Category: Twelfth Sword Trilogy

Rethinking some things

So I had an extremely vivid dream last Friday night where I got cancer and learned that I had only a month to live. Among other things, I found myself asking: “What am I going to do about my writing career? Who is going to finish all these books? Are they going to fade into… Continue reading Rethinking some things

Spring Shorts 2022 #4: The Freedom of Second Chances

I’m really happy with how this short story turned out. It pushes the edge in a lot of interesting ways, with the main character having to choose between duty and honor and doing what is right, and a forced abortion situation that puts the lie to the “women’s right to choose” insanity. It will probably… Continue reading Spring Shorts 2022 #4: The Freedom of Second Chances

Good things are happening!

It’s been a while since I posted a general update here on the blog, and while I’ve been sharing regular updates to my mailing list, enough has been happening that I suppose I should let all the rest of you know what’s going on. First, I decided to pull out a bunch of investment money… Continue reading Good things are happening!

My New Writing Process (or why I don’t believe in pantsing anymore)

For the longest time, I thought I was a “discovery writer.” That is to say, I believed there were two kinds of writers—pantsers vs. plotters—and that I was very much a pantser. It was what I was comfortable with. It was what I defaulted to when I sat down to write. It was the style… Continue reading My New Writing Process (or why I don’t believe in pantsing anymore)

Early January Update

The holidays are over. Blergh. I don’t generally do well when my routine gets broken up by outside forces, which is why this blog has fallen by the wayside for the last week or so. I’m also not very good at creating structure in my life where none exists, so during times like the holidays… Continue reading Early January Update

Late November Update

Is it time for another update? Why yes, I suppose it is. Sons of the Starfarers is coming along quite well. Book 6, Patriots in Retreat, is up for preorder right now with a release date of January 19th. My editor just got back with the edits for book 7, A Queen in Hiding. Haven’t… Continue reading Late November Update

The Sword Keeper — excerpt 8

Master Ivanar looked Tamuna in the eye, putting both hands on her trembling shoulders. “We must go south, to the kingdom of Aramand. You’ll be safer there.” “But what if Araste gives chase?” someone asked. Ivanar turned to face the room. “We’ll split up to confuse him. I’ll travel to the coast and alert the… Continue reading The Sword Keeper — excerpt 8

Late September update

I am not a pleasant person to be around when I’m struggling to finish a difficult book. Me: There’s just not enough time in the day. Dad: I know how you feel, son. Me: I don’t think that you do. You’ve never been self-employed. Later… Me: I need to quit my job. Dad: But Joe,… Continue reading Late September update

The Sword Keeper — excerpt 7

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” Nika stopped at the farmhouse gate and sheepishly turned to face his father. “To the tavern,” he muttered, hoping that was an acceptable response. “Why, boy? The tavern’s closed.” “Sopiko said she still needs me.” And Tamuna’s been sick all day. His father jabbed the pitchfork into the… Continue reading The Sword Keeper — excerpt 7