Storyteller’s Log, 21 August 2025

I’ve gotten back into the swing of things, and this week is seeing a lot of progress on my work.

That’s good. The first week after Pennsic tends to be extra challenging. Pennsic finds me doing a lot more exercise, keeping odd hours, and living out of a canvas tent for a week is quite different from living in a house.

This week has included sharing a lot of unexpected elements of the craft. A friend reached out, wanting to know more about what goes into getting the idea to the screen, the page, and, in the end, monetizing it. I love how that makes me reflect, and how that can also help me redirect my own explorations.

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

What am I working on now?

Book 5 of my Gentleman Space Pirate Saga (rather than series, Saga sounds cooler and feels more interesting) is moving along. It took a semi-unexpected turn, but that’s what happens during the plotting/planning phase.

The characters of that universe are a lot of fun to explore. I look forward to getting to share them with you. In theory, book 1 might see the light of day by Fall 2026. Of course, I need to finish plotting/planning the series and, you know, start writing it. But this is not outside the realm of potentiality.

Onto Forgotten Fodder. I will be finishing the edit of the audiobook of Book 5, Turncoat’s Gambit, today. I need to create the blurb for it, and work out how to set the eBook of Book 1, Unexpected Witness, either to $.99 or free (to draw people into the expanding series) across the various platforms I offer it on.

Thus far, I’m mostly on track to release Turncoat’s Gambit on September 30. I just need my cover artist to catch up.

Other concerns

Still working on new ideas for better marketing and increased sales. I also need to put more time and energy into expanding on my nonfiction offerings. I have a lot of things written out there, and I believe that I should be capable of making more of them. Not just more money, more sharing of information that can help and guide others in various ways. I love to be of service and a helper, a beacon, in this mad, crazy, fucked-up world. So, how to make more of that remains something I am striving to come up with.

Personal shit

The Solar Saga’s end is actually in sight! The inspection happened, and this time we passed. Once the power company does its thing and gives the okay, we can turn the system on. That would be great, and hopefully will be done soon!

As mentioned last week, I seem to have injured myself at Pennsic while we took down the shower for our camp. Something in my right arm pulled, snapped, stretched too much, or tore. Specifically, in my forearm. It made it hard to bear a lot of weight, as certain angles caused pain.

It’s not sore anymore, nothing is painful, and the wicked bruise has largely faded. I chose to mostly fence lefty this week, to give my arm a break. But because I am noticing an unusual sensation when I bear too much weight or move in certain ways, I’m visiting with a doctor today to get a clearer picture about what in the hell I might have done. Hopefully, it’s no big deal, and I can get back to regular fencing.

I turn 53 in just under 2 weeks. I’d very much like to be able to do my “birthday beatings” at fencing practice. That’s 1 fight per year of my age, plus one for good luck. And because my endurance is stellar, I tend to do them ALL 54 OF THEM IN A ROW without a break.

Yeah, I’d like to be able to do that when the time comes.

What am I reading?

Fiction I’m reading: I’m still 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. It’s a lot, and fascinating, but I feel like I might need to take a break from it for something less profound, maybe? Granted, I like my nonfiction profound, but I might need something less philosophical.

Audiobook I’m listening to: I’m nearing the end of the Rivers of London novella What Abigail Did That Summer, by Ben Aaronovich. I seriously love this series!

Last bits

That’s it for this week. Short and sweet, I think. Thanks for coming along again.

SELF-PROMOTION HERE! SELF-PROMOTION HERE! SELF-PROMOTION HERE! SELF-PROMOTION HERE! SELF-PROMOTION HERE!

If you’d like some free fiction, click the link below to sign up for my newsletter and get some FREE, exclusive short stories I share. Then, you will receive news and other info, book deals for my work and other authors, and more, on the third Friday of every month.

Questions? Comments? Send me an email.

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!