R.J. Blain's Blog, page 15

Unpopular Opinion Time!

This post is just a random collection of my unpopular opinions. Take or leave as you like, and if you become offended, that is a you problem and not a me problem. (AKA, unpopular opinion number one….)

1: If you are offended by something someone else does, that is a you problem and not a them problem.

Nobody owes you jack shit, including making you happy all the time. This includes when someone is offensive. (Spoiler alert: being offensive is a subjective issue.)

One of the hardest t...

R.J.’s Method of Weight Loss and Health Improvements

Andrea wanted to know how I’m handling my weight loss and health improvements. This is not medical advice. This is my road map on how I’m improving my health (and losing weight.)

You’re absolutely encouraged to verify what I do, learn about it, steal what you want. This isn’t your alley? Don’t worry about it and scroll on. (There is not going to be much about the writing world in here, but there will be some commentary about how I’m balancing my work life, home life, and dieting.)

Befo...

Whee, Stuff, stuff, stuff, and more stuff!

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Look, it’s a flower!

This post includes a little about life, more about REAM (and a new tier I made for it), and some other stuff.

We’ll start with life, because it’s been a while since I’ve posted about the nitty gritty. Please note I am not asking for any medical advice in this post. I’m sharing. That’s it, that’s all. I’m sharing because I want to. I don’t need (or want) assistance with what I’m doing, because what I’m doing is working at a healthy pace for me. I’m sure you’re super...

So, more about REAM (For readers AND Authors!)

Yesterday, I commented that I was starting some new read alongs over at REAM. There was a plot twist!

The operators of the platform have decided to do a book awards for indies. (We always need new book awards for indies.) I was very surprised with a nomination for their debut award in the Best of Urban category.

It was apparently something people voted on sometime in November, so while I missed that, I want to show the platform a little love.

REAM is a totally new thing to me, but the ...

General Updates, Etc! (State of the Blain: December 2023 Edition.)

Greetings, folks!

I’ll try to be sort of brief. Well, as brief as I can be with this absolute BEAST of a mountain of things to go over with everyone.

Before I begin, I’d just like to take a moment to clear some air. I ask people what their preferences are because it’s something I want to do. If I’m asking, I’m welcoming the input, and it’s something that doesn’t bother me either which way.

If I’m asking what order you want to see books, I am doing so because it doesn’t matter to me...

My husband really loves you, folks…

… my spouse and I had a discussion about finances over the past few days, as I am planning on taking most of 2024 and most of 2025 off from heavy publication to draft books.

The following novels are scheduled for a 2024 and 2025 release. Note, this is tentative, and I may change my mind at my leisure.

December 19: Whiskers on Kittens (As Scheduled)February 2024: Trickster King (As Scheduled)May 2024: Grave Affairs (As Scheduled)Dec 2024: Dragon Her Heels. (RJ Blain)Feb 202...

Old Secrets releases tomorrow! (Or tonight, if you preordered…)

I will not be doing work tomorrow outside of some mandatory background stuff that I need to do daily. As such, here is your reminder about the release of Old Secrets!

This is the conclusion of Karma’s trilogy. There will not be any more novels featuring Jake and Karma. You will receive some novellas and shorts with these characters in future Witch & Wolf themed anthologies.

Please don’t ask for more Jake and Karma novels. They’re finished. This series is done! Done like dinner! Mhmm. Dinne...

Two Audiobook Listen Alongs beginning today at Patreon.

Greetings.

Short, sweet, and to the point, as I’m tired and have a lot of work to do today: There is a new tier over at the monthly Patreon called “Sirens.” They will get to listen along to an audiobook twice a week. To start the show, as there was a tie on what was voted on, there will be two listen alongs going on at the same time.

The audiobooks in question will be available for sale at the Patreon shop for those who don’t want to do it as a listen along.

Cindercorns and Spicy Ponies wit...

Blood Diamond Audiobook now available at my Patreon shop! (Coming soon to retailers.)

If early access to audiobooks is your thing, then Patreon might be your game! Blood Diamond (Witch & Wolf #3) is now available in the Patreon shop.

It is already on route to retailers and will get there when it gets there if you prefer listening through audible, kobo, or one of the other stores. Please note that due to the holiday season, there are no guarantees on when the audiobook will make it through commercial processing.

Happy listening!

Inquisitor Audiobook is available at the Patreon shop!

This is a test of Patreon’s shop system and audiobooks. If this works, I will continue to do things this way, which essentially means that those who use Patreon will get access to the audiobooks 3-12+ days ahead of general retail. You do not need to be a subscriber (paid or free) to access the Patreon store. The audiobooks are priced the exact same as general retail.

What you DON’T get is the fancy interfaces and streamlined automated reading. You will be on your own on getting the files ...