Dive into this week’s Author Diary as I tackle a variety of writing projects, from editing a sequel to revisiting a prequel, and even venturing into festive zombie territory!

📝 Editing "Forged in Blood":

I'm deep into the editing process for "Forged in Blood," the second book in the Guild of Assassins series. It's always a detailed task to refine the narrative, enhance character development, and ensure the plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats. This stage is crucial for bringing the polished version of the story to life.

📚 Revisiting "Scoundrels":

After a year, I've returned to "Scoundrels," a prequel to the Dawn of Assassins series. Diving back into this story is like reconnecting with an old friend and rediscovering their secrets. It's fascinating to explore the backstory that sets the stage for the events and dynamics in the main series.

🎅 Writing "Santa Versus Zombies":

In a lighter, more whimsical vein, I penned a short story titled "Santa Versus Zombies." This festive, fun piece provided a great creative outlet, blending the cheer of the holiday season with the thrill of a zombie apocalypse. It was a delightful project that offered a humorous break from my more intense writing.

🚶‍♂️ Completing "Niamh’s Journey":

I also wrapped up "Niamh's Journey," a side story in the Punks Versus Zombies series. Finishing this narrative provided closure for a thread that added depth and perspective to the main storyline.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on handling multiple projects, or your experiences with returning to a story after a long break.

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In this week's Author Diary, I celebrate a significant milestone in my writing journey and share my plans for the coming weeks as the seasons change.

📖 Completing "Forged in Blood":

I'm thrilled to announce that I've completed the draft of "Forged in Blood," the second book in the Guild of Assassins series. Finishing this draft marks a major achievement in the development of the series, and I'm looking forward to the next stages of editing and refining.

📚 Current Reading:

Continuing my literary exploration, I'm currently delving into "Illuminatus Part II" by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson. This series, known for its complex narrative and intriguing themes, provides a thought-provoking read that perfectly complements the darker, introspective months.

🕰️ Adjusting to Seasonal Changes:

With the clocks changing and the onset of colder weather, I'm mindful of the impact this time of year tends to have on me, notably Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In anticipation, I plan to take things a bit easier over the next few weeks, allowing myself some needed rest and recalibration to stay healthy and maintain my creative output.

🍁 Looking Ahead:

During this quieter period, I will be focusing on self-care, continuing my reading, and beginning the initial edits on "Forged in Blood." It's important to balance productivity with personal health, and I'm committed to managing both as we move into November.

I'd love to hear how you adjust to seasonal changes and manage your creative projects during these times. Do you find certain times of the year more challenging or inspiring? Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights and updates from my journey as an author!

In this week’s Author Diary, I share my experiences from Fantasycon, delve into new and ongoing writing projects, and explore some intriguing reads.

🏰 Fantasycon Adventures:

This past weekend at Fantasycon was a whirlwind of inspiration and connection. Participating in panels, enjoying the banquet, and meeting both fellow authors and avid readers was fantastic. It's always exhilarating to be part of such a dynamic gathering of creative minds.

🎩 Crafting a New Lord Sidebottom Tale:

In the spirit of Halloween, I’ve started working on a new Lord Sidebottom story. This steampunk adventure promises to be as wacky and inventive as its protagonist, perfectly fitting for the spooky season. I’ll be posting this as a free story on my Patreon on October 31! Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor

🗡️ Progress on "Forged in Blood":

I’m also nearing the completion of "Forged in Blood," the second book in the Guild of Assassins series. Currently 80% through the draft, the final stages are both the most challenging and exciting as I tighten the narrative and escalate towards a compelling climax.

📖 Reading Update:

After finishing "The Eye in the Pyramid," the first book of the Illuminatus! trilogy by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson, I’m still processing its wild and intricate narrative. Now, I’ve moved on to "Incarcerat," part of the TerrorTome series by Garth Marenghi. This horror parody offers a refreshing and humorous take on the genre, proving to be an entertaining read.

I’d love to hear about your experiences at conventions, any Halloween-themed stories you’re working on, or your thoughts on blending humour with horror in literature.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights from my author's journey!