INtrinSicliValud: Blog

I know, I know. I said there’d be nothing until August, but I feel for all of you sweltering out there on the surface of the Sun. As such, since I’m home for a couple of days, I’ve submitted Chapter 25 of “Aiden and The Ring” for posting. Aiden meets Kimberly, his SPOILER. Chapter 26 is also now available to my wonderful supporters on Subscribestar.

My time was not only spent vacationing. I took lots of photos supporting future stories to be set in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Likewise, I’ve kept Discord updated with my progress on a new story moving from rough draft as well as my turning a re-energized sci-fi short into a full novel in “The Ring Saga.” The muses did their magic and fused several concepts, enhanced the characters, and built an intriguing plot.

In the few days I have at home, I’m focusing on a commissioned story and will take a quick stab at the next chapter of “The Immortal.” After much deliberation, I’ve decided Jim’s tale will remain serialized. It has an ending, but there’s no way to cut 450k+ words into “books.” Instead, I will polish, enhance with external plot, and post as time permits. One day, the tome may end up for sale on Bookapy, but no time soon.

Once more, I’m humbled and must reiterate my appreciation to those of you who’ve purchased my works on Bookapy. In this insane economy, every penny is becoming critical. Both SOL and I thank you for your support. Likewise, with bourbon and coffee prices rocketing skyward, my lovely generous Subscribestar supporters ensure I’m able to continue.

As I continue to travel, I’ll remain available on Discord for feedback, comments, or chats. Link in my profile. Subscriber or not, everyone has access to The Lounge, and I’d love to hear from you.

Readers have been asking about the extent of The Ring Saga. As such, before I disappear into the wilds for a month, I’m reposting the following from Discord and Subscribestar.

Here’s a quick breakdown of current and planned (not engraved in stone tablets) stories:

“Aiden and The Ring” – The first of Aiden’s tales. Posting here on SOL through the end of October and available on Bookapy. Aiden struggles with the ring as he uncovers its powers.
“Aiden Ascending” – In rough draft, but needs significant rewrite; this continues to explore Aiden’s relationship with the ring. Will absolute power corrupt him absolutely?
“Aiden’s World” – A grouping rather than a single title; these are five completed rough drafts documenting his continued exploits.
“The Ring – Before” – Introduces Sierra, the young girl who owned the ring before Aiden. She has a completely different mindset towards using it. This was a supporter-only short side-story and is available on Bookapy.
“The Ring – Discovered” – Explains how Sierra acquired the ring and why she chose a different ring-bearer mode than Aiden. This was a supporter-only short side-story and is available on Bookapy.
“The Ring – Bargain” – Introduces Leah and her decision to hunt for the ring. This was a supporter-only short side-story and is available on Bookapy.
“The Ring – Training” – Follows Leah as she gains experience to aid in her quest. This is slotted to be a supporter-only short side-story next month and will be available on Bookapy a month later.

Subscribestar supporters can expect additional Sierra and Leah tales in addition to short side-stories similar to “Mi Finds a Home” from “The Immortal,” covering several interesting subplots in “Aiden and the Ring.” Of course, they will also be available a month later on Bookapy.

Another story involving a new main character impacted by the ring is also slated for simultaneous SOL biweekly posting/Bookapy sale. It’s currently pending rough draft completion. Depending on reception, this MC may continue ala Aiden with full length sequels and short side stories for supporters.

I’ve submitted Chapter 24 of “Aiden and The Ring” for posting. Aiden’s visit with the Owens continues; they repay him. Chapter 25 is now available to my lovely supporters on Subscribestar.

Since I’ll be out of town, swilling bourbon and coffee while meandering in strange new lands, there will be no further chapters posted until August. However, while I’m out of town, I’m reviewing the rough draft for a new story that should see SOL later this Summer. And of course, I know the muses will hound me.

Once again, my heartfelt thanks to all those who’ve purchased my works on Bookapy. You rock! And to all of you who support my efforts, not just via Subscribestar or Bookapy, but with kind words and guidance—wow! Hugs. The muses love you all.

As always, I’m available on Discord for feedback, comments, or chats. Link in my profile.

As promised, I’ve upped my posting rate and submitted Chapter 23 of “Aiden and The Ring” for posting. While struggling with his impact on those around him, Aiden pays a visit to the Owens. Chapter 24 is now available to current supporters on Subscribestar.

Yep, you read that right—Subscribestar. My Ko-Fi page is no more. The direct link is in my SOL profile and my Author page, as well as at my website and Discord. Thank you, dear supporters for your continued enabling of my coffee and bourbon swilling habit. The muses love every one of you.

Also, my heartfelt thanks to all those who’ve purchased “Aiden and The Ring” and any of my other works. Not only are you supporting my future writing, you’re also helping to keep SOL running, so bravo. The next side story in The Ring Saga, “The Ring – Discovered,” the sequel to Sierra’s first tale, “The Ring – Before,” should be on Bookapy today. Another short side-story introducing a new main character in The Ring Saga, “The Ring – Bargain,” is now available to supporters. I’ll sell it on Bookapy at the end of July.

Meanwhile, I’m finishing up a rough draft for the seminal story of a new main character. While it’s not Ring-related, it’s been great fun to write. A 1980s interracial coming-of-age erotic-romance with a touch o’ cuck/hotwife. Yummy goodness. After that’s in the cooler, I’ll be reviewing “The Immortal” and sketching out “Aiden Ascending.”

But wait, there’s more. That’s right, Jim fans. I can be such a cruel tease when I want to keep a secret. It’s a personality quirk, really. Anyway, surprise! You’ll also find Chapter 13 of “The Immortal” today. I couldn’t leave Jim all by his lonesome. And I miss hungry little Mandy as much as he does. While I can’t promise a regular posting schedule since a lot of work remains, I’ll attempt to get future chapters to at least my supporters earlier.

As always, check Discord for updates. A special thanks to all those who’ve reached out to provide feedback or simply chat. Your kindness powers the muses.

I’ve submitted Chapter 22 of “Aiden and The Ring” for posting. Things heat up between Aiden and Kate. More secrets are revealed and even more complications added to Aiden’s life. On Discord, Chapter 23 is now available to supporters.

Also, as I noted on Discord over the weekend, I’ve completed “Aiden and The Ring.” At 188,857 words in 36 chapters, it’s a big book for me. Thank you all for the kind comments and overall positive feedback on the story. Every one of its characters has come alive for me and you can expect to see them again in either sequels or side-stories.

Once it’s approved, “Aiden and The Ring” will be for sale on Bookapy for those of you who’d like to help my future endeavors and the site. Meanwhile, I’ll step up the posting of free chapters to once a week barring holiday travel or other schedule challenges.

As we enter the summer months, I’m keeping The Yards chugging along on other projects. See Discord for updates on works in progress and to share feedback or simply chat. Writing is a solitary activity and I value every comment and conversation. In addition, on Discord is where my kind Ko-fi supporters receive free access to story sneak peeks, early chapter access, and side-stories.

Not to worry, for non-supporters, all side-stories will eventually find their way to Bookapy. The next one, “The Ring – Discovered,” the sequel to Sierra’s first tale, “The Ring – Before,” will be on Bookapy at the end of the month. A new MC will be coming to supporters in “The Ring – Bargain.” It’ll hit Bookapy at the end of July, summer schedule permitting. And that story’s sequel, “The Ring – Training,” will hit supporters in July, Bookapy in August. Whew.

Oh, and as a final thought. With “Aiden and The Ring” complete, I’ve opened up two commission slots. They fill fast, so first come, first served. See Ko-fi, Discord or drop me an email for more info.