Donald B. McFarlane's Blog, page 3
June 22, 2021
June Coming to a Close
Somehow June is almost over, and it’s been a rather active month. I’ve currently got 4 projects on the go in one form or another, and with a focus on trying to clear the decks, the rest of the summer will probably follow a very similar pattern.
First thing to examine is the status on the open projects. We’ll look at these from closest to release, to farthest from release.
The novel getting released next is title A War Beneath the Clouds. This is a standalone story in the Earth Saga Universe, and will focus on a young army officer who is deployed to a remote planet at the edge of the empire to take command of an outpost charged with guarding a mine. The only catch is that no electronics operate on the surface, and there are flesh devouring monsters that are a constant threat. We’re looking to release this title in July.
Next up is The Battle for Jupiter. This is the 7th book in the Earth Saga series, and is currently almost through the red-pen stage. No need to expound on the story-line here for anyone who has read the other books. This kind of came out of the blue, as the manuscript had been 50% edited and was just sitting waiting for the second half to get worked out, so I’m a little surprised myself, and we might be looking at a release as early as late August/September.
Third up is Arpina & Fairlight, another standalone novel that focuses on two special forces officers who join an experimental research program with the aim of creating super-soldiers to try and end a decades long war that the empire is waging. Action heavy with a splash of a love-story. This should be out sometime in the autumn.
The final novel is getting words put to page on a daily basis, and this is the third instalment in the Standish series. I’ve decided, after comments from readers, that Val Standish needs some more stories, so I’m attempting to deliver on that. This novel won’t be the fourth in the queue for release as Standish 2 is already written, and just in need of editing, which will commence after red-penning of The Battle for Jupiter is complete.
So, work is firing on all cylinders. Just need to find a reliable artist for book covers, and then we should see some fun releases between now and the end of the year. I’m going to hold off on any proclamations or predictions about what’s going to happen after that release wise. The 8th book in the Earth Saga series is nearly complete, but serious changes are required to re-incorporate a character who was refrigerated in book 7.
One positive note on the work front is that I managed to squeak above 4.0 on Goodreads! That took long enough.
On the entertainment front, I had the misfortune of watching Army of the Dead. Beyond unoriginal, and just bad.
Tunes wise, I’ve been adding to my synthwave collection with some fresh tracks, trying to keep the creative juices flowing while punching the keys.
In addition to the Euros in which England are playing so-so, I’ve been trying to get some more walks in around London.
Gotta keep the creative juices flowing somehow, and getting out of the dungeon is the best way to keep the brain working.
For now, it’s just a question of punching the keys and editing, and hopefully getting some entertainment released over the next few months that the readers enjoy.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
First thing to examine is the status on the open projects. We’ll look at these from closest to release, to farthest from release.
The novel getting released next is title A War Beneath the Clouds. This is a standalone story in the Earth Saga Universe, and will focus on a young army officer who is deployed to a remote planet at the edge of the empire to take command of an outpost charged with guarding a mine. The only catch is that no electronics operate on the surface, and there are flesh devouring monsters that are a constant threat. We’re looking to release this title in July.
Next up is The Battle for Jupiter. This is the 7th book in the Earth Saga series, and is currently almost through the red-pen stage. No need to expound on the story-line here for anyone who has read the other books. This kind of came out of the blue, as the manuscript had been 50% edited and was just sitting waiting for the second half to get worked out, so I’m a little surprised myself, and we might be looking at a release as early as late August/September.
Third up is Arpina & Fairlight, another standalone novel that focuses on two special forces officers who join an experimental research program with the aim of creating super-soldiers to try and end a decades long war that the empire is waging. Action heavy with a splash of a love-story. This should be out sometime in the autumn.
The final novel is getting words put to page on a daily basis, and this is the third instalment in the Standish series. I’ve decided, after comments from readers, that Val Standish needs some more stories, so I’m attempting to deliver on that. This novel won’t be the fourth in the queue for release as Standish 2 is already written, and just in need of editing, which will commence after red-penning of The Battle for Jupiter is complete.
So, work is firing on all cylinders. Just need to find a reliable artist for book covers, and then we should see some fun releases between now and the end of the year. I’m going to hold off on any proclamations or predictions about what’s going to happen after that release wise. The 8th book in the Earth Saga series is nearly complete, but serious changes are required to re-incorporate a character who was refrigerated in book 7.
One positive note on the work front is that I managed to squeak above 4.0 on Goodreads! That took long enough.
On the entertainment front, I had the misfortune of watching Army of the Dead. Beyond unoriginal, and just bad.
Tunes wise, I’ve been adding to my synthwave collection with some fresh tracks, trying to keep the creative juices flowing while punching the keys.
In addition to the Euros in which England are playing so-so, I’ve been trying to get some more walks in around London.
Gotta keep the creative juices flowing somehow, and getting out of the dungeon is the best way to keep the brain working.
For now, it’s just a question of punching the keys and editing, and hopefully getting some entertainment released over the next few months that the readers enjoy.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
April 17, 2021
The Middle of April
It’s the middle of April and things are easing with Covid restrictions in London, the sun is out, and I’m torn between editing, writing, and editing.
Let’s quickly take stock of where things are, because there are several open projects.
Project X- The Battle for Jupiter, The Earth Saga VII
Currently undergoing red-pen operations. Hopefully going to the editor in July.
Project XII- A War Beneath the Clouds, An Earth Saga Story
Currently undergoing round 2 of red-penning. Going to the editor in June.
Project XIII- The Virus (working title), An Earth Saga Story
Currently complete and sitting on a shelf 50% red-penned. Hopefully going to the editor in August.
Project XVI- Terminal Frontier, The Earth Saga VIII
First draft nearly complete. Hopefully going to the editor in September.
Project XVIII- Arpina & Fairlight, An Earth Saga Story.
First draft nearly complete. Hopefully going to the editor in October.
Lots of spinning plates to keep track of, but everything should be on course to get all five of those projects plus the 9th and final Earth Saga book released this year. Plenty of keys still to be punched and several thousand pages to be edited, but things look good.
As always, I have no shortage of ideas for follow on projects, that includes a trilogy to follow on directly from the Earth Saga series. When looking at the time-line I’ve bult for the Earth Saga series, including the standalone books, things go back roughly two-thousand years, and I’d like to write a few books or trilogies linking everything together, giving readers a clearer picture of the history and lore of the universe I’ve created.
With the easing of restrictions, I’ve been able to get out and about in town a bit more, which is nice, and with the weather improving over the next few months, hopefully a few more walks and mini-expeditions around town will be on the cards. It’s far to early to think about travelling further afield, abut hopefully Covid will be in the rear-view mirror by the end of 2021.
On the entertainment front, I binge-watched Ted Lasso which turned out to be great fun. Fish out of water stories are always enjoyable, and Jason Sudeikis nails this role.
On the tunes front, I might have drifted more towards EDM this month, Paul Van Dyk and Armin Van Buuren than synth, but I did add another album from Droid Bishop to my playlist. I find music critical to the writing process, and without it my mind would probably wander too much to ever get anything down on the page.
The plan for the rest of April is to continue getting a few thousand words down on Arpina & Fairlight everyday while continuing to red-pen The Battle for Jupiter and A War Beneath the Clouds. Not much else I can do other than the occasional walk, bike ride, or trip to a quiet pub. Head down, and get these projects ready for my editor.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
Let’s quickly take stock of where things are, because there are several open projects.
Project X- The Battle for Jupiter, The Earth Saga VII
Currently undergoing red-pen operations. Hopefully going to the editor in July.
Project XII- A War Beneath the Clouds, An Earth Saga Story
Currently undergoing round 2 of red-penning. Going to the editor in June.
Project XIII- The Virus (working title), An Earth Saga Story
Currently complete and sitting on a shelf 50% red-penned. Hopefully going to the editor in August.
Project XVI- Terminal Frontier, The Earth Saga VIII
First draft nearly complete. Hopefully going to the editor in September.
Project XVIII- Arpina & Fairlight, An Earth Saga Story.
First draft nearly complete. Hopefully going to the editor in October.
Lots of spinning plates to keep track of, but everything should be on course to get all five of those projects plus the 9th and final Earth Saga book released this year. Plenty of keys still to be punched and several thousand pages to be edited, but things look good.
As always, I have no shortage of ideas for follow on projects, that includes a trilogy to follow on directly from the Earth Saga series. When looking at the time-line I’ve bult for the Earth Saga series, including the standalone books, things go back roughly two-thousand years, and I’d like to write a few books or trilogies linking everything together, giving readers a clearer picture of the history and lore of the universe I’ve created.
With the easing of restrictions, I’ve been able to get out and about in town a bit more, which is nice, and with the weather improving over the next few months, hopefully a few more walks and mini-expeditions around town will be on the cards. It’s far to early to think about travelling further afield, abut hopefully Covid will be in the rear-view mirror by the end of 2021.
On the entertainment front, I binge-watched Ted Lasso which turned out to be great fun. Fish out of water stories are always enjoyable, and Jason Sudeikis nails this role.
On the tunes front, I might have drifted more towards EDM this month, Paul Van Dyk and Armin Van Buuren than synth, but I did add another album from Droid Bishop to my playlist. I find music critical to the writing process, and without it my mind would probably wander too much to ever get anything down on the page.
The plan for the rest of April is to continue getting a few thousand words down on Arpina & Fairlight everyday while continuing to red-pen The Battle for Jupiter and A War Beneath the Clouds. Not much else I can do other than the occasional walk, bike ride, or trip to a quiet pub. Head down, and get these projects ready for my editor.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
March 16, 2021
March 2021
It’s the middle of March and things are zipping along. The weather in London is warming up ever so slightly, and while lock-down is still in place, work has been steaming ahead.
At the moment, there are five open projects:
Project X- The Battle for Jupiter, Earth Saga VII
Project XII- A War Beneath the Clouds, an Earth Saga Story
Project XIII- The Virus, an Earth Saga Story
Project XVI- Terminal Frontier, Earth Saga VIII
Project XVIII- Arpina & Fairlight, an Earth Saga Story
Projects X, XII, XIII are in the editing phase, while Projects XVI & XVIII are still being written.
The current plan is to get Project X to the editor for a May edit, allowing for a June release. Considering that Project XII is entering the penultimate editing phase before going to the editor, that should be sent off for a June edit, then a July release. I would then expect Project XIII to be sent off for July, allowing for an August release. That leaves Project XVI & XVIII for late summer/autumn edits and releases. That leaves one project in the wind for 2021, Project XVII, Focal Point, Earth Saga IX.
There’s a lot of work still to accomplish, but I believe getting all six of these projects published by the end of 2021 is a very achievable goal. Hopefully readers will enjoy them.
Book IX in the Earth Saga series will be the last book in that series. I have plans, already in the works, for two follow on trilogies, one set immediately after book IX, and another set a few hundred years in the future. Both of these series will see all new characters, and hopefully will offer a new set of adventures for people to enjoy.
I plan on writing several standalone books in the future that will fill in some of the time gaps between the novels, hopefully creating a rich, diverse sci-fi universe for people to enjoy.
As for the rest of March, I hope to have Project X sent to the editor, possibly along with Project XII. Ideally, I’d also have Projects XVI & XVIII complete, but it’s impossible to know how long those novels will be until we’ve put pen to paper. Project XVIII still has two large scale action sequences to be added, and Project XVI still has a murky path to completion.
Hopefully things will open up in London in the next few weeks, then it’ll be time to escape from my little corner of town for some exploring. I do miss wandering around this town. A surprise around every corner.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
At the moment, there are five open projects:
Project X- The Battle for Jupiter, Earth Saga VII
Project XII- A War Beneath the Clouds, an Earth Saga Story
Project XIII- The Virus, an Earth Saga Story
Project XVI- Terminal Frontier, Earth Saga VIII
Project XVIII- Arpina & Fairlight, an Earth Saga Story
Projects X, XII, XIII are in the editing phase, while Projects XVI & XVIII are still being written.
The current plan is to get Project X to the editor for a May edit, allowing for a June release. Considering that Project XII is entering the penultimate editing phase before going to the editor, that should be sent off for a June edit, then a July release. I would then expect Project XIII to be sent off for July, allowing for an August release. That leaves Project XVI & XVIII for late summer/autumn edits and releases. That leaves one project in the wind for 2021, Project XVII, Focal Point, Earth Saga IX.
There’s a lot of work still to accomplish, but I believe getting all six of these projects published by the end of 2021 is a very achievable goal. Hopefully readers will enjoy them.
Book IX in the Earth Saga series will be the last book in that series. I have plans, already in the works, for two follow on trilogies, one set immediately after book IX, and another set a few hundred years in the future. Both of these series will see all new characters, and hopefully will offer a new set of adventures for people to enjoy.
I plan on writing several standalone books in the future that will fill in some of the time gaps between the novels, hopefully creating a rich, diverse sci-fi universe for people to enjoy.
As for the rest of March, I hope to have Project X sent to the editor, possibly along with Project XII. Ideally, I’d also have Projects XVI & XVIII complete, but it’s impossible to know how long those novels will be until we’ve put pen to paper. Project XVIII still has two large scale action sequences to be added, and Project XVI still has a murky path to completion.
Hopefully things will open up in London in the next few weeks, then it’ll be time to escape from my little corner of town for some exploring. I do miss wandering around this town. A surprise around every corner.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
March 1, 2021
February in Review
The month of February has come and gone, and for the most part it was a rather productive one. Work has continued on Project XVI, the 8th book in the Earth Saga series, along with Project XVIII, Arpina & Fairlight, an Earth Saga Story.
Project XVI has already crossed the 80,000 word mark, and as of right now, I’m not sure how high that number will go. I think that this particular part of the 9 book series needs to be told properly, so I’m not limiting the size of this project.
Project XVIII, a standalone, doesn’t need to worry about feeding into the next part of the story, because Arpina & Fairlight will be the only story with a focus on those two characters, who anyone that has read Murder on Valtameri will recognize. I’m in the last phase of this project, and the end of the book will comprise two very large action set-pieces.
A new concept for my projects was brought to my attention by an old friend in the US, and where this will go, it’s impossible to say at this point, but there could be some exciting possibilities on the horizon.
Film wise, the only new thing I watched was Mank, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Gary Oldman is great, and I understand where he’s coming from as a writer who likes a drink from time to time.
On the music front, I’ve drifted away from Synthwave of late, with a focus on Trance/EDM, adding some great Armin van Buuren and Tinlicker to the line-up of wordsmithing tunes.
On a recreational note, I’ve been taking lots of walks. Not much else one can do considering we’re still in some kind of lockdown in London. But! The end is in sight. Jabs are rolling out smoothly, and hopefully things will start to open up in April.
Until then, I’ll be aiming to finish Project XVI and XVIII this month. That leaves me needing to edit Projects X, XII and XIII. XII & XIII being standalones, while Project X is the 7th Earth Saga novel. Add to that the work I’m doing on this side project, it’s a pretty full month.
I’ve set a goal of releasing 6 titles this year. With 3 complete and 2 more over the half-way mark, this looks like a very manageable target.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
Project XVI has already crossed the 80,000 word mark, and as of right now, I’m not sure how high that number will go. I think that this particular part of the 9 book series needs to be told properly, so I’m not limiting the size of this project.
Project XVIII, a standalone, doesn’t need to worry about feeding into the next part of the story, because Arpina & Fairlight will be the only story with a focus on those two characters, who anyone that has read Murder on Valtameri will recognize. I’m in the last phase of this project, and the end of the book will comprise two very large action set-pieces.
A new concept for my projects was brought to my attention by an old friend in the US, and where this will go, it’s impossible to say at this point, but there could be some exciting possibilities on the horizon.
Film wise, the only new thing I watched was Mank, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Gary Oldman is great, and I understand where he’s coming from as a writer who likes a drink from time to time.
On the music front, I’ve drifted away from Synthwave of late, with a focus on Trance/EDM, adding some great Armin van Buuren and Tinlicker to the line-up of wordsmithing tunes.
On a recreational note, I’ve been taking lots of walks. Not much else one can do considering we’re still in some kind of lockdown in London. But! The end is in sight. Jabs are rolling out smoothly, and hopefully things will start to open up in April.
Until then, I’ll be aiming to finish Project XVI and XVIII this month. That leaves me needing to edit Projects X, XII and XIII. XII & XIII being standalones, while Project X is the 7th Earth Saga novel. Add to that the work I’m doing on this side project, it’s a pretty full month.
I’ve set a goal of releasing 6 titles this year. With 3 complete and 2 more over the half-way mark, this looks like a very manageable target.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
January 24, 2021
The beginning of the end of the first month of the year
We’re reaching the end of January, and 2021 has been rather chilly so far, and we’ve even had a little snow!
I’m happy to announce that I’ve had two more books edited by my editor, Horizons, the third Earth Saga title, and Love in a Time of War, a novella in the Earth Saga universe. That leaves 3 titles outstanding, all of which will be completed in the first quarter of the year.
On the writing front, we have two projects on the go: Terminal Frontier, the 8th Earth Saga title, and Arpina and Fairlight, a standalone novel in the same universe. If you’ve read Murder on Valtameri, you’ll know these two characters. This novel will take place before MoV, and aims to be action heavy.
Looking at current writing speeds, I’m guessing both of these novels will be ready for a first round of editing no later than the end of March. All the while, I have three novels sitting on the back-burner, Battle for Jupiter, the 7th Earth Saga title, and two standalone projects: A War Beneath the Clouds & The Virus. These titles will be launched in the late summer or autumn.
The mission of releasing six titles this year is not a stretch, and should be able to be completed without rushing any part of the writing or editing process.
The question is what comes next? I’m not sure. I suppose we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
On the film front, I haven’t watched much recently. I watched The Midnight Sky with George Clooney. It’s alright, but certainly not great. I do hate when sci-fi films have something going on, but fail to explain what it is. I want the backstory and all the info, not to be told some ‘event’ is happening.
On the music front, I’ve added more EDM to the collection. A Children remix and some Armin Van Buuren. I tend to write exclusively to Synth, but EDM is gaining a toehold on the list of what I can listen to and punch the keys.
Reading wise, I’ve started a new Max Hastings book on the First World War. I have to admit that my overall knowledge of this conflict is limited, and after having read his book on Vietnam, I am a believer in his work. I’m considering a book on the battle of Jutland next.
The remainder of January and next month have very simple objectives attached to them: write a minimum of 17,000 words per week. 3k Monday to Friday, then at least a quick 1000 on Saturday and Sunday. This pace is sustainable, and will help me to keep getting fresh content out in the market.
Not much to do anyway at this time of the year in London. It’s grey, wet, and cold. Add to that we’re in lockdown, so options are extremely limited. All that one can do is play by the rules, and hope that you don’t catch Covid. Vitamin D is critical. Or so I’ve been told.
Until next time, be safe out there.
I’m happy to announce that I’ve had two more books edited by my editor, Horizons, the third Earth Saga title, and Love in a Time of War, a novella in the Earth Saga universe. That leaves 3 titles outstanding, all of which will be completed in the first quarter of the year.
On the writing front, we have two projects on the go: Terminal Frontier, the 8th Earth Saga title, and Arpina and Fairlight, a standalone novel in the same universe. If you’ve read Murder on Valtameri, you’ll know these two characters. This novel will take place before MoV, and aims to be action heavy.
Looking at current writing speeds, I’m guessing both of these novels will be ready for a first round of editing no later than the end of March. All the while, I have three novels sitting on the back-burner, Battle for Jupiter, the 7th Earth Saga title, and two standalone projects: A War Beneath the Clouds & The Virus. These titles will be launched in the late summer or autumn.
The mission of releasing six titles this year is not a stretch, and should be able to be completed without rushing any part of the writing or editing process.
The question is what comes next? I’m not sure. I suppose we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
On the film front, I haven’t watched much recently. I watched The Midnight Sky with George Clooney. It’s alright, but certainly not great. I do hate when sci-fi films have something going on, but fail to explain what it is. I want the backstory and all the info, not to be told some ‘event’ is happening.
On the music front, I’ve added more EDM to the collection. A Children remix and some Armin Van Buuren. I tend to write exclusively to Synth, but EDM is gaining a toehold on the list of what I can listen to and punch the keys.
Reading wise, I’ve started a new Max Hastings book on the First World War. I have to admit that my overall knowledge of this conflict is limited, and after having read his book on Vietnam, I am a believer in his work. I’m considering a book on the battle of Jutland next.
The remainder of January and next month have very simple objectives attached to them: write a minimum of 17,000 words per week. 3k Monday to Friday, then at least a quick 1000 on Saturday and Sunday. This pace is sustainable, and will help me to keep getting fresh content out in the market.
Not much to do anyway at this time of the year in London. It’s grey, wet, and cold. Add to that we’re in lockdown, so options are extremely limited. All that one can do is play by the rules, and hope that you don’t catch Covid. Vitamin D is critical. Or so I’ve been told.
Until next time, be safe out there.
December 26, 2020
Boxing Day 2020
With only a few more days in the year, it’s almost time to say adios to a wretched 2020, and hope that 2021 is an improvement.
With that in mind, December has been a rather productive month. I was able to release Escape from Jarosis, an action-packed novella set 70 years before the events in Minus Epsilon. All 11 books that I’ve released are in the same universe, and while there might be giant gaps in the time between one or two of the books, they’re all connected.
I’ve also just had Defiant Order, the second book in the Earth Saga series edited. Hopefully creating a better product for readers.
December also saw the conclusion to the 7th book in the Earth Saga series, The Battle for Jupiter. Work is still required until this is sent to the editor, but that’ll wait for a few months while other projects are tended to.
I’m very happy to report that work has started on the 8th (out of 9) book in the Earth Saga series. I have a title for this project, but I’ll keep that under my hat until closer to the release date, which will hopefully be at some point in late 2021.
I have also started work on an additional project, the title of this I’ll announce on Monday. This novel is a standalone project and will involve two characters from Murder on Valtameri and will take place before the events in that book. We’re definitely going for some ultra-violence and action in this one.
In addition to all these projects, I still have 2 finished standalone books that require proof-reading and editing. Those will be released in the first half of 2021.
I also took the opportunity to get to the pub one last time before Tier 4 came into effect. Naturally, we dined outside, as in-door dining is madness in the current environment.
A Christmas themed walk around London was also on the cards. Deserted. Not a surprise.
The order of the day for the rest of the year is to keep punching the keys on the 2 open projects and look forward to the end of this miserable year.
Stay safe out there, wherever you are.
With that in mind, December has been a rather productive month. I was able to release Escape from Jarosis, an action-packed novella set 70 years before the events in Minus Epsilon. All 11 books that I’ve released are in the same universe, and while there might be giant gaps in the time between one or two of the books, they’re all connected.
I’ve also just had Defiant Order, the second book in the Earth Saga series edited. Hopefully creating a better product for readers.
December also saw the conclusion to the 7th book in the Earth Saga series, The Battle for Jupiter. Work is still required until this is sent to the editor, but that’ll wait for a few months while other projects are tended to.
I’m very happy to report that work has started on the 8th (out of 9) book in the Earth Saga series. I have a title for this project, but I’ll keep that under my hat until closer to the release date, which will hopefully be at some point in late 2021.
I have also started work on an additional project, the title of this I’ll announce on Monday. This novel is a standalone project and will involve two characters from Murder on Valtameri and will take place before the events in that book. We’re definitely going for some ultra-violence and action in this one.
In addition to all these projects, I still have 2 finished standalone books that require proof-reading and editing. Those will be released in the first half of 2021.
I also took the opportunity to get to the pub one last time before Tier 4 came into effect. Naturally, we dined outside, as in-door dining is madness in the current environment.
A Christmas themed walk around London was also on the cards. Deserted. Not a surprise.
The order of the day for the rest of the year is to keep punching the keys on the 2 open projects and look forward to the end of this miserable year.
Stay safe out there, wherever you are.
December 19, 2020
December 2020
It’s approaching the middle of December and it’s getting colder and darker in London.
Over the last few weeks, things have gone rather well from a productivity standpoint. I’ve been able to release two novels: Murder on Valtameri and Escape from Jarosis. These are both standalone projects with the Earth Saga Universe, and there is the chance that one or two of the characters from these projects might get their own spin-offs. Time will tell.
Recently, I’ve been focused on editing the 7th book in the Earth Saga series, The Battle for Jupiter. This is taking time, but we are well placed to release this instalment of the series before summer.
Other than work, there isn’t much to report. I’ve been on a few walks around town, but considering the time of year we’re in and the current Covid threat level, things are rather dull. I look forward to the days of going to the museum or the cinema or out to a bar.
Fingers crossed we’ll be back to normal by the end of 2021, because I don’t think we’ll be in the clear anytime in the next six months.
Looking at the rest of the year, all efforts are now on getting The Battle for Jupiter finished, and then moving on to the 8th book in the Earth Saga series. This is a 9 book series which means we are coming to a conclusion of a story that I started back in 2013. I aim to have the 9th book available at some point in 2021.
In addition to the 3 Earth Saga books I want to release next year, I’m sitting on 2 standalone books, both finished, and in various states of editing; A War Beneath the Clouds and my still unnamed Virus book. I’m looking at a summer release for both of these projects.
After the Earth Saga is put to bed, I have a myriad of other projects planned, several standalone books, but there are a few 3-part series planned. I’ve come to the conclusion that a nine book series is a stretch, so any future projects will be on a smaller scale, but they will remain in the Earth Saga Universe to the foreseeable future, primarily travelling back in time to help fill in the time-line from the beginning of the Empire to present day. There are 2 human-centric projects planned post Earth Saga, but those might need a year or two to stew before pen is put to paper.
Either way, we’re aiming to have 5 books released next year, added to the fact that all the books in the series are being given a professional edit, hopefully delivering a superior product to readers.
Now, it’s back to editing The Battle for Jupiter.
Enjoy the holidays and stay safe out there.
Over the last few weeks, things have gone rather well from a productivity standpoint. I’ve been able to release two novels: Murder on Valtameri and Escape from Jarosis. These are both standalone projects with the Earth Saga Universe, and there is the chance that one or two of the characters from these projects might get their own spin-offs. Time will tell.
Recently, I’ve been focused on editing the 7th book in the Earth Saga series, The Battle for Jupiter. This is taking time, but we are well placed to release this instalment of the series before summer.
Other than work, there isn’t much to report. I’ve been on a few walks around town, but considering the time of year we’re in and the current Covid threat level, things are rather dull. I look forward to the days of going to the museum or the cinema or out to a bar.
Fingers crossed we’ll be back to normal by the end of 2021, because I don’t think we’ll be in the clear anytime in the next six months.
Looking at the rest of the year, all efforts are now on getting The Battle for Jupiter finished, and then moving on to the 8th book in the Earth Saga series. This is a 9 book series which means we are coming to a conclusion of a story that I started back in 2013. I aim to have the 9th book available at some point in 2021.
In addition to the 3 Earth Saga books I want to release next year, I’m sitting on 2 standalone books, both finished, and in various states of editing; A War Beneath the Clouds and my still unnamed Virus book. I’m looking at a summer release for both of these projects.
After the Earth Saga is put to bed, I have a myriad of other projects planned, several standalone books, but there are a few 3-part series planned. I’ve come to the conclusion that a nine book series is a stretch, so any future projects will be on a smaller scale, but they will remain in the Earth Saga Universe to the foreseeable future, primarily travelling back in time to help fill in the time-line from the beginning of the Empire to present day. There are 2 human-centric projects planned post Earth Saga, but those might need a year or two to stew before pen is put to paper.
Either way, we’re aiming to have 5 books released next year, added to the fact that all the books in the series are being given a professional edit, hopefully delivering a superior product to readers.
Now, it’s back to editing The Battle for Jupiter.
Enjoy the holidays and stay safe out there.
November 30, 2020
Murder on Valtameri
Well, dear readers, Murder on Valtameri is live. I put it up on Amazon last night, and after a journey of 385 days from start to finish, I have to say I am reasonably happy.
This novel falls into what I would call the science fiction – crime drama category. It takes place in the same universe as the Earth Saga series and Standish plus my other two novellas, but it takes place the longest ago. In our 2020 terms, the story takes place just over 2000 years ago. In regards to the time-line, this one takes place at the beginning of the universe that I’ve created, which will hopefully help build the universe that all these stories flow through.
Without giving away the game, this novel is a bit of an homage to Agatha Christie’s Poirot, who is perhaps my favourite detective ever to grace the screen. If you have watched the David Suchet series, some of the supporting cast might seem a tad bit familiar.
Hopefully, people like the story. I must admit that the scale of it is smaller than most of my other stories, and the level of violence is ratcheted down several notches. I think that makes for a slightly different vibe from my other books that have a few more space-battles or explosions.
With regards to a possible series coming out of this novel, well, there is a chance. I have my eye on a few characters that could either be used for a novel that takes place or follows this one up. With a crushing need to finish the last three books in the Earth Saga series, any follow-up to Murder on Valtameri will have to wait.
Until then, I hope people enjoy the book.
FYI, the book should be free on Kindle from 1 December to 5 December. Reviews are appreciated.
Thank you for your time, and my next title, Escape from Jarosis, should be coming out in just the next few weeks. Stay tuned. Links below.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P9SDBCY
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08P9SDBCY
This novel falls into what I would call the science fiction – crime drama category. It takes place in the same universe as the Earth Saga series and Standish plus my other two novellas, but it takes place the longest ago. In our 2020 terms, the story takes place just over 2000 years ago. In regards to the time-line, this one takes place at the beginning of the universe that I’ve created, which will hopefully help build the universe that all these stories flow through.
Without giving away the game, this novel is a bit of an homage to Agatha Christie’s Poirot, who is perhaps my favourite detective ever to grace the screen. If you have watched the David Suchet series, some of the supporting cast might seem a tad bit familiar.
Hopefully, people like the story. I must admit that the scale of it is smaller than most of my other stories, and the level of violence is ratcheted down several notches. I think that makes for a slightly different vibe from my other books that have a few more space-battles or explosions.
With regards to a possible series coming out of this novel, well, there is a chance. I have my eye on a few characters that could either be used for a novel that takes place or follows this one up. With a crushing need to finish the last three books in the Earth Saga series, any follow-up to Murder on Valtameri will have to wait.
Until then, I hope people enjoy the book.
FYI, the book should be free on Kindle from 1 December to 5 December. Reviews are appreciated.
Thank you for your time, and my next title, Escape from Jarosis, should be coming out in just the next few weeks. Stay tuned. Links below.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P9SDBCY
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08P9SDBCY
November 11, 2020
November in London
It’s day 235 by my estimations since Lock-Down of some form or another started in London. And frankly, things don’t look rosy. Sure, a vaccine is on the horizon, but that will take months to deploy to citizens around the world, and then there’s the issue of storing and transporting it at freezing temperatures. That will not be an easy task to accomplish in every corner of the planet. Then the bigger question of how long the vaccine will last. Who knows? Fingers crossed, but I doubt we’ll be partying away the New Year with much frivolity this year.
It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done a blog, so there’s some catching up to do.
The first order of business recently has been getting Project XI, Murder on Valtameri ready for my editor. This novel is primed for a late November launch, and while not my usual fare, I wanted to write it, so like it or lump it. One point of note, this novel takes place the ‘longest ago’ as far as the Earth Saga Universe goes. 7 AD, in Earth terms. There is the potential to have a few spin-off novels with one or two of the characters created for this story, but that will have to wait. Other projects beckon!
I recently realised that having a physical copy of my books makes it a lot easier to ‘find things’ than either using memory or scrolling endlessly through Word.
With that in mind, I’ve had a copy of Standish printed out, since it’s already been edited by my guy, and has already proved a useful resource for some details for Project XIII. The plan is to have all my previous works re-edited, then print them out to use as references. Makes life a lot easier.
Had a pleasant cycle ride through town on the way home from King’s Cross after picking up the manuscript.
Took a few walks lately since the dog was back in town.
Went up into town for a flu jab.
Took another lovely walk from Putney Bridge to Barnes.
Another walk around Hampstead Heath.
On a sad note, we lost Sean Connery recently. The man was a great James Bond, and he starred in some other great films from Hunt for the Red October, Indian Jones and the Last Crusade, the Rock, Finding Forrester, and the Untouchables just to name a few. The man was a legend.
We also lost a childhood hero of mine, Alex Trebek, the host of Jeopardy! When I was growing up, this was the only TV I was allowed to watch during the week. It fostered a desire to learn and helped me accumulate the knowledge I have today. Jeopardy! Is one of the greatest TV shows of all time in large part to its fantastic host Alex. I’ve considered buying the entire series, all the way back to 1984.
On the cinema front, I watched the French film Rogue City aka Bronx on Netflix. Pretty good and very French. Worth a watch if you enjoy gritty crime dramas.
The rest of November is focused on editing Escape from Jarosis. Once that is complete, it’s time to resume focus on A War Beneath the Clouds and the still-untitled virus book. This month will see the release of Murder on Valtameri, while December will see the release of Escape from Jarosis and the re-editing of Defiant Order, the second Earth Saga novel.
Fingers crossed, work will proceed smoothly, with two releases before the end of the year, and two more releases planned for the first half of 2021. With five novels in some phase of editing, I need to clamp down and knock these projects out so I can get on to new projects.
Stay safe out there.
It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done a blog, so there’s some catching up to do.
The first order of business recently has been getting Project XI, Murder on Valtameri ready for my editor. This novel is primed for a late November launch, and while not my usual fare, I wanted to write it, so like it or lump it. One point of note, this novel takes place the ‘longest ago’ as far as the Earth Saga Universe goes. 7 AD, in Earth terms. There is the potential to have a few spin-off novels with one or two of the characters created for this story, but that will have to wait. Other projects beckon!
I recently realised that having a physical copy of my books makes it a lot easier to ‘find things’ than either using memory or scrolling endlessly through Word.
With that in mind, I’ve had a copy of Standish printed out, since it’s already been edited by my guy, and has already proved a useful resource for some details for Project XIII. The plan is to have all my previous works re-edited, then print them out to use as references. Makes life a lot easier.
Had a pleasant cycle ride through town on the way home from King’s Cross after picking up the manuscript.
Took a few walks lately since the dog was back in town.
Went up into town for a flu jab.
Took another lovely walk from Putney Bridge to Barnes.
Another walk around Hampstead Heath.
On a sad note, we lost Sean Connery recently. The man was a great James Bond, and he starred in some other great films from Hunt for the Red October, Indian Jones and the Last Crusade, the Rock, Finding Forrester, and the Untouchables just to name a few. The man was a legend.
We also lost a childhood hero of mine, Alex Trebek, the host of Jeopardy! When I was growing up, this was the only TV I was allowed to watch during the week. It fostered a desire to learn and helped me accumulate the knowledge I have today. Jeopardy! Is one of the greatest TV shows of all time in large part to its fantastic host Alex. I’ve considered buying the entire series, all the way back to 1984.
On the cinema front, I watched the French film Rogue City aka Bronx on Netflix. Pretty good and very French. Worth a watch if you enjoy gritty crime dramas.
The rest of November is focused on editing Escape from Jarosis. Once that is complete, it’s time to resume focus on A War Beneath the Clouds and the still-untitled virus book. This month will see the release of Murder on Valtameri, while December will see the release of Escape from Jarosis and the re-editing of Defiant Order, the second Earth Saga novel.
Fingers crossed, work will proceed smoothly, with two releases before the end of the year, and two more releases planned for the first half of 2021. With five novels in some phase of editing, I need to clamp down and knock these projects out so I can get on to new projects.
Stay safe out there.
October 20, 2020
October 2020
It is the middle of October in London, and things are starting to feel like they did six months ago, and that is not good.
On the work front, we are getting closer and closer to getting two more projects released, so that is positive. Project XI (Murder on Valtameri) is with my editor and should be released in November. Project XIV (Escape from Jarosis) is with two test-readers and should be released in December. I am editing Project XIII (The still to be named virus book) as we speak, and that is hopefully going to be released in the first quarter of 2021. That leaves Project X (The Battle for Jupiter Earth Saga 7) & XII (A War Beneath the Clouds) waiting for edits.
Yowzers. That is a lot to juggle. Not to mention that Project I (Minus Epsilon) is with the editor now. I am planning on having all existing books re-edited over the next few months, something that is needed.
I am not sure how much writing is going to be accomplished in the next month or so. I feel slightly swamped by the editing process, and with 5/6 in some stage of the editing process, I would like to clear the decks before ploughing forward with new material. Not ideal, but that’s where things stand at the moment. Of course, I could change my mind tomorrow.
The last few weeks have been rather productive. We had a relatively late French Open with Rafa one in rather quick fashion. During that time, I was wrapping up Escape from Jarosis. A novella that brings a little more violence back to my writing after some of the other projects on the list that are a bit tamer.
I have also been bingeing on some documentaries lately. I watched two David Attenborough films, Extinction and A Life on Our Planet. Both very well done, and a powerful reminder that the Earth is at a critical moment in history and if we take the wrong path, it is curtains for the whole species. I am also rewatching the Pandemic documentary on Netflix. Talk about eerie that it came out just before Covid hit.
With the temperatures dropping and the risk of Covid increasing, I think that late 2020 will involve a lot of walks for me. Last Friday, I walked from Waterloo to Rotherhithe, which is a lovely stretch of the Thames without too many tourists. You get to pass some gorgeous landmarks and hit a few great pubs along the way. Even though temperatures are dropping, I think that scenic walks are the order of the day for the next few months. I miss going to museums and getting into the busier parts of central London, but at the moment, it is just not worth the risk.
Looking towards the end of October, it is a focus on the current phase of edits on Project XIII. After that, it will be on to tackling revisions to Minus Epsilon, and then in November, hopefully getting Murder on Valtameri out and available.
Until next time, good night, and good luck.
On the work front, we are getting closer and closer to getting two more projects released, so that is positive. Project XI (Murder on Valtameri) is with my editor and should be released in November. Project XIV (Escape from Jarosis) is with two test-readers and should be released in December. I am editing Project XIII (The still to be named virus book) as we speak, and that is hopefully going to be released in the first quarter of 2021. That leaves Project X (The Battle for Jupiter Earth Saga 7) & XII (A War Beneath the Clouds) waiting for edits.
Yowzers. That is a lot to juggle. Not to mention that Project I (Minus Epsilon) is with the editor now. I am planning on having all existing books re-edited over the next few months, something that is needed.
I am not sure how much writing is going to be accomplished in the next month or so. I feel slightly swamped by the editing process, and with 5/6 in some stage of the editing process, I would like to clear the decks before ploughing forward with new material. Not ideal, but that’s where things stand at the moment. Of course, I could change my mind tomorrow.
The last few weeks have been rather productive. We had a relatively late French Open with Rafa one in rather quick fashion. During that time, I was wrapping up Escape from Jarosis. A novella that brings a little more violence back to my writing after some of the other projects on the list that are a bit tamer.
I have also been bingeing on some documentaries lately. I watched two David Attenborough films, Extinction and A Life on Our Planet. Both very well done, and a powerful reminder that the Earth is at a critical moment in history and if we take the wrong path, it is curtains for the whole species. I am also rewatching the Pandemic documentary on Netflix. Talk about eerie that it came out just before Covid hit.
With the temperatures dropping and the risk of Covid increasing, I think that late 2020 will involve a lot of walks for me. Last Friday, I walked from Waterloo to Rotherhithe, which is a lovely stretch of the Thames without too many tourists. You get to pass some gorgeous landmarks and hit a few great pubs along the way. Even though temperatures are dropping, I think that scenic walks are the order of the day for the next few months. I miss going to museums and getting into the busier parts of central London, but at the moment, it is just not worth the risk.
Looking towards the end of October, it is a focus on the current phase of edits on Project XIII. After that, it will be on to tackling revisions to Minus Epsilon, and then in November, hopefully getting Murder on Valtameri out and available.
Until next time, good night, and good luck.
