Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! It’s been a while since my last post, so I want to update you all on what I’ve been up to and make a few announcements.
Rebranding the newsletter
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, I’ve rebranded this author newsletter. I feel that Pageturning better reflects the kinds of posts I will be writing here most frequently — updates about my writing and reading life, along with musings about what I learn as I continue to grow as a writer and creative.
I also feel like I have been “turning a page” in my life over the past few months. Through God’s grace and the help of family and friends, I’ve been able to move on from negative some aspects of my life (anxiety and past trauma) that were holding me back from fully embracing my talents and vocation. I plan to write more about this personal journey in the future.
The Perilous Realms brand will remain as the title of my ongoing podcast, which will begin it’s first official season in 2023 (see below).
2022 Year in Review
Freelance writing and editing
My freelancing career went through many ups and downs this year, but on balance I would say that 2022 has been a success.
I have helped edit two books for Voyage Comics — a reprint of Andrew Lang’s classic The Book of Saints and Heroes, as well as another book that has yet to be officially announced but should release in early 2023. Stay tuned!
Podcasting
This year saw my collaboration with the StarQuest Production Network (SQPN) continue to grow in exciting ways! I contribute regularly to the Secrets of Movies and TV Shows podcast. Recently I hosted an episode all about the classic Peanuts holiday specials!
I was also delighted to appear in a special crossover episode of Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World where the Jimmy and our panel discussed Steven Spielberg’s iconic sci-fi film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Perhaps my greatest podcasting experience this year has been as a panelist on SQPN’s Secrets of Middle-Earth. I and my cohosts Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista (a.k.a. Tea with Tolkien) and Jeff Haecker had a splendid time reviewing each episode of Amazon Prime’s Tolkien-inspired streaming series The Rings of Power. I really believe we brought a fresh and balanced perspective to this topic. Our commentary certainly seemed to resonate with listeners! We received a ton of awesome feedback.
Even though The Rings of Power has wrapped up its first season, we hope to keep Secrets of Middle-Earth going strong in 2023. We’ve already recorded new episodes for January and February and have some special plans for Tolkien Reading Day coming up in March.
The Perilous Realms Podcast
Thanks to the encouragement of StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli, I decided to launch my own podcast! The Perilous Realms is currently available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
I’ve also created a Patreon page where you can support The Perilous Realms along with my other creative endeavors.
The first few episodes have been experiments in finding my feet as a podcaster and I’ve been very gratified by the kind and supportive feedback I’ve received from listeners.
My Patrons will get exclusive access to a Google doc that includes my working plans for the 2023 release schedule, including a preliminary list of upcoming episode topics.
LegendHaven 2022
On November 26, I attended a virtual fiction writer’s conference organized by Legend Fiction and I’m happy to report that it was a tremendous success! There were a staggering forty-one events over a nine hour day. Sadly, I couldn’t participate in everything, but by all accounts the presentations and workshops were massively informative and fun for all involved!
My favorite workshop was “Plan Your Novel in One Page” with book coach Katelin Cummins. I learned a lot, and have started using this technique to help me plan and outline future novels.
All of the LegendHaven presentations remain free to watch on Legend Fiction’s YouTube page.
Perhaps the single most energizing aspect of the convention was the sense of fun camaraderie with fellow Christian fiction writers!
After the day wrapped, I immediately signed up for the Legend Fiction community. The insightful feedback I’ve received on the forum has been a game changer! I’ve started thinking more deeply and intentionally about story structure, plot mechanics, and character arcs. Honestly, working with the writers of Legend Fiction feels like being a part of a latter-day Inklings!
What I’m reading
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. I always encounter something that strikes me differently each time I revisit these philosophical reflections.
The Templars by Dan Jones. One of the most entertaining history books I’ve ever read. I will definitely be exploring more of Jones’s work.
The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila. Earlier this year, I read St. Teresa’s profound spiritual autobiography and decided to delve deeper into her work. The Interior Castle is essential reading for anyone serious about advancing in the spiritual life.
Letters from a Stoic by Seneca. Another re-read. I often find myself disagreeing with Seneca, but his forceful opinions make for engaging reading!
A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings by Charles Dickens. It’s been years since I last read A Christmas Carol and I’m looking forward to discovering Dickens’s other holiday stories.
Your Blue Flame by Jennifer Fulwiler. The last time I read this book I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to really appreciate Jennifer’s sound advice and life lessons. This time I’m taking copious notes!
The Virtue of Hope by Fr. Philip Bochanski. If you struggle to place your trust in God and his plan for your life, this book may help you.
Fratelli Tutti by Pope Francis. During this re-read, I’m trying to consider ways I can apply the Holy Father’s teaching on universal brotherhood in my daily life.
I wish all of my readers and listeners a very merry Christmas season and a blessed New Year!
Until we meet again, “The Road goes ever on . . .”