Hello to my new subscribers! This is the Pageturning Report, a monthly breakdown of my latest adventures in writing, reading, and podcasting.
I signed a book contract!
In last month’s Pageturning Report I announced that my middle-grade nonfiction manuscript was accepted by a publisher!
Last week I made it official and signed my first ever book contract! I’m one more step closer to being a published author! It still seems so unreal that one of my childhood dreams is finally coming true. I couldn’t have done it without you: To anyone who’s read my freelance articles or listened my podcasts over the last three years — Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Watch this space for future updates. As soon as I’m able to share more details (like the title, the illustrator, etc.) I will. This is a saint biography and my first nonfiction book for kids. I’m eager to write more in this genre — I’m hoping an entire series can be spun off this book if it’s successful.
Progress on my fantasy novel.
Thanks to the insightful feedback from writing coach Katelin Cummins, I’ve made steady progress on planning and outlining my fantasy novel. I originally conceived this as a middle-grade project, but the deeper I delved into the characters and their story, the more I realized that the tale I really wanted to tell would be more appropriate for a teen/young adult audience. Stay tuned for a reveal of the “working title” and more fun behind-the-scenes info!
My latest articles.
My latest for the Word on Fire blog: Lessons from Tolkien’s “Leaf By Niggle”
When believers develop their talents in cooperation with the Church, they assist in building up the Kingdom of God. . . .
“Leaf by Niggle” teaches us that when we anchor our dreams, desires, and talents in eternity by the chain of the three transcendentals—goodness, truth, and beauty—that God, in his loving providence, will redeem and transform them in ways we cannot possibly imagine this side of the eschaton. In the consoling words of St. Paul, “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor. 2:9).
Podcast life!
While my own Perilous Realms podcast is on hiatus, I’m so lucky to be an active panelist for the StarQuest Network (SQPN). In fact, I’ve just helped launce a brand new series — Coffee & Comics.
The Secrets of Movies and TV Shows
Comics, movies, and TV have essentially merged. In this new series, Coffee & Comics, I’m joined by David Handlos, Patrick Mason & Andrew Hermiz to discuss how this intersection has affected both print and broadcast media, as well as the themes explored by these exciting stories. We start by looking at the current state of the DC Universe.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an entertainment juggernaut that changed superhero movies (and Hollywood) forever! In this installment of Coffee & Comics the panel and I discusses our favorite Marvel movies and shows. We also speculate about what may be next for the MCU.
The Secrets of Middle-earth
Check this out: The Secrets of Middle-earth podcast now has it’s own official t-shirt! You can get this splendid design on shirts, mugs, stickers, mouse pads, notebooks, phone cases, and more by visiting the SQPN Store. It’s a great way for you to support the show and to show your love for Tolkien and his wonderful world of Middle-earth.
My reading life!
Books
Once There Was a War by John Steinbeck
Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck
War and Guilt by Fulton J. Sheen
The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth
Operation Pedestal: The Fleet that Battled to Malta, 1942 by Max Hastings
Other Substacks
My good friend
is a Catholic sci-fi/fantasy/horror writer of great talent. (By the way, be sure to check out his latest book The Third Crown and Other Weird Tales.) Paul recently started a new Substack, where he’s been sharing fascinating behind-the-scenes lore from his “Immortal Champions” setting.Podcaster
has started , a collaborative effort of the Mythic Mind Discord community. This recent essay by was particularly insightful.My Word on Fire colleague
just celebrated the release of her latest children’s book! The Strange Sound by the Sea is the third installment of Haley’s delightful Sister Seraphina Mysteries, which follows the whimsical adventures of a convent of mouse nuns living under G. K. Chesterton’s floorboards!Farewell for now!
Thanks again for all your support. It means the world to me. Until next month’s Pageturning Report, farewell and remember that “the Road goes ever on . . .”