We’re in the middle of winter down here in Oz. It’s always been the best season for my writing, and this winter is no different. Something about not being able to do much outside helps me focus, though it doesn’t do my caffeine addiction any good. I’m now up to two cups of tea and two coffees daily. One of these months, I want to quit caffeine for a full 30 days. But not in winter. No way, Jose!
Writing
My other job is currently on a break, so the writing is going full speed ahead. Though that’s still not very fast. Alas, I’m a very slow writer. I’m enjoying it immensely, though. Lots of political intrigue happening in The Veridian Wars Book 2, along with quite a splash of betrayal, so it’s fascinating to watch the story unfold. I’ve outlined a fair amount of this second part of the story, but as the main plot points flesh out, they get more interesting. I’ve been inspired a lot by watching House of the Dragon Season Two, which has truckloads of both political machination and betrayal.
I’ve also been inspired by this little book:
Those of you who have read The Veridian Wars will know that the world is very much inspired by the classical world (Ancient Rome in particular). This book, Ancient Magic in Greece and Rome by Philip Matyszak, has helped me flesh out some of the magical elements in my world-building. The section on volcanoes and deadly gases matches much of the terrain we see in The Secret Chronicles of Lost Magic, where dark tunnels and steaming volcanic mountains hold magical mysteries. Yet, the notion of there being a physical entrance to Hades gives me ideas for Rise of the Dark Ones too – which will be extended with another trilogy once The Veridian Wars part 2 is finished.
Publishing
In case you missed it, I now have Book 1 and 2 in Rise of the Dark Ones published in audiobook format (Book 3 is available for preorder), and now my entire catalogue is available in paperback. My paperbacks are printed by Bookvault and this week I received my own copy of The Viscount's Son and I'm really impressed with the quality. It was quick too.
Finally, if you don’t have enough online stores to visit, the platform on which I host my book shop, Payhip, now has its own marketplace. It’s another place to find some books as well as a whole bunch of other items. If you want to browse the books there (some of mine are featured), check them out here.
I'll be back with more updates soon!
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