Join me in this week’s Author Diary as we celebrate a significant milestone, delve into current projects, and look forward to an exciting event.

🎉 7th Anniversary of the Author Diary Podcast:

This week marks the seventh anniversary of my Author Diary podcast. It's been a wonderful journey of sharing insights, challenges, and triumphs from my writing life. I've enjoyed connecting with all of you, and I'm grateful for your continued support.

📖 Current Writing and Reading:

I've been making steady progress on "Forged in Blood," the latest installment in the Guild of Assassins series. Writing this book has been an intricate process, weaving complex characters and dark themes into the narrative fabric. Alongside writing, I've been immersed in "Vengeful Spirit" from the Horus Heresy series, a gripping tale that complements the intense and dramatic tone of my own work.

👥 Reader Interaction:

In this special anniversary episode, I took the opportunity to answer some reader questions.

🏰 Prepping for Fantasycon:

Looking ahead, I'm thrilled to be attending Fantasycon next weekend. I’ll be participating in four panels discussing topics ranging from rogues and grimdark to post-apocalyptic fiction and the portrayal of disability beyond the trope of 'superpower.' As I prepare for the convention, I'm excited to meet many of you there, share insights, and explore the diverse and dynamic world of fantasy literature.

Stay tuned for updates from Fantasycon and more adventures from the writing desk!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on podcast milestones, your experiences with fantasy conventions, or any questions you might have about writing and reading. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights and updates from my author's journey!

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.