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

This week, I finished outlining RAF Dragon Corps Book 3 and wrote the first chapter, officially kicking off the next stage of the series.

This instalment takes the story into the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, so there’s plenty of research and planning involved before the dragons take to the skies once more.

I’ve also been planning the next Ravenglass Guardians novel, this time focusing on the Keepers.

Each Guardians book explores a different path within the order, and I’m excited about the themes and conflicts this one will tackle.

On the reading front, I’ve been making my way through Kaiju Battlefield Surgeon by Matt Dinniman.

It’s much darker than Dungeon Crawler Carl, with less humour and more horror, but it’s exceptionally well done and has completely pulled me into its world.

A week of planning, plotting, dragons, Guardians, and giant monsters.

This week’s Author Diary is a little different as I look back on a fantastic trip to Rome.

From ancient ruins and historic landmarks to wandering streets packed with history, it was a great chance to recharge and gather plenty of story inspiration.

Before heading off to Italy, I also enjoyed a fun day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, proving that rollercoasters and holidays make a pretty good combination.

I provide an update on my application for a new Guide Dog, which continues to move forward as my current guide approaches retirement. It’s a significant change on the horizon, and I share a little about the process.

I also talk about my plans for the coming week and some of the projects I'll be getting back to now I'm home.

And finally, Two of Swords (The Ravenglass Chronicles, Part 23) is out today on Kindle!

This week I’ve been doing an audio pass of Reign of Daggers (Dawn of Assassins, Book 4), listening through the full manuscript to make sure the story flows properly before putting it aside for a while.

I find hearing a story aloud is one of the best ways to catch pacing issues and awkward moments.

I’ve also started work on RAF Dragon Corps Book 3, mapping out the timeline before begininng the draft.

This instalment will take place during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, which should make for a dramatic backdrop for dragons and aerial combat.

On a more personal note, I talk about beginning the process of being assessed for a new Guide Dog.

My current dog is retiring this year, so I’ve started the application and assessment process for my next guide.

As someone who relies on a Guide Dog to get around, it’s a big life transition.

This week I took a few days off for my birthday and ended up listening to the new Dungeon Crawler Carl book, A Parade of Horribles, over the space of just two days.

Safe to say, I absolutely loved it. The series continues to balance chaos, humour, and surprisingly emotional storytelling brilliantly.

I also continued working on Reign of Daggers (Dawn of Assassins, Book 4).

I initially thought I’d finished the draft, but realised the story needed a little more room to breathe, so I’m adding three extra scenes plus epilogues for each of the core characters.

That should bring the draft to a proper conclusion next week.

This week I hit the 60,000-word mark on Reign of Daggers (Dawn of Assassins, Book 4), and the story’s continuing to build momentum as I head toward the final stretch.

I also talk about the end of the Knowledge Fight podcast and my love of conspiracy debunking/deconstruction shows, including Some Dare Call it Conspiracy, Conspirituality, and QAA.

There’s something fascinating about pulling apart modern myths and misinformation.

On the viewing front, I’ve started watching the classic 1980s Poirot series, which I’m really enjoying, and revisited an early 1961 David Attenborough documentary on Madagascar. I love the slow pace and calm tone of those older documentaries.

Outside of writing, I reached 6k running, which feels like another solid milestone.

I’ve also been reading Heir to Atlantis by Chris Fox, an archaeological thriller drawing inspiration from pseudo-history, which has been a fun read so far.

This week I passed the midpoint of Dawn of Assassins Book 4 and officially reveal the working title for the project.

It’s been great getting back into this world after such a long break away from the series.

I also received The Prince and the Fool back from my editor, so that’s now moving into the next stage of the publishing process.

Outside of writing, I’ve continued with my running and managed 5.8k without stopping, which felt like a huge milestone.

I also took part in a tandem cycling taster session, which was a lot of fun and something I’d love to do more of.

This week I’ve returned to Dawn of Assassins after a few years away and made solid progress on the draft.

It’s been great getting back into that world and finding the story again.

I also share my thoughts on a disappointing WrestleMania, particularly from a storytelling perspective.

On the publishing side, Ravenglass Legends Books 1–3 are launching this Monday, and The Prince and the Fool is currently with my editor.

Lots happening behind the scenes!

This week I’ve finished the draft of Four of Swords, which feels like a great milestone as I continue The Ravenglass Chronicles.

I’ve also started reading The Wandering Inn and I’m really enjoying it so far—huge world, compelling characters, and a very different pacing to what I usually read.

I also share some thoughts on the build-up to WrestleMania, which, from a storytelling perspective, has felt a bit off—more corporate than compelling.

Finally, I’ve been taking another look at my Dawn of Assassins series, and considering whether it’s time to return and work on Book 4.

This week I’m finally feeling better after a month of illness, which means a welcome return to proper momentum.

I’ve been working on Four of Swords and also going back over my progress on Guild of Assassins Book 4, getting a clearer sense of where that story is heading.

I also went to see the film adaptation of Project Hail Mary, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s well worth a watch if you liked the book.

A much more positive and productive week all round.

This week I’ve continued working through edits on Churchill’s Dragons and Four of Swords, keeping the momentum going across both projects.

On the reading front, I finished Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, which I thought was excellent—a brilliant mix of science, tension, and heart.

I also talk about my dark domestic fantasy project, Until the Wyvern Spoke, and share that I’ll be starting to post Silent Watcher on Patreon from Monday.

Lots of new content on the way!