Storyteller's Log, 10 July 2025 - MJ Blehart

Storyteller’s Log, 10 July 2025

If this statement offends you, I am not going to apologize. Human-influenced climate change is doing some very funky things to the world. The weather has become increasingly unpredictable. And then to add insult to injury, the grossly negligent administration has cut the NOAA and made it even more difficult.

My friends keep losing power because of strong storms and infrastructure that’s proving insufficient to keep up with climate change-related demands. Despite all the evidence, those in power to do something about it are disregarding it, like that will make it not be the truth that it is. When did reason and logic go utterly out the window?

Okay, enough of that shit. Hi there. Welcome to another look inside my chaotic, crazy mind. Let’s get into the details, shall we??

What am I working on now?

I’m still plotting book 4 of the Gentleman Space Pirate series. And I think I finally have a title for book 1:

A Gentleman Space Pirate: Rise of The Captain

This feels right. Now I just need to work out the other 3 titles. But I’m further along than I was last week.

The fifth Forgotten Fodder novel, Turncoat’s Gambit, has come back from my new editor. The sixth novel, Shell Game, is now out to her. My cover artist is working on her first draft of the cover for Turncoat’s Gambit.

I’m pondering some new ways to expand my business, as it were, possibly focusing on my nonfiction work and/or my publishing imprint. I’ve barely formulated an idea here, so this is nothing but speculative currently.

Other concerns

I had a conversation with a book marketer this week. The problem is, for numerous reasons, I’m skeptical. He had some knowledge, clearly, but he wants to do something I am not entirely comfortable with. That would be access to my Amazon KDP so that he can explore my keyword choices.

This is definitely something that needs work, without a doubt. But am I comfortable enough with this person and his company to allow him that access? Also, frankly, do I think he’s worth what he’s charging? I am still considering it.

It also doesn’t help that, somehow, he thinks my name is James.

Personal shit

The third and final round of gel injections has been done. I hope they have the impact I desire them to have. So far, I do notice that they’re less sore. So they seem to be working.

The Solar Saga continues. Chrissie worked from home Tuesday in anticipation of the inspections. Except, well, you see, the revised drawings were never submitted to the town. So, no, can’t do the inspection. A very cold email went out. The Senior Contruction Project Manager is only getting warmed up.

I’m beginning to do some things in preparation for Pennsic War, the annual medieval camping event I attend. I need to find some things that were placed in new locations after the move. Probably need to get the roof rack placed on top of the car in the next week.

So that’s that.

What am I reading?

Fiction I’m reading: Ginger Booth’s Thrive Earth Return (Thrive Colony Corps Space Adventures Book 1).

Nonfiction I’m reading: Damon Zhariades’ The Art of Finding FLOW.

Audiobook I’m listening to: I just started the latest Rivers of London novel, Stone and Sky by Ben Aaronovich. The narrator, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, is amazing.

Last bits

That’s it for this week. Keeping this one short and sweet. Thanks for coming along.

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Thanks for reading. If you’re a creator, remember that you’re not alone, not (entirely) crazy, and though they might not know it, the world NEEDS your creations!