the third book in D.T. Read’s The Sergey Chronicles. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CP89BH2B/.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 359.6

Updated Word Count: 371,533

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 at Cooper’s Lake

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Week 32 of 2022

Greetings all

Pennsic 2022
Pennsic 2022

I’m home! Well, my two week summer home, at least. Here’s a picture of my shop with my friend Mar for scale (not for sale, unless you make a really good offer).

I’m so happy to be here. I get to see friends I haven’t seen in 3 years or more. I’ve sung songs, laughed, cried, and sold books. Exactly what I’d hoped. In fact, better than I hoped, at least in terms of sales to this point in the event.

I can even enjoy it when it rains, as it doing right now. I’m snug in my tent enjoying the sound of raindrops on canvas, which is very soothing.

I’ve also gotten some writing done, as you’ll see some progress in a number of things. My setup is designed for me to get words on the page when there are no customers to sell to. However, since there are customers, I can’t always write in large chunks. I have 3 novels I need to make progress on so I’ve got them all open to get a sentence here, a paragraph there. Whatever comes to mind.

And, of course, deal with all the publisher stuff. Embers & Ash went out to the ARC readers today. That comes out on August 16th, right after I get home from Pennsic. It’s a great story with coming-of-age parts, gothic horror hints, and a giant, flying riding bats!

The novels I’m working on are two you’d expect, Farewell, My Ugly and Sowing Spring’s Wrath, but next summer I need to finish my Foresters trilogy so I’m throwing a few words at The Feasting of Vengeance as well.

What I’m Listening To

The pitter-patter of rain on canvas.

Quote of the Week

As I’m writing Sowing Spring’s Wrath on the heels of The Door Into Winter, this Shelley verse seems apt, especially since it’s his birthday.

“And the Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”

– Percy Bysshe Shelley, The Sensitive Plant

Dudes In Hyperspace

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

The latest show includes a delicious conversation about BBQ with Jim Nettles.

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+.

Embers & Ash by Marie Whittaker is coming soon!

Currently available:

Get all the Eldros Legacy novels at: amazon.com/dp/B09Z9WVKYV

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.

It must also be a fantasy story. Any type is welcome, urban, epic, high, western, gothic, whatever, it just have to have magic. Finally, it cannot have been published anywhere else before.

I’m currently working on The Pain Bearer, September’s Eldros Legacy release by Kendra Merritt.

Rob’s Works in Progress
  • Sowing Spring’s Wrath (2,113) (Tempted to delete a word here)
  • Farewell, My Ugly (20,720)
  • Rick Blaine (8,845)
  • CB (8,418)
  • The Feasting of Vengeance (2,838)
Upcoming Events
  • Pennsic, 29 July – 14 August, Cooper’s Lake Campground, PA, pennsicwar.org/
  • FenCon, 16-18 September, Irving, TX, fencon.org/
New Releases

Focus on the Wind, the 3rd in Mike Wyant’s Anisian Convergence series is out this week. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0B7S6F8VH

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 323.0

Updated Word Count: 147,818

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