This is a first for me, but I'm visiting a local book club tonight. They've been reading my first book, Reality Check.

I'm excited. And nervous. And terrified.

Is this normal? 😅

Indie Book Sale, Fantasy, ScFi & Horror. 11th-13th April. 10 book covers around sale graphic: Smoke and Steel Apprentice of the Dead My Three Year Old Is a Barbarian Firefan Broken Sky Climbing the Ranis Merchants of Light and Bone The Tidlings of Dras Sayve Part of Fools

At Narratess www.indiebook.sale
I...
-tried to buy multiple books I already own 😆
-tried to buy books that weren't discounted in Australia 😞
-found books with promising blurbs and in one case comp titles I love.

My neglected TBR is now even bigger 👍😅 (and yes, fantasy dominated 😉).

Last day to stuff your e-reader for cheep cheep cheep 🐦

Why has it been colder inside my house than outside it today? Rude 😂

Thanks, James!

Ahaha I could just go, "ah well, that's the lore now" and publish as I go but I got the fear, man. The fear 😂

Yeah! Or at least getting them into first draft. I know changes that need to be made in books 1 and 2 because of book 3 and the way the story is evolving beyond my initial plan 😅

The word "end" on a word document. This is the end of the first draft of book 3 of my fantasy series work in progress.

The first draft of book 3 of my WIP sword and magic fantasy series is done 🎉

Only 12 days later than planned 😅

Now for a month of (where I revise a totally different WIP) before starting book 4 next month 😁

So, I've finally caught up with the Scrubs revival/reboot/whatever it's called.

I love it. The nostalgia is real but the show stands up even without that. The balance of comedy and drama is fantastic.

And the latest episode? I haven't been hit that hard since My Screw Up. I was not prepared.

I shall offer my condolences, cause that's a double whammy

A pint of cider on a wooden bench outside a pub in Salford Quays. Media City is in the background

Write 1,500 words on book 3 today and figured I should take a break in the sun with a pint. It's the UK, there's no telling if this is all the summer I'm getting this year 😅

More writing later, followed by D&D!

Unfortunately for us haha

That was my intent but I seem incapable of it beyond being forced hahaha

I promised last week that I would explain what's been going on last year. I will keep that promise tomorrow now that my week is settling down a bit 😊

Little overwhelmed after yesterday's announcement so having some relax time

Case study and content writing services - Proof of Content Case study and content writing services that hits the mark from Proof of Content. Make content your not-so-secret weapon.

Proofofcontent.co.uk

The Proof of Content logo. The words "Proof of" sit above "Content" with an icon of an aqua-blue fountain pen next to them, pointing downwards and away from the words.

Today is a big day.

I'm finally ready to reveal Proof of Content, my freelance service.

Case studies and content writing are my specialities, and I built myself a website for it this week.

I've questioned myself a lot over this but it feels right. Am I ready? No. Am I committed? Absolutely.

Got the traditional second winter this morning with snow/hail. It was much but it's clearly there along with the rain.

That means we're ready for summer now, right?

You know what?

How do I become a hot cross bun test eater? That's gotta be one of the best jobs around 😂

I've spent the last 3 days building a website for my new business. I forgot how much of a pain it is for someone who can't not obsess over the little details 😅

Almost done... I hope!

I wish that wasn't true 😂

Umm. I'm confused. Is this... Is winter over?

I know it's officially spring in the UK, but that second winter hasn't hit yet so I'm suspicious 😂

It's been a struggle, not gonna lie, but progress is being made so that's a win. Just gotta keep working at it 😊

Hey Alan! I'm getting there, thanks. It's been a bit of a rough time but things are moving in the right direction so I'm calling it a win haha!

Oh wow, that's a big story. Congrats on getting that far. I'm about 2/3s of the way through the first draft of book 3 of my next series, too

Likewise! Social media sometimes feels a bit too much when there's a lot going on. Hoping to keep a better grip on it now 😊

Okay. I think I'm ready to come back to the socials. It's been a fair while and a lot has happened over the last year and a bit.

I'll explain fully after the weekend, but for now, hi again! What's new? What have I missed? Are you all good? Catch me up!

Promise!

I expect ramen pics! Or I'll just send mine to you!

I'm hoping to be a lot more present now. I've missed you! Hope you're doing well!

Thank you!

Reading wrap-up 2025 banner with covers from many of the books featured in the list: How Do You Live? The Silmarillion Recall Order Bookshops & Bonedust Leviathan Wakes BestGhost From the Depths Chapterhouse Dune The Magic Circle The Knight Saves The Dragon The Whisper that Replaced God Bailuchien Moral Laundry The Wishing Stone

It's that time of year again on the blog: Time for my annual Reading Wrap-Up, shining a spotlight on all the amazing books I read and reviewed in 2025!

Check out the post for 21 awesome indie and trad, new and classic recommendations.
www.alankdell.co.uk/...

💙📚🪐 #SFF #BookReview 📢📚