Rob Howell's Blog, page 8
December 28, 2023
Rob’s Update: A Right Turn At Albuquerque
Greetings all
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas or a wonderful time at whatever holiday you celebrate. I had a great time, especially since we got grandbaby time. The kids go back today, but I had a great moment of the grandbaby falling asleep on my lap.
We’re winding down on 2023 and I have to say it was a far more eventful year than I ever anticipated. We took this right turn at Albuquerque and I’m so glad we did.
Along the way, I tallied about 387,000 words according to my formula. This was less than what I aimed for in January (500k), but I didn’t expect the opportunity.
To break that down, there was a full length novel (Farewell, My Ugly), three regular short stories (Hyarkeen in Thirteen Stories of Horror, Dust Devil Courtship for my reader magnet, The Ruriksaga, and I Smell a Rat for the upcoming 4HU Bureau 42 anthology), nearly 30k in Okkorim, 5 Postcards stories (2 accepted), 15 riddles, about 40k in blog posts, and nearly 800k edited. Really, given that from April 11 we closed on the new house, closed on the old house, built up the new place to have stores laid out, and had our grand opening, I have to see it was a year of many achievements.
Oh, yeah, we got a grandbaby too!
What’s up for 2024? Well, I’ll talk about that next week. I would specifically like people to chime in at rob@robhowell.org what they like about this mailing list. One of my goals for 2024 is to improve this list, both in the content and the mechanics. Let me know anything you like, don’t like, or want to see. I want to make this list serve you all better.
As for the rest of this week, I have to finish the Bureau 42 story and a chunk of Okkorim stuff, but there’s little to do there. Next week, I’ll be doing a couple more chunks of Okkorim and rolling into consistent work on The Feasting of Vengeance.
2023 wasn’t the great year I expected, it was the great year I needed. Here’s to 2024 being the same.
What I’m Listening ToWe’re watching Colombo tonight. Peter Falk is so great.
Quote of the WeekHappy 101st to Stan Lee, a great inspiration to creators of all stripes. As a writer, though, he often sees to the heart of the matter, like here.
“To my way of thinking, whether it’s a superhero movie or a romance or a comedy or whatever, the most important thing is you’ve got to care about the characters. You’ve got to understand the characters and you’ve got to be interested. If the characters are interesting, you’re half-way home.”
– Stan Lee
New Mythology Works in ProgressI had an incredibly hard time choosing the winners of this year’s open call for Paladins of Valor. So many stories I wanted to publish, but here are the four I finally selected as the best.
Chris Hepler with High Water MarkNathan Balyeat with Welcome to DetroitDavid Birdsall with The Passing of the MantleChad Boyer with Apprentice in TroubleRob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsPlanet Comicon, March 8-10, Kansas City, KSplanetcomicon.com/GaryCon, March 21-24, Lake Geneva, WI
garycon.com/FantaSci, April 19-21, Durham, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
This week we have Broken Trust, third book in the Rise of the Automated Empire series by Dennis M. Myers. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CKVRTSQQ.
Your pre-release this week is book 8 in the Last Marines series by William S. Frisbee, Jr. It’s entitled Wolf Emperor and you can get it here amazon.com/dp/B0CR1TXG61.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 358.8
Updated Word Count: 387,112
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
December 21, 2023
Rob’s Update: The Opening Was Grand
Greetings all
Last Friday was our Grand Opening, and it was great! A bunch of people made it happen, and we thank all of them.
Here’s a couple of pictures thanks to Kari at Harper County EcoDev.
Grand Opening Red Dragon Quilts
Grand Opening Dragons DenWe’re going on an adventure!
To be honest, much of this week was spent on recovery. I did work on a story for the upcoming 4HU Bureau 42 anthology. I also did a bunch of stuff for Okkorim. However, it wasn’t my most productive week overall.
Monday is, of course, Christmas. I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season. We get more time with the grandbaby, which is really all the present I need. This will be our first Christmas with the baby and how cool is that?
One last thing. Thanks to all of you for following along on my journey. 2023 did not go as anticipated, but I’m so glad of how it went.
Wow, a fairly brief post from me. I guess that’s my present to you all.
What I’m Listening ToRams v. Saints. It’s been a fun game to watch.
Quote of the WeekToday is December 21st, or as the Europeans would write it, 21/12.
Sure it’s the solstice, but it’s International Rush Day!
What can this strange device be?
When I touch it, it gives forth a sound
It’s got wires that vibrate, and give music
What can this thing be that I found?
See how it sings like a sad heart
And joyously screams out its pain
Sounds that build high like a mountain
Or notes that fall gently, like rain.
– Rush, 2112
I had an incredibly hard time choosing the winners of this year’s open call for Paladins of Valor. So many stories I wanted to publish, but here are the four I finally selected as the best.
Chris Hepler with High Water MarkNathan Balyeat with Welcome to DetroitDavid Birdsall with The Passing of the MantleChad Boyer with Apprentice in TroubleRob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Ruriksaga (52,626)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsPlanet Comicon, March 8-10, Kansas City, KSplanetcomicon.com/FantaSci, April 19-21, Durham, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
This week is something new in the Four Horsemen Universe. It’s Thicker Than Water from Michael Morton and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CQ5TC144.
Your pre-release this week is Broken Trust, third book in the Rise of the Automated Empire series by Dennis M. Myers. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CKVRTSQQ.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 365.8
Updated Word Count: 373,065
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
December 14, 2023
Rob’s Update: Pictures Galore
Greetings all
I’m going to post a number of pictures today of the store. Most of this week has been spent getting ready for the open house, so here’s some of the cool things we got.
Let’s start with the fun part! We have signs, and here’s the picture of the front of our building plus all the Grand Opening details.
We Have SignsThe signs rock, but let’s see what we have inside.
Here’s what we’ve got in the entryway! Some swag (our cups came out so well), and some other cool stuff.
Front DisplayWe have an amazing Christmas Tree thanks to Mockingbird Flowers here in Anthony.
Christmas TreeCheck out this awesome Saint Nick Quilt!
Saint Nick QuiltNow let’s look at our book displays starting with the Chris Kennedy Publishing Display. Such an honor to be a part of this crew.
CKP DisplayHere’s a display of my books!
Rob Howell DisplayHere’s a display of some great New Mythology Press stuff that I’ve had the honor to work with. At the bottom, so amazing alien romances from C.V. Walter!
New Mythology Press DisplayBut where would we be without our friends! Here’s a display showing off a bunch of the cool stuff from Raconteur Press!
Raconteur Press DisplayAnd finally, thanks to Baen Books for sending swag to give out! They’re great folks, and here’s a small display showing some of the used Baen Books we have!
Baen Books DisplayWell, I hope that was fun for you guys! We’re ecstatic and hope you can come visit someday, even if it’s not during our open house tomorrow.
New Mythology Works in ProgressI had an incredibly hard time choosing the winners of this year’s open call for Paladins of Valor. So many stories I wanted to publish, but here are the four I finally selected as the best.
Chris Hepler with High Water MarkNathan Balyeat with Welcome to DetroitDavid Birdsall with The Passing of the MantleChad Boyer with Apprentice in TroubleRob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Ruriksaga (52,626)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsPlanet Comicon, March 8-10, Kansas City, KSplanetcomicon.com/FantaSci, April 19-21, Durham, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
This week we have Tentacles of the Dominion, the third book in D.T. Read’s The Sergey Chronicles. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CP89BH2B/.
Your pre-release this week is something new in the Four Horsemen Universe. It’s Thicker Than Water from Michael Morton and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CQ5TC144.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 360.2
Updated Word Count: 372,565
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
December 7, 2023
Rob’s Update: Hither and Yon
Greetings all
We’re basically only a week away from the Grand Opening!
If you want to come join us, the ribbon-cutting from the Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for 1pm. Also, there’ll be cookies at about that time. Or if you prefer pizza and no ceremony, come later in the day.
I spent much of this week going hither and yon spreading flyers around the local area. For as exhausting a task as it is to go into every place I could find, I did find some interesting places. There’s place with tea, spices, and interesting stuff in Kiowa, a cool antique place with some fascinating sports memorabilia in Medicine Lodge, and a fun bakery/craft food store in Harper.
Also, we got our signs today. Install next week, and I can’t wait to show them off.
On the writing side, I made progress on a short story that’s due at the end of the month. I’m at about 6500 words on it, so it’s close.
However, my big project this week is reading through all the short stories we got for the Paladins of Valor open call. I have to say, this is probably going to be my toughest choice. There are so many good stories this time. It’s a good problem to have, but it’ll be a challenge.
With that, I better get to reading, or in this case, re-reading so I can weigh my choices.
What I’m Listening ToJonathan Creek, another BBC mystery show. It’s more quirky than several.
Quote of the Week“Across the channel was Ford Island and Battleship Row, containing the Arizona, Oklahoma, Maryland, Tennessee, all flaming, sinking wrecks. Ahead of us was the Oglala, sunk. Astern of us the cruiser Anchorage was not quite as bad off, but the Helena, the Honolulu, Raleigh and many supply and auxiliary vessels were afire and severely damaged.”
– Adrian Marks, aboard the USS Sacramento, in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941
Submissions are in for the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Announcements coming soon!
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Of note, this now includes our recent releases, so if you’re not sure what we’ve put out lately, you can go here and check.
Rob’s Works in ProgressRick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsKris Kinder, December 9, Kansas City, MOsites.google.com/site/kriskindermarketPlanet Comicon, March 8-10, Kansas City, KS
planetcomicon.com/FantaSci, April 19-21, Durham, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
This week we have Tentacles of the Dominion, the third book in D.T. Read’s The Sergey Chronicles. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CP89BH2B/.
Your pre-release this week is Aphrodite of Luna by John Siers, a Lunar Free State novel. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CPL9YVRN.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 362.8
Updated Word Count: 372,064
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
November 30, 2023
Rob’s Update: New Websites!
Greetings all
Another productive week in Rob world. The big success was getting the quilt store’s website live. It’s here: reddragonquilts.com/.
Then I did a bunch for our Grand Opening. Expect to see a number of posts on Facebook about the opening, but here’s the ad that’ll be in the Anthony Republican. 
We hope you can join us!
Also, if you’re on Facebook, check out our Facebook page: facebook.com/reddragonquilting.
Oh, hey, there’s another new website! Chris Kennedy Publishing has its own shop. It’s got some things, but lots more to come. Check it out here: chriskennedypublishing.com/shop/.
On the writing front, I’ve been focusing on a short story due for a new Four Horsemen anthology. I’m getting close to having it done. I aim to have it finished by the end of next week.
Once I’m done with that, I’m turning my focus to The Feasting of Vengeance. I’m about a year behind on that project, like much of the other things in my life. However, I hope to turn it over in the spring.
I also finished a project in the world of Okkorim and sent that off. I’ve started the next phase on that, though only dabbling so far.
I mentioned a couple of weeks that I’m working on learning Facebook ads. I’m making progress, but it’s slow, in part because you have to try an ad or two, see the results, then adjust. Definitely a learning experience.
I’ve got another advertising thing coming, and it includes a Christmas present to all of you. More on that in a week or two.
Just know that I’m honored you guys read my updates and I’ll try and keep them informative and entertaining.
With that, I’m going to get more writing done.
What I’m Listening ToSeahawks against the Cowboys. Was there any doubt?
Happenings in AnthonyWalking back from trivia yesterday, we got a chance to see the downtown all lit up with Christmas lights. It’s not a huge display, but it’s cool. You should come visit.
Quote of the WeekToday is one of the hardest days of the year to find a quote. I mean, seriously, there are 365 days in the year. Why do 2 of the top 5 quote machines ever (Winston Churchill and Mark Twain) have to be born on this day?
So you get two quotes. Sorry, not sorry.
“Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.”
– Mark Twain
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
– Winston Churchill
I’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Today is the day! Get me your story before I wake up tomorrow.
If you submit, I aim to have all the submissions read and the decision made by Friday the 8th.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Of note, this now includes our recent releases, so if you’re not sure what we’ve put out lately, you can go here and check.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)A Broken Sword (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsKris Kinder, December 9, Kansas City, MOsites.google.com/site/kriskindermarketPlanet Comicon, March 8-10, Kansas City, KS
planetcomicon.com/FantaSci, April 19-21, Durham, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
This week we have book 7 in William S. Frisbee’s Last Marines series, Son of the Wolf. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CMPFGZZC/.
Your pre-release this week is Tentacles of the Dominion , the third book in D.T. Read’s The Sergey Chronicles. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CP89BH2B/.Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 359.6
Updated Word Count: 371,533
Firehall Sagas Archives: 758 entries
Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
November 24, 2023
Rob’s Update: Happy Thanksgiving
Greetings all
Happy Black Friday! Sorry I didn’t get this done yesterday. After eating a great meal, watching the Cowboys, and snuggling with the grandbaby, I fell asleep before doing actual work.
We’ve been open for a week now, and it’s gone well. Some traffic, but most importantly, we’re already getting business using the longarm quilter. Apparently, the area has been without for a few years and we’d hoped we have a market. That seems to be the case.
We’re having our actual Grand Opening on Friday December15th. We’ll be open from 9am to 8pm with a variety of specials. We’ll have food catered by Kristy’s Kafe, the excellent pizza (and more) place a half block away.
As to writing, I’ve been focusing on publicity stuff all week, plus writing more for Luke Gygax’s Okkorim. Overall, I didn’t write a ton (about 4000 new words), but I caught up on store stuff and publicity.
And of course Thanksgiving. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Thanks to you all, I get to work the career I should always have done, and I thank you all immensely.
Enjoy your leftovers. Also, feel free to come over and help us eat ours!
Have a great week.
What I’m Listening ToGray Cell Green by Ned’s Atomic Dustpin. One of my favorite songs from that alternative era of the 90s. This song got played a bit on the radio, but not much and it’s too bad.
Happenings in AnthonyWe lost at trivia! Thank goodness. If we’d have won a 4th time in a row, there might’ve been a riot. Ironically, we got all 8 of the Music questions, which is the category that bedevils us.
Tonight they’re lighting the lights and having a parade. Then the kids get to do Santa Claus at the hall. Maybe we take the grandbaby there, if she’s (or to be honest, we’re) up to it.
Quote of the WeekHappy birthday to Billy Connolly. What an interesting life he’s had, and he’s given me and so many others a lot of joy over over the years. So thanks to him, too.
Also born on this day are a host of interesting people like Oscar Robertson, Baruch Spinoza, Dwight Schultz, Spider Robinson, Scott Joplin, Forrest Ackerman, John Kovalic, Brad Sherwood, and a bunch more.
Life is supposed to be fun. It’s not a job or occupation. We’re here only once and we should have a bit of a laugh.
– Billy Connolly
I’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Of note, this now includes our recent releases, so if you’re not sure what we’ve put out lately, you can go here and check.
Rob’s Works in ProgressRick Blaine (8,845)Okkorim (23,121)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsKris Kinder, December 9, Kansas City, MOsites.google.com/site/kriskindermarketPlanet Comicon, March 8-10, Kansas City, KS
planetcomicon.com/FantaSci, April 19-21, Durham, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
Your release this week is the second book in Dennis M. Myers’ Rise of the Automated Empire series. It’s entitled Rise of the Automated Empire: Final Assembly and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CKVFR1PL.
And for pre-release, we have book 7 in William S. Frisbee’s Last Marines series, Son of the Wolf. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CMPFGZZC/.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 361.2
Updated Word Count: 364,509
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
November 16, 2023
Rob’s Update: Home, Sweet Home
Greetings all
Wow, what a momentous week. Lots to get to but at the end, I get to talk about something truly cool.
Farewell, My UglyFirst, while I was at 20Books, Farewell, My Ugly came out. So excited to see it come to fruition. You can get it here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0CMPCYD3W.
20 Books was great. I learned a ton and will be putting that into practice throughout 2024. I spent most of my focus on advertising and publicity, which I’ll touch on again in a moment.
It’s also a fantastic place to check in with a bunch of others in the industry. Of course, much of this was simply hanging out with friends I haven’t seen in far too long, but of course it’s also hanging out with people I’ve not met before.
However, I don’t like Vegas. It’s boring, contrived, uncomfortable, and expensive. It’s good to be home.
Store Ad 20231116The next momentous thing is… well, rather than explain it, check out the ad we put in the Anthony Republican.
For those scoring at home, that’s tomorrow. Going to be a fun day.
But back to the publicity thing, which is the next momentous thing. It was my plan to use 2023 to work on publicity and growing both the New Mythology and Firehall Sagas fan base. Then, of course, we got the amazing opportunity in Anthony, so I never really had the chance to put as much effort into this as I wanted.
Frankly, I haven’t had enough time to re-edit and shepherd the new releases, set up the bookstore, learn new advertising skills, and get all of the other writing I’ve committed to complete according to deadlines.
Something had to give, and that something is the Firehall Sagas timeline. We’re going to hold off re-releasing the Irinasaga, the second series I’ve written in the Firehall Sagas. Since we completed the Edwardsaga, this is a great time for a break. Also, I’m aiming to do a 5th book in that series in late 2024.
Instead, I’m learning publicity. To start with, I’ll spend the next quarter learning Facebook ads and incorporating those into my daily routine. Then, in February or so, I’m going to try TikTok or YouTube. Also, with the help of Kacey Ezell, we’re building a New Mythology mailing list. Then, in the summer of 2024 or so, I will be rebuilding how I do my mailing list. More to come on that when it’s relevant.
By the way, if you see one of my ads on Facebook, a like or, even better, a love, will help those out.
Luke Gygax 1Now, I mentioned other writing projects. First, I owe all the readers of the Foresters The Feasting of Vengeance, book 3 in my sub-series about the Queen Elizabeth’s Own. I wanted to have this out this summer, to follow 2019 for The Feeding of Sorrows and 2021 for The Ravening of Wolves. Obviously, that didn’t happen. It needs to get done in 2024.
Luke Gygax 2However, here’s where we get to the really cool part.
That guy in the two pictures is Luke Gygax. That’s a familiar name to many of you, and yes, he’s one of Gary Gygax’s sons. For those who don’t recognize the name, Gary Gygax invented Dungeons & Dragons, which is honestly a major cornerstone in this whole career for me.
I have the incredible honor to join his team creating the World of Okkorim. I’ll be writing a variety of things in the world, and while I can’t talk much about what we’re doing, I can tell you we’re doing some cool things.
You can actually get started playing in this world with some modules he has available. Here’s one on Amazon, in fact, The Eye of Chentoufi. I’ve actually had the pleasure to play in this module, and our group had a great time. We played at 20Books last year, in fact, and it’s actually how I got involved in the project. You can get it here, by the way: amazon.com/dp/B0BWK8DS61.
Stay tuned for continuing releases.
And with that, I better get going. I have to get up early for opening day.
What I’m Listening ToRavens v. Bengals. It was trending to be a great game, but then Joe Burrow got hurt and that’s going to make it difficult.
Happenings in AnthonyWe may never get to go back to trivia. We’ve one the last 3 weeks in a row.
More importantly for the town, they put up a bunch of decorations this week. Also, they’ve got a number of fun things going on next week.
Quote of the WeekToday is the birthday of my favorite Dallas Cowboys player ever. It’s not Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Tony Dorsett, or any of the normal names. It’s actually Harvey Martin. Nicknamed “Too Mean,” to counterpoint “Too Tall” Jones on the other side of the defensive line. Had sacks been an official statistic during Martin’s career, he might very well be in the Hall of Fame.
Sadly, drugs and alcohol hit him hard after he retired and while he got clean later in life, he died far too soon at age 51 in 2001.
In any case, if you see me wearing a Dallas Cowboys jersey with 79 on it, it’s him.
“I’m not mean, just aggressive.”
– Harvey Martin
I’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Two weeks to get your story in!
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Of note, this now includes our recent releases, so if you’re not sure what we’ve put out lately, you can go here and check.
Rob’s Works in ProgresRick Blaine (8,845)Okkorim (18,840)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming EventsKris Kinder, December 9, Kansas City, MOsites.google.com/site/kriskindermarketPlanet Comicon, March 8-10, Kansas City, KS
planetcomicon.com/FantaSci, April 19-21, Durham, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
Mark Wandrey returns this week with more adventures in the 4HU and, in fact, with a novel about one of the Horsemen themselves. Mil SF at its most action-packed. Get Winged Hussars: Andromeda here: amazon.com/dp/B0CLL1XLJ2.
Your pre-release this week is the second book in Dennis M. Myers’ Rise of the Automated Empire series. It’s entitled Rise of the Automated Empire: Final Assembly and you can get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CKVFR1PL.Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 361.1 (Did I mention I hate Vegas? I had salads a number of times and I tried to eat well, but it’s just impossible)
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
November 2, 2023
Rob’s Update: Went And Took It
Greetings all
The Texas Rangers won the World Series last night.
It’s still surreal. I’ll talk about it more down below, as there’s also a bunch of great book stuff this week.
First, a quick thing. Tomorrow, November 3rd, Chimera Coup is on sale! Check out book 1 of the Heirs of Cataclysm series for only $2.99. Deal good only for tomorrow. Go here to get your deal: amazon.com/dp/B0BFLV4TH8.
Farewell, My UglyFarewell, My Ugly is out on Tuesday! This is the first completely new Edward novel in several years, but it won’t be that long to the next one.
He’s clashed with Pherenike of the Imperial Guard before, but now she comes to him, hat in hand, to solve a problem that has bedeviled her. Edward uncovers the greatest plot he’s found yet, one that will shake the Empire of Makhaira to its core. Can he save the people of Achrida, friend and foe alike?
On Tuesday, you’ll find out.
Next in the Firehall Sagas is a bit of a shift. The Ruriksaga is a collection of previously published short stories and a bunch of appendix material. There’s also a brand new story detailing the time when Ragnar and Zoe met.
They weren’t always innkeepers, after all.
In January, we’ll switch to epic fantasy in the Firehall Sagas, with a five book series to complete in June. These center around Irina Ivanovna, former Great Mother of Periaslavl.
We’re in November, and that means the open call for the next Valor anthology is coming to a close. These have to be in by November 30th.
November also means 20Books Vegas. If you’re there, say “Hi!” I probably won’t do a full update next week, by the way. Instead, I’ll probably send out a message with all the release details of Farewell, My Ugly and maybe a comment or two.
Red Dragon QuiltsWe have news about the stores! We’re having a soft opening on Wednesday, November 15th, and then planning on a Grand Opening/Holiday Party on Saturday, December 16th, after we get the bugs worked out.
Dragon’s Den BooksCheck out our cool new logos, thanks to the amazing Cedar Sanderson. Red Dragon Quilts and Dragon’s Den Books.
I hope you all come in some day and check out what we’re doing. We had the Harper Counter EcoDev lady come in today, and she’s excited about what we’re doing.
As are we.
And, hey, the Texas Rangers won the World Series. Did I mention that?
Some of you reading this were there on that awful night in 2011 when we were 1 strike away from winning the World Series against the Cardinals. I watched that game in St. Louis at McGurk’s.
It was awful for me, great for you. That was Game 6 of that series, and if you ever hear me say “Game 6,” it’s that game, no other Game 6 that has ever happened.
It was a tough night, and while we went to the series the year after, that series was never as close. Then came some down, wretched years. The Rangers lost more than 100 games 2 years ago.
I had no expectations of this year’s team. There were so many questions marks. How much would injuries bite the pitching staff? Would the offense gel? How good was Josh Jung? Could Adolis Garcia take a step up? Could all these free agents contribute? And so on.
The strange thing is that a bunch of those things went badly. Injuries hammered this team, and they went through some awful stretches. At the beginning of the year, they were really hot and many, including me, expected some regression.
That regression happened, but it turned out it wasn’t all luck. They finished with a run differential of 162, meaning they scored that many more runs than they allowed through the year. That’s a huge indicator of a team doing well, and their Pythagorean W/L record was 96-66, which shows they were unlucky to finish only 90-72.
By the way, the only AL team with a better PythW/L and run differential was Tampa Bay, so I did not want to face them in playoffs. Until, of course, we swept them. Things continued against Baltimore, which was exciting.
Then the @#$(&&**ing Astros. That used to be my NL team, and I rooted for them for years, yet this group is so unlikable. But they’re really good. Yordan Alvarez nigh unto won the ALCS by himself, until Adolis Garcia decided he’d do that.
And then the World Series. I knew I wasn’t going to believe we won until that final out happened. I guess I still don’t really think it’s happened, and I’ve checked throughout the day, just to make sure. 50 years of frustration and awful baseball, and Game 6, will do that to a fan.
But when Marcus Semien hit that homer in the 9th to put us up 5-0, that’s when I started to think it might happen.
I’m sorta surprised I didn’t break my desk pounding on it after that.
The Rangers’ slogan through the playoffs was #GoAndTakeIt. Well, they #WentAndTookIt.
Wow.
What I’m Listening ToMidsomer Murders, with the guy who plays Father Brown as a guest star.
Happenings in AnthonyWe won at trivia again! The Music category was kind to us.
They did it up well for all the kids on Halloween. There was trick-or-treating along Main Street and then a costume contest.
Quote of the WeekEric Nadel has called Rangers games on TV and radio since 1979. Here’s his call at the end of the game.“Sborz kicks and fires. He struck him out looking! It’s over! It’s over! The Rangers have won the World Series!
Ranger fans, you’re not dreaming!”
– Eric Nadel
I have a Patreon where I write Old English style riddles and provide snippets of my work. You can find it here: patreon.com/rhodri2112, along with a sample riddle.
First Line of Next Riddle:
With me, you’re never trapped Trailed by new foes
Latest Snippet: Chapter 1 of The Eyes of a Doll.
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Of note, this now includes our recent releases, so if you’re not sure what we’ve put out lately, you can go here and check.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Ruriksaga (55,275)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming Events20Books to 50K, November 6-10, Las Vegas, NV20booksvegas.comKris Kinder, December 9, Kansas City, MO
sites.google.com/site/kriskindermarketPlanet Comicon, March 8-10, Kansas City, KS
planetcomicon.com/FantaSci, April 19-21, Durham, NC
fantasci.rocks/New Releases
First, a quick thing. Tomorrow, November 3rd, Chimera Coup by Christopher G. Nuttall is on sale! Check out book 1 of the Heirs of Cataclysm series for only $2.99. Deal good only for tomorrow. Go here to get your deal: amazon.com/dp/B0BFLV4TH8.
It’s time for more Salvage Title adventures! This week’s release is Salvage Search from David Alan Jones, which you can get here: amazon.com/dp/B0CLR91ZWF.
And don’t forget to get Where Now the Rider here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0CK6Q8TYV. Finish it before book 4 comes out on Tuesday.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 358.8
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
October 26, 2023
Rob’s Update: Go And Take It
Greetings all
Most falls, I get a cold. It knocks me back for a bit. This week was the week for that. I got almost no writing done, though I did get a number of side projects done, including some work on my website. I’ve been adding some things in preparation for the release of Farewell, My Ugly, which comes out on November 7th.
Farewell, My UglyDid I mention Farewell, My Ugly comes out on November 7th? In that case, it’s time for a cover reveal. Check this out, again from J. Caleb Designs. It’s brilliant, as usual.
I spent this week trying to write on a number of projects. I got some words written here and there, but not much. I’m finally on the other side, though, so this will be a great week.
I did manage to get a bunch of books priced and organized. The store is taking shape. Next week, I’ll have more pictures. We’re only about 3 weeks from opening day.
Exciting times!
Also exciting is for the third time ever, the Texas Rangers advanced to the World Series. The first major league sporting event I ever attended was a Rangers game back in 1974 or so. The stadium was wretched, but I loved it and ran around in all sorts of places I shouldn’t have.
I still recall the names of Toby Harrah (who would’ve been a huge player in today’s time with his excellent walk rate), Jeff Burroughs, Fergie Jenkins, Charlie Hough, and even Lenny Randle and Frank Lucchesi. They weren’t good teams, but they’ve been my team since I had a team.
So, to coin a phrase, #GoAndTakeIt.
With that, I’m going to cut this short. I’ve got bunches of stuff to catch up on, and I’ll get a bit more written tonight. Have a great week.
What I’m Listening ToNo football so far tonight. Spending time with the wife and mom-in-law watching older Midsomer Murders. Man, I wonder what the homicide per 100,000 rate is there. Is it worse or better than Cabot Cove?
Happenings in AnthonyNot much to report, as I was in the house all week.
Quote of the WeekHappy OK Corral Day!!! Which of course makes me think of Tombstone, and that makes this week’s quote obvious.
“I’m your huckleberry.”
– Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday.
I have a Patreon where I write Old English style riddles and provide snippets of my work. You can find it here: patreon.com/rhodri2112, along with a sample riddle.
First Line of Next Riddle:
I have been shot, shadowing my memory
Latest Snippet: Chapter 1 of The Eyes of a Doll.
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Of note, this now includes our recent releases, so if you’re not sure what we’ve put out lately, you can go here and check.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Ruriksaga (52,626)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming Events20Books to 50K, November 6-10, Las Vegas, NV20booksvegas.comPlanet Comicon, March 8-10, Kansas City, KS
planetcomicon.com/New Releases
Get Where Now the Rider here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0CK6Q8TYV.
This week we have more from the amazing D.T. Read. She’s got book 2 in her Sergey Chronicles series, entitled Echoes of Issel. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0CL8CRY38.
And it’s time for more Salvage Title adventures! This week’s pre-order is Salvage Search, which you can get here: amazon.com/dp/B0CLR91ZWF.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 357.8
Updated Word Count: Accounting mostly done. Well over 300k. Exact count net week.
Firehall Sagas Archives: 749 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
October 19, 2023
Rob’s Update: Missing FactoryCon
Greetings all
Sigh. A good chunk of my writing buddies are in North Carolina today having fun at FactoryCon. With the move and setting up the stores, it wasn’t in the cards this year. Frankly, I haven’t seen them since LibertyCon, and that’s far too long. I’ll get to see a goodly number at 20Books Vegas, and that will be wonderful, but that’s several weeks away.
I’ve still been enjoying the release of Where Now the Rider. Reviews are excellent. Frankly reviews of the whole Firehall Sagas series have been great, and I appreciate it. Get all 3 books here: amazon.com/dp/B0CCKWZKYQ.
This has been a week of various projects. We buy half a cow each year from friends in Iowa. That’s now a two-day trip, so all I could do is some bediting for work. Also this week was Anthony Fall Fest. Makes it hard to make a lot of progress.
However, I did get a few words written along with a bunch of editing on the Ruriksaga. This has been rough sledding, in part because of fatigue, but it’s getting there. Also this week, I started editing I Am a Wondrous Thing.
I got feedback on my sooper-sekrit project and it was very positive. I’ll talk about it when I can, but they really liked the first part.
We also made a bunch of progress on the building. We’re setting November 15th as a tentative opening date. There’ll still be a bunch to do to improve things, but we’ll have stock, working POS systems, and our store areas are looking great.
All in all, it’s one of those weeks where I probably got a lot done, but it didn’t feel like it. Combine that with a long period without a break, and missing my friends, I’ve been a bit down.
But next week will be good. We’ll finish the apartment and that’s a huge load off my brain. I’ll start putting in inventory, ,which will make the shop much more real, and we’ll have the Man Cave going.
But for now, you guys have fun at FactoryCon!
What I’m Listening ToA pretty bland game between the Saints and the Jaguars. I should probably be watching Texas play Houston, but I get so stressed, I decided to let it go for a while. Plus, my superstition is big time games go better if I don’t watch them. It’s not true of course, but sometimes it’s what I do.
Happenings in AnthonyWe’ve settled on Nobody of Consequence for our trivia team name. We really need people who know movies and music, because those two categories kill us. We do great on the other ones, but it’s tough when you’re dropping 20% of the possible points off the top.
This week is the town clean up. I’ll be dropping off chairs and some other stuff to clear up the place.
Quote of the WeekHappy birthdays to L.E. Modesitt, Jr. and John le Carré. Heck of a lot of great stories come from this day.
Anyway, here’s a quote from le Carré about how writers and spies are alike.
A spy, like a writer, lives outside the mainstream population. He steals his experience through bribes and reconstructs it.
– John le Carré
I have a Patreon where I write Old English style riddles and provide snippets of my work. You can find it here: patreon.com/rhodri2112, along with a sample riddle.
First Line of Next Riddle:
I have been shot, shadowing my memory
Latest Snippet: Chapter 1 of The Eyes of a Doll.
New Mythology Works in ProgressI’m pleased to announce the 2024 FantaSci Short Story Contest. Get the details here: chriskennedypublishing.com/2023/03/28/2024-fantasci-short-story-contest/.
Current Schedule of New Mythology Press
Of note, this now includes our recent releases, so if you’re not sure what we’ve put out lately, you can go here and check.
Rob’s Works in ProgressSowing Spring’s Wrath (3,213)Ruriksaga (50,851)Rick Blaine (8,845)The Feasting of Vengeance (3,405)Upcoming Events20Books to 50K, November 6-10, Las Vegas, NV20booksvegas.comPlanet Comicon, March 8-10, Kansas City, KS
planetcomicon.com/New Releases
Get Where Now the Rider here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0CK6Q8TYV.
New author alert! Final Assembly by Dennis M. Myers, the first book in his Rise of the Automated Empire series, is set in a post-scarcity society on the moon in the distant future, where no one lacks for anything, and everyone gets along. Right? Not so fast… Get it here: amazon.com/dp/B0CKVFR1PL.
Your pre-release this week is more from the amazing D.T. Read. She’s got book 2 in her Sergey Chronicles series, entitled Echoes of Issel. Get it here: amazon.com/dp/product/B0CL8CRY38.
Tracked ItemsToday’s Weight: 357.8
Updated Word Count: Still need to do an accounting
Firehall Sagas Archives: 743 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
