This week's Author Diary is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of the creative process, even when under the weather.

🤒 Battling Illness:

Despite being ill this week, I pressed on with my writing commitments. It's often difficult to maintain momentum during such times, but staying connected to my projects helps keep my spirits up.

I managed to add about 10,000 words to "Forged in Blood," the second book in the Guild of Assassins series

📘 Reading Updates:

I wrapped up "Fake Heroes" by Otto English, a compelling read that offers sharp insights into cultural and historical narratives.

Moving on, I’ve started "Vengeful Spirit," part of the expansive Horus Heresy series. Diving into this new book has been a great way to escape and recuperate, immersing myself in the rich lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

📅 Looking Ahead:

As I recover and continue with "Forged in Blood," I look forward to regaining my full strength and embracing the creative challenges ahead.

Next week, I hope to share more positive updates and perhaps some insights from my journey through the Horus Heresy series.

I'd love to hear about how you cope with setbacks and continue to find inspiration in your projects or readings. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights from my author's life and the perseverance that drives it!

Step into this week’s Author Diary as I share my experiences from a recent cruise and delve into some compelling reads.

🚢 Cruise Adventures:

This week, I took a break from writing to embark on a cruise that took me to some of Europe’s most storied destinations, including Pompeii, Rome, and Girona. Each city offered its own unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking sights. From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the medieval charm of Girona, this journey was a treasure trove of inspiration and a wonderful escape from the daily grind.

📘 Reading Along the Way:

During the cruise, I immersed myself in "Among the Trolls" by Marianna Spring, a captivating exploration of modern conspiracism. I'm currently engrossed in "Fake Heroes" by Otto English, which offers insightful commentary wrapped in engaging storytelling.

Next week, I plan to return to writing, energised by the wealth of experiences and ideas gathered during my travels. I'd love to hear about your experiences with travel and how they have influenced your creative or professional life.

Join me in this week's Author Diary as I delve into new story experiments, prepare for an exciting journey, and share my latest reads.

📖 Working on "Hunters":

This week, I spent some time writing "Hunters," a nautical fantasy. Exploring new genres and themes is always an exciting part of the creative process, though I'm still gauging whether this particular story will be part of my ongoing projects.

🚢 Preparing for Pompeii and Rome:

As I prepare to embark on a cruise to see the historical sites of Pompeii and Rome, I've been taking it easy and getting ready for the trip. This journey isn't just a vacation; it's also a source of inspiration, feeding into the backdrop of stories.

📘 Reading Insights:

I finished reading "Pompeii" by Mary Beard, which provided a deep dive into the ancient city's history. Knowing that much of Pompeii's art is in Naples, I'm curious to see what still remains at the site itself. Additionally, I started "Hip-Hop is History" by Questlove, exploring 50 years of hip-hop culture and history.

📅 Note on Next Week’s Diary:

Please note that next week’s author diary will be posted later than usual as I'll be away, soaking in new experiences and historical marvels that I hope to share upon my return.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on exploring new sub-genres or your experiences with historical trips that have influenced your creative projects.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates from my author's life and the inspiration that fuels it!