Rob Howell's Blog, page 19
February 3, 2022
Rob’s Update: Becoming a Superstar
Greetings all
Monday I head to Colorado Springs to go to my first Superstars Writing Seminar. Going to be a chance for me to level up, I think. The teachers include such names as Jim Butcher, Kevin J. Anderson, Jonathan Maberry, Jody Lynn Nye, and the one, the only, Chris Kennedy.
For those paying attention to the Eldros Legacy, I’m the only one of the Founders, including Mia Kleve, our primary editor, who hasn’t been part of the program there, and I rectify that this year. We’ve got a talented group.
Speaking of talent, we’re getting close to setting a firm release date for Deadly Fortune, the next Eldros Legacy novel, this one by Aaron Rosenberg. This is set in Shijuren and it’s go pirates, treachery, swordfights, and murder. What more could a reader want?
If you haven’t read Aaron, you’re in for a treat. He’s a prolific writer with a ton of shared universe credits to his name, including Stargate, Star Trek, and Warhammer 40K. Yeah, he’s a rock star and we’re ecstatic to have him.
Tonight we record our next Dudes in Hyperspace podcast. This one will focus on our writing process.
By the way, we have some very exciting news about Dudes in Hyperspace. Details on this next podcast, which should be available in the next few days. Thanks to all who listen to us, because without you we don’t get to do this big reveal.
I’ve gotten back into the groove a bit with The Door Into Winter. Getting sick and needing to get both Deadly Fortune and Keen Edge of Valor out the door took me away from writing, but I had a good day yesterday. Since it had been a bit, I went in an edited chunks to remember exactly what I was doing.
I also started a new short story this week for Marisa Wolf. This one is set in Bill Webb’s Hit World series, which is yet another fun shared world from CKP.
And I think it’s time to get back to writing. I have a character to kill…
What I’m Listening ToThis week it’s Signals by… you guessed it, Rush! Yeah, I’m still on my Rush kick.
Quote of the WeekToday is the 63rd anniversary of the day the music died, so here’s a lyric from American Pie.
Oh, and there we were all in one place
A generation lost in space
With no time left to start again
So come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack Flash sat on a candlestick
‘Cause fire is the devil’s only friend
– Don McLean, American Pie
Follow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
https://www.sharkflight.com/dudes/
The latest show includes an interview with Craig Martelle of 20Booksto50K and IASFA.
Cool Stuff In Eldros LegacyGet five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.
Deadly Fortune by Aaron Rosenberg is coming soon!
Currently available:
Khyven the UnkillableSeeds of DominionNew Mythology Works in ProgressWe have no current open anthology calls but will have a new one announced at FantaSci.
I’m currently working on Keen Edge of Valor and it’s mostly done. You’re going to love it!
Giveaways
Tales of the Futurestoryoriginapp.com/bundles/55213bd8-61df-11ec-80b2-4b0a46d52bf8
Free Sci-fi, Fantasy, and ParanormalFree Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Paranormal
storyoriginapp.com/bundles/74cc46ac-6a9b-11ec-8a7b-bfca64e59fcb
To War!books.bookfunnel.com/oncemoretowar/xyfrprr1u7
Forced to be FreeAnd I’m doing a promo swap with Koen Martens and his book Forced to be Free.
Get it here: storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/bbdf4462-1880-11ec-8eb9-a34519556732
Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (74,129)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)VAL (571)Upcoming EventsSuperstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, COsuperstarswriting.com/FantaSci, 25-27 Mar., Raleigh, NC
fantasci.rocks/Planet Comicon, 22-24 Apr., Kansas City, MO
planetcomicon.com/New Releases
New Hit World anthology: You Pay: We Slay! This is the genre gumbo series from Bill Webb. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B09R8VLM58
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 317.0
Updated Word Count: 4,426
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 HowellFounder in the Eldros Legacy series
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: robhowell.orgBlog: robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives:www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: twitter.com/Rhodri2112
January 27, 2022
Rob’s Update: The Excalispork
Greetings all
Sorry about not posting last week. I’ve been under the weather since ChattaCon. My turn in the Covid box, which I’ve long expected. To be frank, it wasn’t bad for me, just draining. I’m certainly on the mend now.
I did manage to get the base manuscript for Keen Edge of Valor complete and sent off to the editor. That will be released at FantaSci, and to ensure we have print copies there, we needed it done early. Which it is.
I’ve been working on Deadly Fortune, by Aaron Rosenberg. Due to some need to shift things around, this will be the next Eldros Legacy novel. It’s set in Shijuren (my continent), and it involves piracy, murder, treachery, intrigue, and all sorts of great things like that. To coin a phrase: “Killed by pirates is good.”
Side note: we watched Princess Bride over the holidays again. It’s been a month and I’m still basking in the great quotes, as you can see.
I haven’t really had a chance to do much writing and it’s been gnawing at me. The good news is that once I get my portion of Deadly Fortune and Keen Edge of Valor done, I have February basically open for writing. I do owe a short story by the end of the month, but I will get bunches done in the The Door Into Winter too.
I had planned to do a full ChattaCon AAR, but there isn’t much to discuss. The con organizers did all they could and worked their tails off, but attendance was down. No panel was particularly well attended that I saw. Again, not the fault of the organizers.
I had one panel go really well, and that’s the Iron Writing Panel, which was basically a Whose Line style story creation thing where I kept adding/changing characters and settings and events. Quite fun. Long live the Excalispork!
That will be among the cards in the next version of this game.
Also, part of why I don’t have much to say is that I left early to get ahead of the weather. I’m really glad I did as I had smooth sailing, which wouldn’t have happened had I stayed throughout.
I’m glad I went, especially since I got to hang out more with William Joseph Roberts. He’s a smart man who’s doing real cool things.
Anyway, I think it’s time for me to edit.
What I’m Listening ToNot surprising, but since I was sick and not able to focus on work, I’ve been watching Rush concerts and documentaries, so it’s the current thing on the playlist. I’m mostly listening to it in whole album chunks and I’m currently on Power Windows. Like always, I hear one of Rush’s albums and two things happen. One, I remember just how good that album was especially since I always hear some intricacy I hadn’t heard before. Two, I remember that particular time in my life in sharper focus. Every new Rush album marked my life like signposts.
Quote of the WeekFifty-five years since the mission that never flew, Apollo 1.
“If we die, we want people to accept it. We’re in a risky business, and we hope that if anything happens to us, it will not delay the program. The conquest of space is worth the risk of life.”
– Gus Grissom
Follow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
https://www.sharkflight.com/dudes/
The latest show includes an interview with Craig Martelle of 20Books and IASFA.
Cool Stuff In Eldros LegacyGet five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.
We’re doing some consolidation of the process right now, meaning there will be some special things happening in February. I’ll talk more about that soon.
Khyven the Unkillable is here: amazon.com/dp/B09N288DCC
Seeds of Dominion is here: amazon.com/dp/B09PK1QYDY/
New Mythology Works in ProgressWe have no current open anthology calls but will have a new one in January.
I’m currently working on Keen Edge of Valor for release at FantaSci.
GiveawaysLots this week because I missed last week.
Sci-Fi Generationstoryoriginapp.com/bundles/bd544624-6341-11ec-bae8-9fe13dd3b276
Warriors for Goodstoryoriginapp.com/bundles/1b13bb6a-1418-11ec-9a16-9f45996aea4e
Start the year with an adventureStart the year with an adventure
storyoriginapp.com/bundles/4f277d00-693c-11ec-81b9-7fb7fa4bcdef
January Sci-Fi Giveawaystoryoriginapp.com/bundles/e9d06e20-63fb-11ec-a3ca-8bb708dff2d2
Unlimited Readingbooks.bookfunnel.com/unlimitedreading/cp9vd3wqhr
Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (74,029)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Upcoming EventsSuperstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, COsuperstarswriting.com/FantaSci, 25-27 Mar., Raleigh, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
Two new releases this week, mostly because I didn’t do one last week. The first is A Rupture In Time by Mike Jack Stoumbos, the second of the This Fine Crew series. You can find it here: amazon.com/dp/B09QPJJ7XC.
Next is The Magnetar by Jo Boone. This is the first in the Combined Service series. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B09QC78PLJ.
By the way, these are two recent additions to the CKP stable. Chris is always keeping an eye out for you guys. You want good stories and he wants to give them to you, and here is proof.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 318.2 (Not a typo. I was already trending down a bit and then I got sick and haven’t eaten much. Not ideal to lose that much that fast, and I expect it will creep up some in the next weeks, but it’s still exciting to be under 320)
Updated Word Count: 3,696
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 HowellFounder in the Eldros Legacy series
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: robhowell.orgBlog: robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives:www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: twitter.com/Rhodri2112January 14, 2022
Chattacon Schedule
Wow, I have a great schedule for Chattacon this year!
Friday5-6pm: When to Argue with an Editor (Wisdom Boardroom)
7-8pm: Websites: References and Tools for Writers (Vision C)
8-10pm: Iron Storyteller (Vision A)
12-2pm: Chris Kennedy Book Tour (Vision A)
3-4pm: Ultimate What IF Party (Vision B)
6-7pm: The Art & Craft of Anthology Curation (Vision C)
11-12pm: Publishing: Self, Small Press, or Agent (Wisdom Boardroom)
12-1pm: Book Signing (Motivation Meeting Room)
I hope you all come by and join me.
January 13, 2022
Rob’s Update: Passing of the Runelord
Greetings all
Today brings sad news. David Farland was a legend in the realms of fantasy, with his Runelord series one I loved. He passed away today and all of us at New Mythology Press send our condolences to his family. He was one of the giants upon whose shoulders we stood.
Sigh. I’m of the age where friends and acquaintances pass with awful regularity. It’s the way of life, of course, but I was especially hoping that soon I’d be able to learn from David. I have a number of friends who he mentored and hoped to add myself to that list.
This week I’m in Chattanooga at Chattacon. I have a fairly busy schedule, which I’ll post in a separate blog post tomorrow to make it easy for me to find when I forget where I’m supposed to be.
I made progress in The Door Into Winter this week. Only about 5000 words, but much of that is because I edited a bunch of my notes out. Often, anymore, I’ll make a note that I need to do something and continue onward. This character needs a name, make sure I put the revolver in act 3 in act 1, that sort of thing. By doing this, I get the main thoughts out without always getting bogged down in details, but every so often I have to clear up all those details.
I did take time off this past Monday to watch the CFP Playoff Game. This is just a guess, but I have a sneaking suspicion Kevin Steverson will want to discuss that game on the next Dudes in Hyperspace podcast, which we’ll record next week. We’ll also have Craig Martelle of 20Booksto50K and IASFA fame joining us.
Well, I’m in Chattanooga now. I guess it’s time to go schmooze. I suspect more than a few beverages will be raised in David’s honor.
What I’m Listening ToMy normal work mp3 list, which is currently Midnight Rider by the Allman Brothers. I’m in Tennessee, so maybe I should just have a Southern Fried Rock weekend.
Quote of the WeekToday’s quote is from David Farland, who encapsulates my philosophy about writing and publishing here.
“I’d like to emphasize that when a reader finishes a great novel, he will immediately begin looking for another. If someone loves your book, it increases the chance that he or she will look at mine. So there is no competition between writers. Another writer’s success helps build a larger readership for all of us.”– David Farland
Dudes In HyperspaceFollow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
sharkflight.com/dudes/
The latest show includes an interview with Bob Sturm of the Athletic and 1310 the Ticket in Dallas/Fort Worth. We talk about the NFL playoffs, which start this weekend.
Cool Stuff In Eldros LegacyGet five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.
Seeds of Dominion is still the new hotness. You can find it here: amazon.com/dp/B09PK1QYDY.
Currently, the plan for February is to shore up the foundation and make sure we’ve got all our processes worked out. Hence, we’ll have a number of interesting announcements along the way.
New Mythology Works in ProgressWe have no current open anthology calls but will have a new one in January.
I’m currently working on The Keen Edge of Valor, which will come out at FantaSci in March.
GiveawaysOne thing I like about these giveaways are the cool images they create for banners and I think this might be my favorite one yet. But then, I’ve always liked blue.
New Year New Booksstoryoriginapp.com/bundles/83bfa224-5490-11ec-9670-d7d28aa2a33a
Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (75,912)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Upcoming EventsChattaCon, 14-16 Jan., Chattanooga, TNchattacon.org/Superstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
superstarswriting.com/Gulf Wars, 12-20 Mar., Lumberton, MS
gulfwars.org/FantaSci, 25-27 Mar., Raleigh, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
This week is another 4HU novel, Tempest Rage by Mark Wandrey and Chris Kennedy. It’s not just any 4HU novel, though, but rather the conclusion of the epic Guild Wars series after 17 books. See what’s all the rage at: amazon.com/dp/B09PV4B3TX.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 331.2
Updated Word Count: 2716
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 HowellFounder in the Eldros Legacy series
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: robhowell.orgBlog: robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives:www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: twitter.com/Rhodri2112January 6, 2022
Rob’s Update: Seeds are Sown
Greetings all
Seeds of Dominion is out! This is the second Eldros Legacy novel and it’s by Quincy J. Allen. It covers events in Daemanon, the continent that Quincy created, and it stars Rellen of Corsia, who has already appeared in a couple of anthologies, When Valor Must Hold and Songs of Valor.
In my opinion, this is the best thing Quincy’s ever written, and if you’ve read his other stuff, you know that’s saying something.
You may have noticed that Seeds of Dominion is Book One of the Legacy of Deceit while Khyven the Unkillable Book One of the Legacy of Shadows. There are five continents on Eldros, and each of the five continents have their stories to tell at the start. If you would like an analogy, think of Marvel with separate stories involving Ironman, Hulk, Thor, and all the others.
We did this, by the way, not simply because the stories demand it, but also because when we really get going, we want to make sure readers know in what order to read all the books.
Major progress this week in The Keen Edge of Valor. I’ll be announcing the list of authors at Chattacon next week in the Chris Kennedy Publishing Year Ahead panel, which happens on Saturday at noon. I’ll post that list the week after.
I will say that I’m blessed to get to work with some of the best in the business.
I made some progress in The Door Into Winter, though I’ll freely admit I didn’t do as much over the holiday weekend as I should have. We got a new reclining loveseat this past weekend. There were bowl games, including the CFP semifinals, plus the NFL. I may have gotten distracted.
I also did my 2021 AAR, which you can find here: robhowell.org/blog/?p=2523.
Next week will be a little off-kilter, in terms of posting online because, as I mentioned, I’m going to Chattacon. I have a great schedule lined up, which I’ll post next Thursday.
What I’m Listening ToXanadu by Rush. Because of course I am.
Quote of the WeekLike us all, I’m mourning the passing of Betty White. This is, I think, a fitting quote on the topic.
“People have told me, ‘Betty, Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with old friends.’ At my age, if I wanted to keep in touch with old friends, I’d need a Ouija board.”
– Betty White
Now where’s my Ouija board. “Hey, Betty, I need some help…”
Dudes In HyperspaceFollow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
https://www.sharkflight.com/dudes/
The latest show is our holiday episode and includes an interview with a member of the USO.
Cool Stuff In Eldros Legacy
Seeds of DominionGet five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.
Seeds of Dominion is out! You can get it here:amazon.com/dp/B09PK1QYDY.
Don’t forget to leave reviews and like the reviews that you found helpful.
If you haven’t already, please do the same for Todd Fahnestock’s Khyven the Unkillable, which is here: amazon.co.uk/dp/B09N288DCC.
New Mythology Works in ProgressWe have no current open anthology calls but will have a new one in January.
I’m currently working on The Keen Edge of Valor, which will come out at FantaSci. I’ll make the full announcement of the author list at Chattacon.
Giveaways
Adventure-Action-Intriguestoryoriginapp.com/bundles/4b5c160a-59c8-11ec-935c-77d1c581f5d8
Free Fantasy and Science FictionFree Fantasy and Science Fiction
storyoriginapp.com/bundles/d3f41fc2-538c-11ec-949a-23f5e84cb858
The Neighbor You Don’t KnowAnd we’re trying something new here. This is a preview of The Neighbor You Don’t Know, by Shane Shepard. You can find it here: storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/da9e03f0-1bbb-11ec-92e4-7fd845c8a81b
If you get a chance, please go take a look. He’s doing me the kindness of advertising one of my own stories.
Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (70,243)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Upcoming EventsChattaCon, 14-16 Jan., Chattanooga, TNchattacon.org/Superstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
superstarswriting.com/Gulf Wars, 12-20 Mar., Lumberton, MS
gulfwars.org/FantaSci, 25-27 Mar., Raleigh, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
Seeds of Dominion is out! You can get it here:amazon.com/dp/B09PK1QYDY. The second novel in the Eldros Legacy.
Also out is the next Lunar Free State book, The Next Crusade, by John Siers. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B09PD8SCCH
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 329.6 (Not a typo, been under 330 all week. W0000tttt)
Updated Word Count: 1,954
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 HowellFounder in the Eldros Legacy series
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: robhowell.orgBlog: robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives:www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: twitter.com/Rhodri2112January 2, 2022
2021 AAR
Greetings all
2021 was the biggest year of my publishing career, but I suspect I’ll write the same exact words next year with all that’s happening. Nevertheless, here’s what I was involved in that came out in 2021:
2021 MosaicThis mosaic, by the way, doesn’t include stuff that’ll come out in 2022 which I worked on, such as Quincy J. Allen’s Seeds of Dominion, coming out on Tuesday.
By my reckoning, I put out 384,836 total words in 2021. Now, there are some statistical points to be made, out of honesty.
I only wrote 139,340 words of new stuff. That’s 1 novel, and only 6 short stories.I keep track of my blog posts too, as it’s one way to ensure I’m putting out consistent content. That was 49,811.The remaining 195,685 is 1/4 of the words in books I edited for New Mythology Press in 2021, 4 anthologies and 5 novels. I agree I should keep some track of that, as if I hadn’t done all that I would have definitely written more. I’m not convinced 1/4 is the right number. I’m thinking I may go to 1/5 in 2022. We’ll see.Still, any way you want to stack it, that’s not a bad year. Add on to that I spent many hours helping develop the Eldros Legacy and learning how to do a bunch of new things for New Mythology Press, and I would say it wasn’t a wasted year.
That’s especially true since I only count things I’ve finished in a calendar year. This total doesn’t include, for example, the 70k or so I’ve got written in The Door Into Winter nor the editing I’ve done for The Keen Edge of Valor, as they aren’t yet finished.
I’m proud of all the stories I wrote and helped put out in 2021. This is highlighted, of course, by The Ravening of Wolves. This novel really came together, I think, thanks to a bunch of tales given to me by friends who’ve seen the challenges behind the scenes in the military. Much of what went into that book are inspired by actual SNAFUs, because the main universal truth in military history that I can find is: “Shit happens.”
Of my short stories, I tried a number of whimsical things. For example, Careful With That Axe, E.U. Gene included over 200 song and band references hidden within about 9000 words. The biggest result, of course, is The Incomparable Treasure, which comes out at some point in 2022 as part of Larry Correia and Kacey Ezell’s next SF/F noir anthology, No Game for Knights. This is a huge honor for me, and I’m really excited about it.
I certainly learned a ton with New Mythology Press this year. I can’t thank Chris Kennedy enough for the opportunity and I hope I live up to his expectations.
I would say I earned a B- grade for my work as publisher in 2021. I tend to be a harsh grader, but as I look back I see areas I can improve upon. Now, to be fair, the biggest area I need to improve upon is simply experience, and that’s happening, but I could have accelerated my learning curve in places.
Nevertheless, I did learn and improve as the year’s gone on. I’d better, as I have a bunch of things to publish in 2022, which I’ll talk about in another blog post.
I am most proud of Responsibility of the Crown, I think. It was the first novel I’d ever edited, and I think it came out fantastic. It helps that G. Scott Huggins is a great writer, but I do think I contributed.
It was nerve-wracking for me, in some ways, but the results really fired me up. Like many writers (and now as publisher), I suffer from constant self-doubt and seeing the difference between the original draft Scott sent me of Responsibility and the final draft helps me believe I have some skill in this process. Again, though, it’s not a great story without Scott doing the heavy lifting.
I’m also proud of the Talons & Talismans anthologies. They were a challenge, one that made Chris shake his head and chuckle at my expense a time or eight.
However, those anthologies did much of what I wanted. I got involved with experienced writers I hadn’t worked with before, like Aaron Rosenberg, who I hope to publish a bunch more times down the road. I got a bunch of new writers opportunities, like Michael Gants, who I think you’ll be seeing fairly often in the future.
I also got to rummage around in the process of making anthologies at a much more detailed level. I’d done two prior to Talons & Talismans, but this was more, and I needed it.
On the behind the scenes side of things, I had a couple of hiccups with my mailing list, but I’m pleased with where I’m at now. I started working with the Writers House of Corrections to build that mailing list even more. Long term, I think that list and this blog, not Facebook or other social media platforms, will be my primary forms of interaction.
I learned a ton about how book art gets made. I knew some of it from self-publishing my first six novels, but there’s always more to learn. I’m amazed at what artists like Melissa Gay and Jake Caleb constantly produce.
Most fun of all is getting to know the editing staff of Chris Kennedy Publishing better. Mia Kleve is an amazing bedrock of competence. It was she, in fact, who created the above mosaic of covers, within like 2 minutes. Tiffany Reynolds is incredibly fast and skilled. I didn’t get to work with Beth Agajew as much in 2021, but I’ve had the pleasure before. We brought in Jonathan Miller too. He edited Seeds of Dominion and we have more plans for him.
I also got to interact with the advance readers more. Shawn Carey is a machine. He is an unseen, but much appreciated member of the team. Another is Zach Ritz, who routinely catches a bunch of errors that have slipped past all of our editors, including me. That’s a much less common skill than I think people realize.
A long time ago, I realized writing was about creating a team around the writer. That’s even more true about publishing. If I want to point at any one single thing I’m pleased with in 2021 it’s the creation of a new team around me, one which I’m already blessed to be a part of.
I’m just going to conclude that I’m looking at my shelf of books, the shelf holding books I’ll be selling at conventions. There’s Jon Osborne’s Milesian Accords series, including The House Between Worlds which I helped publish. There’s Khyven the Unkillable, by Todd Fahnestock, first of the Eldros Legacy novels. There are Four Horsemen Universe titles, especially The Ravening of Wolves. And there’s all sorts of titles produced prior to 2021. There’s a lot of titles there, but a bunch more are coming.
2021 was the start of something awesome.
December 30, 2021
Rob’s Update: Auld Lang Syne
Greetings all
Welcome to the final week of 2021. I hope you had a great year and I wish you an even better year in 2022. For me, it was a huge year, and I will do a separate blog post next week about it, followed by one discussing my goals for 2022.
This was not my most productive week, but it was a healthy one. I spent time with the family, enjoyed Christmas, got a some cool things, gave out cool things, and ate a lot. Somehow, I managed not to eat too much that I gained a bunch of weight.
Seeds of DominionI owe all of you on my mailing list a bit of an apology. I do have Fleece Navidad ready to send out to you, but I’m trying to arrange a better way of getting it to and that has been a bit of a learning curve. Again, this was something I’d intended to do over the past weekend, but got distracted. I’ll have it sent out to you next week.
I’ll also send out the links for Silent Knight or Under a Midnight Clear, the previous two Nick Patara, PI stories. Again, these are free for those on my mailing list.
Seeds of Dominion releases on Tuesday and we’re really excited. It’s by Quincy J. Allen and over the years I’ve seen a goodly amount of what he’s written. I think this novel is the best thing of his I’ve read, and the advance reviewers agree.
I made a little progress on The Door Into Winter. I’m not entirely happy with what I wrote though. For the first time since I started writing it, i think I’ll need to do a big rewrite of a chunk. It’s normal for this to happen, and I’ve sort of been waiting for it, but I’m really pleased I got this far into the book before running into a messy chunk.
Next week, I’m looking forward to my 7th New Year’s with my sweetie. I’m also looking forward to a goodly amount of football this weekend, which we’ll surely discuss on next week’s Dudes in Hyperspace.
For now, I’m going to some more words written. Have a great New Year’s everyone.
What I’m Listening ToMichigan State v. Pitt. I hope this game is as exciting as the Tennessee – Purdue game that just finished. It ended up at 48-45 in overtime! The last half of the 4th quarter was bonkers, with huge play after huge play.
Quote of the WeekThis week’s quote comes from traditional New Year’s song. It is, again, my hope that all of you have a wonderful 2022.
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
– Robert Burns
Follow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
https://www.sharkflight.com/dudes/
The latest show includes an interview with Todd Fahnestock, one of the Founders of the Eldros Legacy.
Cool Stuff In Eldros LegacyGet five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.
Seeds of Dominion out Tuesday!
New Mythology Works in ProgressWe have no current open anthology calls but will have a new one in January.
I’m currently working on The Keen Edge of Valor, the next Libri Valoris anthology.
Giveaways
Tales of the Futurestoryoriginapp.com/bundles/067b3e64-4742-11ec-9566-8f6a9c4f2736
Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (67,243)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Upcoming EventsChattaCon, 14-16 Jan., Chattanooga, TNchattacon.org/Superstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
superstarswriting.com/Gulf Wars, 12-20 Mar., Lumberton, MS
gulfwars.org/FantaSci, 25-27 Mar., Raleigh, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
This week’s release is Assault, by Mike Massa, the next in Chuck Gannon’s Caine Riordan universe. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B09NZSH7X9.
And remember, Seeds of Dominion is out on Tuesday!
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 330.2
Updated Word Count: 383,210
Eldros Legacy Archives: 806 entries (there will be more coming next week from Seeds of Dominion)
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 HowellFounder in the Eldros Legacy series
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: robhowell.orgBlog: robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives:www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: twitter.com/Rhodri2112December 23, 2021
Rob’s Update: Happy Holidays
Greetings all
It was a very productive week here. I finished the first pass through Embers & Ash, the third book of the Eldros Legacy. This one is by Marie Whittaker, who’s a fantastic writer.
I also finished Fleece Navidad, which will be going out to my subscribers on Saturday. I really do appreciate all of you who have subscribed to my mailing list, and I hope you enjoy these Nick Patara, PI stories.
I got about 5k in The Door Into Winter. That’s not really reflective of how easy this story is to write. I’m having trouble finding time to write on it during the holiday season with so much going on, but man I’m chunking out words whenever I do. I really like where it’s going.
I also started the real editing for The Keen Edge of Valor, the next of the Libri Valoris anthologies.
My sweetie and I went on a big hunt this past weekend. The game? The right loveseat and couch for the big TV room downstairs. Wednesday night is date night, and more often then not we enjoy watching BBC mysteries together. We’re such party animals. However, we hadn’t really had a way to sit together. But we found a great set, on clearance, and it comes tomorrow. It is exactly the right thing for us, and we both got in our steps on Saturday and Sunday hunting for it.
Plus, of course, all the Christmas prep. We’re not doing a huge thing, in part because it’s just me, my sweetie, my mom, and my stepdad. Still, I’ll grill steaks, we’re cooking a ham, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and a bunch of other fixins. The sweetie has decided to make not one pie (blackberry, her favorite), not two (bourbon pecan, not quite my favorite, but close), but three pies (she found just the right lemons at CostCo to make her special lemon pie.
So much for my carb count. Ah, well, it’s the season for eating… errr… I mean giving. Anyway, I hope you all have a great holiday season.
What I’m Listening ToSweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I had a chance to see them with the Marshall Tucker Band in Wichita a little more than two years ago. I’d never seen them live before, and I’m really glad I went, as it was a heckuva show.
Quote of the WeekThis is one of my favorite quotes, by one of my favorite people. If you want a fun story about Charles Schulz, by the way, go look up the time that Stephen Pastis, who writes Pearls Before Swine, fanboyed him.“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”
― Charles M. Schulz
Follow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
https://www.sharkflight.com/dudes/
The latest show includes an interview with Emily Bernson of the USO, our memories of 2021, and what we’re looking for in 2022. Side note, Ian definitely hadn’t gotten the memo of my plans for 2022.
Cool Stuff In Eldros LegacyGet five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.
Seeds of DominionI finished my pass on Embers & Ash, the next Eldros Legacy book. This one’s by Marie Whittaker, and it will introduce the continent of Pyranon.
Of course, we’re all looking forward to Seeds of Dominion, by Quincy J. Allen, in less than two weeks.
Next week, we’ll have the Daemanon map reveal, so stayed tuned for that.
New Mythology Works in ProgressWe have no current open anthology calls but will have a new one in January.
I’m currently working on The Keen Edge of Valor, the third in the Libri Valoris anthologies for release at FantaSci.
Giveaways
Holiday eBook Giveaway BonanzaHoliday eBook Giveaway Bonanza
storyoriginapp.com/bundles/359de554-258f-11ec-869e-03ad81ac2f5f
Mid-Month All Fantasytoryoriginapp.com/bundles/b56fd194-2197-11ec-94f2-57d728290ce4
Messengers from Heaven and HellMessengers from Heaven and Hell
storyoriginapp.com/bundles/04adc046-f25d-11eb-a241-5bc365e62532
Inspirational Storiesbooks.bookfunnel.com/inspirationaldecember/55czmml9l6
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Giveawaybooks.bookfunnel.com/decsff001a/wk0ejezr77
Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (63,611)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Upcoming EventsSuperstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, COsuperstarswriting.com/New Releases
This week’s big new release is Ally, the next 4HU novel, by Kacey Ezell and Marisa Wolf. The Depik are back! And they brought friends. Get it here: www.amazon.com/dp/B09NN53QLN.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 331.8
Updated Word Count: 382,460
Eldros Legacy Archives: 804 entries (expect this to jump next week as we get close to Seeds of Dominion)
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 HowellFounder in the Eldros Legacy series
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: robhowell.orgBlog: robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives:www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: twitter.com/Rhodri2112December 16, 2021
Rob’s Update: Speak Softly
Greetings all
I made a mistake last time because I didn’t double-check something. Shame on me. I said Seeds of Dominion is coming out on the 2nd of January, but it is, in fact, coming out on the 4th of January. My apologies for the confusion, but the good news is that it’s the best thing of Quincy’s I’ve ever read, and he’s got a lot of cool stuff out there.
This was also not my most productive work week, largely in part to Christmas-y stuff, along with pet stuff. I basically lost all weekend and all day today. Pets are totally worth the effort, but man, they can be exhausting.
Still, I’m basically done with the first draft of Fleece Navidad, my freebie story which I’ll be sending out to all of you on my mailing list. I also made progress on Embers & Ash, by Marie Whittaker, which is the third Eldros Legacy book. I also did some foundational work, but still, not as much as I’d hoped. Some weeks are like that.
We also recorded a special Dudes in Hyperspace, finishing the episode tonight. We interviewed Emily Berson, who is a USO rep. That’s quite an honor for me, and they do so much cool stuff for our service members.
Of course, we’ve been enjoying the response to Khyven the Unkillable. It’s done very well, despite Amazon having not one, but now two AWS outages. It’s too hot for them to handle, apparently.
Seeds of Dominion, by Quincy J. Allen, is the next Eldros Legacy book, and it’s basically ready to go and comes out on the 4th of January, as I clarified above. See below for the cover reveal.
I think that’s it for now. Everyone have a great week, and I’ll touch base again next Christmas Eve Eve.
What I’m Listening ToChiefs at Chargers. It’s a heckuva matchup and I’ve been looking forward to it. I’ve liked the Chargers as sort of a second team since the Dan Fouts/Kellen Winslow/Charlie Joiner/Chuck Muncie days. That was such a fun team to watch.
Quote of the WeekThe Great White Fleet began it’s circumnavigation of the world on this day in 1907. That means there’s only quote appropriate for the day.
“Speak softly, and carry a big stick.
– Teddy Roosevelt
Follow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
https://www.sharkflight.com/dudes/
The latest show includes an interview with Emily Bernson, a member of the USO, though it won’t be live until tomorrow, the 17th.
Cool Stuff In Eldros LegacyGet five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.
Khyven the Unkillable is out and getting great response from its readers. You can find it here: amazon.co.uk/dp/B09N288DCC.
Seeds of DominionBut the big thing this week is the fantastic cover of Seeds of Dominion. Jake Caleb created the art, and you can see just how awesome he is.
New Mythology Works in ProgressWe have no current open anthology calls but will have a new one in January.
I’m currently working on getting Embers & Ash and The Keen Edge of Valor.
Giveaways
Messengers from Heaven and HellMessengers from Heaven and Hell
storyoriginapp.com/bundles/04adc046-f25d-11eb-a241-5bc365e62532
Mid-Month All Fantasystoryoriginapp.com/bundles/b56fd194-2197-11ec-94f2-57d728290ce4
Holiday eBook Giveaway BonanzaHoliday eBook Giveaway Bonanza
storyoriginapp.com/bundles/359de554-258f-11ec-869e-03ad81ac2f5f
Inspirational Stories
Sci-Fi & Fantasy GiveawayRob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (58,990)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Fleece Navidad (7,151)Upcoming EventsChattaCon, 14-16 Jan., Chattanooga, TNchattacon.org/Superstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
superstarswriting.com/Gulf Wars, 12-20 Mar., Lumberton, MS
gulfwars.org/FantaSci, 25-27 Mar., Raleigh, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
OK, OK, I realize it was last week, but I’m still excited about Khyven the Unkillable. You can get it here: amazon.co.uk/dp/B09N288DCC.
Two releases from the boss this week. First, there’s Jurassic Jail from William Alan Webb. He’s such an innovative guy, and he’s in charge of the non-fiction publishing of CKP now because he’s just that sharp. You can find Jurassic Jail here: amazon.com/dp/B09NFN84BP.
And then there’s the first book by Mike Jack Stoumbos with CKP. It’s entitled The Signal Out of Space, and starts the Fine Crew series. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B09N8VHGFP.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 332.8
Updated Word Count: 355,326
Eldros Legacy Archives: 802 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 HowellFounder in the Eldros Legacy series
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: robhowell.orgBlog: robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives:www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: twitter.com/Rhodri2112December 9, 2021
Rob’s Update: Khyven the Unkillable
Greetings all
Khyven the UnkillableNow, I’m not saying the Khyven the Unkillable by Todd Fahnestock is so good that it broke Amazon, but it is the case that Amazon’s back end went down on the day of Khyven‘s release and it is that good. You can find it here: amazon.com/dp/B09N288DCC.
It’s a great start to the Eldros Legacy, and Seeds of Dominion, coming out on the 4th of January is a great follow-up. That will go out to advance readers in the next few days.
For me, this was a fantastic week. I updated my website, robhowell.org. I had to add the Eldros Legacy, after all.
I also committed to ChattaCon in January. I can’t wait, wasn’t sure I was going to be able to go. In February, I’ll be at Superstars and then in March, I’ll have Gulf Wars and FantaSci. It’s starting to feel like a schedule again.
I got 4k written in The Door Into Winter. Things are shaping up nicely. I’m at about 59k and I see no sigh of slowage, so maybe this Save the Cat thing is helping.
In fact, I would have done more, but I also got 6k written in the new freebie story for my newsletter recipients. I have just the final battle scene to write and then it’s in the editing stage It’s another of my Nick Patara, PI hardboiled Santa Claus stories entitled Fleece Navidad.
That’s my favorite title yet, by the way.
I also cleaned a bunch of the house, as we’re having guests for the weekend. This is the time of a major local SCA event, and while I can’t go to the event, I do get to have a bunch of people over. I can’t wait to see them.
What I’m Listening ToThe Main Monkey Business by Rush. It’s off of Snakes and Arrows, their penultimate studio album. I’ve been on a kick of listening to Rush albums lately, not simply putting all my Rush on shuffle. We sometimes forget in this day of digital music how much some artists put into making an album work as an album and not simply a collection of songs.
Quote of the WeekOne of my all-time favorite quotes this week. Oh, by the way, Happy Birthday to Neil Innes.
Ladies and gentlemen, Ive suffered for my music … now its your turn.
– Neil Innes
Follow the Dudes In Hyperspace here:
https://www.sharkflight.com/dudes/
The latest show includes an interview with Todd Fahnestock, one of the Founders of the Eldros Legacy.
Cool Stuff In Eldros LegacyGet five free stories and signed up with the Eldros Legacy mailing list! Here There Be Giants is at: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.
Khyven the Unkillable came out on Tuesday! You can find it here: amazon.com/dp/B09N288DCC. It’s a great start to the Eldros Legacy.
Next week, I’ll have the cover reveal for Seeds of Dominion.
New Mythology Works in ProgressWe have no current open anthology calls but will have a new one in January.
I’m currently working on Embers & Ash, the next book in the Eldros Legacy.
Giveaways
Sci-Fi Rulesstoryoriginapp.com/bundles/86194532-4169-11ec-8dd3-f73696309aa5
Winter Is Comingstoryoriginapp.com/bundles/d5796612-1ca1-11ec-98da-6f9dc9017176
Sci-Fi Fantasticstoryoriginapp.com/bundles/6bd88812-3f12-11ec-8528-f745c38884f5
Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (58,990)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Fleece Navidad (5,945)Upcoming EventsChattaCon, 14-16 Jan., Chattanooga, TNchattacon.org/Superstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
superstarswriting.com/Gulf Wars, 12-20 Mar., Lumberton, MS
gulfwars.org/FantaSci, 25-27 Mar., Raleigh, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
Khyven the Unkillable came out on Tuesday! You can find it here: amazon.com/dp/B09N288DCC. It’s a great start to the Eldros Legacy.
Also this week, the book 4 of P.A. Piatt’s Abner Fortis, ISMC series, entitled Gnamma, came out. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B09MT3HB8T.
Speaking of releases, The Ravening of Wolves, my second Four Horsemen novel, came out on audio last week. Thanks to the awesome Daniel Wisniewski and Chris Kenneday for all their work making this happen. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B09MSWF9K1.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 333.8
Updated Word Count: 354,545
Eldros Legacy Archives: 802 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 HowellFounder in the Eldros Legacy series
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: robhowell.orgBlog: robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives:www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: twitter.com/Rhodri2112
