The recuperation continues very slowly. I’m still not able to eat normally, but I’ve stabilized my weight loss. Now I just need to rebuild my stamina.

Status

I’m picking away at the first new Ishmael book. It’s going slowly because I have zero focus, but I’m using more and more brain on it. I think it’ll be worth it.

Wizard’s Cat is still on hiatus. Even if I had it done, Tom Tylerson is working on a long term project and wouldn’t be available to narrate until mid 2023 at the earliest.

What Am I Reading?

I’m still burning through books – 174 so far this year, 41 in August. Lots of series. A ton of litRPG stuff. I’m reading some more Michael G. Manning now but I’m going to recommend Honor Raconteur’s Case Files of Henri Davenforth series this month. I finished the last book a week ago but I keep thinking about it.

Basically a portal fantasy where the main character portals into a steampunky/fantasy not-Earth world and uses her FBI training to help the local magical examiner solve a series of cases. The characters are first rate. Fascinating world-building. Intriguing mysteries.

But – as always – don’t take my word for it. Grab a sample of book 1, Magic and the Shinigami Detective and see for yourself.

Looking Ahead

For the first time since mid-June, I don’t have back to back doctor appointments. Even after treatment stopped, I’ve been receiving IV fluids three times a week to help flush out my system. It’s nothing strenuous. It just means I’ve been hitting the infusion center for 90 minutes three times a week since the end of July. Add in the various other doctors, dietitians, and therapists, there haven’t been many days where I could just sit. That’s finally ended.

This month I should be able to nap, read, and write (I hope) without having to worry about what doctor do I need to see that day. I’m looking forward to some quiet, healing time.

Thank you all for you kind words and well-wishes. It means a lot.

Until next month, safe voyage.

The first round of treatment ended last week. These next two weeks will probably be worse than any of the treatments as my body reacts to the aftermath.

“Survive Today” still seems to be the best approach.

Status

All writing related work is on hold pending some kind of recovery. Ishmael’s call is getting stronger. I’m looking forward to digging into that story again.

What Am I Reading?

I’ve read a lot of so-so stuff over the last month. The most memorable of them is Rachel Neumeier’s Tuyo, which I recommended to my newsletter a couple of weeks ago. I haven’t found the confluence of character and world building excellence since M C Burnell’s Foreign Sorcerer series.

That said, I’ve quite enjoyed Michael G. Manning’s Art of the Adept series. It begins with Choice of Magic and follows the career of a young wizard through some dark and twisty passages toward his goal of mastery. It’s basically a coming of age story – with wizards, fae, and – yes – a cat.

Maybe grab a sample and see what you think.

Looking Ahead

I’ve been warned that these first couple of weeks after treatment tend to be the worst. My experience so far supports that claim. I won’t get into the nitty gritty except to note that it is both nitty and gritty. I’m not getting enough calories in a day but the positive spin on that comes from not having my body being broken down by radiation and chemo. I don’t actually need as much this week as last.

The next big milestone is new imaging in October. We’ll see if one course of treatment is sufficient. I’m hoping it will be but I’m trying not to put too much faith in it.

Have I mentioned that Ishmael is calling me? Yeah. We’ll see if I can answer him any time soon.

In the meantime, safe voyage.

NL

Ten years ago today I became a full-time author. When my day job lost its funding, I was left with being an unemployed academic or an author. At my age (59, at the time) I was a bit long in the tooth to try to begin a new academic career, so I trusted Lois. And all of you. I don’t regret a moment.

Status

The books are all on hold until my treatment is completed. I’m about 1/3rd of the way through. The side effects have been manageable up to now. We’ll deal with tomorrow when it comes.

When I get back to it, though, I’m going back to finish the next Ishmael trilogy. He’s calling me.

What Am I Reading?

Everything! I’m reading so many books. This month, I’m going to recommend a series one of you suggested to me. Drew Hayes – NPCs (Spells, Swords, Stealth Book 1). It’s a quirky take on litRPG that I found quite enjoyable. The basic set up releases a group of independent non-player characters loose in a gaming world where the connections are a little – shall we say – loose. It started a little slow for me but I when I got hooked, I blazed through the series.

I loved the characters – their flaws, their personalities. The way they worked together toward a greater good. The world building made me want to play the game, but the story made me think maybe I don’t want to play that particular game.

But, as always, don’t take my word for it. Maybe grab a sample and see what you think.

Looking Ahead

Not gonna lie. The next five weeks – through the end of July – are going to be hard. The early side effects aren’t crippling me. I’m tired a lot. Just eating is turning into a full time job. One I’d like better if I could enjoy it more.

Ah, well. My motto remains “Survive Today.” If I do it enough times, I’ll be able to get back to visit with Ishmael and the gang in a story that I really want to tell.

Until next month, safe voyage.