Rob Howell's Blog, page 6
June 20, 2024
Rob’s Update: LibertyCon
Greetings all
I’m at LibertyCon after a I made a winding trip here. I caught the UFL championship game in St. Louis with some friends I haven’t seen in a while. Then I went to Townsend, TN, which is the Smoky Mountains, for some writing and recharge time. Then spent this morning with a leisurely drive on blue highways to Chattanooga. Honestly a delightful trip.
I got work done here and there. I’m approaching 30k in The Feasting of Vengeance. I was hoping to have more writing time today, but check in at the hotel did not go smoothly. Like a train wreck.
But I’m in my room now getting ready to head out and see folks! It’s good to be among my tribe. Because of that, it’s a short update, so you all have a great week.
I know I will. I’m at LibertyCon!
What I’m Listening ToNothing except the hotel AC. It’s the first thing I do after I’ve gotten my stuff inside.
Quote of the WeekHappy 99th birthday to perhaps the greatest warrior in America’s history. Certainly, Audie Murphy is the most decorated.
He also suffered from his experiences, not only dealing with PTSD himself but also trying to help others, especially Korean and Vietnam vets, deal with coming home.
A true hero.
“No soldier ever really survives a war.”
– Audie MurphyRob’s RiddlesLike challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!
You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!
First Line of Current Riddle:
I am woven by wyrd My warp and weft tight on life’s loom
But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.
This week’s snippet is Chapter Two of The Feasting of Vengeance.
Dragon’s TidingsIf you’re at LibertyCon, hit me up! We’re offering a code for 20% off for those interested in quilting I talk to at the con.
New Mythology Works in ProgressPaladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
The Ruriksaga is out! Get this one here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)The Feasting of Vengeance (29,231)Upcoming EventsLibertyCon, June 21-23, Chattanooga, TNlibertycon.org/Pennsic War, July 26 – August 11, Slippery Rock, PA
pennsicwar.org/ChattaCon, January 17-19, Chattanooga, TN
chattacon.org/
I’m the Toastmaster!New Releases
This week we have a pre-release from A.J. Gordon and Peter J. Aldin. It’s entitled Iconic and it’s the start of their new series, the Outer Reaches. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HBPPS.
Then we have three LibertyCon specials!
The Last Stand by Chris Kennedy and Kevin Ikenberry here: books2read.com/u/baB0La0.
Hunters & Hijinks by Nick Steverson and Melissa Olthoff here: books2read.com/u/mYQ2LP.
The Chimera Coup by Chris Nuttall here: books2read.com/u/bxrG6d.
Tracked ItemsMy Weight Today: 372.0 lbs
Updated Word Count: 110,000
Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 entries
Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
June 13, 2024
Rob’s Update: Dance Upon the Mountains
Greetings all
A Lake Most DeepThe big news this week is that A Lake Most Deep is on sale through tomorrow for $0.99! You won’t have a better chance to get it than now. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL.
I won’t say it was my most productive week ever, but it was solid. I made progress in The Feasting of Vengeance, which is over 25k now. Not great progress, but hopefully I’ll boost that over the next week.
I’m also making progress on Responsibility of the Fleet, which is G. Scott Huggins’ next Endless Ocean book. One thing that happened is we finalized the cover art and it’s epic. We’ll have a cover reveal when we get closer to release date, which should be in August.
The wife was away at Lilies all week, so I’ve been eating and watching all the things I like that she doesn’t. Actually, the two of us are ships in the night this week as we’ll only touch base briefly on Saturday as I start my trek to LibertyCon.
Why am I leaving so early, you may ask. Glad you asked! I have a ticket to watch the inaugural UFL Championship Game. I’m bummed that my Battlehawks aren’t in it, but ‘ll get to hang out with a couple of dear friends I haven’t seen in ages.
Also, it’ll still be cool to watch live. Probably the closest thing I’ll ever get to going to the Super Bowl. Unless, of course, you all want to buy me a ticket and hotel rooms…
After that, I’m spending a couple days in Townsend, TN and aim to have a small writing retreat. I actually need to schedule a week off to do one for real. They’ve been really productive for me in the past. At the very least, I get to dance upon the Smoky Mountains for a couple of days.
I get to Chattanooga on Wednesday of next week, which is early. However, we’re throwing a party on Saturday night of LIbertyCon and I don’t want to have to rush around doing everything on Friday.
Should be a fun week and I can’t wait to see my LibertyCon buddies!
What I’m Listening ToAll Good People from Yes. I love this song. It’s so weird and quirky. I like it so much I once actually built an RPGA dungeon around it.
Quote of the WeekHappy birthday to William Butler Yeats, one of my favorite poets. He was just so evocative, like in this passage.
“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, The Land of Heart’s Desire Rob’s Riddles
Like challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!
You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!
First Line of Current Riddle:
I am woven by wyrd My warp and weft tight on life’s loom
But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.
This week’s snippet is Chapter Two of The Feasting of Vengeance.
New Mythology Works in ProgressThe open call is completed and man do I have a bunch to read! I got 15 submissions including one I’ve already decided to accept. I’ll tell you all who that is when the time comes.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)The Feasting of Vengeance (25,799)Upcoming EventsLibertyCon, June 21-23, Chattanooga, TNlibertycon.org/Pennsic War, July 26 – August 11, Slippery Rock, PA
pennsicwar.org/ChattaCon, January 17-19, Chattanooga, TN
chattacon.org/
I’m the Toastmaster!New Releases
This week we have Devil’s Outpost by Chris Maddox. This is the second book in Chris’s Devil’s Choir series. Get it here:amazon.com/gp/product/B0D67MVPF9.
A Lake Most Deep is on sale through tomorrow for $0.99! You won’t have a better chance to get it than now. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKVLPBL.
Also on sale from CKP this week is The Moon and Beyond, which is book 1 of John Siers’ excellent Lunar Free State series. Trust me, it’s great. Get it here: amazon.com/gp/product/B097QMN7PJ.
Tracked ItemsMy Weight Today: 372.0 lbs
Updated Word Count: 109,075
Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 entries
Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
June 6, 2024
Rob’s Update: The Longest Day
Greetings all
Eighty years ago. Utah. Omaha. Gold. Juno. Sword. The names still linger in our memory. The tributes today are amazing.
Also amazing is the successful Starship launch from Space X. I have long looked at NASA and despaired of making it to the stars. Thanks to Elon Musk for pushing us down that road.
That being said, it’s been a down week here. Seasonal allergies/cold have knocked me back. Worse, they make it hard to sleep, so my brain’s been foggy. I got almost no writing and only a little editing done this week. I’m better today than I have been and if I get a good night’s sleep tonight, I think I’ll be able to rock and roll again tomorrow.
I did get a number of projects done this week that are ancillary or don’t require brainpower. Might as well do them when I simply can’t think up words.
But for now, I’m going to keep things short and sweet. Have a great week everyone.
What I’m Listening ToKarn Evil 9 by Emerson, Lake, & Palmer. I love the way this song trips off the tongue.
Quote of the WeekIt’s almost impossible to imagine just what D-Day was like for those troops in the first wave. The opening scene of Saving Private Ryan was a glimpse. Then there’s things like this. Wow.
“They’re murdering us here. Let’s move inland and get murdered.”
– Colonel Charles D. Canham, 116th Infantry Regiment commander, on Omaha Beach
Like challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!
You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!
First Line of Current Riddle:
I dash to and fro Daring dire perils
But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.
This week’s snippet is Chapter Two of The Feasting of Vengeance.
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.
Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
The Ruriksaga is out! Get this one here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)The Feasting of Vengeance (20,486)Upcoming EventsLibertyCon, June 21-23, Chattanooga, TNlibertycon.org/Pennsic War, July 26 – August 11, Slippery Rock, PA
pennsicwar.org/ChattaCon, January 17-19, Chattanooga, TN
chattacon.org/
I’m the Toastmaster!New Releases
The Conqueror’s Promise, the third book in Chris Kennedy and Kacey Ezell’s amazing Ashes of Entecea series, is out!. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HTN4M/.
Tracked ItemsMy Weight Today: 368.8lbs
Updated Word Count: 108,000
Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 entries
Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
May 30, 2024
Rob’s Update: Open Call Starting Soon
Postcard Front
Week 23 of 2024Greetings all
A pretty productive week here despite taking some time off for Memorial Day. Once again, thanks to the memory of those who sacrificed for us all.
I’m over 20k on The Feasting of Vengeance and it’s still flowing smoothly. It’s a blast to write, will be just as much a blast to read with as many blasts, explosions, and rounds downrange as I can fit inside.
I Smell a RatAnd there’s more in the Foresters saga coming! July 12th, we have Bureau 42, which includes I Smell a Rat by myself and Dan Bridgwater. Check out the amazing image Dan made using the cool cover art!
Also this week, I received Responsibility of the Fleet, book 3 in G. Scott Huggins’ excellent Endless Ocean series. I don’t have a firm release date, but I’m excited to see this amazing trilogy get finished. Don’t have the first two? Get them here: amazon.com/dp/B095CXTH85.
I also spent this week catching up on some smaller projects. I’ve needed to update the cards I hand out at events, so here’s the front and back. As you can see, they’re much flashier than the Firehall Sagas cards I was handing out, plus it’s got all my relevant social media and Amazon details. 
I really like how they turned out.
I did a goodly amount of Okkorim work as well. By the way, there’s some special stuff coming out soon that I can’t wait to talk about from some folks you might already know. Exciting times!
Man, I’m enjoying having all this work. I’ve had times in my life where I didn’t have enough to do and I much prefer it this way.
Speaking of which, the open call for novel/trilogy submissions starts on Saturday! Send me stuff to read! Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.
And with that, I wish you all a great week!
What I’m Listening ToNothing, actually. I was only going to sit down and do a short task, so didn’t pop up my MP3 player, but got to doing things and didn’t notice until now.
Quote of the WeekHappy birthday to Mel Blanc! He’s be 116 today.It’s amazing just how good Looney Tones really was. Great characters. Good stories. Images that remain with us.
“We didn’t make pictures for children. We didn’t make pictures for adults. We made them for ourselves”
– Mel Blanc
Like challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!
You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!
First Line of Current Riddle:
I dash to and fro Daring dire perils
But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.
The current snippet is Chapter 1 of The Feasting of Vengeance.
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.
Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
The Ruriksaga is out! Get this one here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)The Feasting of Vengeance (21,171)Upcoming EventsLibertyCon, June 21-23, Chattanooga, TNlibertycon.org/Pennsic War, July 26 – August 11, Slippery Rock, PA
pennsicwar.org/ChattaCon, January 17-19, Chattanooga, TN
chattacon.org/
I’m the Toastmaster!New Releases
New stuff from Bill Fawcett and Casey Moores! It’s the second book in Bill’s Blood and Armor series called No Fail. Get it here:https://amazon.com/dp/B0D3VLLPB6.
Your pre-release this week is from Kacey Ezell and Chris Kennedy. It’s The Conqueror’s Promise, the third book in their amazing Ashes of Entecea series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HTN4M/.
Tracked ItemsMy Weight Today: 372.0lbs
Updated Word Count: 107,439
Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 entries
Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
May 23, 2024
Rob’s Update: Though Poppies Blow
Greetings all
Whew! Balloon Fest was something else! We had a great time in the morning, but then the sun went past the building that shaded us and later on it got really hot. It might have only been 91 or so, but in the sun, and the fact nobody’s used to that heat yet, it was too much.
Balloon FestBut it went well. I sold a reasonable number of books, but better yet, I told a bunch of folks about our quilt store. We did very nicely in the store, especially since as far as I could tell, all of them were first-time customers.
We sold a couple of sodas, which wasn’t worth the effort. We have them in the store, but people bought them from Higher Grounds who were next to me. Still, it was nice to be able to spread out for 16feet of table space.
I heard great things about the ESports tournament I set up. About 15 people played, they liked the prizes we got, and it went very well. Not bad for an idea I thought up literally on March 29th. We’ll do it again next year, but with advance planning and publicity. Hopefully, we’ll make it something cool for the region, not just Anthony.
Because of Balloon Fest, I didn’t have as many writing days as I’d hoped for, but I still got about 5k written. I started doing sprints again. I’ve finally figured out the new version of the Discord sprint bot that I installed on the New Mythology Press server, but it’ll take a bit for it to get instinctive again. The old way was much smoother. Ah, well, progress.
RuriksagaSpeaking of progress, we had a great week of folks buying all of the Firehall Sagas, including the Ruriksaga. Thanks very much! Keep up the good work!
On that note, have a great long weekend.
What I’m Listening ToCygnus X-1 by Rush. Wheeling around the galaxy on my ship the Rocinante. Wouldn’t that be fun?
Quote of the WeekThis weekend is Memorial Day. This week’s quote is the entirety of In Flanders Field by John McCrae. Here’s his Wikipedia page, by the way, which talks about him writing the poem: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCrae.
This poem is special to me because my grandfather served in World War One at the age of 14. They knew he lied about his age to go overseas, but they couldn’t prove it, so they had him and all the others who did likewise assigned to the Forestry Corps. Their job was to cut down trees for trenches and do whatever else was needed. This included pulling wagons with dead and wounded.
Can you imagine? At 14? Yeeesh. Anyway, have a great Memorial Day everyone.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead, short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
– John McCrae
Like challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!
You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!
First Line of Current Riddle:
I am the killer of worlds and Keeper of trust
Interestingly, I had more guesses than normal from this first line. All the guesses fit the first line, but none of them fit the rest of the riddle.
But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.
This week’s snippet is Chapter 1 of The Feasting of Vengeance.
Dragon’s TidingsWe are closed on Monday for Memorial Day.
However, check out our Facebook page to see our first two graduates from our quilting class showing off their new quilts!
Also, check our website (www.reddragonquilts.com) for our May 30% off special!
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.
Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
The Ruriksaga is out! Get this one here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)The Feasting of Vengeance (14,152)Upcoming EventsLibertyCon, June 21-23, Chattanooga, TNlibertycon.org/Pennsic War, July 26 – August 11, Slippery Rock, PA
pennsicwar.org/ChattaCon, January 17-19, Chattanooga, TN
chattacon.org/
I’m the Toastmaster!New Releases
This week we have D.T. Read’s fifth book in her Seventh Shaman series, Trial by the Gods. It superbly blends Native American mythos with far future scifi. It’s one of a kind, and well worth giving a look! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D46LXS5G/.
Your pre-release this week is from Bill Fawcett and Casey Moores! It’s the second book in Bill’s Blood and Armor series called No Fail. Get it here:
Tracked ItemsMy Weight Today: 376.0lbs
Updated Word Count: 106,690
Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 entries
Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
May 16, 2024
Rob’s Update: Balloon Fest
Greetings all
Lots of exciting things going on around here this week. First, the Ruriksaga is out and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.
RuriksagaThis is a companion volume with a bunch of short stories I’ve written in the world, along with new maps, some historical documents, and, of course, the Ruriksaga, a poem describing the beginnings of Periaslavl.
It’s exciting for me if only because it’s what I want all authors to do. If I like a world, I want to see under the hood, and this is your chance.
Also exciting is that it’s time for Balloon Fest in Anthony! I had a great time last year and that was after only about a month of starting the move here. Now we’ve got the store open and I’m part of the process.
My big contribution is the sponsoring and addition of an ESports tournament. Chaparral High School here has an ESports team and next year it becomes an official KSHAA activity on par with band. I think this is a great thing, plus events like Balloon Fest don’t often have enough stuff for teenagers to do. I’m excited and hope to make this a yearly event.
If you plan to come down, make sure you visit our booth. We’ll be near the axe throwing, which seems sorta right, doesn’t it?
The next exciting thing is I’m starting to get rolling on The Feasting of Vengeance. I’m over 10k now with consistent progress every day this week. It’s in that phase where some of the chunks are just rolling off the keyboard onto the page.
I also started back with my riddles! That’s exciting. I didn’t mean to take six months off, but I’m back on the horse, so to speak.
And one more thing. It’s early days, but I’m up to 3 days in a row working out. A long way to go, but now I’ve taken the first few steps. Hopefully, I’ll still be excited next week.
But for now, I’ve got some things to get ready for the weekend. Have a great day!
What I’m Listening ToDifferent Stages, by Rush. I’ve been meaning to edit the numbers of all the tracks on Different Stages so I could listen to the album in order. I finally got that done and am enjoying it. It’s a quarter-century old now, but man that was an amazing tour.
Quote of the WeekToday’s the birthday of both Liberace and Danny Trejo. How’s that for duo? Both have great quotes, but I have to give it to Liberace this time.
Why don’t I just step out and slip into something more spectacular?
– Liberace
Like challenges? Think you’re smarter than me? Then see if you can answer my riddles!
You can find them by signing up for my Patreon here: patreon.com/rhodri2112. Not sure what I mean? Then check the sample riddle and see if you get the answer!
First Line of Current Riddle:
I am the killer of worlds and Keeper of trust
But wait, there’s more! You get new riddles on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, but on the other Tuesdays, you get snippets of works in progress.
Dragon’s TidingsBalloonFest on the 18th.
Also, check our website (www.reddragonquilts.com) for our May 30% off special!
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.
Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
The Ruriksaga is out! Get this one here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)The Feasting of Vengeance (10,041)Upcoming EventsLibertyCon, June 21-23, Chattanooga, TNlibertycon.org/Pennsic War, July 26 – August 11, Slippery Rock, PA
pennsicwar.org/ChattaCon, January 17-19, Chattanooga, TN
chattacon.org/
I’m the Toastmaster!New Releases
This week we have more in the 4HU!!! It’s Companion to Ghosts by Kacey Ezell and David Shadoin. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CWNTPW6N.
Your pre-release this week is D.T. Read’s fifth book in her Seventh Shaman series, Trial by the Gods. It superbly blends Native American mythos with far future scifi. It’s one of a kind, and well worth giving a look! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D46LXS5G/.
Tracked ItemsMy Weight Today: 370.8lbs
Updated Word Count: 105,739
Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 entries
Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
May 9, 2024
Rob’s Update: Happy Mummy’s Day
Greetings all
RuriksagaThe Ruriksaga is out next Tuesday! And it’s up for pre-order now. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D35XF4RJ.
This is a companion volume with a bunch of short stories I’ve written in the world, along with new maps, some historical documents, and, of course, the Ruriksaga, a poem describing the beginnings of Periaslavl.
It’s exciting for me if only because it’s what I want all authors to do. If I like a world, I want to see under the hood, and this is your chance.
This week I’ve been working on The Feasting of Vengeance. I’ve made good progress, though not great. In fact, this was one of the least productive weeks I’ve had in a long while. There are reasons, most notably having to put one of the kitties down, but it still meant four of the days were a complete washout and much taken from the others.
Hopefully, this week won’t be quite so cluttered with stuff, especially bad stuff.
Such is life as author. All that I can do is keep plugging away. I do anticipate some significant progress next week as created the best Save the Cat Beat Sheet I’ve ever done. There are a lot of chapters I know what to do with, which usually is what I need on a given day.
We had an interesting Monday with serious weather expected. We got lucky in Anthony as it went around us, and ever since it’s been beautiful. Yesterday, I went out to stare at the lake which helped greatly for the Save the Cat thing.
This weekend, of course, is Mother’s Day. Best wishes to all the mothers out there. Which reminds me, I need to buy some cards. Better go do that now…
What I’m Listening ToRoll the Bones by Rush. It’s my normal springtime turn the playlist to just Rush for several weeks time.
Quote of the WeekHappy Birthday to Howard Carter, born May 9th, 1874. I read something interesting lately that King Tut’s Curse might actually be a real thing. Someone found high radiation levels in the tomb, much too high and too localized to be normal. They’ve apparently found this in other Egyptian tombs.
They didn’t know about radioactivity per se, but t seems like the people who buried these mummies intentionally put rocks that caused sickness into these tombs. This might explain why Carter and others died of things like Hodgkin’s Disease. Fascinating if true, but I don’t have the link handy. Sorry about that.
Instead, you’ll just have to think about what it was like when they actually opened the door.
It was a sight surpassing all precedent, and one we never dreamed of seeing.
– Howard Carter
It’s back!!!! After way too long. You’ll start getting riddles again next week on my Patreon.
You can find it here: patreon.com/rhodri2112, along with a sample riddle.
First Line of Next Riddle:
I am the killer of worlds and keeper of trust
Dragon’s TidingsBalloonFest on the 18th.
Also, check our website (www.reddragonquilts.com) for our May 30% off special!
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.
Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
The Ruriksaga is out on May 14th!
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)The Feasting of Vengeance (6,799)Upcoming EventsLibertyCon, June 21-23, Chattanooga, TNlibertycon.org/Pennsic War, July 26 – August 11, Slippery Rock, PA
pennsicwar.org/ChattaCon, January 17-19, Chattanooga, TN
chattacon.org/
I’m the Toastmaster!New Releases
This week we have Jo Boone’s The Celestial Sea, book 3 in her Combined Service series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D32JTRWS.
Your pre-release this week is Companion to Ghosts by Kacey Ezell and David Shadoin. More in the 4HU!!! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CWNTPW6N.
Tracked ItemsMy Weight Today: 368.8lbs
Updated Word Count: 96,328
Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 entries
Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
May 2, 2024
Rob’s Update: The Ruriksaga
Greetings all
Paladins of ValorSo much going on at New Mythology Press right now. First, Paladins of Valor came out on the 19th Thanks to all who’ve already bought it and reviewed it. If you haven’t gotten it yet, get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
We have another release to talk about! On May 14th, we’re releasing Ruriksaga by yours truly.
This is a companion volume in the Firehall Sagas. What’s a companion volume, I hear you asking. Great question!
RuriksagaA companion volume is collection of cool things related to the universe. In this case, it’s six previously published short stories plus a brand new one. But wait, there’s more. There are also a variety of worldbuilding documents I created as part of building up the world of Eard including, shockingly enough, a poem I wrote called the Ruriksaga.
There are a whole bunch of hints of what’s coming there, including some really cool maps (Thanks Sean Stallings!). It’s a peak behind the curtain, including my commentary on some things. Basically, it’s a bunch of stuff I love to get from writers about series I can’t get enough of. I want to be the writer who matches the kind of writer I admire, so here’s stuff I like.
The Ruriksaga is out on May 14th, as I said!
I am back on the horse, so to speak. I’m fully recovered from both getting back from all the trips and cutting off caffeine for a time. I’m allowing myself a little caffeine again and, hey, it works again. Good thing because there’s lots to do.
I did a bunch of publicity stuff this week, along with making solid progress on The Feasting of Vengeance. You won’t really see it in the word count but I went ahead and did a Save the Cat beat sheet for it. Save the Cat has a basic outline format that occasionally gets me going, and to be honest, a challenge to The Feasting of Vengeance is both to conclude the trilogy while doing things I haven’t done yet.
Spoiler alert: The Save the Cat idea added some huge moments. You might say it went nuclear.
I also edited another scenario in Okkorim, which is now available for some Patreon subscribers (patreon.com/GaxxWorx).
Lots of fun stuff going on, too. Today is the 3rd birthday of the New Mythology Discord Channel. Send me an email if you’re interested in joining.
I’m also doing a couple cool things in Anthony. First, this weekend, on May the 4th, David Birdsall is coming in to run Star Wars RPG and the Outer Rim board game before we all go watch Star Wars: A New Hope at the 1936 movie theater here.
And on that now, I’ll bid you adieu. And, of course, May the 4th be with you!
What I’m Listening ToKashmir by Led Zeppelin. This might be my favorite Zeppelin song, though Ten Years Gone and Stairway to Heaven are right up there. This version is the Physical Graffiti original release, but the best version in my mind is the Page and Plant release with doumbeks and bunch of other things thrown it.
Quote of the WeekI’ve become more and more of a fan of the Rock over the years. A bunch of that is him bringing back the XFL (now UFL) since I’m a fan of the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Anyway, his story is pretty interesting and this is a quote that’s relevant to writing, especially writing a novel. Also, happy birthday.
I’ve learned over the years that when it comes to success, consistency is key. Consistent hard work that we may not like doing today, but for a payoff we’ll love tomorrow. Earn it. Enjoy it.
– Dwayne Johnson
Come by on Saturday for Star Wars gaming! May the 4th be with you.
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.
Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
The Ruriksaga is out on May 14th!
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)The Feasting of Vengeance (5,121)Upcoming EventsLibertyCon, June 21-23, Chattanooga, TNlibertycon.org/Pennsic War, July 26 – August 11, Slippery Rock, PA
pennsicwar.org/ChattaCon, January 17-19, Chattanooga, TN
chattacon.org/
I’m the Toastmaster!New Releases
Your release this week is The King’s Daughter by Kacey Ezell and Chris Kennedy is out! This is book 2 in the Ashes of Entecea series which is going to be our next big shared world, I think. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D2JYKN61.
Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
Your pre-release this week is Jo Boone’s The Celestial Sea, book 3 in her Combined Service series. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D32JTRWS.
Tracked ItemsMy Weight Today: 371.2lbs
Updated Word Count: 95,630
Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 entries
Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
April 25, 2024
Rob’s Update: Home Is The Hunter
Greetings all
I’m home from FantaSci! I even have an AAR: robhowell.org/blog/?p=3481.
The best part of FantaSci for me was to be with the portion of the tribe I’ve not had a chance to see since LibertyCon, really. That crew is awesome and it was just too long since I’d seen them.
Paladins of ValorThe Paladins of Valorrelease went very well! Thanks to all who’ve already bought it and reviewed it. If you haven’t gotten it yet, get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
At FantaSci, we announced this is the last of the Valor anthologies for the foreseeable future. They’ve been awesome, but it’s time for New Mythology to shift its focus.
Hence, we’re having an open call for longform stuff from June 1st to June 10th. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.
If you read the FantaSci AAR, you basically cover my week since the last update. I’ve been recovering the past two days, so I didn’t do much writing or editing. I did get a project done in Okkorim, however. You’ll get it soon if you’re in the GaxxWorx Patreon.
That being said, the last six weeks have been weak on the writing/editing side since I’ve been on the road so much. I actually had planned to go to Foolzcon this weekend, but I just don’t want to drive anywhere. In fact, I’m basically down to local stuff up until LibertyCon. I need the break.
There will be some fun doings here in Anthony, though. May 18th is BalloonFest, which should be awesome. I will have more to say on that in upcoming weeks. Also, David Birdsall is joining us to run some Star Wars game on May the 4th, then we watch Star Wars: A New Hope in the 1936 art deco theater here. Gonna be a great day.
And look here, I’m officially part of Harper County! I’m on the list of local authors at the Harper City Library: harper.scklslibrary.info/local-author-links/. Thanks to the folks at the library for doing that!
And with that, I’m off to start another project.
What I’m Listening ToIcarus Dream Suite 4 performed by Yngwie Malmsteen. It’s basically Adagio in G Minor, and Yngwie is, above all else, a master at turning classical music into metal.
Quote of the WeekApril 25th is an interesting day for birthdays, including Oliver Cromwell, Guglielmo Marconi, Meadowlark Lemon, and Al Pacino. However, it’s also the birthday of La Marseillaise.
Aux armes, citoyens,
Formez vos bataillons,
Marchons, marchons !
Qu’un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons
– La Marseillaise
I’m pleased to announce New Mythology’s open call for novels and series. Here are the details: chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.
Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsBalloonFest, May 18th, Anthony, KSanthonykansas.org/sunflower-balloonfestLibertyCon, June 21-23, Chattanooga, TN
libertycon.org/Pennsic War, July 26 – August 11, Slippery Rock, PA
pennsicwar.org/ChattaCon, January 17-19, Chattanooga, TN
chattacon.org/
I’m the Toastmaster!New Releases
This week we have Never Again, the first book in Bill Fawcett’s new Blood and Armor series. I’m incredibly stoked to have Bill in the CKP crew. Get this one here: amazon.com/dp/B0CW18N86G.
Your pre-release this week is The King’s Daughter by Kacey Ezell and Chris Kennedy is out! This is book 2 in the Ashes of Entecea series which is going to be our next big shared world, I think. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0D2JYKN61.
Paladins of Valor is out! Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T4DHG/.
Tracked ItemsMy Weight Today: 374.8lbs
Updated Word Count: 94,803
Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 entries
Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
FantaSci AAR
I have successfully returned from FantaSci and mostly recovered.
Actually, that’s not true. I’m not recovered. I’m also not recovered from GaryCon really. Frankly, I’m beat and FantaSci was a perfect example.
First, I had a great time, when I had the gumption. However, I just didn’t have enough to stay going late into the night as is my wont. I went to bed before 11 most nights, which meant I missed much of what I went to FantaSci for.
Of course, I didn’t really plan FantaSci well. In fact, I didn’t do anything right. Here’s a lesson, kids. When you go to a con, pre-register, register for a hotel room, and send a message to the programming folks. I didn’t do any of that. Fortunately, thanks to a variety of people, things worked out great, but I completely dropped the ball.
I rode out with David Birdsall, who is in Paladins of Valor. He’s new to the author business and I was pleased to see him get some great experience at the con.
We got out to the hotel Thursday afternoon. A bunch of us went to dinner and I finally had a chance to hang out with Chris for the first time in a while. Then came the only night I stayed awake for any length of time. I had a good time, even finally getting a chance to chat with Kevin J. Anderson. We talked Rush and IPAs, two thing we’re both fans of.
Friday morning I completed the New Mythology portion of the CKP presentation. Then I rested until my first panel.
Sharp readers will have caught that I didn’t register for panels, but Chris got overbooked so I took two of his. Plus, there was the CKP Year Ahead, What’s Happening in the 4HU, and the Paladins of Valor release panel so I ended up speaking in five, which is about right.
Anyway, the first panel I was on was “Hey, Do You Remember When?” This panel talked about older TV shows, and ended being a fun reminiscence of our favorite cool things about a number of great shows. If a panel isn’t necessarily about how to be a writer, it should be this sort of thing that celebrates what’s great in SF/F. A really fun time.
My next panel was “Is The Book Always Better?” Obviously, the answer to this is, “No, the movie is sometimes better.” To me, the book is usually better but there are times, usually revolving around some aspect of the cinematography or, more often, a truly memorable performance, like those in The Princess Bride. Rarely, as in The 13th Warrior, is the movie simply better than the book all around.
The last panel of the day was the CKP Year Ahead. Here we talked about a number of things, including the news that I’m opening things up for more novel/trilogy submissions from June 1-10th. More details at chriskennedypublishing.com/2024/04/25/new-mythology-open-call/.
Saturday was mostly centered around selling at the author’s alley, which is graciously provided by the con. During this, I popped in to talk about The Feasting of Vengeance, the conclusion to the Foresters story. I swear I’ll have it done in the fall.
Then came the Paladins of Valor release panel. We had David Birdsall, Edie Skye, Jon R. Osborne, Hailey Gregor, David Shadoin, and Nathan Balyeat there.
Not present, sadly, was Dave Butler, but Chris DeBoe had brought some giveaway copies In the Palace of Shadow and Joy, the first Indrajit and Fix novel. Indrajit and Fix are the only characters to have appeared in all 7 anthologies thus far put out by New Mythology Press. Dave’s a delight to work for, so it was awesome we could give out some of his books.
Anyway, we announced that, for now, this was the last Valor anthology. We’ve had a fantastic run, achieved all my goals, and I’m really proud of what we did. However, both Chris and I want to focus on longer form stuff. With the hiatus in FantaSci, which was announced by the con at closing ceremonies, it seems a good time to turn our attention away from the Valor anthologies.
Does this mean New Mythology won’t do anthologies in the future? Not at all, just that we’re aiming more at getting novels on the release schedule in 2025 and going forward.
I spent the rest of the day socializing as much as I could, but I just didn’t have a ton of energy and went to bed 11ish.
Sunday was another stint on the author’s alley, then I got to do something I’ve wanted to do for a while: visit Baen Headquarters. It’s a really neat place. A dangerous place for someone who loves SF/F. Thanks to Jason Cordova for the invite and the care package!
After that, I had lunch with my aunt. It was great to see her, but it was tough because it’s the first time I’ve seen her since my uncle passed away. I’d like to see her more often, but North Carolina is a hike.
Finally, I spent the evening hanging out with folks in the lobby. It was a relaxing, fun time to just chat. I’ve said it before, the best time of cons is the night before things start and the night of the dead dog. These are the times where the pressure of going hither and yon are gone, so you just chat. And plot. Great stuff.
On Monday at 4:45am, David and I got back on the road. By leaving that early, we missed traffic in Louisville and most of the traffic in St. Louis. I dropped him off at 5:30pm. I anticipated getting a hotel along the way, or at least getting power naps, but David drove across most of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, so I was far fresher than normal.
I made it home late Monday/early Tuesday and here on Thursday I’m starting to get back into the groove. Despite the fatigue, I’m always more enthused and excited about work after spending time with Chris.
Anyway, there’s my FantaSci AAR. Time to get writing.
