Jon Cronshaw's Author Diary: The Real Life of a Legally Blind Fantasy Author

This week, I’ve been pushing forward with Book 9 of The Ravenglass Throne—I’m just three chapters away from finishing my first draft!

The end is in sight, and I’m excited to bring this part of the story to a close.

Despite my focus on The Ravenglass Throne, inspiration struck for Guild of Assassins book 4, and I couldn’t resist writing the first chapter.

But for now, I need to rein myself in and stay on track with The Ravenglass Throne!

In terms of reading, I’ve been making my way through Crown, Cloak and Dagger, which delves into the British royal family’s connections with secret intelligence. It’s fascinating and definitely great story fuel.

Looking forward to wrapping up The Ravenglass Throne Book 9 and sharing more updates soon!

This week, I’ve made significant progress on The Ravenglass Throne series—I’m halfway through drafting Book 8, and the story is shaping up to be an intense and exciting continuation of the series.

I’m also thrilled to announce the launch of The Knight and the Rebel (Ravenglass Legends, Book 3). This new release is now available, and I can’t wait for readers to dive into this thrilling tale set in the Ravenglass Universe.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more updates soon!

This week, I’ve been making slow progress on The Ravenglass Throne—I’m now just three chapters away from finishing Book 7.

The story is heating up, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

I’ve also been enjoying The Diplomat on Netflix. It’s a gripping show full of political intrigue, and it’s been a nice way to recharge between writing sessions.

For the first time ever, I’m running a contest!

You could win a year of free access to my Patreon’s Hero Tier, where you can enjoy exclusive chapters, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.

Enter before January 31 here: https://kingsumo.com/g/1w9we63/win-a-free-year-of-patreon-hero-tier-membership

This week has been a bit of a mixed bag. I’ve been working on The Ravenglass Throne and Hunters, but progress has been slow as I’ve been feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

I realised I forgot to mention some big news in the podcast: I’ve started posting The Ravenglass Throne on Patreon!

The first few chapters are up now, and I’m also sharing Blade of Sorrows (Guild of Assassins Book 3). If you’re a fan of dark fantasy and epic tales, be sure to check them out!

On the reading front, I finished Ringmaster, a book about Vince McMahon, and I’m now diving into The Contrarian, a biography of Peter Thiel. Both are fascinating reads and fantastic sources of inspiration for storytelling.

Next week, I’ll be continuing with The Ravenglass Throne and pushing forward with my writing projects.

Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor

Happy New Year! I’m back at work on The Ravenglass Throne and making great progress—Book 5 is nearly complete, and Book 1 has returned from the editor. I’ve gone through the edits, and I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll start posting episodes on Patreon starting Monday!

This fast-paced epic fantasy series, set in the Ravenglass Universe, will have new episodes releasing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to share this story with you.

On the reading front, I’ve been diving into Doppelganger by Naomi Klein—a fascinating and thought-provoking book that’s giving me plenty to reflect on.

If you want early access to The Ravenglass Throne episodes, be sure to follow me on Patreon for exclusive updates and content!

Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor and join today.

In this week’s Author Diary, I share exciting developments and reflections as the year draws to a close.

I’ve just completed the fourth novella in The Ravenglass Throne series, only to realise that what I’ve created is a full novel, not four novellas! Moving forward, I’ll start posting chapters exclusively on Patreon, as I shift to a Patreon-first publishing approach for my work.

I also look back on 2024, reflecting on the progress of the Ravenglass Legends series and my plans to expand it in the coming year. With several books currently with my editor—including Guild of Assassins 2 & 3 and the Punks Versus Zombies trilogy—I’m gearing up for a busy and productive 2025.

I discuss my open projects, including Dawn of Assassins 4 and Scoundrels Book 1, which are on my must-finish list for next year.

Additionally, I touch on a crucial area for growth: marketing. Feeling that my author business has plateaued, I’ve started a course on book marketing to refine the strategies I’ve been using since 2017.

Join me for updates, plans, and insights into what’s next for my writing journey!

Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor

In this week's Author Diary, I share the challenges of making slow progress on The Ravenglass Throne while navigating the struggles of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

On a brighter note, I’ve received edits back for my upcoming novel, The Knight and the Rebel (Ravenglass Legends, book 3), and I’m thrilled to announce its release date: January 30, 2025! This story blends adventure, rebellion, and political intrigue, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Join me as I discuss the ups and downs of the creative process, upcoming releases, and how I’m managing writing during the darker months.

This week, I’ve been writing the third novella in The Ravenglass Throne serial and reading Drumindor by Michael J. Sullivan. Join me for updates on my writing journey and thoughts on the Riyria series!

 I’ve been making great progress on the third novella in my ongoing serial, The Ravenglass Throne.

The story continues to unfold with twists, political intrigue, and the personal struggles of its three royal sisters as they face mounting conspiracies and power plays.

In addition to writing, I’ve been rading Drumindor by Michael J. Sullivan, the latest instalment in his Riyria series.

Sullivan’s ability to craft rich characters and intricate plots is as gripping as ever, and it’s been a fantastic source of inspiration for my own storytelling.

Join me as I share updates on my writing process, thoughts on the Ravenglass Universe, and reflections on the brilliant world of Riyria!

Join me in this week's Author Diary as I make exciting progress on my new fantasy serial and dive into the world of epic reads!

👑 Introducing "The Ravenglass Throne"

This week, I continued developing my new project, The Ravenglass Throne, a 12-novella serial releasing monthly episodes. Subscribers on Patreon can enjoy three chapters per week before the full novellas are released on ebook platforms.

Set in the Ravenglass Universe, this epic fantasy follows three royal sisters navigating corrupted magic, political intrigue, and the shadowy conspiracy surrounding their father’s mysterious assassination.

📘 Current Reading

Alongside writing, I’ve been savouring Ezrahaddon by Michael J. Sullivan. It’s been a joy immersing myself in his world.

💷 Special Offer on Patreon

Don't miss out on my 70% discount on your first month of Patreon membership, running until December 9!

Use promo code WYVERN when signing up. If you're using the Apple app, please subscribe through a browser to avoid the surcharge.

Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor.

📅 What’s Next

As I continue crafting The Ravenglass Throne, I’m diving deeper into the lore and political dynamics that shape the sisters' journeys. This world is brimming with secrets, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

🤔 Your Turn!

What are your favourite YA fantasy reads, or recent stories that have inspired you? How do you enjoy seeing conspiracy and mystery woven into epic tales? Share your thoughts below, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates on my wri

Join me in this week's Author Diary as I embark on an exciting new writing adventure and share my latest reading experiences.

👑 Introducing "The Ravenglass Throne":

This week marks the beginning of a new venture into YA epic fantasy with my latest project, "The Ravenglass Throne."

The story unfolds around three princesses thrown into turmoil after their father, the king, is mysteriously assassinated without naming an heir.

Set against a backdrop of looming conspiracy and dark secrets, the narrative explores themes of power, loyalty, and the quest for truth.

📘 Current Reading:

Alongside developing this new tale, I'm engrossed in "Ezzraharden" by Michael J. Sullivan. Sullivan's ability to weave intricate plots and richly drawn characters never fails to inspire.

I'm reading "Wild Faith" by Talia Levin, a book that offers a fresh perspective on spirituality and belief systems within the context of far-right politics.

Both books provide a wonderful blend of escapism and intellectual engagement, feeding into my creative process.

📅 What’s Next:

As "The Ravenglass Throne" begins to take shape, I'm focused on outlining the complex relationships and political intrigue that drive the heart of the story.

I'm excited to develop this world and its rulers, bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of each princess.

I’d love to hear about your favourite YA fantasy books or any recent reads that have captured your imagination.

How do you like to see conspiracy and mystery handled in fantasy settings?

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights and updates from my author's journey!

#AuthorDiary #TheRavenglassThrone #YAepicfantasy #MichaelJSullivan #Ezzraharden #WildFaith #TaliaLevin #NewWritingProjects #FantasyNovel #ReadingUpdates