I got prezzies!

My birthday was fun. I had about ten people come over. I smoked brisket and pork. The pork fell apart, the brisket was good but not spectacular. Guess I'll have to just keep practicing. I know everyone in my house will suffer so much.

The theme of the day was whiskey, which was amusing. I received two bottles of Writers Tears, a bottle of nice rum, and a bottle of Weller. The rum and the Writer's Tears is excellent, the Weller? Meh. I also got kitty dice and a dice holder! I'm even using it right now on my desk.

All in all it was an excellent birthday, but by far the best part was getting to see friends that I haven't seen in way too long.

Don't forget the giveaway! Enter here (and share!) and you can win a signed book. Don't tell anyone but if you win and want a hardback (of the ones that are in hardback) you can get that too!

Now for something from a friend of mines. Machines & Monsters, the epic finale to the Watchers of Astaria series, is available now!  Brulle Cobb was a watcher until he was pushed too far and faked his death to escape. After Victoria Wyndham showed up on his doorstep, he’s drawn back into Astarian politics. The Watchers are in a race against the clock to stop a group of cultists from bringing their goddess back to the world and enslaving the free people of Astaria, and they need all hands on deck. 

While you're at it, subscribe to Patrick's newsletter to keep up with all of his new books and convention appearances.

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As you know Robert Ross is a friend of mine, and the final book in his Sentinels of Creation is out!!! Check out the entire series and his incredible cover art! This series is a best selling audio series and the story is amazing.

And the survey has a winner! B Dutch - check your email for one from me directly! You get a book!

Now for this weeks story. I rather like this one and could see a series based on it.

Runic Sword

The runes on the sword told everyone who the stranger was before a word was uttered. The glowing symbols creeping down the naked sword screamed revenge, wrath, grief, and endless determination. To possess a Runic Sword your soul had to be devoted to your purpose, past pain, hunger, even, possibly, death. Just seeing one out of its sheath caused icy shivers in souls. Those that wielded them were dangerous and all but mythic in ability.

The bar fell silent as every eye focused on the blade: part magic, part tech, all deadly.

Ja'kin, the barkeep tonight, broke the strained silence. "No naked weapons allowed. If ya wanna drink here, it's gotta be sheathed." The Klu'rian's voice cracked on that last part.

If he lived past the next three minutes, his rep score was going to go through the roof. Everyone else couldn't figure out whether to flee, beg, or urinate in their clothing.

The masked head turned to look at the sword as if it was something strange and foreign.

"Ah. Hmmm." It, because at this point no one knew gender or species, besides humanoid, stepped back outside and the door slid shut. The tension in the room dropped and being slumped in their chairs or downed their drinks. More than one eyed the back exit, wondering if they should flee now.

The doors slid back open and the figure stood there again. The sword in the sheath grasped firmly in one hand. "Found it. May I come in now?"

"Yes," Ja'kin croaked. The being walked up to the bar, and dropped the sword on the bartop, every eye following it.

"Good. Can I get something to eat and can you tell me why someone attacked me with this? They weren't very good."

The silence in the bar made space seem noisy.

I organized my office so I feel better. My desk is still a bit cluttered, but as soon as I quit the day job I think it will free up some, at least that is the plan. Anyway back to the writing and trying to be awesome, or at least better.

Mel

Schedule 2022:

Dragoncon Sep 1-5: Atlanta, GA

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