• 366 - September 29, 2024 - Guild of Assassins, Forged in Blood
    Sep 28 2024

    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!


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    4 mins
  • 365 - September 22, 2024 - Pompeii, Rome, Girona travels
    Sep 22 2024

    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.


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    8 mins
  • 364 - September 15, 2024 - Hunters, Rest, Packing
    Sep 14 2024

    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!


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    6 mins
  • 363 - September 8, 2024 - Patreon, Admin
    Sep 7 2024

    This week’s Author Diary takes a step back from writing to focus on administrative duties, setting up new platforms, and gearing up for an inspiring journey.


    🌐 Launching Patreon:

    My week has been heavily focused on preparing to officially launch my Patreon page.

    This platform will provide a dedicated space for more personalized interactions with my readers and offer exclusive content that dives deeper into the worlds I create.

    I'm excited about the opportunities this will open up for both new projects and the community that has been with me throughout my writing journey.


    🛫 Preparing for Pompeii and Rome:

    In preparation for an upcoming trip to Pompeii and Rome, I’ve been planning the details of the visit.

    This adventure isn’t just a vacation; it’s a chance to gather rich historical insights and inspiration from some of the world’s most storied ruins and artworks.

    The history and mystery of these places are bound to infuse new ideas into my future writings.


    📖 Reading "Pompeii" by Mary Beard:

    To enhance my upcoming trip, I’ve been reading Mary Beard’s "Pompeii."

    Her detailed exploration of the ancient city provides a fascinating backdrop to the remains I will soon see firsthand.

    The book is an excellent primer, enriching my understanding and anticipation of the historical context I will explore.


    As I prepare for these exciting ventures, I’m reminded of the importance of taking time to fuel creativity with new experiences and dedicated planning.

    I look forward to sharing the insights and inspirations from these adventures with you all.


    I’d love to hear your thoughts on balancing creative work with travel, experiences with Patreon, or your favourite historical reads.

    Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates from my author's life and the experiences that shape my stories!


    #AuthorDiary #PatreonLaunch #Pompeii #RomeTrip #MaryBeard #CreativeInspiration #TravelPreparation #BookReading #HistoricalExploration #WritingCommunity

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    4 mins
  • 362 - September 1, 2024 - The Wolf and the Wyvern, Punks Versus Zombies
    Aug 31 2024

    📘 "The Wolf and the Wyvern" Launch:

    This week marked a major milestone with the launch of "The Wolf and the Wyvern," the second installment in the Ravenglass Legends series. It’s always exhilarating to see a project come to fruition, and I’ve been busy with the various aspects of the book release—from coordinating with distributors to engaging with readers. The feedback so far has been incredibly encouraging, and I'm thrilled to see how the book resonates with fans old and new.


    🧟‍♂️ Finishing "Punks Versus Zombies":

    In addition to launching the book, I've completed the redrafting of the final two episodes of "Punks Versus Zombies." Bringing this series to a close has been a bittersweet journey. These last episodes wrap up the story arcs that have been building over time, and I hope they provide a satisfying conclusion to the saga that has captivated so many.


    📝 Reflections and Next Steps:

    As I reflect on this week’s accomplishments, I'm also planning the next steps in my writing career. Finishing one project and launching another opens up new opportunities for creative exploration and development. I'm looking forward to diving into new stories and possibly revisiting familiar ones, depending on where inspiration leads.


    I’d love to hear your thoughts on series endings, book launches, or any advice you might have on transitioning between major projects. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights into my author's journey and the evolution of my work!


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    6 mins
  • 361 - August 25, 2024 - Guild of Assassins, The Wolf and the Wyvern, Punks Versus Zombies
    Aug 24 2024

    Join me for this week’s Author Diary as I delve deeper into side stories, progress with new chapters, and prepare for an exciting book launch.


    📝 Continuing Niamh's Story:

    This week, I've been working on Niamh's story, a side narrative to "Punks Versus Zombies." Expanding this universe allows us to explore different dimensions and perspectives, enriching the overall saga and providing deeper insights into the characters’ lives.


    🗡️ Progress on "Guild of Assassins" Sequel:

    Exciting developments in the "Guild of Assassins" series as well! I’ve successfully completed the first two chapters of the sequel and have a draft of the third. The story is shaping up to be thrilling, building on the foundations laid in the earlier book and introducing new twists and challenges.


    📘 Book Launch Prep for "The Wolf and the Wyvern":

    We're on the final countdown to the launch of "The Wolf and the Wyvern," Ravenglass Legends book 2, set for release on August 29. The anticipation is building, and I'm putting the finishing touches on marketing and distribution to ensure a successful release.


    📖 "The Knight and the Rebel" on Patreon:

    Meanwhile, on my Patreon, I continue to post chapters of "The Knight and the Rebel," book 3 of Ravenglass Legends. For those eager to get early access to the latest adventures, visit patreon.com/joncronshawauthor.


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    3 mins
  • 360 - August 18, 2024 - Punk Versus Zombies, The Fall of Wolfsbane, The Wolf and the Wyvern, The Knight and the Rebel
    Aug 17 2024

    Join me in this week's Author Diary as I celebrate the completion of "Punks Versus Zombies," launch new reading opportunities, and dive into fresh storytelling perspectives.


    🧟‍♂️ Finishing "Punks Versus Zombies":

    This week marks a significant milestone—I've completed writing "Punks Versus Zombies." After crafting 52 episodes and a whopping 180,000 words, this series is ready to be repackaged into a trilogy and sent off for editing. It's been a rewarding journey, and I'm thrilled to prepare these stories for a new format.


    📖 New Side Story Development:

    In addition to concluding the main series, I've started work on a side story featuring Tommy's girlfriend, Niamh, and their son, Sean. This narrative explores a different point of view within the same universe, adding depth and new angles to the overarching story.


    📚 "The Wolf and the Wyvern" Paperback Release:

    I'm excited to announce that the paperback version of "The Wolf and the Wyvern" is now available on Amazon. As we gear up for the eBook release on August 29, I've also made the book available for early access to paid members on my Patreon. This approach ensures my most dedicated readers get first dibs on the new adventures awaiting in the Ravenglass Legends.


    📘 Early Access on Patreon:

    For those interested, "The Knight and the Rebel" is also now being serialized on Patreon. I'm posting chapters every weekday, giving members an exclusive first look at this fresh installment in the series. Additionally, Book 1 is available for free for members to read, providing a perfect entry point for new fans and a refresher for those following the series.


    As we transition from one major project to another, I'm energized by the ongoing support and engagement from my readers. Whether you're a long-time follower or new to my work, there's plenty to explore and enjoy.


    Check out my Patreon at patreon.com/joncronshawauthor for exclusive access and more.


    I'd love to hear your thoughts on series finales, side stories, or your experiences with transitioning between major writing projects. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates and insights into my author's life and creative process!


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    4 mins
  • 359 - August 11, 2024 - Punks Versus Zombies, The Wolf and the Wyvern, Patreon.
    Aug 10 2024

    Watch this week’s Author Diary as I make strides in writing, setting up a new platform, and gearing up for an exciting book launch.


    📝 Progress on "Punks Versus Zombies":

    This week, I wrote two more episodes of "Punks Versus Zombies," bringing us closer to the thrilling conclusion of this series. Crafting these episodes is always an intense process as I aim to escalate the suspense and tie up the overarching narratives.


    🌐 Populating Patreon:

    As I transition to Patreon, I've been busy populating the new account with content. This platform will offer a more direct way to connect with my audience, providing exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes looks, and first access to my writings. I'm committed to making this space vibrant and engaging for all my supporters.


    📅 Launch Date Set for "The Wolf and the Wyvern":

    I'm excited to announce that "The Wolf and the Wyvern" (Ravenglass Legends, book 2) is set to launch on August 29. Preparations are in full swing to ensure a successful release. This sequel will delve deeper into the entwined fates of its characters, expanding on the epic tale started in book 1.


    📚 Current Reading - "The Quiet Damage":

    This week, I've been reading "The Quiet Damage," a poignant exploration of the devastating impact the Qanon conspiracy has had on families and relationships. It's a heartbreakingly real account that sheds light on the personal toll of these widespread theories.


    As I juggle writing, platform management, and book preparations, I'm reminded of the diverse challenges and rewards that come with being an author. I look forward to sharing more updates and hearing about your experiences with new reads, upcoming launches, or platform transitions.


    Don’t forget to check out my Patreon for exclusive content and updates: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor


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    4 mins