The Nine Jewel Heist

Where I’ve Been – Writing Updates

The latest writing news from P. H. Solomon.

Hey everyone!

Just taking a bit of time to share some updates today. First, what’s happened – I’ve been dealing with my maladies for the last several months and making slow progress. There’s too much to discuss here other than saying I’ve gotten one diagnosis that got me into some therapy which is helping. I’ve also pursued some other treatments which may bear some fruit soon too.

Lately, I’ve re-organized my catalog into four main series: The Bow of Hart Saga, The Cursed Mage Case Files, Doors of Fantasy, and The Bow of Hart Saga Cycle Bundles. Additional series are waiting in the wings for publication as soon as I can further develop them. Here’s more about my recent work.

Doors of Fantasy

Regarding books, the end of February saw the latest edition of Doors of Fantasy published entitled What Lies Beyond. It’s a short fantasy and science fiction anthology. I’ve re-organized my short fiction so you can start the series for free with The Black Bag which has an updated cover.

Website Updates

What’s going on now? I’m in the process of a site upgrade that will continue in several phases. At the moment, I’m adding pages to match how I’ve re-organized my book catalog which is currently in four main book series: The Bow of Hart Saga, The Cursed Mage Case Files, Doors of Fantasy, and The Bow of Hart Saga Cycle Bundles. In the future, I plan to update the theme as well as do some behind-the-scenes clean-up of the site. You should see some improvements over the next couples weeks that are noticeable.

The Cursed Mage Case Files

What’s coming up? I’ve been held up with new publications for The Cursed Mage Case Files. The series has had a few changes while I’ve been slogging away between health issues and editing. Soon there will be a new release entitled, Assassin’s Dark Rose (also known as ADR, no cover yet) which will be a short, misadventure case which should prove rather dramatic. I also plan to include some bonus content to this book which readers will like.

The Unseen Hand will arrive as soon as possible after this short book is published (I’m hoping for the next few weeks with this one). I intended ADR to arrive by the today but I’ve been delayed with some all day appointments. Anyway, the hope is to complete work on TUH by the end of March thought it’s more likely it will be in April.

I hope another short case will arrive in April with a working title of The Lost Palace which presages The Nine Jewel Heist to finish out the first set of volumes for CMCF. NJH is on-tap for May.

When I get a chance, I’ll get all the upcoming covers together and show them off, but I think I may look into a full overhaul for series artwork. Overall, it’s important to complete publication of CMCF volumes since it’s been in a holding pattern with the post-Covid issues since late 2020. It’s time to push these books into publication.

What’s Waiting for Publication

Beyond those titles, it’s well known I have several drafts of series starters hanging around. While those books are in solid shape for release this year as long as I improve, I want to take time to work on each series so there are at least a prequel, a series starter, and a second book ready for release.

Series titles include:

The Black Glove Assassin – Book 1 is entitled: A Charm in the Hand
Treasure ~~Stolen~~ – Returned: Book 1 is entitled: All Things Forgotten
The Broken Shield Chronicles: Book 1 is entitled: The Hopeless Knight

I also intend to complete some additional short stories for several more volumes to add to Doors of Fantasy.

I’ve been making plans for the next series saga for The Bow of Hart Saga Cycle. There’s nothing written for this yet, but I want to start outlining in the coming months and begin some composition ASAP.

I’ll take time to write more about specifics of each upcoming book and series. There’s even more than these rattling around my head that need writing too.

Other Changes

A few months back (I don’t know exactly when) my job situation changed while I was on leave. Now that change is official so I’m now a full-time author whether I’m ready for it or not. What it means is dedicating as much time as possible to writing projects. It also means publishing as much as I can this year just to attempt to make a living from writing.

This change of employment also means I’m pushing some other elements of my writing career to the forefront as I’m able. Archer’s Aim Press will become a reality in the coming months. This will be my publishing imprint and serve as my writing flag ship in all things. The fun part will be the opportunity to distribute print bookstores and libraries.

I’m also looking at running a Kickstarter campaign or two this year. I just haven’t decided what I’m going to use for the campaign. I’m able to create special print editions as well as look into funding my work for the next year or so with all the books and series mentioned further up this post. Word about this likely event will be forthcoming as soon as more is decided. If you have input, feel free to leave a comment or contact me with your ideas.

Aside from those considerations, I’m currently developing premium content fans. I’m using Buy Me A Coffee at the moment and building in all the special content. If you’re interest in what that looks like, the link is just below by clicking on the logo image.

That’s all for now. I’ll try to be a little more timely with posts, but I’m putting a priority on books and other related projects. If you have a chance, please share about my books and such. Please leave a comment in the section below and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

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Writing Updates for 10/25/2022

Here are the latest updates from P. H. Solomon and news about upcoming releases.

Hey everyone! PH back this week with updates to my writing projects with some announcements. I’ve been making steady progress since the last post which is good news. I’m pushing several projects at this point so I can get them out this year. I have developed a tentative long-term publication schedule, but I won’t get into the details because it’s still a fluid with some decisions to make directions possibly involving one or more Kickstarters next year.

Writing News:

The Unseen Hand

I’ve made some solid advances with the final revision so I’m working through the manuscript now and hope it will be done within a couple of weeks so I can start notifying ARC readers it’s available. If you’re interested, please leave a comment to let me know and I’ll get you on the list.

Just a few quick notes:

The Unseen hand is still on target for early December
The covers for both The Unseen Hand and The Order of the Dark Rose will be updated as far as color scheme and I hope to have both very soon from my artist. I’ll share these ASAP once they arrive.
Audio versions for each book including The Changeling Incident is still my intention with this series so there will be a soft re-release of The Order of the Dark Rose and The Changeling Incident along with The Unseen Hand.
The Changeling Incident will have a few minor updates.

In Other News:

No word from JordanCon about my submission, but then it’s not expected for a while.

My publication priorities remain in order:

- Books two and three of The Cursed Mage Case Files with a re-release of The Order of the Dark Rose all including print distribution using an extended pre-release and release schedule to be communicated. As noted, The Unseen Hand is being planned for a December release in e-book, print (Amazon only), and audio (I now have the means to produce this format and intend to do so for this series, more to come about this). Book three, entitled The Nine Jewel Heist, is most likely pushed back to first quarter of 2023 at the earliest.

- The Bow of Hart Saga books in wide print with a pre-release event – The event was intended to be a Kickstarter, but will likely slide due to time and energy constraints until next year. No change with this expectation.
- The Bow of Hart Saga bundle will be available on holiday special with some additional content, and possibly in a special print edition. This holiday bundle is still on target and will be a 30% discount on the ebook version compared to the ebook price for the total cost of the individual books together. Also, it appears that Podium Audio will release a bundle audio book edition which may be discounted. I’ll follow up with more details as they become available. Additionally, the bundle will have its own cover which is due from the artist soon. This will also be shared ASAP when it arrives. Special print editions for both paperback and hard cover on Kindle remain in the plans too. I’ll announce these developments when the time comes. Bonus content for readers will be included in this special edition (e-book and print only since the audio cannot be changed).
Find The Bow of Hart Saga on Amazon
- All Things Forgotten, book one of Treasure Stolen – Returned with print as part of a pre-release and release schedule to be communicated. On hold, I will schedule this during 2023 at this point due to limited time this year, however, I plan to do more to develop more of the series by the time it arrives so there will be 2-3 books ready in short succession). I will begin work on a cover soon, just so I will keep working on this project.
- A Charm in the Hand, Book 1 of The Black Glove Assassin with print as part of a pre-release and a regular release schedule to be communicated later. On hold, I will schedule this during 2023 at this point due to limited time this year, however, I plan to do more to develop more of the series by the time it arrives so there will be 2-3 books ready in short succession).
- Doors into Fantasy anthology #2 – this is one of my own anthologies to be completed by an editor for publication when ready. Update: This is a short project, so I still intend to release it this year, it just needs a cover and the content polished. It seems pretty simple, but that thing with distractions and brain fog are hanging around. This is expected during November with a change to the series title which will be announced soon.
- Also of note, there will be new covers for Trading Knives and What Is Needed in the near future. I’ll share when I have them, possibly next month. I’m still working on the cover for Trading Knives and What Is Needed is still in the works. The cover will be for a bundle of these two prequels. I have that and will announce the availability of the edition as soon as possible. Audio could be a possibility.
- I have about three short stories I’d like to draft, but where’s the time. It would be nice to write at least one of them and submit it to a few short story markets yet this year. This is not likely to happen this year unless I start doing more than I have which leaves this doubtful. This is looking doubtful unless I get some time as I clear a few hurdles.
- One thought I have about releasing all of the series starters is to run a Kickstarter that covers 2023 releases so readers can have an opportunity to receive special edition copies and swag boxes. It’s a thought, but will take some energy and completing the books I have in the works. However, I’m thinking I’ll run a Kickstarter to launch my imprint with special print editions and one for a year-long schedule of new releases otherwise so I have time to complete what books I have and begin drafting more. Two to four releases in a year would be ambitious, but I’ve got that many books drafted already. I’m still interested in doing this, but it will depend on how much I complete the rest of the year. However, it’s a good goal and will affect my long-term release schedule.

Conclusion

That’s it for updates. I looking at three projects coming out during the next two months and I seem to be on track with that. Once these are in flight or released, I should know more about my upcoming plans.

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The Latest Writing News, The Unseen Hand & More

Here are the latest updates from P. H. Solomon and news about upcoming releases.

Hey everyone! It’s been a while since I posted consistently here. I’ve shifted priorities due to other demands on my time and health issues. Over the last several months, my “long-haul” issues have persisted, meaning I’ve dealt with a fair share of days with my head-spinning, headaches, and lack of consistent mental focus. Additionally, there have been a lot of doctor appointments (including cardiopulmonary rehab), a crazy amount of maintenance around the house to track via numerous services, and a car accident from last spring when a pick-up truck bed liner almost came through my windshield.

It’s been a weird year, and my writing has suffered the most. My mental energy comes and goes, so I always feel like I’m resetting a reset, trying to find where I was and what I should be doing. However, I’m persisting the best I can with my current book project, The Unseen Hand. But, I’ve had to push my publication schedule back for the several drafts I have, much as I hate to do it. I’ve had to adopt a slow, but steady approach to everything, making one dogged step at a time. This is probably good for me since I tend to get a little unrealistic with my time. What can I say, I fall into being overly ambitious. But then, I have a lot I want to do with writing and that’s a good thing. It all just needs to be managed at a slower pace.

Writing News:

The Unseen Hand

There’s no getting around it that I’m late and struggling with some of my health issues. At this point, the book cannot be ready any sooner than early December. The last two months have been a struggle with days of headaches. I keep trying to work around these, but nothing seems to work. This has been a crazy year of distractions with a lot of fixes required around the house and a car accident back in May where something almost came through my windshield on the interstate. I’m fortunate that I walked away from the accident with hardly a scratch, all of the maintenance has been taken care of, and my health needs are met. That being said, I’ve taken steps to start alleviating some of my various writing-related duties so I can focus more energy on my writing.

Nevertheless, these issues have been a long string of distractions when I’m struggling with “brain fog” among other physical issues. Revisions to the book slowed me down more than expected. However, the additions are very useful to the feel of the book. However, I’m committed to finishing this book this year. If you have volunteered to receive an ARC (Advanced Review Copy), expect those to go out in late November at best. If you’re interested in and ARC contact me in the comments.

In Other News:

Bonus Accomplishment: I did manage to make a submission to the JordanCon anthology for next year. It was an existing short story, so the work was easy. I’ll update the outcome when I know, but this was more of a whim, so it’s not something I’m hanging my hat on though acceptance would be nice.

My publication priorities remain in order:

- Books two and three of The Cursed Mage Case Files with a re-release of The Order of the Dark Rose all including print distribution using an extended pre-release and release schedule to be communicated. As noted, The Unseen Hand is being planned for a December release in e-book, print (Amazon only), and audio (I now have the means to produce this format and intend to do so for this series, more to come about this). Book three, entitled The Nine Jewel Heist, is most likely pushed back to first quarter of 2023 at the earliest.
- The Bow of Hart Saga in print with a pre-release event – The event was intended to be a Kickstarter, but will likely slide due to time and energy constraints until next year. The Bow of Hart Saga bundle will be available on holiday special with some additional content, and possibly in a special print edition. More news on this as it happens.
Find The Bow of Hart Saga on Amazon
- All Things Forgotten, book one of Treasure Stolen – Returned with print as part of a pre-release and release schedule to be communicated. On hold, I will schedule this during 2023 at this point due to limited time this year, however, I plan to do more to develop more of the series by the time it arrives so there will be 2-3 books ready in short succession).
- A Charm in the Hand, Book 1 of The Black Glove Assassin with print as part of a pre-release and a regular release schedule to be communicated later. On hold, I will schedule this during 2023 at this point due to limited time this year, however, I plan to do more to develop more of the series by the time it arrives so there will be 2-3 books ready in short succession).
- Doors into Fantasy anthology #2 – this is one of my own anthologies to be completed by an editor for publication when ready. Update: This is a short project, so I still intend to release it this year, it just needs a cover and the content polished. It seems pretty simple, but that thing with distractions and brain fog are hanging around.
- Also of note, there will be new covers for Trading Knives and What Is Needed in the near future. I’ll share when I have them, possibly next month. I’m still working on the cover for Trading Knives and What Is Needed is still in the works.
- I have about three short stories I’d like to draft, but where’s the time. It would be nice to write at least one of them and submit it to a few short story markets yet this year. This is not likely to happen this year unless I start doing more than I have which leaves this doubtful.
- One thought I have about releasing all of the series starters is to run a Kickstarter that covers 2023 releases so readers can have an opportunity to receive special edition copies and swag boxes. It’s a thought, but will take some energy and completing the books I have in the works. However, I’m thinking I’ll run a Kickstarter to launch my imprint with special print editions and one for a year-long schedule of new releases otherwise so I have time to complete what books I have and begin drafting more. Two to four releases in a year would be ambitious, but I’ve got that many books drafted already.

Conclusion

That’s it for updates. My apologies for not keeping up more, but things are what they are and I’ll keep working around the issues the best I can. Fingers crossed for The Unseen Hand, the special edition bundle for the holidays, and the anthology. Until next time, you all have my best wishes.