As of December 19th (2023), my cover designer, Joshua Griffin, supplied me with updated versions of my front cover. The changes I asked for truly brought my protagonist to life.

This is Josh Griffin's website:

www.joshuagriffinart.com 

On the 27th, I'll be doing a Book Blurb Reveal. It will be a cropped section of the back cover.

Blurb Reveal!

In an unknown world where magic is accepted, destiny and love intertwine.

Hidden away, for reasons unknown to her, Saphira has spent her life in a human orphanage.  She must keep her gift a secret, at all costs.  Considering how miserable her life has been because of it, is it a gift?  Or is it the curse she thinks it is?  Her past is shrouded in myth and mystery.  She has so many unanswered questions, and no one to ask.  Saphira is being hunted by Petra, a nymph who only wants one thing - to use Saphira.  However, things are never as they seem - for a destiny was foretold.  Saphira isn't the only one with a part to play.  There is another, who has secrets of their own.

Progress of Book 2 "Insignitis: Bloodstone" (29/01/2025 GMT)

For that past few months, I have had to continue writing book 2 of the Insignitis series by hand. My laptop decided to break, so I've gone old school. However, I am buying a PC as soon as possible.

At present, the book has 20 chapters, 14 of which were typed, and luckily saved well before the laptop broke. The journey the MFC: Saphira, is on is far more challenging. Her ability to use her magic has improved, but things are affecting the magical gifts, that were revealed in book 1.

The road "Saphira" is on has many forks already, and will she choose the correct one? Even if she does, the antagonist has set plans in motion that affect those roads. But how severely is up to "Saphira" to decide.

Poetry Anthology (31/01/2025 GMT)

I have been writing poetry (and fantasy) since aged 13. However, I have not published every poem I have written, which number in the hundreds. So, I am planning on releasing another poetry anthology some time this year (2025). 

It will have a mix of genres, and a certain number of poems. But, like ETERNAL LIGHT, it will be exclusive to ebook. The reason for this is cost. 

I've got five possible titles for my second poetry anthology. I'll reveal it closer to publication.

ETERNAL LIGHT is available on Amazon and KU (Kindle Unlimited). More information on the anthology can be viewed on the Publication page.

Design of Merchandise (31/01/2025 GMT)

I am in the process of designing merchandise based on the Insignitis series.

Presently, I am designing totes, pouches, bookmarks, stress cubes, cup coasters, and stickers.

However, not all will become available. I'm in the process of ordering samples. 

Once finalised, I shall be deciding on international pricing. I am hoping not to make the products too expensive. However, postage is calculated by weight. 

Naturally, it'll be cheaper to sell and post in my place of residence - UK. Presently, the postage price (using Royal Mail) for a 2kg (4.4lbs) package is £20 (USD $24) to send to mainland USA. 

Hopefully I'll figure out a way to reduce the end price for international sales. 

Title of Planned Second Poetry Anthology (02/02/2025 GMT)

I have been thinking on what to title the second poetry anthology. Presently, I have five title ideas.

1: Timeless

2: Everlasting

3: Boundless

4: Unyielding

5: Unspoken

I'm yet to choose one. I'll reveal which one I have chosen closer to publication.

After choosing the title, I will be creating an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) application form using Google Forms. I'll release the link to the form a month before publication. I'll place the web link on the Homepage.

Book 2: Insignitis Bloodstone Partial Blurb Reveal! (03/02/2025 GMT)

The Bloodstone – an enchanted gemstone that corrupts everyone who touches it. Sadness becomes anguish. Anger becomes rage. A Fae named Nalora has a vendetta against the Elven. They took someone precious from her – Treven, her lover of six years as punishment for a crime he was accused of.

(To Be Continued)

Partial Possible Cover Reveal For My Next Poetry Anthology (05/02/2025 GMT)

Poetry Anthology Update! (05/02/2025 GMT)

I have spent a few hours selecting which poems to include in my second poetry anthology.

I have created 4 sections, all containing 12 poems. I am yet to organise them into the position they will be in the anthology. However, I am considering organising by genre of the poem. As for the covers for each of the titles, I have decided on two possible covers. Once again, it will be exclusive to ebook.

Book 2 Update (09/02/2025 GMT)

I am not an outliner, but I do write down anything that pops into my head. As I write, is included, but removed, if needed, during editing. This is done if said idea doesn't suit the book at that time. However, it is kept in case it suits a following book.

Presently, I am handwriting book 2 until I buy a new PC. But its progress is slower, but I am getting chapters written. Before my laptop broke, 12 chapters were typed. There are now nearly 19 chapters, all vary in length. 

Unlike book 1, I am planning on getting a map decide, because book 1 only has a glossary containing a long collection of populations, landscapes, locations etc. So hopefully, it won't be too expensive!

Book 2, however, I know will end up longer than book 1 due to the storyline, plot, and sub-plots. However, the characters in book 1 will all have parts to play. 

Book 2 Present Tropes (09/02/2025 GMT)

The tropes from book 1 will continue into book 2. However, there will be new tropes.

Book 1 Tropes

• Slow Burn
• Spice
• Romance
• Prophecy
• Self Discovery
• Cassandra Truth (Hidden Truth)
• Family
• Revenge
• Truth & Lies
• Medieval Settings

Book 2 Tropes (New)

• Includes tropes stated above, apart from "prophecy".
• Family Feud
• Reluctant Hero
• Magical Artefacts
• The Quest

As for the mythical creatures in book 2, there will be new well-known and less-known, along with my own new creations not present in book 1.

Book 1 Mythical Creatures

• Elves
• Mages
• Seers
• Nymphs
• Fae
• Pegasus 
• Others, including my own creations

Update Book 2 Design Plan (13/02/2025 GMT)

Unlike book 1, I am planning on adding character art to my cover design package. Also, those who have read book 1 "Insignitis: Destiny" know it contains an extensive glossary. I plan on having a map of the mythical world "Síscéal" designed.

It will be detailed, and in the design of old-fashioned maps. However, I am still deciding to whether to use colours to mark the kingdoms and republican areas. Further information will be posted whenever there is an update.

Update on Book 2 of the Insignitis series (10/03/2025 GMT)

In a previous blog post, I spoke of tropes. The tropes I mentioned are stated below as a reminder. However, during the writing of book 2, I decided to add another trope. This trope is: Queer Romance.

The couple are also wed and part of a royal family of Fae. 

I have made progress regardless of my laptop breaking. I managed to find my old notebook, and it works, so I have typed up the handwritten chapters as a result.

I also edit as I go, but once the first draft is complete, I do a thorough edit.

Book 1 Tropes

• Slow Burn
• Spice
• Romance
• Prophecy
• Self Discovery
• Cassandra Truth (Hidden Truth)
• Family
• Revenge
• Truth & Lies
• Medieval Settings

Book 2 Tropes (New)

• Includes tropes stated above, apart from "prophecy".
• Family Feud
• Reluctant Hero
• Magical Artefacts
• The Quest
• Queer Romance