Greetings all. Somehow we’re already into March. 2020 year, for me at least, seems to be flying by as if somebody’s been toying with the clocks and calendar. However it could be something to do with spending most of the month with my head buried in a laptop 🙃
February was a damn productive month, so in this newsletter, I thought I’d give you an update on the smorgasbord of fantasy nonsense that I’ve been working on.
Progress Report
As well as increasing the words I write per hour, I’ve also been rejigging my entire schedule to focus almost solely on writing. This reshuffle means I’ve been giving my keyboard an absolute thrashing this February. Truth be told, it’s been bloody great. As well as writing my own books, I’ve had plenty of time for other side projects without slowing down on books like the Scalussen Chronicles. And, with many fingers in many pies, it’s keeping my week fresh and varied, which has been real fun and keeps productivity at a handy peak. So long as I remember to relax – that’s key. Lots of gaming and binging Netflix. Doctor Galleys recommends.
As such, I’m currently almost at the halfway point of my “secret project” which I think you’ll be excited to hear about when I finally reveal it. Early shares with editors and fellow authors have been really promising. If you’re a member of the ELITE CIRCLE you will know this by now, but what I can reveal is that it’s called Dread Rising. More soon…
At the same time, book one of the Scalussen Chronicles – The Forever King, and sequel to Emaneska – is coming along nicely as well, looking plump and fat Farden’s adventures are bigger, badder and full of more of what you liked in Emaneska: magic, dragons, and both physical and emotional clashes. I posted a first and second look a little while ago on this blog if you haven’t yet devoured them. It’s satisfying writing from a brand new PoV of a young and curious mage – Mithrid, and showing more of Farden. Especially a good decade and a half after Dead Stars – Part Two, now that he’s evolved once more. Magick runs rife, bubbling up like lava across the lands, and a certain somebody (no spoilers) now runs the Arkathedral. I’ll be showing you an exclusive Guild sneak peek in the next update. If you haven’t yet read Emaneska, find it on my site.
Lastly, the game I’m writing for – Veil of Ruin – is also making great strides. We’re almost wrapped up with our DnD 5e adaptation, and the full board game is also looking fantastic. I’ve still got a lot of story and encounters to write, but building this outrageous jungle world has been a blast. Having my writing playable is a strange sensation, but amazing to see. Check out the site, and Kickstarters will be coming soon.
In the meantime…
I may have treated myself and bought a sword…. It’s a replica of Captain Nathan’s sword from Last Samurai. Carbon steel, sharp, and tastily balanced. I am happy to report no bandages have been needed, though many melons and loafs of bread have been destroyed.
And on a more serious note, I wish you all well with the current coronavirus situation. Without delving too deep into the subject and the sociopolitical landscape, I hope you all stay safe and untouched by its effects. Now, with all seriousness aside, at least it’s a good excuse to stay inside and catch up on some reading.
Catch you next month, or in the meantime, on my Twitter, YouTube or Facebook feeds.
Peace,
Ben
That holiday did you the power of good😁.
Re covid19, be well to you and family, but… maybe this is food for a book. As you mention, sociopolitical implications are vast and plenty of space for a lot of imaginative outpourings.
Looking forward to Scalussen, don’t read the tasters, can’t hold back my hunger for more more more!