Storyteller’s Log, 14 August 2025

I have returned from another 10-day sojourn at the Pennsic War. Twenty-nine years and counting since 1996 (minus 2 years due to the Pandemic).

It was a mixed bag in many respects. Most of that was because I was feeling off from time to time and oddly disconnected. But the weather was largely excellent, I got to spend time with friends I don’t see as often as I’d like, and I made some new friends. I also learned a lot about my job in the SCA and what that means for my war (for 2 more years).

I needed the vacation. I think it did my mind, body, and soul some good. It usually does. I’ve been back to my regular life experiences for nearly a week, and I’m feeling pretty good overall.

So, welcome to another look inside my chaotic, messy mind. Let’s get into the details, shall we?

What am I working on now?

Before going away for 10 days, I reached the end of plotting book 4 of the Gentleman Space Pirate series.

At Pennsic, I had some time to sit down and think about what a Book 5 might look like in this series. The idea that had begun to form in my head coalesced into something more. Hence, rather than start writing book 1, I am now plotting book 5.

In theory, I could write even more books in this series. But I also have a separate idea for a wholly different story in the same universe (with completely different characters). It’s an idea I was already toying with. But the universe that I’ve created for the Gentleman Space Pirate series is large enough that it’s open for more characters and stores. But that’s down the line from now.

Let’s get into Forgotten Fodder. I finished recording and going over the edits my editor did to Book 5, Turncoat’s Gambit. She finished and sent back to me her edits for Book 6. Shell Game. Before I left for Pennsic, I sent her Book 7, Conspiracy Theory, and I have gotten it back from her, too.

I’m currently editing the recording for Turncoat’s Gambit and awaiting the cover art. Once that’s done, I’ll start in on Shell Game. The current release date for Turncoat’s Gambit is September 30. I’m also eyeing November 25 for Shell Game. That means Book 7 in January and Book 8 in March (this timing seems ideal).

Other concerns

It’s abundantly clear to me that I really need to look for more ways to market myself and my books. I also realize that to do that, I need to take steps outside of my comfort zone. I blogged about that this week, in part for anyone interested in the topic of comfort zones and for myself. This is just a part of some actions I’m taking for myself to employ mindfulness and change my approach.

Personal shit

My knees were okay during Pennsic. A bit stiff, but not very sore. I alternated between the brace for the left knee and KT tape for both. Did the gel injections do anything? I honestly am not sure. Most likely, they kept me only experiencing stiffness rather than pain. But I just don’t know.

The Solar Saga continues. In theory, the inspection is happening today. But that’s not the end, because then the power company needs to come out and do something to the meter, before we can finally turn it on. I’m glad we did this, but…this is crazy.

Unfortunately, I seem to have injured myself at Pennsic while we took down the shower for our camp. Something in my right arm, which had become tense and I knew I should have been stretching more, pulled or tore. Specifically, in my forearm. It made it hard to bear a lot of weight, as certain angles sent pain up my arm. I had to get help to lift things onto the roof rack of my car when it came time to pack out.

It’s less sore now, but I have a wicked, possibly still growing bruise, and I determined fencing righty was not a good idea this week. If it has not improved more by this weekend, or the bruise gets worse, I’ll go to a doctor.

Leave it to me to find new and annoying ways to injure myself. Hopefully, it’s no big deal, and I can get back to things.

What am I reading?

Fiction I’m reading: I read a sci-fi novel while at Pennsic called The Handler’s Gambit: Saxen Saga Book 1 by Ingrid Moon. It was okay, but the characters didn’t do much for me, so I’m not planning to continue reading the rest of the series.

I’m currently reading Fortune’s Pawn (Paradox Book 1) by Rachel Bach.

Nonfiction I’m reading: I’m still working through Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic. I might pause this soon and read something else. Fascinating philosophy, however.

Audiobook I’m listening to: I listened to and finished When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi, to and from Pennsic. It was funny and touching, and a lot of fun. I haven’t started a new audiobook yet.

Last bits

That’s it for this week. I’m getting back into action after my vacation. Thanks for coming along again.

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