Hello!
We're closing in on the end of the first month of 2025 already. While normally the times seems to fly by for me, this month has felt long. Not for any ill reason or anything, but it's been a while since it felt like time wasn't moving at a breakneck pace.
We got snow 2 weeks ago, and if you're like me, it was terrible. I hate snow, and I hate the cold, so you can imagine my misery, ha! My family had fun playing in it, though, so I guess there's a silver lining.
Last weekend, I was at Dice and Diversions, a tabletop gaming convention in Atlanta. I was there selling books (I don't game very much), and it didn't go very well in terms of sales. I essentially broke even, but that's because as I was about to start packing up, someone came by and bought 2 deluxe hardcovers. Thankfully, the table fee wasn't too expensive, but I did spend 2 entire days there when I could have been writing instead, so... it ended up not being the best use of my time.
I'm home for the next month and then I'll be in Chattanooga, TN for ConNooga February 21-23. That's one of my favorite events, so I'm excited to be back again this year.
Here's my tentative panel schedule, as some things may change:
Friday at 12PM - Know Thy Enemy - Writing Villains
Friday at 3PM - So How Much Will I Make? A Look at Self Publishing
Saturday at 5PM - Let's Get This Thing Started: Kickstarters
Sunday at 10AM - Talk to a Small Press
Sunday at 1PM - BookTok, YouTube, and Other Social Media: Start Your Presence NOW!
If you're in the area (or if you're not and plan to come anyway), I'd love to see you stop by my table and say hello.
Sunday the 26th is my birthday, and I'll be turning 40. It's weird, because I don't feel 40, but there are signs that my age is beginning to show. I was looking in the mirror and noticed a scattering of lighter hairs on my head (not quite gray, but not quite white). I don't like it, lol.
In 2015, I told myself 2015 was going to be "The Year" where good things happened. A lot of good things did happen, but many more better things have happened since then, and my author career has flourished far more than I ever thought possible.
My books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies, I've traveled to a number of different states and met lots of amazing people, and I get to work with some of the best people in the self publishing industry.
Sometimes all it takes is one person who gives you some helpful advice to set your path on a whole different trajectory. I've had a few of those people, but the first one was Ingrid Seymour. She's another author, and she was bold enough to tell me that my book covers back then weren't good. Instead of being insulted, I listened to her.
I'm grateful for people like her who willingly helped me and others, and I try to do the same for other authors just getting into publishing.
I have a feeling 2025 is going to be another "The Year" that big things happen, and I can't wait to see what happens.
If you've read any of my books, thank you! You make this all possible!
Wings of the Fallen is finished, and it is up for preorder. A close friend read it and had one thing to say:
"You son of a b****."
It's an emotional gut punch, but it's intended to be one since it's a story about a tragedy. I found his sentiment funny.
Now that Wings of the Fallen is complete, I've started work on a brand new series. This one is going to be fun to write. The premise is: what is dragons chose the wrong riders to bond with?
Imagine a world where dragon riders—known as the Keepers—are revered as heroes who protect humanity. The Keepers are selected by the dragons themselves, based on their supposed purity, bravery, and potential for greatness.
But one day, the dragons make a mistake.
They bond with a group of outcasts—criminals, exiles, and rejects living on the fringes of society. The Keepers claim this is a sign of corruption and demand that the dragons sever the bonds. Yet, to everyone's shock, the dragons refuse.
For the first time in centuries, the dragons seem to defy their own traditions, insisting that these flawed humans are the ones the world truly needs.
Does this sound like something you'd read? Let me know with a quick reply!
Below you'll find a promo with free and $0.99 books, as well as the links to Sworn, my latest release, and the preorder for Wings of the Fallen.
What I’m reading: I'm still busy writing, so I've not been reading much. I've got to get better with reading before bed!
What I’m watching: I recently watched The Watchers. It was an interesting premise, and I liked the lore about fairies in it. Ishana Night Shyamalan wrote the movie adaptation of the book, and if that name sounds familiar, it's because that's M. Night Shyamalan's daughter.
What are you reading/watching?
As always, a huge thank you for the support!
Richard
Fantastical Adventures Weekend Sale
You'll find a list of free and $0.99 cent ebooks in this promo,
but hurry, it's only from today until the 26th!
PREORDER
One rider's courage will decide the fate of the kingdom.
Matthias Baines has always dreamed of proving his worth on the battlefield. When the False King, a ruthless usurper, seizes the Midian throne through treachery, Matthia's aspirations are put to the ultimate test.
He's given a task: cross the border and gather information on the enemy's plans.
The path is fraught with danger, and as he navigates cunning traps, mind-bending trials, and his own fears, he discovers that victory demands more than strength—it requires sacrifice.
NEWEST RELEASE
Sisters will clash, and only one will prevail.
Akuhara has unleashed the Drakka upon the imperial city, determined to crush the empire and carve out a kingdom of her own from the ashes.
Armed with elemental powers, the Heart of Flame, and a dragon skin cloak capable of crossing realms, Kai must rally her allies and stand against the onslaught.
As the final battle looms, will Kai’s strength be enough to save the empire, or has its end already been written in fire and blood?
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