I’m late posting because I took some family time and wanted to make sure I had something to give you before reporting in.

Status

The Wizard’s Cat
I have an ebook cover, a completed (and cleaned) manuscript. I’ll be working on formatting next so I can get the paperback cover over the next couple of days. This book will be available by Christmas, barring Fate.

Everything Else
Nothing new. I’m just trying to focus on getting the cat out the door. There will be more. Just it may take a while.

What Am I Reading?

I’m back at the Wandering Inn (book 17). I’m a glutton for punishment, it seems. Almost all of my reading in the last month has been playing catch-up with series already in progress including Level One Bookshop, The Lightning War, From Chef To Crafter To Conqueror, and Hidden Class: Handyman. Perhaps I’m just looking for comfort reads but so many of the series I’ve enjoyed before had new volumes.

Speaking of, an author I’ve read a lot of in the past, Michael Chatfield, has started a new series. LitRPG with a dash of system apocalypse. I read Book 1: Restarting the Apocalypse and dove head first into book 2 only to come a cropper when I realized book 3 wasn’t out. Just as well. I had a lot of other works to catch up on.

Lots of familiar tropes. Some fun main characters that reminded me a lot of Ishmael and Pip. Just with more violence and bloodshed. I liked the supporting cast members, too. If that wasn’t enough, it has a side-trope I’ve loved ever since Twain’s Connecticut Yankee.

But, as always, don’t take my word for it. If you’re up for a little over-the-top baddie bashing, you should probably check out a sample of Restarting the Apocalypse.

About the Newsletter
I publish a newsletter every month on the 15th. You don’t need to subscribe to get the mid-month update. You can find them archived on my newsletter’s public page at Kit.

Looking Forward

The manuscript has been sent to Podium for audio. I’ve got Alex Rito signed up and waiting for the cover measurements for the full paperback cover. That should happen this week. I realize it’s already Tuesday and I’m running behind. I also realize that I’ve not formatted a paperback in years so I’ll probably have to relearn LyX to make it work. Still. Hope springs eternal.

I got my 40 miles in last month. Fourth one in a row. I’ve missed one day so far this month, but it’s only the second. If I can pry myself out of the chair today and tomorrow, I’ll be back on track. Recognizing how much better I feel now compared to June and July because of the changes in my habit should carry me.

Fingers crossed that I didn’t just jinx it.

As for outstanding issues with Tanyth Fairport and audio, I still need to get with Dan and get the audio for Zypheria’s Call squared away before I can get it released again. That’s on me.

The collaboration with EJ on the sequel to Salt is still percolating through our collected unconscious. Between the two of us, there are too many projects on the table.

And that’s all over and above the expected (and unexpected) amounts of holiday frufraw to come before the New Year graces us.

It’s a lot and I have a greatly diminished capacity to deal with it. For that, I apologize. I do feel like I’m getting better.

So, happy holidays. Until the New Year, safe voyage.

Progress is being made, even if it’s got very little to do with me.

Status

The Wizard’s Cat
The manuscript is with the editor. She’s taking her time and doing it up right. It’ll be a little longer before it’s back but I expect it by mid-month. Ditto cover. Waiting on the artist but expect that soon, too.

Everything Else
Nada. I’m letting the world spin on its own for a bit. See more about what’s going on below.

What Am I Reading?

I did a lot of catch up with some series in progress but picked up a clever take on cozy fantasy and inhaled the three existing volumes over the course of a few days.

I’m a sucker for a good magic system and Delemhach has set up a fun take on how a wizard’s power gets implemented in The House Witch. It doesn’t hurt that the main character, Finlay Ashowan and company, bring just the right level of humor, action, and interaction to a rich feast of a story.

Did I mention he’s a cook? Yeah. Icing on the cake.

But don’t take my word for it. Grab a sample and see if this is the story you’ve been hungry for, too.

About the Newsletter
I publish a newsletter every month on the 15th. You don’t need to subscribe to get the mid-month update. You can find them archived on my newsletter’s public page at Kit.

Looking Forward

October was a month for recuperation. I knew I was running on fumes toward the end of August but had no idea how deeply I’d dug into my reserves. Getting the book off my desk took a massive load off. I spent the month playing games and reading. Along with an extended series of dental procedures to repair some of the damage the radiation did to my teeth. I thought I’d dodged a bullet but apparently it only needed time to become apparent. It took part of September and most of October but it’s done for now. We’ll revisit in January.

The “two out of three” walking days managed to hang on through October. Even when I missed a walking day, I made it up by walking on the not-walking one. I celebrated 120 miles in 3 months yesterday.

Bottom line, I’m in much better shape now than I was a month ago. I still have a lot of ground to make up in terms of getting my physical and mental health in order but I’m feeling good about the prospects going forward. We’ll just have to see how it all shakes out this month.

Until next month, safe voyage.