Progress!
All the editing and polishing has been completed, and the files have just been sent to the audiobook narrator. This is exciting, for sure! And...perfectly on pace for a May-June preorder window & July 1st release!
"Get ready for a major remodel, fellas. We are back in hardware mode."
#writing #selfpublishing
Opening line in #Circles :
"July 31, 2012. The world will come to an end. This year, on December 21st."
#writing #firstnovel #writingcommunity
Okay, now that I have a handle on how things are progressing: Circles 1st draft is complete! I meet with my editor next week and then start to get logistics in order.
Pre-orders will begin Q1 2026 for Hardcover, eBook, and Audiobook!
Writing update.
January was a hell of a month. Work, weather, and a few complications around caring for my mom. Finally had a day totally off all for regrouping.
So...getting back to work. Circles won't write itself, and it is just the first of many stories that I will be exploring.
After a crazy week at work, and then realizing the need to pivot part of the novel...things are all lined back up and should be good to just get the rest written.
#writing #writingcommunity #firstnovel
My creative efforts are currently devoted to a trilogy of novels, the basis from which other stories and potentially tabletop role-playing games will grow. The first novel is due to be released in the summer of 2025.
I am also writing the screenplay adaptation - in case the right eyes wander by
I have a tiny handful of freelance credits with @theonyxpath.bsky.social and over a dozen self-produced OnyxPath-licensed titles available thru the link on my website. They are great folks writing great games!
For people who barely know me or seeing this for the 1st time:
Hetero white 51yo guy. Respects people, identities, and pronouns. Politically far left but using this space for games & books. No partner, 1 cat, & a dayjob that I only discuss in private. Lover of sci-fi, fantasy, and #TTRPG
#writing
Tons of research, hours of reading, expanding my mind.
To make a single conversation in one chapter of the book seem like a legitimate delivery.
#writing #writingcommunity #firstnovel
Well, that's enough research-rabbithole for me tonight. Either I have scrambled my brain or this actually makes sense as a fictional symbol of philosophical expression.
#writingcommunity #firstnovel #writing #circles
So...it is time to dive back into planning mode, develop a B-Story, and weave it in with the story's events. Wordcount may look like it is slowing down, but there is a whole lot of research and planning going on!
I spent so much time thinking about how I need to not show too much of my hand too quickly, and navigated around "lore dumps," but I realized readers would come away without the curiosity, questions, and need for answers. The story is about the characters, but they live in a bigger world.
(2/-)
So, as I am well over half-way through the story, I am realizing it is going to be a bit short for an actual novel. I looked at it, read what I had finished so far, and it hit me right in the face. I love my characters and their arcs, but there is no Worldbuilding!
(1/-)
Right in the nostalgia! Spelljammer came out right at the same time as my peak high school D&D games and groups were in full swing. Excellent memories!
This last week has felt like the longest month ever. I even doublechecked myself, because it felt like I forgot to pay a couple of bills. So...small progress is still progress.
#writingcommunity #writing #firstnovel
I have booted two people from my games for that. I wont "investigate" anyone who might have done it, but anyone so brazen that they openly/casually/proudly announce they pirate for free stuff simply isn't welcome at my table.
Thanks! I am using a super basic website called Trackbear.
Wasn't a great weekend. Needing some time off to recuperate from my time off. But, I am trucking right along with the first draft of the first novel. It is killin' me, not being able to talk about the story, the setting, and the plans for the future. And games! It will be a fantastic #ttrpg setting!
...aaand time for a trip to the dentist.
When I want to write, but in so much pain that I cannot sleep....brain just ain't gonna brain.
It isn't as speedy as I would like, but it sure is steady progress!
I am lovin' this experience, as well as the story!
#writingcommunity #writing #firstnovel
Has been a great weekend for writing. A lot of reflection and introspection, too. Things are moving forward.
#writingcommunity #writing #firstnovel
Thank you, Terry Robinson, for your contributions to the Mage: The Ascension game & fandom. Especially for this very special copy of Book of Secrets you referred to as "bookbinding practice."
You will be missed.
Sometimes things look just fine in the outline...but require a different approach when words need to string together. Add "queen Anne architecture" and "precession" to my search history....
#writing #writingcommunity #circles
Yes. It is super basic, but it tracks whatever progress you want to keep an eye on. Has a bit of customization available. Very handy! Just look up "trackbear"
Approaching the halfway point in terms of the outline and planned chapters. Considering a number of factors, including some additional bits I want to add in the beginning of the story....looks like an 85k word novel.
#writing #writingcommunity #circles
Writers who use MS Word:
#writing #writingcommunity #authors
Not a great weekend, but not totally shitty.
Bit by bit, I am more enthused. I see the story taking shape and feel characters fill with substance.
#circles #writerscommunity #writing #firstnovel
Ejected a few distractions...THIS feels like a place to get some words done.
Time for a little spring cleaning, reorganizing, and removing distractions.
#writingcommunity #writing #authors