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📚 Short Story Collections Done, Back to Epic Fantasy | Author Diary – May 9, 2025 ✨🐉

This week, I completed work on my four speculative fiction collections: Influenced, Outraged, Cancelled, and Muted. If you’d like a taste, you can grab a free collection at joncronshaw.com/optimised.

I also returned to writing The Prince and the Fool (Ravenglass Legends, Book 4). It feels great to be back in the world of epic fantasy after a detour into short fiction. The story’s gaining momentum again, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

On the publishing front, I’ve received two new covers for The Ravenglass Throne and am considering a pivot to releasing the series exclusively on Amazon—though it will remain Patreon-first for early access.

Thanks for following along!

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What Happens When an Empire Takes Everything? Resistance in The Fall of Wolfsbane

One of the central themes in The Fall of Wolfsbane is the question of identity.

What happens when everything that defines you — your home, your language, your customs — is taken away?

Who do you become when your world is conquered?

This is the struggle that shapes both Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane in The Fall of Wolfsbane.

Their story is about more than war. It is about survival in a world designed to erase them.

Empire Always Demands More Than Land

When I created the Ostreich Empire, I wanted it to reflect a truth found in history.

Empires do not only conquer land. They conquer culture. They rename cities. They rewrite history. They teach the conquered that their way is the only way.

This is the process of cultural assimilation.

It is not always done with swords and soldiers. Often, it is done with schools, religion, and ceremony. It is done with laws and language. It is done slowly—until people forget what they lost.

Ragnar Wolfsbane: Adaptation Without Surrender

Ragnar’s story is shaped by this pressure to assimilate.

As a hostage in the Empire, he is forced to learn their ways. He must speak their language. He must fight with their weapons. He must survive within their rules. But Ragnar never fully becomes one of them.

He learns to adapt without surrendering who he is. He keeps his father’s name. He remembers the songs and stories of his people. Even when he earns a title in the Empire, he carries his past like a hidden blade.

For Ragnar, survival does not mean forgetting.

It means waiting. It means learning. It means biding his time.

Maja Wolfsbane: Resistance Through Identity

Maja faces a different challenge. She is taken to the Empire’s capital as a living trophy.

Her captors want to civilise her — to cut her hair, change her clothes, and teach her how to walk, speak, and dance like them.

But Maja resists in every way she can. She learns their lessons, but only to use them against them. She speaks their words, but dreams in her own tongue. She is clever enough to survive their court, but never lets herself become what they want her to be.

Maja’s resistance is quiet.

It is the resistance of memory. It is the refusal to forget who you are, no matter how isolated or powerless you feel.

For Maja, identity is a weapon. It keeps her alive. It keeps her strong.

Cultural Erasure in Fantasy Reflects Real History

I believe fantasy is at its most powerful when it reflects the struggles of the real world.

Throughout history, countless cultures have faced erasure at the hands of empire.

Languages have been banned. Traditions have been outlawed. Stories have been lost.

But there is always resistance. There are always people who remember. There are always voices that survive.

In The Fall of Wolfsbane, this is the heart of the story.

Ragnar and Maja are not just fighting for their lives. They are fighting for their culture. For their names. For their future.

Who Are You When You Lose Everything?

That is the question I want readers to carry with them. Who are you when your home is taken? When your language is forbidden? When your stories are silenced?

For Ragnar and Maja, the answer is simple. You survive. You remember. You resist.

Even in the heart of the Empire, they carry the spirit of Meerand.

They are Wolfsbanes. And that will never be forgotten.

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The Mediocre Maverick (A Dark Comedy About Influencers, Identity, and the Price of Being Ordinary)

In this darkly comedic episode of Speculative Fiction Tales, Jon Cronshaw delivers a biting satire of influencer culture and the often stark contrast between online personas and private realities.

“The Mediocre Maverick” follows Millie, a social media personality who has built her brand and fortune on promoting the joys of mediocrity and unremarkable living. Her “Mediocrity Maverick” persona preaches the gospel of beige walls, predictable routines, and embracing life’s most mundane moments.

But behind the carefully curated facade of ordinariness lurks a woman who secretly craves the extraordinary. When her thrilling skydiving hobby is accidentally exposed during a livestream, we witness the desperate lengths she’ll go to protect her empire of averageness—and the shocking turn events take when her carefully constructed world begins to unravel.

Themes & Topics

• The performance of authenticity in social media

• The commodification of lifestyle philosophies

• The disconnect between public personas and private lives

• The extreme pressure of maintaining a personal brand

• How quickly violence can erupt when livelihoods are threatened

• The dark humor in turning even tragedy into content

Listener Discretion

This episode contains sudden violence and a death that some listeners may find disturbing.

About the Author

Jon Cronshaw crafts speculative fiction that examines our relationship with technology and social media. His stories often feature characters caught between their authentic selves and the versions they present to the world, revealing the psychological toll of living a double life in the digital age.

Support the Show

If you enjoyed this story, please consider supporting Jon Cronshaw by becoming a patron. Your support helps bring these stories to life and gives you early access to audio stories plus exclusive text versions of every episode. Visit ⁠patreon.com/joncronshawauthor⁠ to learn more.

Free Story Collection

Download Jon’s free short story collection “Optimised” featuring ten thought-provoking tales exploring technology, society, and human nature. Visit ⁠joncronshaw.com/optimised⁠ to sign up for his newsletter and download your copy today.

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I’m Not Allowed Past Dudley (A Tale of Existential Horror)

In this unsettling episode of Speculative Fiction Tales, Jon Cronshaw delivers a masterful slow-burn horror story set in the seemingly mundane world of public transportation.

“I’m Not Allowed Past Dudley” follows a veteran bus driver who has spent twenty-two years piloting the number 12 route between Wolverhampton and West Bromwich. When management suddenly truncates his route to end at Dudley, he begins noticing subtle but disturbing anomalies. His attempts to venture beyond the new boundary—whether in his bus, car, or on foot—are met with increasingly bizarre and frightening consequences.

As our narrator’s investigations deepen, the very fabric of reality begins to unravel, revealing a terrifying truth about the nature of his world and his place within it. What begins as a simple route change spirals into an existential nightmare that challenges everything he thought he knew about his familiar Midlands surroundings.

Themes & Topics

• Reality simulation and boundary enforcement

• The unsettling nature of the familiar made strange

• Working-class routine disrupted by cosmic horror

• The psychological impact of lost autonomy

• The Black Country as a setting for existential dread

• The surreal horror of bureaucratic control

Listener Discretion

This episode contains themes of existential horror and psychological distress that some listeners may find disturbing.

About the Author

Jon Cronshaw crafts speculative fiction that transforms everyday settings into landscapes of subtle terror. His stories often feature ordinary people confronting extraordinary circumstances, revealing the fragility of what we perceive as reality.

Support the Show

If you enjoyed this story, please consider supporting Jon Cronshaw by becoming a patron. Your support helps bring these stories to life and gives you early access to audio stories plus exclusive text versions of every episode. Visit ⁠patreon.com/joncronshawautho⁠r to learn more.

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📚 Pre-Orders, Free Story & White House Whodunnits | Author Diary – May 2, 2025 🕵️‍♂️✨

In this week’s Author Diary, I’ve been continuing work on my Speculative Fiction collections, sorting through short stories and getting everything ready for release.

The first collection, Influenced, is now available to pre-order on all major ebook platforms.

It’s packed with dark, satirical tales that twist reality in unsettling—and sometimes all-too-familiar—ways.

I also talk about watching The Residence, a fun and clever murder mystery set in the White House—highly recommended if you enjoy sharp dialogue and political intrigue with your whodunnits.

Plus, don’t forget: you can download my short story collection Optimised for free at joncronshaw.com/optimised.

The post 📚 Pre-Orders, Free Story & White House Whodunnits | Author Diary – May 2, 2025 🕵️‍♂️✨ appeared first on Jon Cronshaw.

Kindle Countdown Deal Alert: The Complete Wasteland Series for Just 99p/99c!

In a world where the ruins of civilization shimmer like distant mirages, the true treasure is finding stories that capture both the grim reality of survival and the indomitable human spirit.

If you’ve been looking for your next post-apocalyptic reading obsession, I’ve got brilliant news for you.

Limited-Time Kindle Countdown Deal: 99p/99c boxed set!

Jon Cronshaw’s complete Wasteland series is currently available for just 99p (99¢ in the US) – a massive discount from the regular price of £6.99 ($6.99).

This special Kindle Countdown Deal runs until 7th May and is exclusive to Amazon UK and US stores.

The omnibus includes:

Wizard of the WastelandKnight of the WastelandKing of the WastelandCleric of the WastelandWhy the Wasteland Series Deserves Your Attention

In a landscape crowded with post-apocalyptic fiction, the Wasteland series stands apart.

Meet Abel, a former addict struggling to stay clean in a world where the drug “plez” offers temporary escape from the harsh realities of life after society’s collapse.

With only his loyal dog Pip for companionship, Abel trades salvaged treasures from the ruins to survive.

When Abel crosses paths with a charismatic showman using pre-fall technology to perform “magic shows,” they form an unlikely alliance.

But their partnership is tested when they discover children enslaved by the notorious “Family” – brutal dealers who control the plez trade.

As Abel fights to free these children while battling his own demons, he must confront the question that haunts survivors of the wasteland: is merely surviving enough?

“Anyone can survive,” Abel says. “I’m talking about living.”

What Sets This Series Apart

Unlike many entries in the post-apocalyptic genre that revel in violence and despair, Cronshaw’s series offers:

Nuanced characters with moral complexityA faithful canine companion that readers consistently fall in love withAn intriguing premise where forgotten technology appears as magicThoughtful exploration of addiction, recovery, and purposeA balance of darkness and hope that feels authentic rather than forcedDon’t Miss This Limited-Time Offer

At 99p per book, this series offers exceptional value for fans of thoughtful post-apocalyptic fiction.

Whether you enjoy works like “The Road,” “Station Eleven,” or “The Dog Stars,” the Wasteland series delivers a compelling narrative in a world where the remnants of the past collide with the harsh realities of the present.

Remember, this Kindle Countdown Deal ends on 7th May, after which the collection returns to its regular price of £6.99 ($6.99).

Click here to get the Wasteland series for just 99p.

Have you already read the Wasteland series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Coming of Age in a Broken World: Ragnar and Maja’s Parallel Arcs in The Fall of Wolfsbane

The Fall of Wolfsbane is a story shaped by war, conquest, and survival, but at its heart, it is also a coming-of-age story.

It follows Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane—a brother and sister forced to grow up in a world shattered by empire.

Their parallel arcs show two very different journeys into adulthood, shaped by loss, resistance, and the search for identity.

Growing Up When Everything Is Taken From You

When I set out to write The Fall of Wolfsbane, I knew I didn’t want a traditional coming-of-age story.

I wanted to show what happens when childhood ends too soon.

For Ragnar and Maja, there is no gentle transition into adulthood.

There are no safe mentors or welcoming communities.

Their world is broken from the start.

Their home is conquered. Their father is executed. Their people are scattered.

They don’t get to choose to grow up. They are forced to.

Ragnar’s Journey: Adaptation and Survival

Ragnar begins the story as the heir to Meerand, raised in a warrior culture built on tradition, honour, and strength.

He believes in clear lines between right and wrong.

But when the Ostreich Empire conquers his home and takes him hostage, his world collapses.

Ragnar’s coming of age is shaped by adaptation.

He learns to survive within the very empire he hates.

He forms bonds with his captors. He learns their language, their fighting styles, and their politics.

Yet he never fully loses his identity as a Wolfsbane.

His growth is painful.

He carries shame for not dying in battle like his father.

But his survival is not weakness.

It becomes a different kind of strength — one built on patience, understanding, and strategic thinking.

Ragnar’s journey shows how coming of age sometimes means letting go of who you were — without forgetting who you are.

Maja’s Journey: Resistance and Rebellion

Maja’s arc runs parallel to Ragnar’s but follows a very different path.

While Ragnar is forced to adapt, Maja is determined to resist.

She is taken to the Empire’s capital and paraded as a project — a symbol of civilisation imposed on a conquered people.

But Maja never accepts her role.

Outwardly, she learns the Empire’s customs. She studies their language and culture. But inwardly, she plans her escape.

Maja’s coming of age is shaped by rebellion.

She becomes skilled at subtle defiance. She learns when to wait, when to listen, and when to strike.

Her journey shows the power of inner resistance — of surviving with your identity intact even when everything around you is designed to erase it.

Two Siblings, Two Paths, One Broken World

What I love most about writing Ragnar and Maja is that neither of them has the luxury of a safe childhood.

They both grow up too fast. They both suffer loss, betrayal, and isolation. But their responses are shaped by their circumstances.

Ragnar finds strength in adaptation.

Maja finds strength in resistance.

Both paths are valid. Both paths require courage.

Their parallel arcs reflect the reality of growing up in a broken world.

Some people learn to live within it.

Others fight to change it.

Sometimes, survival means doing both.

Coming of Age in Epic Fantasy

Epic fantasy has always been a genre where coming of age stories thrive.

But I wanted The Fall of Wolfsbane to approach this theme from a darker, more grounded angle.

I wanted to show how growing up isn’t always about gaining power or reaching a grand destiny.

Sometimes, coming of age is about surviving loss.

Sometimes, it’s about holding on to who you are when everything is taken.

Ragnar and Maja’s journeys are only beginning in The Fall of Wolfsbane.

But their paths are already shaped by the hard lessons of a world torn apart by empire.

Their story is about finding strength in the ruins.

It’s about identity, loyalty, and the cost of survival.

And for both of them, growing up will never mean forgetting where they came from.

The post Coming of Age in a Broken World: Ragnar and Maja’s Parallel Arcs in The Fall of Wolfsbane appeared first on Jon Cronshaw.

The Anti-Guru (A Satire About Online Influencers and Audience Capture)

In this darkly satirical episode of Speculative Fiction Tales, Jon Cronshaw delivers a scathing portrait of modern internet culture and the slippery slope from critic to cult leader.

“The Anti-Guru” follows the rapid transformation of Alex who begins as a frustrated critic of self-help charlatans and ends as the very thing he once despised.

Themes & Topics

• The corrupting influence of online validation and attention

• How algorithms encourage extremism and hypocrisy

• The self-help industry and its manipulation tactics

• The thin line between critic and practitioner

• How movements become marketplaces

• The psychology of cult formation in digital spaces

Listener Discretion

This episode contains cynical commentary on online culture and self-help industries that some listeners may find uncomfortably accurate.

About the Author

Jon Cronshaw crafts speculative fiction that examines the darker aspects of our digital existence. His stories act as mirrors reflecting uncomfortable truths about how technology shapes our behavior and beliefs, often without our conscious awareness.

Support the Show

If you enjoyed this story, please consider supporting Jon Cronshaw by becoming a patron. Your support helps bring these stories to life and gives you early access to audio stories plus exclusive text versions of every episode.

Visit ⁠patreon.com/joncronshawauthor ⁠to learn more.

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📚 Preparing Short Story Collections & Upcoming Release! | Author Diary – April 25, 2025 ✍️✨

This week, I’ve been busy going through lots of short stories, organising them into collections ready for release. The first collection, Influenced, will be out on May 10!

Influenced is a series of dark, satirical speculative fiction tales, exploring twisted futures, sharp social commentary, and unsettling what-ifs.

I’m really excited to share these stories, and this marks the start of more short fiction collections to come.

Thanks as always for following along—plenty more on the horizon!

Pre-order influenced here.

The post 📚 Preparing Short Story Collections & Upcoming Release! | Author Diary – April 25, 2025 ✍️✨ appeared first on Jon Cronshaw.

What You Should Know Before Reading The Fall of Wolfsbane

If you’re thinking of reading The Fall of Wolfsbane, the first book in my Ravenglass Legends series, here are five key things to know before you begin.

Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or new to the genre, this will help set the scene for the world, the tone, and the journey ahead.

1. This Is Not a Traditional Hero’s Journey

The Fall of Wolfsbane doesn’t follow a clear-cut tale of good versus evil.

It’s a story about survival, power, and the moral grey areas in between.

The protagonists aren’t chosen ones or saviours.

They’re young people torn from their home, forced to adapt, resist, or submit under an occupying force.

This is a coming-of-age story shaped by trauma, culture clash, and impossible choices.

2. The Story Is Told from Two Contrasting Perspectives

The novel follows a brother and sister, Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane, whose lives are violently upended by the Ostreich Empire’s conquest of their homeland.

Ragnar becomes a hostage, forced to live among the conquerors.

Maja is taken to the Empire’s capital as a court curiosity, stripped of her identity and used as a tool for political propaganda.

Their paths diverge, but their bond remains central to the story.

Each character’s perspective offers a different view of the same war—one from within the Empire, the other in defiance of it.

3. Expect Grit, Politics, and Emotionally Grounded Magic

This is a gritty epic fantasy with moments of emotional intensity.

There is violence, political manoeuvring, and deep psychological conflict.

The magic system, built around a rare substance called ravenglass, is powerful but comes with a price.

To forge a ravenglass weapon, blood must be spilled and tears must be shed.

The magic isn’t flashy—it’s mysterious, intimate, and tied to memory and emotion.

4. It Explores Themes of Empire, Resistance, and Identity

One of the driving forces behind the novel is a desire to portray the emotional and cultural cost of conquest.

It’s about what happens when a people are conquered—not just physically, but spiritually and culturally.

How do you hold on to your identity when your language, clothes, and customs are stripped away?

Both Ragnar and Maja face these questions in different ways, as they navigate their roles within the Empire and decide what it means to resist or survive.

5. There’s More to Come in the Ravenglass Legends Series

The Fall of Wolfsbane is only the beginning.

The story lays the groundwork for a larger conflict that will shape not only the fate of the Wolfsbane siblings but the future of the Ostreich Empire itself.

Secrets about the ravenglass, the origins of magic, and the truth behind the Empire’s expansion are only beginning to surface.

If you enjoy richly layered worlds with long-term stakes and character growth, there’s much more in store.

Ready to Begin The Fall of Wolfsbane?

Now that you know what to expect, I hope you’re ready to step into a world of war, resistance, and dangerous magic.

The Fall of Wolfsbane is a story about transformation, about what we become when everything is taken from us, and what we choose to protect when we have the chance to fight back.

I can’t wait for you to meet Ragnar and Maja…

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