Rob Howell's Blog, page 20

Mako (The Mako Saga Book 1)The Trashman (Hit World Book 1)Men in Uniform: A Steamy Romance Anthology The Midnight Sun (The Omega War Book 2)Psi-Mechs, Inc. (The Darkness War Book 1)Guardian (War Angel Book 1)Janissaries (The Theogony Book 1)Those in Peril (The Phases of Mars Book 1)We Dare: No Man’s Land: An Anthology of Strong Female Leads The Feeding of Sorrows (Four Horsemen Tales Book 11)Blue Crucible (The Fallen World Book 7)A Reluctant Druid (The Milesian Accords Book 1)Minds of Men (The Psyche of War Book 1)

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Published on December 02, 2021 16:00

Rob’s Update: Thank You

Week 46 of 2021

Greetings all

A simple title for a simple thing, but so important. Thank you, everyone, for helping me grow as a writer and carve out a niche in this field.

(Carve. See what I did there? Ha, I slay myself)

Anyway, we’re having a huge Black Friday sale at CKP to express our thanks. All 13 of these titles are on sale right now for $0.99.

Here’s a single link where you can add all of them at once.

I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving, and I hope you all have as much to give thanks for as I do. Most of all, I hope that great things happen for all of you.

Khyven the Unkillable

Was a good week for The Door Into Winter. Not a ton of words, but a bunch of cleanup and arranging. I expect there to be a huge week upcoming as I’ve laid out several lines that need to get written.

We’re getting really close to Khyven the Unkillable. This is, of course, the first novel in the Eldros Legacy. We’re so excited to bring this to you, and Todd Fahnestock gets us off to an amazing start.

Seeds of Dominion is getting close to done, and it’ll be coming out on the 2nd of January. If you’re a part of the Eldros Legacy mailing list, you’ll get to see a sneak preview of the art in that, which comes out tomorrow. Want to be a part of that list? Go here: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/contact/newsletter/.

With that, I’m going to watch football, spend time with the sweetie, and make her steak and fixin’s for dinner.

Have a great holiday weekend, everyone!

What I’m Listening To

It’s Thanksgiving, so I’m watching football. I’m sure you’re all shocked.

Quote of the Week

I’ve used this quote before (way back in 2016, actually), but it’s at least as true today.

“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.”
– Erma Bombeck

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+.

Khyven the Unkillable a week from Tuesday!

Seeds of Dominion by Quincy J. Allen in five weeks.

The steamroller is a-coming.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Current open anthology calls:

Fantasy & Sci-Fi Giveaway

Last few days to submit! Bring me your stories. I’m looking forward to seeing them.

Giveaways

Four giveaways this week. Enjoy!

Fantasy and Sci-Fi Giveaway

https://books.bookfunnel.com/fantasy-scifi-giveaway/ny3bnb3dg1

Multi-Genre Freebies

https://books.bookfunnel.com/endsdec15th_allgenrefreebies/g7q2o008ri

Fantasy and Sci-Fi Giveaway

Fantasy and Sci-Fi Giveaway 2

https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/e422f890-37f9-11ec-9dad-63582407f126?bundleLinkId=ORK3oO0

All Fantasy Promo

https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/69d15528-2197-11ec-a612-af225b90fb21

Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (47,004)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Upcoming EventsSuperstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
https://superstarswriting.com/New Releases

Something from the big boss this week. Chris Kennedy has a new novel in Chuck Gannon’s Caine Riordan Universe entitled Insertion. You can get it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M32WQ3W/

Not a new release, but I certainly hope you take advantage of our Black Friday sale. Here’s a single link where you can add all of them at once. .

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 332.0

Updated Word Count: 352,963

Eldros Legacy Archives: 797 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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: www.robhowell.orgBlog: www.robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhodri2112

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Published on November 25, 2021 12:12

Rob’s Update: That’s More Like It

Week 45 of 2021

Greetings all

It’s been a great first week since the release of Talons & Talismans II.

As many of you know, I’m a Cowboys fan. That beatdown of the Falcons was a nice change from the putrid showing against the Broncos. This weekend will be a lot of fun, I think, as the Cowboys are actually in KC, where I live, for what promises to be a heck of a game.

It’s not the only thing that went well. I put out nearly 12000 words in The Door Into Winter, and I’ve got a bunch more poised to go. I’m over 42,000 now.

Oh, and I’ve been ecstatic at the reaction to both Talons & Talismans anthologies. Not to mention the response to The House Between Worlds by Jon R. Osborne. Thanks to all the readers.

This upcoming week is a bunch more work on The Door Into Winter, along with some on my next Nick Patara, PI story and maybe even another short story.

Also, as we get close to Thanksgiving and the holiday season, I want to say thanks to all of my readers. I’m doing that by getting you more freebies than ever. Eight collections of free stories this week, so hopefully you all find something cool to read after finishing Talons & Talismans II.

What I’m Listening To

Thursday Night Football. I hate to tell people, but this New England team is actually really good. I think they have a 50/50 shot to win that division, though it’s clear to me the Bills are the better team and still my prediction for the team to come out of the AFC.

Quote of the Week

Today is Alan Dean Foster’s birthday. He’s one of the guys I grew up with. Today’s quote is just another example of someone speaking the truth.

“The thing all writers do best is find ways to avoid writing.”
– Alan Dean Foster

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+.

Talons & Talismans II has 8 Eldros Legacy stories. You can get it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L44T5XW.

Khyven the Unkillable is out on the 7th of the December, then Seeds of Dominion 4th of January.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Current open anthology calls:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/readfreefantasyscifibooks/oo8gx0bssu

I’m currently working on

Giveaways

Eight this week! Have fun all. +

Autumn Free Book Collection

Strange Worlds

https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/7319ddea-1e44-11ec-87f8-2772589d075d?bundleLinkId=S1SIlEd

Epic Magic and Stellar Sorcery

https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/c4f2b4ee-b1c9-11eb-93e7-5304ae008eb6?bundleLinkId=UzEAnqn

Deadly Mystery, Fantasy, and Science Fiction

https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/b96f9b76-1e45-11ec-be9a-e75714b75a08

The Ultimate Sci-Fi Giveaway

https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/48f0cfe8-38f1-11ec-866e-c72d627fb1bb

Grateful Promotion

https://books.bookfunnel.com/grateful_for_2ndchances_giveaway/ws1j1i4y2s

Multi-Genre Freebies

https://books.bookfunnel.com/grateful_for_2ndchances_giveaway/ws1j1i4y2s

Free Book Bonanza

sffbookbonanza.com/free-books-nov-2021

Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (42,153)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Upcoming EventsSuperstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
https://superstarswriting.com/New Releases

Talons & Talismans II still counts as a new release, at least in my world. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L44T5XW.

The other new release this week from CKP is In the Service of Luna by John E. Siers. This is the 4th book in his Luna Free State series and you can get it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LH9KYRZ.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 334.0

Updated Word Count: 323,747

Eldros Legacy Archives: 797 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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: www.robhowell.orgBlog: www.robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhodri2112

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Published on November 18, 2021 16:29

Rob’s Update: And Yet Notwithstanding

Week 44 of 2021

Greetings all

Another new release this week! Talons & Talismans II is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L44T5XW/.

I’m so pleased with the Talons & Talismans project. We put out 30 great stories encompassing over 260,000 words. It included some of the biggest names in the industry like Kevin J. Anderson and Rick Partlow along with a number of authors who published their first story like Rich Hailey and Elowyn Fahnestock.

It also jumpstarted the Eldros Legacy, New Mythology Press’s shared fantasy setting.

In short, these anthologies did everything I wanted and I’m so thankful to all who were a part of it, from authors, editors, artists, and especially, the readers of New Mythology Press. Special thanks to DJ Butler for giving me a two-part story, one for each anthology.

By the way, Talons & Talismans I is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B09HQZDR4W.

But writing never stops, or at least it shouldn’t. I made good progress with The Door Into Winter, though the number of words added won’t seem like much. I realized I needed to tighten up a number of plot holes, which took some time. I’m much happier with where I’m at right now and I expect I’ll crank out quite a bit next week.

I’m also about to start a couple of short stories. One, of course, will be my next Nick Patara, PI story for all of you on my mailing list. Then I have a chance, if I can meet the deadline, for a really cool project. Not to mention immediately after The Door Into Winter I have promised two more short stories and I finally will bring you all a new Edward mystery.

I love that I have so much I get to write. And with that, I better throw some words at the page.

What I’m Listening To

Rush in Rio. Great album to write to.

Quote of the Week

Happy Veterans Day to all who served. Thank you very much.

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.”
– Thucydides

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+.

Talons & Talismans II is here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L44T5XW/. Eight Eldros Legacy stories

New Mythology Works in Progress

Current open anthology calls:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/readfreefantasyscifibooks/oo8gx0bssu

I’m currently working on the next Eldros Legacy novel, Seeds of Dominion, by Quincy J. Allen.

Giveaways

Three cool giveaways this week.

Autumn Free Book Collection

Your Next Favorite Fantasy

https://mybookcave.com/g/9a1d3f1b/

The Visit

https://books.bookfunnel.com/be-a-good-host/tccf56rwww

Lots of free stuff out there and I’m excited to bring it to you.

Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (30,837)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Upcoming EventsSuperstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
https://superstarswriting.com/New Releases

Talons & Talismans II is alive, including eight Eldros Legacy stories. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L44T5XW/.

Also out this week is a new Salvage Title novel, this one by Matt Novotny. It’s entitled A Nest of Stars and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KX8CY54.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 331.8

Updated Word Count: 323,145

Eldros Legacy Archives: 787 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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: www.robhowell.orgBlog: www.robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhodri2112

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Published on November 11, 2021 14:31

Rob’s Update: Riding the Whirlwind

Week 43 of 2021

Greetings all

It is an absolute whirlwind for me right now, in a great way.

Talons and Talisman II

The House Between Worlds came out on the 26th. The reviews are great (4.7 out of 5), as I expected, because it’s a great book. You can get it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K4RRMP6.

Talons & Talismans II comes out next Tuesday, the 9th. Already heard back from some reviewers and they’re excited, not just about the window into the Eldros Legacy. Here’s the great cover done by J. Caleb Designs. A Manticore, a Goblin, and a Unicorn, oh my!

Speaking of the Eldros Legacy, our first monthly newsletter went out last week. That’ll be the fourth Thursday each month and you’d like to join, go here: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/contact/newsletter/.

Khyven the Unkillable, by Todd Fahnestock, the first Eldros Legacy novel, goes out to advance readers late next week. They’re gonna love it.

Showed the Eldros Legacy Founders J. Caleb Design’s art for the 2nd EL novel, Seeds of Dominion, this week. Ooohs and ahhhs from all, especially Quincy J. Allen, the author.

Oh, and there are FOUR giveaways this week, not counting Here There Be Giants.

Didn’t write as much this week as I wanted to, mostly because I was recovering and re-adjusting to home after the trip. This is not surprising. In fact, it’s something I’ve come to expect and plan for. I normally work two or three half-shifts a day to let my mind refresh. I allowed myself a couple days of only one this week to recover.

But I’m completely back now and excited to go. So I better toss words on the page.

What I’m Listening To

Stuff overhead at Brewbaker’s. Speaking of which, I’m going to have something fun to announce about this place coming soon.

Quote of the Week

Happy 142nd to Will Rogers! He has so many quotes. Here’s one, and, well, I know which category I fall into.

“There are three kinds of men. The ones that learn by readin’. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.”

– Will Rogers

Cool Stuff In Eldros Legacy

Khyven the Unkillable

Talons & Talismans II has eight Eldros Legacy stories, and the advance readers have already shown their enthusiasm to me.

if that’s not enough, you can get five free Eldros Legacy stories here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.

Oh, and if you haven’t seen it already, here’s the cover for Khyven the Unkillable, coming out on 7 December.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Current open anthology calls:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/egyptianmythology/w2c325jld3

I’m currently working on Seeds of Dominion, book 2 of the Eldros Legacy. It’s getting there. After that, I’ll be turning toward Embers & Ash by Marie Whittaker, book 3.

I’m also starting work on something that will, I hope, occupy a large chunk of our production schedule of 2022. Let’s just say I finished the first novel in one night because I couldn’t put it down. How’s that for vaguebooking?

Giveaways

Free Mythology Stories (Fantasy & Paranormal)

Free Fantasy Reads + Paperback Giveaway

https://storyoriginapp.com/to/BGHNnLI

YA & NA Books

https://storyoriginapp.com/to/AXjbPHj

X-MYSTERY FILES

https://storyoriginapp.com/to/gKKvsB8

Rob’s Works in ProgressThe Door Into Winter (25,797)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)Upcoming EventsSuperstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
https://superstarswriting.com/New Releases

It’s a double week at CKP, with new stuff in our two biggest franchises.

First, there’s It Takes More Kinds, an anthology in Kevin Steverson’s Salvage Title universe. This is the follow-up to It Takes All Kinds, which included my story “Careful With That Axe, E.U. Gene.” Like the first anthology, It Takes More Kinds is an anthology of new alien races in this universe. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KPF57JN.

Second is Harbinger from Kevin Ikenberry. This is the 10th book in the Rise of the Peacemakers thread within the Four Horsemen universe. This thread starts with Redacted Affairs, which is a must read for all 4HU fans. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KGFDFLN.

Whew! What a week!

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 332.8

Updated Word Count: 322,472

Eldros Legacy Archives: 797 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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: www.robhowell.orgBlog: www.robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhodri2112

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Published on November 04, 2021 10:35

Rob’s Update: The Day After

Week 42of 2021

Greetings all

I’m home! Yesterday I drove back from Coinjock, NC to Kansas City. Was a heck of a drive, made all the more enjoyable to have fellow Eldros Legacy contributors, Mark Stallings and Jamie Ibson as co-pilot and bombardier.

The House Between Worlds

The House Between Worlds came out on Tuesday! This is the fourth in Jon R. Osborne’s excellent Milesian Accords series. Some books are challenging to edit, but this was not one of them. It was a joy to be a part of it because it’s so good.

I didn’t expect anything else, because I’ve long enjoyed Jon R. Osborne’s writing. He has a calm demeanor that comes through in his writing and sometimes you don’t realize until the end of a major action sequence just how much you’re on edge until you reach the end. And then you’re breathless as you try and catch up with the power of his prose that’s was driving you, even if you didn’t realize it.

For myself, I worked a goodly amount at FactoryCon. A bunch of it was publisher work, but I managed to write about 6000 words, including sharpening up the first four chapters into what I’d guess are basically final form. So far, no lockups wondering what I need to write next, which is what I was hoping for, though my primary lockup section is the third quarter of the book. We’ll see, but it’s promising.

And now, I’m signing off. Lots to do, including another nap after getting home. Long drives take it out of me more than they used to and that was a hike, but I’m really glad to be home with sweetie, dog, and kitties.

What I’m Listening To

Senjutsu, the new Iron Maiden album. I’m odd because I thought Book of Souls, their last album, was perhaps their best, top to bottom. I’m still just learning this album, so I’m not ready to make any grand pronouncements yet.

But I will say this, one of the things I loved about Book of Souls was that these musicians have had a lifetime to get better and they have. It shows here too.

Quote of the Week

A crew of us closed out FactoryCon by watching Dune in Elizabeth City. I really enjoyed it. It’s hard to make a definitive judgement, much like I couldn’t really make a definitive judgement of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers until after Return of the King had come out.But I can say this. So, so good. So really good. At the very least, it has the big sweeping scale that Dune should have and it’s well worth seeing in the theater for that very reason.This is a quote that has resonated with me for quite a while, and one that I think of quite often when making my choices.“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”

– Frank Herbert

Cool Stuff In Eldros Legacy

Talons & Talismans II went out to the advance readers this past week! That means we’re getting close to its release on 9 November.

Why do I include this here instead of immediately below? Because there are Eight Eldros Legacy stories in here, including one from each founder plus Elowyn Fahnestock, Jamie Ibson, and Sam Witt. Also, two future contributors, Aaron Rosenberg and Courtney Farrell provided other stories.

Basically, this is a chance for you to dip your toes in the oceans of the Eldros Legacy. Come on in, the water’s nice.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Current open anthology calls:

I’m currently working on Quincy J. Allen’s Seeds of Dominion, the second novel in the Eldros Legacy. That will come out in January.

Of course, on December 7th, we kick of the novels with Todd’s Fahnestock’s Khyven the Unkillable.

Giveaways

Tales of the Future

This week’s giveaway is Tales of the Future, including my Nick Patara, PI urban fantasy story, Under a Midnight Clear. You can find it, and a bunch of other free stories here: https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/109e9f7a-1d6d-11ec-b404-7f39f05b7c47?bundleLinkId=JNEXltj.

Rob’s Works in Progress

The Door Into Winter (23,972)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)

Upcoming Events

Superstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
https://superstarswriting.com/

New Releases

The House Between Worlds by Jon R. Osborne. It’s truly an amazing book and it’s an honor to be a part of it. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K4RRMP6.

Then we have another anthology from Jamie Ibson, And Then It Got Weird. Fifteen tales of writers dreaming up oddnesses. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JVHX4K1.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: No clue. Scale needs a new battery.

Updated Word Count: 287,091

Eldros Legacy Archives: 797 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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: www.robhowell.orgBlog: www.robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhodri2112

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Published on October 28, 2021 16:01

Rob’s Update: Looking at the Sound

Week 41 of 2021

Greetings all

I’m currently at FactoryCon looking out over Currituck Sound at the Outer Banks on a lovely evening.

Not a bad place to work. I didn’t get much done on the drive out here, but I’ve been making up the time with some great days so far. Talons & Talismans II is ready to go, plus a number of other projects with more to come.

Speaking of Talons & Talismans II, we decided to push it back a week to balance the releases a bit better. The scheduling conflict that pushed The House Between Worlds to release next Tuesday, the 26th meant we’d be cramming in all that promo stuff into one week. This felt tight to me, so we’re giving that one two weeks and then three weeks before Khyven the Unkillable. I’m still sorting out the pacing with New Mythology, which surprises me not at all.

The House Between Worlds

Oh, by the way, T-minus 5 days to The House Between Worlds by Jon R. Osborne. This is the fourth in his Milesian Accords setting. I always know a book is great when I finish my editing in about half the time I usually take. This is one of those.

I’ve been plugging away at The Door Into Winter when I can, but it’s been a challenging week to write because of the drive. After clearing the decks, starting Monday, I suspect I’ll get some major jumps in word counts as I’ve got what I want to do in my head. Will probably do another sprint tonight, in fact.

Tomorrow, FactoryCon proper starts with the goings on. Tonight, there’ll be hanging out, though. There’s already been a bunch of that, but to be honest, driving three straight days takes it out of me and the last couple of days have been work followed by enjoying playoff baseball, a rare treat for me these days.

I also get to announce today that I’m adding a new feature to my mailing list, giveaways. I’ve got my two Santa Claus, PI stories set up on a couple of promo sites to help broaden my reader list. What that means for you is that if you haven’t already downloaded these, you have another chance. I’ll be adding my next one in December, working title of Fleece Navidad.

With that, I better get to writing.

What I’m Listening To

Decided this was a week for productivity, so that means Rush. Currently listening to Clockwork Angels. I’m different in many ways, but I’m the rare Rush fan that’s been around for the long haul who thinks this is their best album ever. It’s truly majestic.

Quote of the Week

Today is Ursula K. Le Guin’s birthday. The Wizard of Earthsea was one of my foundational stories. I still read it periodically.

One of the things I fight against in my writing is trying to explain too much. A book is really a collaboration between writer and reader. My goal is to create a foundation for the reader to something awesome. Here’s a good reminder for me when I overexplain.

As you read a book word by word and page by page, you participate in its creation, just as a cellist playing a Bach suite participates, note by note, in the creation, the coming-to-be, the existence, of the music. And, as you read and re-read, the book of course participates in the creation of you, your thoughts and feelings, the size and temper of your soul.
– Ursula K. Le Guin

Cool Stuff In Eldros Legacy

Talons & Talismans II has eight new Eldros Legacy stories. There’s one from each of the founders plus three more from Elowyn Fahnestock, Sam Witt, and Jamie Ibson.

We’re less than two months from Khyven the Unkillable by Todd Fahnestock and I am so excited for what’s coming.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Current open anthology calls:

I’m currently working on Seeds of Dominion, the next Eldros Legacy novel by Quincy J. Allen. He’s a really creative guy and you’ll get to see all of his talent in this.

Giveaways

Friends are Everything Promo

This week’s giveaway is the Friends are Everything Promo. You can find it here: https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/1883c340-e768-11eb-8372-fb3b36c7c525?bundleLinkId=mdi15cP

As I mentioned, I have a couple of stories there, but go check it out for a bunch of free stuff from a host of cool authors.

Rob’s Works in Progress

The Door Into Winter (19,109)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)

Upcoming Events

FactoryCon, 22-24 October, Coinjock, NC
Details in the CKP – Factory Floor on Facebook.20BooksTo50K, 8-12 November, Las Vegas, NV
http://20booksvegas.com/Superstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
https://superstarswriting.com/

New Releases

This week’s new release is a new story in Chuck Gannon’s Murphy’s Lawless series by Griffin Barber. I’ve been a fan of his since he and Kacey Ezell did a great noir style story called Second Chance Angel and of course there’s his stuff in the 1632 series. This book is Infiltration and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JLGBXW7.

Two releases this week! The second is another P.A. Piatt’s Abner Fortis, ISMC series. It’s called Fresh Fruit and Ammo and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FS7QR4M.

Not yet released, but on the way, is Jon R. Osborne’s excellent The House Between Worlds. Look for links to that on Tuesday.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 334.8

Updated Word Count: 285,556

Shijuren Wiki: 797 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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: www.robhowell.orgBlog: www.robhowell.org/blogEldros Legacy: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/Eldros Legacy Archives: https://www.eldroslegacy.com/archive/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhodri2112

FantaSci 2022 Writing Contest Open Anthology Call here: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/20...

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Published on October 21, 2021 15:33

Rob’s Update: The Hill-Top at Hastings

Week 40 of 2021

Greetings all

Been a great week here. Of course, we’ve been pleased with the response for Talons & Talismans I. It includes stories from a passel of great authors like Kevin J. Anderson, Rick Partlow, and D.J. Butler, of course, but I’m especially pleased with the stories from our open call. The story by J.T. Evans might be my favorite of the 15 stories, but the story by Scott Huggins about a medusa is right up there.

The House Between Worlds

But that’s not all. I got to reveal the amazing cover of The House Between Worlds on Monday. This is the fourth in the Milesian Accords series by Jon R. Osborne, and it comes out on the 26th.

This cover, by the way, was done by Alexandre Rito. Absolutely gorgeous.

I’ve made a bunch of progress this week on The Door Into Winter, my next Shijuren novel. This will release in April.

Why that far away? Because Shijuren, as I’ve mentioned a time or two, is now part of the Eldros Legacy shared universe. The first novel in this world will be Todd Fahnestock’s Khyven the Unkillable and it’s fantastic. That comes out on the 7th of December.

But if you want more content in that world sooner, you can get a bunch of Eldros Legacy stories in Talons & Talismans II, which includes stories from Aaron Rosenberg, Quincy J. Allen, Todd Fahnestock, and a special story from D.J. Butler that follows his story in Talons & Talismans I. That anthology comes out on the 2nd of November.

As you can see, it’s an exciting time for me with all sorts of things happening.

What I’m Listening To

Peyton’s Places, Peyton Manning’s show about football. It is an amazing show, even, I suspect, for people who aren’t football fans. It’s so much about the people, not the game.

Quote of the Week

Today is the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. This is a special day in Calontir, the SCA kingdom that includes Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and a part of Arkansas. This is, of course, my home kingdom, so I can’t post an update today without quoting the song Calontir is most famous for singing, though ironically it was written by Malkin Gray (Debra Doyle) and Peregrynne Windrider (Melissa Williamson), who are not from Calontir.

Still, these words are special to us.

Draw up the spears on the hill-top at Hastings,
Fight till the sun drops and evening grows cold,
And die with the last of your Saxons around you,
Holding the land you were given to hold!
– Malkin Gray (Debra Doyle) and Peregrynne Windrider (Melissa Williamson)

New Mythology Works in Progress

Current open anthology calls:

I’m currently working on Quincy J. Allen’s new Eldros Legacy story, Seeds of Dominion. This is a full-length novel starring Rellen of Corsia, who many of you saw in both When Valor Must Hold and Songs of Valor. I know a bunch of you read those stories, because there were a number of people asking for more with Rellen. Well, on 4th of January, you’ll get it.

Rob’s Works in Progress

The Door Into Winter (16,981)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)

Upcoming Events

FactoryCon, 22-24 October, Coinjock, NC
Details in the CKP – Factory Floor on Facebook.20BooksTo50K, 8-12 November, Las Vegas, NV
http://20booksvegas.com/Superstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
https://superstarswriting.com/

New Releases

Lots to get to this week. First, Aaron Rosenberg has released the fourth and final book in his Time of the Phoenix series entitled Cross the Road. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HX2WJCV.

If you haven’t read the earlier books in that series, by the way, Aaron has also released an omnibus version which includes all four stories in one efficient package entitled Time of the Phoenix. You can find this here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HZNP6MP.

Next we have book 3 in the the Luna Free State series by John E. Siers. This one is entitled Valkyrie’s Daughter, and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FR8ZXF9.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 332.0

Updated Word Count: 284,475

Shijuren Wiki: 797 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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: www.robhowell.orgBlog: www.robhowell.org/blogShijuren Wiki: https://shijuren.org/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhodri2112

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Published on October 14, 2021 17:10

Rob’s Update: Talons & Talismans I is Alive

Week 39 of 2021

Greetings all

Talons & Talismans I is alive! Maybe, with these two anthologies about beasts coming to life, I should start going by the name Dr. Robenstein? No, probably not.

But I’m really proud of getting to be a part of these anthologies. I get to work with the best in the business while at the same time getting to push along the careers of newer, but very talented authors.

Talons and Talisman I

There are a bunch of fiddly bits that go into making an anthology work, more than in a novel, but it is so worth it when it gets published. There are heroic stories, tragic stories, and stories where we get to see monsters and beasts in a different light. I think you’re going to love it.

Meanwhile, I’ve been making progress in The Door Into Winter. This is my next novel. I’m about 10k in, and things are starting to take shape. Again, I’m trying a new framework idea using the Save the Cat structure. The real success of this framework will come in about a month, when I start running into challenges of too many trees to see the forest. But, so far so good.

I’m also starting to get real excited about FactoryCon. Going to be a great time. Today, I’m sitting at my car place getting the oil changed while getting my weekly update written.

What I’m Listening To

Really bad car videos that are incredibly boring. But, I’m getting work done while getting the car maintained. I can at least console myself that I’m being efficient.

Quote of the Week

Today is Neils Bohr’s birthday. Obviously a brilliant scientist, he had an underlying acceptance of the weirdness of quantum theory that allowed for a great deal of thinking outside (Schroedinger’s) box. Here’s an example.

“We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question which divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct. My own feeling is that it is not crazy enough.”
– Neils Bohr

Cool Stuff In Eldros Legacy

Here There Be Giants, 5 free stories for all those on our mailing list. You can find it here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Current open anthology calls:

I’m currently working on getting Jon R. Osborne’s The House Between Worlds ready to publish, then we’ll have Talons & Talismans II.

Of course, the big news is the release of Talons & Talismans I.

Rob’s Works in Progress

The Door Into Winter (9,541)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)

Upcoming Events

FactoryCon, 22-24 October, Coinjock, NC
Details in the CKP – Factory Floor on Facebook.20BooksTo50K, 8-12 November, Las Vegas, NV
http://20booksvegas.com/Superstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
https://superstarswriting.com/

New Releases

I may not have mentioned it, but New Mythology Press’s fantasy anthology Talons & Talismans I is live! You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HQZDR4W.

Also this week is a new 4HU novel by Casey Moores and Jamie Ibson entitled Unshackled. Knowing these two, I daresay this will be a really fun book. Also, it will get weird at times. It is their idiom. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HGR1JCM.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 331.8

Updated Word Count: 284,476

Shijuren Wiki: 797 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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: www.robhowell.orgBlog: www.robhowell.org/blogShijuren Wiki: https://shijuren.org/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhodri2112

If you think you received this email incorrectly or wish to be unsubscribed, please send an email to shijuren-owner@robhowell.org

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Published on October 07, 2021 07:39

Rob’s Update: Tacos, Talons, & Talismans, Oh, My!

Week 38 of 2021

Greetings all

Tuesday! Yes, I mean the next one. October 5th. Talons & Talismans will be released to the public. There’s so much you’re gonna love in this and I can’t wait for you all to get a chance.

Talons and Talisman I

But what about tacos? Hey, I gave you the book. I suspect we all have our favorite taco place where you can get the tacos of your persuasion, pull out your copy of Talons & Talismans, and you’ll soon be in your happy place.

Speaking of happy places, I have just found out today is International Podcast Day. Happy Another Day of Being Awesome to Ian J. Malone, Kevin Steverson, and our awesome fans on Dudes on Hyperspace. I’ve been so pleased to be a part of this. Thanks for having me!

This was not my most productive week. I don’t often get sick, but Friday and Saturday were complete losses and much of Sunday. Feeling better and I’ve gotten lots done the last few days, but it’s catching up.

The big thing this week for me was to really get into gear with The Door Into Winter. I’m trying something new, and it’s a modicum of plotting. (Don’t fall over dead of shock, Quincy J. Allen). Actually, it’s more like Rich Weyand’s theory of river crossings.

Todd Fahnestock pointed me to the book Save the Cat Writes a Novel. Basically, it lays out 15 beats that all good novels need and this week I built myself a beat sheet for The Door Into Winter.

In one sense, I’m doing this to fix a particular thing. I always struggle getting from 50-75,000 words. Somewhere between there, I have a huge slowdown as I don’t know what to write. This will help.

In another, it’s because I’m getting close to leveling up again. In general, my way of doing things has been to jump in, screw up a lot, learn, get better, find new mistakes to make, get better. Lather, rinse, repeat until I feel like I can actually understand the thing enough for manuals and instruction stuff to be really effective for me.

One could say, it’s part of my transition from journeyman to master. I can’t really understand the stuff until I’m a journeyman but I can’t be a master without understanding the stuff. I’m in that point where I can work on that process with my writing, and it’s exciting.

Also, from a pantser’s perspective, this process is actually surprising useful so far. I’m simply jotting down ideas, and I can already tell nothing on the Beat Sheet is locked down. However, I have already realized how mutable and adjustable it is as I discover how I can make the novel better.

That’s why I’m a pantser, by the way. I always find ways to make a novel better during the writing process that can change my entire story. This allows for that, so I’m giving it a try.

Speaking of which, I’m going to go write!

What I’m Listening To

Happy people at Brewbakers. The music is wretched, but for some reason people seem to be really enjoying their conversations today. Honestly, that’s usually the case here, but for some reason it’s the dominant vibe I’m enjoying here today.

Quote of the Week

In honor of today’s international holiday, I’ve decided to give you a quote from Dudes in Hyperspace.

“Man, I totally screwed that up.”
– Me, in just about every show

There is, fortunately, a response every time.

“Don’t worry, I can edit that out.”
-Ian J. Malone, which is why my quotes are in the outtakes

Cool Stuff In Eldros Legacy

Have you downloaded your copy of Here There Be Giants? Five free micro-stories and you get signed up for the Eldros Legacy newsletter. You can find it here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qabsr57lq3+.

New Mythology Works in Progress

Current open anthology calls:

The House Between Worlds, fourth in Jon R. Osborne’s Milesian Accords series, goes out to advance readers this weekend. Email me at rob@chriskennedy.com if you want to be a part of the advance team.

Rob’s Works in Progress

The Door Into Winter (7,717)Rick Blaine (8,845)CB (8,418)

Upcoming Events

FactoryCon, 22-24 October, Coinjock, NC
Details in the CKP – Factory Floor on Facebook.20BooksTo50K, 8-12 November, Las Vegas, NV
http://20booksvegas.com/Superstars Writing Seminar, 9-12 Feb., Colorado Springs, CO
https://superstarswriting.com/

New Releases

This week we have more great stuff in Charles Gannon’s Terran Republic universe entitled Watch the Skies. This is a braided novel that includes the great Gannon himself, Kacey Ezell, Kevin Ikenberry, and William Alan Webb, which is a heck of a lineup. You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GW3CJM7.

Out this week on audio is an anthology I contributed to, Gates of Hell. It’s another 4HU anthology and my story follows-up with Rick Blaine chasing down those who’ve attacked the Queen Elizabeth’s Own Foresters. You can find it on audio here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087T7FW9M.

Tracked Items

Today’s Weight: 332.0

Updated Word Count: 283,858

Shijuren Wiki: 797 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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0Website: www.robhowell.orgBlog: www.robhowell.org/blogShijuren Wiki: https://shijuren.org/tiki-index.phpFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/robhowell.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhodri2112

If you think you received this email incorrectly or wish to be unsubscribed, please send an email to shijuren-owner@robhowell.org