R.J. Hanson's Blog
August 10, 2025
Long Time, No Write
Wow, the last couple of years have been… interesting. However, I’m back in the saddle and getting my nose, well, closer to the grind-stone. We have a busy September coming up! We will be meeting fans and signing books at Trilogy Boutique & Book Lounge in Bowie Texas on Saturday, Sept. 13th, participating in a few yet-to-be-announced panels at P-Con in Fort Worth on Saturday, Sept. 19th-21st, and then out to Amarillo for New Frontiers in Writing where I’ve been invited to speak on ‘Utilizing RPG’s in Creative Writing.’ I hope to see you somewhere along the way!
October 30, 2023
Post #100! Notable & Quotable
Welcome to our 100th Notable & Quotable! As some of you know, today is my birthday and to celebrate I’m sending out five autographed paperbacks and one autographed hardcover. I’ve contacted to winners directly but, if you weren’t one of the lucky winners, you still get something. If you act quickly, you can download Fires that Forge (Book IV in the saga and Book I of the Lords of Order and Chaos series) FREE today.
You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged, and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Saga Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group
As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing… so, I’m not exactly well, but I’m recovering. As some of you may know from following our Facebook page, I took a bit of a tumble a couple of weeks ago. I was working on breaking a horse and she went over backward with me. The end result was a couple of broken ribs and some internal bleeding. That being said, I’m well on the way to recovery, and Annie and I are making amends.
Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com
Until next time,
“Crush your Enemies!”
R.J.
October 10, 2023
September 30, 2023
Notable & Quotable
This month’s Notable & Quotable is a bit different, but, you’ll get the chance to win a Kindle PaperWhite and get in on some great deals on books!
Did you know that I’m a member of the International Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors? I am! It’s a professional organization that promotes SFF authors, both new and old.
The IASFA runs one promotion a month and to see the numerous titles on sale, all you have to do is sign up for the IASFA newsletter. As an added bonus, you’ll get five free books in a variety of SFF genres. https://iasfa.org/free-books
It’s as simple as that. Give us your first name and email address. It’s a great way to meet your next favorite SFF author. Or just scan the QR code in the graphic below.
Look for your favorite genre/sub-genre and see what’s right for you. Here are the upcoming promotions.
October 22-26, 2023 – All Fantasy (Heirs of Vanity Trilogy included for FREE!)November 13-17, 2023 – LitRPG/Cyberpunk/GameLitDecember 17-21, 2023 – Space OperaWould you look at that? It’s like a chocolate parfait buffet of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Take a look and see what there is to see.
So, that’s a lot of info to absorb. But, I got more to throw at you. To celebrate my birthday in October, I’m giving away five autographed paperbacks and one autographed hardcover! (U.S. entries only) For a chance to win just reply to this email with the words “Happy Birthday.” I will contact the winners directly on my birthday, Oct. 31st. Furthermore, the eBook of Stalking Shadows, (Book VII in the Bloodlines Reforged Saga) will be FREE to download today and tomorrow, AND Fires that Forge (Book IV in the saga and Book I of the Lords of Order and Chaos series) will be FREE to download beginning October 27th through October 31st!
You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged, and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Saga Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group
Our book mentions this month is The Helm of Darkness by A.P. Mobley, which you can download for FREE!!!
Andy and Zoey are two normal teenagers living in the year 2018—that is, until they’re knocked unconscious in a freak storm sweeping the United States.
As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well. Michelle and I went to our local axe throwing bar, The Depot, this past month and had a blast! It was well worth waking up the next morning with a sore arm.
Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com
Until next time,
“Crush your Enemies!”
R.J.
September 8, 2023
Notable & Quotable
Welcome to this month’s Notable & Quotable. This month’s quote comes from the book I am currently working on, Roland’s Sorrow, book IV in the Heirs of Vanity Series and book VIII in the Bloodlines Reforged Saga.
“Sir Eldryn, son of Ellidik the One Eye who was Captain of the Sheld Fleet, I, Lord Velryk the Just of Galhallad, ask your blessing,” Velryk said in words that sounded as if they’d been stamped into hot iron.
Several more moments passed as Eldryn looked up into Velryk’s fierce face. Eldryn’s continued confusion was clear to see on his face, and his eyes darted briefly to the ladle Velryk now gripped like a weapon in his right hand.
Velryk followed Eldryn’s eyes to the ladle of water. Velryk scoffed and threw the ladle to the ground.
“I’m asking for your mother’s hand in marriage!”
You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged, and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Saga Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group
Our book mentions this month are
Brian A. Mendonca’s Wedding of the Torn Rose.
A merchant who abandoned his birthright… A princess with a dark secret… And an encounter destined to change their lives forever…
The next book is As the Crow Flies by Robin Lythgoe. A single dragon’s egg could win or topple an empire—but how do you steal a fable?
As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well. Michelle was out of town last week, so I was left in charge of packing my own lunches. I think I did quite well.
Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com
Until next time,
“Crush your Enemies!”
R.J.
August 3, 2023
Notable & Quotable
Welcome to this month’s Notable & Quotable. As most of you know, we went to the Texas Author Con last month and we had a great time! Instead of a Quotable this month I want to draw your attention to this Notable. As I was going through the pics from the Con I noticed this one. Of course, the pic was taken with a fan that wanted a book signed, but I want to draw your attention to the young lady in the background. Note the stack of books in her arms and observe that look of excitement as she is seeing the next author she wants to meet. She is super excited and her dad (I assume) has a look of pride upon seeing that excitement. That is what spinning tales is really all about!
You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged, and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Saga Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group
Our book mention this month is Brian A. Mendonca’s Wedding of the Torn Rose.A merchant who abandoned his birthright… A princess with a dark secret… And an encounter destined to change their lives forever…
As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well. I haven’t done as much writing as I should have lately because I’ve been building something I find the epitome of cool! You can find the video of it here: Hidden Doorway
Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com
Until next time,
“Crush your Enemies!”
R.J.
July 8, 2023
Notable & Quotable
Welcome to this month’s Notable & Quotable. This quote is from the next book in the Heirs of Vanity Series, Roland’s Sorrow, scheduled (fingers crossed) for publication later this year.
Fate, from her home on high, looked on with dread in her heart. She, better than any other, understood the workings of destiny. However, it made this evil horror no easier to bear. Bolvii gripped OathKeeper’s pommel; wringing it with anger.A dark time was coming to Stratvs. Bolvii had witnessed, helpless to intervene, the perverse conception of the first Chaos Lord in centuries. How proud he had been to have a hand in raising a Lord of Order to stand against it. But who could stand against this old mount of the gods?
You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged, and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Saga Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group
As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well. We’re gearing up for the Texas Author Con this coming weekend. I hope to see you there!
Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.comUntil next time,
“Crush your Enemies!”
R.J.
June 3, 2023
Notable & Quotable
Welcome to this month’s Notable & Quotable. This quote is from the next book in the Heirs of Vanity Series, Roland’s Sorrow, scheduled (fingers crossed) for publication later this year.
Lynneare had explored many possibilities, but had found none that would allow him success in preventing such a terrible act. However, there were other avenues. Dark avenues that would require great sacrifice.
You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged, and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Saga Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group
Our book mention this month is Brian A. Mendonca’s Wedding of the Torn Rose.
A merchant who abandoned his birthright… A princess with a dark secret… And an encounter destined to change their lives forever…
As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well. I wanted to introduce some of the players behind the characters of the Bloodlines Reforged Saga. Left to right, Geary Don (Lemmyck-a warrior mage yet to be introduced), Larry (Halgrim-Verkial’s righthand man), me (everybody else, hehe), Doug (Eldryn), Jason (Sable-a Silver Helm yet to be introduced), and Simon (our GM/DM and the inspiration behind Roland’s journey). Larry, Doug, Simon, and I have been RPGing together since 1996.
Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com
Until next time,
“Crush your Enemies!”
R.J.
May 7, 2023
Notable & Quotable
Welcome to this month’s Notable & Quotable. Since it’s been a while, this month’s quote comes from one of our recent gaming sessions.
“What was the name of that nun? I didn’t ask because I thought I was gonna kill her, but now it might be important.” The things these guys say…
You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged, and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Saga Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group
Our book mentions this month are: Between Shade and Flame RuneMaster by Everly Haywood. “A kidnapped governess. A goblin prince. A world on the brink of disaster. Anrid Fray left her sister for an arranged marriage to a dark elf; instead, she is stolen away and accidentally binds herself to a temperamental magic known as the Bifrost. She only wants to find her betrothed, but a harassed Runemaster and a pack of unruly orphans won’t let her leave.”
And: Belly of the Beast, the Adventures of Ennid the Havoc by T.R. Neff. “The world quakes in chaos. Land-bound kingdoms wage war over the precious few resources found among the small continents and scattered islands. Pirate fleets swarm the oceans, pillaging trade vessels and sinking one another as they vied to command the waters. Powers angelic and demonic perform their dances martial just beyond the veil of human sight.”
As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well. My editor, TwylaBeth, and I had the chance to get together in Fort Worth this past month for lunch and a trip to the John Wayne Museum. Y’all, this lady is a real sweetheart!
Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com
Until next time,
“Crush your Enemies!”
R.J.
April 8, 2023
Notable & Quotable
Welcome to this month’s Notable & Quotable. This month’s quote comes from our latest book, Stalking Shadows, Book IV in the Lords of Order & Chaos series. Audiobook available now on Audible.com I’ll send a free download code for the audiobook to the first person who can tell me what song inspired the below descriptions of Morden Desch’s reputation.
Although he cared little for them, many bards had spun tales of Morden Desch and his powers. Songs recounting his terrible powers to take thunder from the mountains and lightning from the skies had been sung in taverns and by campfires in all the civilized reaches of Stratvs. The master of the Blue Tower had been reputed to bring powerful men to their knees, begging. He had been said to cause nations to weep at the loss of their children. Some of those tales were true.
You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged, and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Saga Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group
Our book mentions this month are: The Ring Keeper by A.J. Park. Caught between twin brothers, one courting demons and sorcery, the other the ruler of an empire protected by magic, Ana bears a ring of unknown powers, her legacy from a mother she never knew.
Next, Three Dwarven Maidens & One Drunken Swordsman, by Merrick Ulrik. Gunner Banaburer, a sword for hire and a tired veteran of The Great War has a debt of honor to repay. A mythical badass with a greatsword, he has his own inner demons and a dark secret. While three beautiful young daughters of the famed dwarven general, “Groodmaer” are to be smuggled back to a dwarven stronghold under The Belshar Mountains to be married for a dowry of a king’s ransom…
And, last but not least, Tides of Blackness, by Luna Fox. A dawning darkness…Months after Kalindra survives her sham trial at Sil’derel, exposing the demidrake Ulfaren as a fraud, and revealing the horror of the newly born voidragons to her fellow Dracomancers, the threat Parthenis faces has become clear: beyond the growing power of Albrecht Therin and his Alliance, worse than the political strife in Tar’Derel and other gean enclaves, the Sightless Cabal is making strides in fully bringing the Blackness Beyond to the world.
As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well and are very happy to be coming out of our Texas flavored winter. Turbo, Sunny, and I were checking fence lines and I brought along some of Michelle’s homemade beef jerky. My guess is, these two were saying Grace, assuming they were going to get some jerky too. They were right.
Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com
Until next time,
“Crush your Enemies!”
R.J.
