Rob Howell's Blog, page 12
May 4, 2023
Rob’s Update: A Man, A Plan
Greetings all
I bet you all are tired of hearing stuff about the move. Good news we now start the last week of getting out of the old house. Yes, it’ll take months, many months, to fully organize the new place, but getting everything down to one house will be a huge victory.
One more week of bouncing up to Olathe or down to Anthony about once a day. That’s 3.5 hours each way, by the way. I’m ready to be done with it.
I’m also ready to really get back to proper work. We’ve been pushing through this move at warp speed, and I’m glad because I’d hate it if it really dragged. I mean, when I look at what we’ve done since April 11th, I have to say, it’s been impressive, especially since neither of us truly believed we’d get the house in Anthony until close actually happened.
We’re ecstatic about the new house and I daresay you’ll get some cool pictures as we get rooms and things organized. I’m hoping to have my main working area arranged by next Thursday and have a full week of work starting then.
I’ve been nibbling at Shadow, Ash, and Prophecy, book 2 of the 27 Kingdoms series by Trisha J. Wooldridge. I’m behind, but making progress. I hope to have that ready to publish at LibertyCon.
Partially, that’s because the art is done and it is awesome.
Anyway, I need to get back to packing. Have a great week everyone.
What I’m Listening ToLa Villa Strangiato by Rush. Seems apt for my life right now. Intricate, amazing, and long.
Quote of the WeekA man, a plan, a canal, Panama.
In 1904, work on the Panama Canal started. I had the great pleasure of transiting the canal in 2016, and much of The Eyes of a Doll was written on that cruise, so here’s a quote by Teddy about the accomplishment.
“A finer body of men has never been gathered by any nation than the men who have done the work of building the Panama Canal; the conditions under which they have lived and have done their work have been better than in any similar work ever undertaken in the tropics; they have all felt an eager pride in their work; and they have made not only America but the whole world their debtors by what they have accomplished.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
Rob’s RiddlesI 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 ProgressI’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Farewell, My Ugly (58,812)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsAnthony Balloon Fest, 20 May, Anthony, KS, anthonykansas.org/sunflower-balloonfestLilies War, June 9-17th, Smithville, MO, lilieswar.orgLibertyCon, June 23-25, Chattanooga, TN, libertycon.orgPennsic War, July 28 – August 13, Slippery Rock, PA, pennsicwar.orgNew ReleasesThis week we have Hunters and Hijinks, a new Salvage Title novel by Nick Steverson and Melissa Olthoff. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C3KVXYS6.
Also, it’s not a new release, but there’s a sale on The Last Stand, book 1 of the Guardian Covenant by Chris Kennedy and Kevin Ikenberry. Get it here: amazon.com/gp/product/B0BJNW843S. Get it for half off now!
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 352.4
Updated Word Count: 111,491
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
April 27, 2023
Rob’s Update: NFL Draft Night
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 ToThe NFL Draft! One of my favorite things all year.
Quote of the WeekSeems 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 RiddlesI 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 ProgressI’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Farewell, My Ugly (58,812)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsLilies War, June 9-17th, Smithville, MO, lilieswar.orgLibertyCon, June 23-25, Chattanooga, TN, libertycon.orgPennsic War, July 28 – August 13, Slippery Rock, PA, pennsicwar.orgNew ReleasesYour 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 ItemsToday’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
April 20, 2023
Rob’s Update: Marathon, Part II
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 ToMy favorite Black Sabbath song, Sign of the Southern Cross.
Quote of the WeekMoving 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 RiddlesI 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 ProgressI’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Farewell, My Ugly (72,812)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsLilies War, June 9-17th, Smithville, MO, lilieswar.orgLibertyCon, June 23-25, Chattanooga, TN, libertycon.orgPennsic War, July 28 – August 13, Slippery Rock, PA, pennsicwar.orgNew ReleasesWe 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 ItemsToday’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
April 13, 2023
Rob’s Update: On the Move
Greetings all
I promised big news last week on a non-writing project and here it is. Before I get to that, I have another announcement.
Huge congratulations to Sheellah Kennedy for being unremarkable! Well, she’s not, as you know. She’s awesome, but in this case, it means that she’s on top of her health issues. The warning signs noted by the doctor were, in turns out, unremarkable.
Which is wonderful to hear.
Hunting the HartNow onto the big announcement… errr… after another one.
Hunting the Hart, book 5 in Jon R. Osbourne’s modern fantasy series The Milesian Accords, is now available to pre-order for Audible.
Pre-order it here: audible.com/pd/Hunting-the-Hart-Audiobook/B0C24XX31G.
OK, now onto the big announcement, and this time I mean it.
The wife and I are on the move. We closed on a great building in Anthony, KS where we can open up the quilt/craft/yarn/weaving store she’s always wanted and I can have a bookstore.
That means my writing/editing has suffered as I pack frantically. We’ve got the movers coming on Monday, and we want to make sure we have enough stuff packed to make the expense worthwhile.
This just in, we have too many books. And skeins of yarn. And games. And and and.
Normally, we’d take time to pare through stuff and see what we’re willing to part with. However, the new place is so big, we don’t have any space issues and we don’t have time to pay that much attention.
Sooooo… if you wanna come help us pack on Sunday, you’re welcome to volunteer.
I’m late this week on a number of projects. I didn’t get my riddle sent out, which I’m aiming to fix today. I didn’t get much writing or editing done.
However, I’m taking my own advice. I tell my writers that there’s a difference between reasons and excuses. Avoid excuses, even to the point of chastising yourself when you use them.
But reasons? Just accept they exist and power through them. The most important thing when you’re dealing with reasons is to prevent yourself from getting angry with yourself. That leads to a spiral that ruins your productivity for a long time.
I’m puttering with writing and editing when I can, and hopefully this is just a blip. Lots of fun plans for the summer, when everything settles down a bit.
In the meantime, welcome to my madness!
What I’m Listening ToSpeaking of madness, I’m currently listening to Ozzy Osbourne’s No More Tears, which has one of my favorite bass lines by Bob Daisley.
Quote of the WeekOne of the great events in Japanese history happened today in 1612: Miyamoto Musashi defeated Sasaki Kojirō at Funajima island. Since we haven’t had a quote from Musashi in a while, here’s one of many great quotes by him.
Also, it’s relevant to the reasons/excuses thing. So much of writing is keeping your head in a good place. Give what’s in yourself a chance to be awesome.
“There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.”― Miyamoto Musashi, A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy 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:
I have saved a realm Riding on the waves
Latest Snippet: Chapter 5 of Farewell, My Ugly
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Farewell, My Ugly (72,812)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsLilies War, June 9-17th, Smithville, MO, lilieswar.orgLibertyCon, June 23-25, Chattanooga, TN, libertycon.orgPennsic War, July 28 – August 13, Slippery Rock, PA, pennsicwar.orgNew ReleasesThis week we have Children of the Fall, by J.P. Chandler. It’s a new release in the excellent post-apocalyptic Fallen World universe. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C1J99413.
Your pre-release this week is 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.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 351.0
Updated Word Count: 109,884
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
April 6, 2023
Rob’s Update: Marathon
Greetings all
I’ve had a major project, a non-writing project, going on this week. I’ll expand on it next week, but while this was a productive week, it wasn’t exactly my best writing week. I got virtually no writing down, but some editing here and there.
As I’ve said, however, this is a reason, not an excuse, so I’m not getting down on myself like I might have done some time ago. See? I can learn. Slowly. With much pain.
One more thought on this. We’ve had a ton of upheaval in our lives the last month or so. It’s all good stuff, including my granddaughter, but it’s a marathon.
Anyway, let’s talk about Bonds of Valor. What a great release week! Thanks to all who helped us get that orange tag. If you want to know why we earned it, get it here and find out for yourself: amazon.com/dp/B0BZ7BFXN9.
For all of April, we have The Chimera Coup, book 1 of the Heirs of Cataclysm by Christopher G. Nuttall at half-off the normal e-book price. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BFLV4TH8.
Also, we’re 10 ratings away from 500, with a 4.5 average. It’s really good, and those who’ve read it agree.
And if you want to hear how good it is, The Chimera Coup is now available on Audible thanks to Podium Audio. Get the audio version here: amazon.com/dp/B0BXBCZZRS.
I would normally talk about a bunch of what’s coming up, but I’ve been go-go-go all day and I’m exhausted. Stay tuned next week for some major announcements.
What I’m Listening ToNow onto the Sapphire Rose. Will finish it tomorrow, I’m sure.
Quote of the WeekHappy birthday to John Ratzenberger. Here’s a quote from Cliff Clavin, who I really, really hope all of you have heard of.
I might have said this quote a time or two when the moment was apt.
“Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first.”
– Cliff Clavin
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:
Oft have we moved East and west, north to south
Latest Snippet: Chapter 5 of Farewell, My Ugly
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Farewell, My Ugly (72,812)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsLilies War, June 9-17th, Smithville, MO, lilieswar.orgLibertyCon, June 23-25, Chattanooga, TN, libertycon.orgPennsic War, July 28 – August 13, Slippery Rock, PA, pennsicwar.orgNew ReleasesThis week is more Salvage Title awesomeness with Knightfall Under Keros, by Melissa Olthoff. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BZTYDHQM.
Your pre-release this week is Children of the Fall, by J.P. Chandler. It’s a new release in the excellent post-apocalyptic Fallen World universe. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0C1J99413.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 351.0
Updated Word Count: 109,084
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
March 30, 2023
Rob’s Update: Splashdown
Greetings all
What a great week it’s been. Of course, I was at FantaSci, and being among my tribe is always a great thing. This week, has been a little slow, as is often so when splashing down after a long trip, especially on the heels of Planet Comicon.
Bonds of Valor Orange TagAt FantaSci, we released Bonds of Valor into the wild. It’s been a great release. I even have pics to prove it. Look at that lovely orange tag we got earlier in the week.
Also at FantaSci, I had the privilege of announcing the winner of this year’s short story contest. Congrats to Fiona Grey, for her story The Coward’s Shadow. See you next year at FantaSci, Fiona!
I also announced next year’s theme, which is paladins, chivalry, and the oaths that bind them. This does not mean each hero must wear armor, only that they fit the larger class of paladins and chivalry. For example, I contend Malcolm Reynolds is a paladin seeking to regain his faith. Yoda was a paladin. Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade, and Spenser are all knights errant.
For all the details, go here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Also, we have a great special to announce. The Chimera Coup, book 1 of Christopher Nuttall’s excellent Heirs of Cataclysm series, is half-off starting on Saturday the 1st throughout all of April. If you haven’t gotten it yet, here’s your chance: amazon.com/dp/B0BFLV4TH8.
And while it’s not a special, let’s not forget Hunting the Hart, book 5 of Jon R. Osborne’s Milesian Accords series. We had a bunch of conversations and panels that touched on this series, which is one of the best modern fantasies I’ve read. Get Hunting the Hart here: amazon.com/gp/product/1648556477.
With that, I’m off to do some editing.
What I’m Listening ToI was listening to The Diamond Throne, book 1 of David Eddings’ Elenium on the trip back from North Carolina. I don’t usually like listening to audiobooks when I’m writing, but I’m now listening to The Ruby Knight and will surely follow up with the The Sapphire Rose.
Side note: I sure hope these come out on e-book someday.
Quote of the WeekYou should all know I’m weird. If not, here’s further proof. In grad school, I was assigned all sorts of medieval philosophy. I actually enjoyed it, even though I’m not smart enough to understand it all.
Among all that, Maimonides was one of my favorites.
Truth does not become more true by virtue of the fact that the entire world agrees with it, nor less so even if the whole world disagrees with it.
– Maimonides
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:
Oft have we moved East and west, north to south
Latest Snippet: Chapter 4 of Farewell, My Ugly
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Farewell, My Ugly (72,812)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsLilies War, June 9-17th, Smithville, MO, lilieswar.orgLibertyCon, June 23-25, Chattanooga, TN, libertycon.orgPennsic War, July 28 – August 13, Slippery Rock, PA, pennsicwar.orgNew ReleasesThen there’s Prince Renegade by Fred Hughes. This is book 5 in his excellent Prince of Britannia series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BZ79PPBN.
And, of course, Bonds of Valor, which you can get here: amazon.com/dp/B0BZ7BFXN9.
Your pre-release this week is more Salvage Title awesomeness with Knightfall Under Keros, by Melissa Olthoff. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BZTYDHQM.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 352.4
Updated Word Count: 108,511
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
March 24, 2023
Rob’s Update: FantaSci
Greetings all
Bonds of ValorI’m at FantaSci! Which is why I’m a day lat one getting this out.
Bonds of Valor is live. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BZ7BFXN9. 14 great stories of valor with bonds of faith, hope, love, and more.
Todd McCaffrey, Jody Lynn Nye, Glen Cook, D.J. Butler, and Sarah Hoyt lead Team And More into the breach.
Stay tuned next week for next year’s anthology theme. Or if you can’t wait, I talk about it in the CKP YouTube release party we did on Tuesday.
That link is here: youtube.com/watch?v=r4M0qkZWU4s. I had a great time talking with nearly all of the authors.
I had a great time at Planet Comicon. I sold well, and was especially pleased to see how well Postcards from Mars sold. The art in it is really fun and even people who don’t read much thought it was cool.
Because I’ve either been at a con or on the road to a con nearly every day this week, not to mention a variety of mundane tasks to deal with, I had very little chance to write in Farewell, My Ugly. I had one decent writing session, so about 1500 words and I pushed through yet another rough spot, so it wasn’t completely unproductive.
One thing I should mention. I listened to Newsletter Ninja on the way out. This means there’ll be a few changes to the newsletter in the next couple of months. Part of that will mean you’ll get a few extra emails, stuff I should have built into my mailing list from the beginning. The good news is these will have some free stories and extra content.
I mention it now so you’re not surprised. I really appreciate all of you who read this, and want to make sure I’m giving you fair value for both your email address and your time.
But for now, I need to turn my time to FantaSci. Have a great week, everyone.
What I’m Listening ToRush, Clockwork Angels. I always wear Rush shirts at cons, and this gets me in the mood to be a rock star.
Quote of the WeekHappy birthday to Steve McQueen. Here’s a quote from him that is a real challenge for many writers, but it’s something we have to power through.
“The world is as good as you are. You’ve got to learn to like yourself first.”
– Steve McQueen
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:
I swirl and I swoop Swiftly striking my prey
Latest Snippet: Chapter 4 of Farewell, My Ugly
New Mythology Works in Progress Bonds of Valor is out! Here’s the blurb:
A private eye saves his dead friend.
The Black Company deals with something fishy.
Deathmages, space mages, and forgotten magic.
It’s all here in fourteen stories of valor, heroism, and bonds that tie folk together, for good or ill. There are bonds of love, oaths to gods, and life-long friends.
Will the old, crusty worn-out veteran find his new partner just might be something? Will the knight learn humility from those who serve him? Will Indrajit and Fix restore the path of true love?
Or will the bonds between characters break under the pressure of evil wizards, ancient enemies, or massive dragons?
Come find out.
Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BZ7BFXN9
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Farewell, My Ugly (71,525)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsFantaSci, 24-26 March, Durham, NC, fantasci.rocks/New ReleasesLots this week! Let’s start with The Last Argonaut, by Ian J. Malone. I’ve been waiting for this warball novel in the Salvage Title universe for months! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BYHP4RX2/.
Then there’s Prince Renegade by Fred Hughes. This is book 5 in his excellent Prince of Britannia series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BZ79PPBN.
And, of course, Bonds of Valor, which you can get here: amazon.com/dp/B0BZ7BFXN9.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 350.2
Updated Word Count: 107,716
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
March 16, 2023
Rob’s Update: Planet Comicon
Greetings all
Wynnifred On My ShoulderMy supervisor was looking over my shoulder all week.
She’s not a bad boss, but man, does she have to use her claws?
In any case, it’s been a solid week here. Good progress on Farewell, My Ugly. I’m now over 70,000. I had aimed at 80,000, but I think it’s going to run to about 100,000 after all. Oh, well. I should still have a full draft at the end of April.
I also wrote another femtostory for another anthology in the vein of Postcards From Mars. This one had a steampunk theme, and Cedar Sanderson gave me a great image as inspiration.
I call them femtostories because to me, a microstory is about 1000 words. These are 50. Picostory is probably more correct, but I think femto- sounds more fun.
If you want to see the image, I will put it up on my Patreon site on Monday along with a new snippet from Farewell, My Ugly.
Bonds of ValorThe big thing this week is the cover reveal of Bonds of Valor. J. Caleb Studios did another excellent job, as you can see by this cover.
Take note of the amazing list of authors. It’s an incredible honor to work with such masters as Todd McCaffrey, Jody Lynn Nye, and Glen Cook.
This is another Black Company story, and as I’ve mentioned before, it’s so fun to publish these as that’s one of my favorite series.
By the way, many of these authors will be joining us on CKP YouTube on Tuesday, the 21st. The YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/live/r4M0qkZWU4s.
I hope you’ll join us.
I also hope a bunch of you join us for the release of Bonds of Valor at FantaSci is about a week. Where has the time gone!
Side note, Sarah’s story is my favorite story I’ve had the pleasure to edit.
With that, I better go to bed. It’s going to be a long, exhausting weekend at Planet Comicon.
I can’t wait.
What I’m Listening ToMy computer hum. I was chatting with Becca Gardner, who’s a great writer and an even better arranger of publicity. She’s really helped Todd Fahnestock, who’s also staying here for the con. However, she went off to do projects and I’m enjoying the white noise.
Quote of the WeekI love William Butler Yeats. He has such a vivid way of sending emotions through the reader with his poetry. Here’s a quote I love. every fantasy author should know.
Seriously, how good is this?
“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
Rob’s RiddlesI 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:
I swirl and I swoop Swiftly striking my prey
Latest Snippet: Chapter 3 of Farewell, My Ugly
A private eye saves his dead friend.
The Black Company deals with something fishy.
Deathmages, space mages, and forgotten magic.
It’s all here in fourteen stories of valor, heroism, and bonds that tie folk together, for good or ill. There are bonds of love, oaths to gods, and life-long friends.
Will the old, crusty worn-out veteran find his new partner just might be something? Will the knight learn humility from those who serve him? Will Indrajit and Fix restore the path of true love?
Or will the bonds between characters break under the pressure of evil wizards, ancient enemies, or massive dragons?
Come find out.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Farewell, My Ugly (70,064)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsFantaSci, 24-26 March, Durham, NC, fantasci.rocks/Planet Comicon, 17-19 March, Kansas City, MO, planetcomicon.com/New ReleasesWe have a new 4HU novel from Jason Cordova and Kevin Ikenberry entitled The Misfits. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BXWJGNDG.
And The Chimera Coup, book 1 of Christopher G. Nuttall’s amazing Heirs of Cataclysm series, is now out in audiobook. Get it here: books2read.com/u/bxrG6d.
Your pre-release this week is The Last Argonaut, by Ian J. Malone. I’ve been waiting for this warball novel in the Salvage Title universe for months! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BYHP4RX2/.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 350.8
Updated Word Count: 106,969
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
March 9, 2023
Rob’s Update: Carthago Delenda Est
Greetings all
No, that’s not a typo. It really is Week X of 2023, not just my template. Yes, I’m the guy who puts up a V and says “Five beers please.”
Ha! I slay me. And it matches this week’s quote.
Anyway. It’s been a huge week here, though you won’t see it in all the numbers. Lots of projects around here and the next couple of months are going to be something, let me tell you.
This past weekend was an SCA get together, a heraldic retreat. Yes, I’m into heraldry. I’m sure that’s shocking. We spent the week talk about charges, field divisions, ordinaries, and so much more. We also played Puns of Anarchy, which is perfect for heralds.
If you didn’t think I could get any geekier, well, there you go.
But more on that when the time comes. I did a bunch of work Farewell, My Ugly and I’ve just about pushed through a major snarl that I had to unravel. I’m pretty pleased about that. Only one more transition to go, really, and transitions are what truly slow me down.
Even with all the other stuff and the snarl, I ended up with over 5000 words written and a bunch of issues cleared up on the draft. I tend to mark things on my manuscript that I need to fix later or double check with XX. I found a bunch of those and fixed them. Go me.
I also did some editing on Where Now the Rider. My hope is to have both ready to go by the end of March, and I’m on track.
What I’m Listening ToA Marple mystery from the BBC. I love the fact that they occasionally show her reading Raymond Chandler novels.
Quote of the WeekCarthago delenda est!
– Cicero
It’s the anniversary of Rome’s victory over Carthage in the Battle of the Aegetes, which ended the first Punic War. Cato, famously, ended his speeches in the Senate with today’s quote, which means, “Carthage must be destroyed.”
It’s such a famous phrase, Wikipedia even has an article about it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carthago_delenda_est.
Rob’s RiddlesI 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 (Coming March 13th):
Love have I waged War have I wooed
Latest Snippet: Chapter 3 of Farewell, My Ugly
Magic has returned to the world, but so has an ancient foe.
Erin Donnelly, descendant of Cu Chulainn and Champion of the Folk, searches for Nechtan—her lover cursed to live as a stag for a year and a day. Enlisting the aid of allies, Erin maintains a vigil, turning back hunters and predators who might harm Nechtan in the wilds of the magical otherworld.
But when Stangr Iron-skinned escapes his imprisonment in the River of Time, he has one thing on his mind—revenge on Nechtan. Stangr’s thirst for vengeance takes him from the Seelie courts of the otherworld to the windswept Great Plains.
Can Erin find Nechtan before Stangr tracks him down? Erin beat Giwargix the Dragon-Slayer, but can she defeat a jotunn-blooded Viking impervious to blades and bullets?
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Farewell, My Ugly (65,545)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsFantaSci, 24-26 March, Durham, NC, fantasci.rocks/Planet Comicon, 17-19 March, Kansas City, MO, planetcomicon.com/New ReleasesD.T. Read’s Running from the Gods, book 4 in her Seventh Shaman series, is out this week. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BHCMKH2L.
Your pre-release this week is a new 4HU novel from Jason Cordova and Kevin Ikenberry entitled The Misfits. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BXWJGNDG.
And The Chimera Coup, book 1 of Christopher G. Nuttall’s amazing Heirs of Cataclysm series, is now out in audiobook. Get it here: books2read.com/u/bxrG6d.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 348.2
Updated Word Count: 106,104
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
March 2, 2023
Rob’s Update: A Distraction for the Ages
Greetings all
I had a productive week going until something came up on Wednesday and I’ve gotten very little done the last couple of days.
Julieana JoyOh, well, you only get your first grandchild once. Everyone, meet Julieana Joy. Feel free to help me spoil her.
I focused this week in getting back into the groove with Farewell, My Ugly, and I did very well. I’m almost at 60k, which I’ve been sitting at for a while, but I went back and edited a bunch so I could get a better grip on the story.
I aim to have have that done by the end of March and I’m on schedule.
I did a bunch of prep work for Planet Comicon, which is coming up in a couple of weeks. New promo stuff, banners, cards, etc.
I did a bit of editing on Where Now the Rider. I’m making solid progress on it and I’ll have it done by the end of the month as well.
To be honest, I know I did more stuff but I’m still a bit tired from all the travel and cool stuff this week, so I’m going to cut it short this week.
What I’m Listening ToNFL Combine Coverage. Yes, I’m strange, but having it on in the background is really a good way for me to soak in who I’ll pick for pet cats in April.
Now, the big question. Do I go to the draft? At least opening night? It’s in KC this year.
Quote of the WeekHappy birthday to Dr. Seuss.
Also, I’d be a horrible clam, but I’m certainly a ham.
I am lucky to be what I am! Thank goodness I’m not just a clam, or a ham, or a dusty jar of sour gooseberry jam! I am what I am – that’s a great thing to be!
– Dr. Seuss
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:
Love have I waged War have I wooed
Latest Snippet: Chapter 3 of Hunting the Hart.
New Mythology Works in Progress Hunting the Hart is out!!! This is book 5 in the Milesian Accords by Jon R. Osborne, and here is it’s blurb:Magic has returned to the world, but so has an ancient foe.
Erin Donnelly, descendant of Cu Chulainn and Champion of the Folk, searches for Nechtan—her lover cursed to live as a stag for a year and a day. Enlisting the aid of allies, Erin maintains a vigil, turning back hunters and predators who might harm Nechtan in the wilds of the magical otherworld.
But when Stangr Iron-skinned escapes his imprisonment in the River of Time, he has one thing on his mind—revenge on Nechtan. Stangr’s thirst for vengeance takes him from the Seelie courts of the otherworld to the windswept Great Plains.
Can Erin find Nechtan before Stangr tracks him down? Erin beat Giwargix the Dragon-Slayer, but can she defeat a jotunn-blooded Viking impervious to blades and bullets?
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Rob’s Works in Progress
Sowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Farewell, My Ugly (59,940)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsFantaSci, 24-26 March, Durham, NC, fantasci.rocks/Planet Comicon, 17-19 March, Kansas City, MO, planetcomicon.com/New ReleasesJon R. Osborne’s Hunting the Hart, fifth in his excellent Milesian Accords series. The modern world and the magical world collide, with magic, technology, and mythology all swirling in a fast-paced story of heroes. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/product/1648556477.
We have book 6 from William S. Frisbee’s The Last Marines series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BWHFLXC1.
Your pre-release this week is D.T. Read’s Running from the Gods, book 4 in her Seventh Shaman series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0BHCMKH2L.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 344.2
Updated Word Count: 105,360
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
