I think we sometimes forget that we, as writers, are first and foremost fans of our genres.

I see this kind of quote often from writers and comic artists when they're asked about what they're reading or watching:

"Oh, I don't read anything. I don't have the time. I'm too busy working on my own stuff to engage."

It's been said by indie folks. By some of the biggest names in comics, science-fiction, and fantasy, and every other major genre. Writers and artists use some variation of that quote and wear it like a badge of honor. It's a declaration that their dedication to the craft is so absolute, that they don't have time to focus on what made them writers and artists in the first place.

And I get it. Being a father of three young girls, I know how precious and limited a resource our time is, especially during the summer. There's conventions, and camps, and only so many hours in the day. If you have a chance to actually sit down and work on your craft, you are determined to get your worktime in.

But I also think that being a fan, and indulging in your fandom is just as important.

This weekend, I'm hanging out at Fan Expo Boston. Not as a vendor or in the Artist Alley. Yesterday I was there with family, indulging in one of the biggest and most expensive parts of being a fan: getting a group photo with the Hobbits from Lord of the Rings. We all packed into the convention center, including both grandmothers. A half-dozen family members walking around enjoying the convention and getting in line for a pic.

Today I'm actually helping out a buddy at that same convention selling his books. So definitely check out George O'Connor's booth to say hi!

I mention this not to brag (though I'll admit I love Lord of the Rings Extended Edition to an absurd degree), but to talk about how much we need to engage the arts, or any craft. So often I see craft beer brewers, or hobbyists, so engaged in the work they often grumble about the work, forgetting why they fell in love with it in the first place.

I read every night before going to bed. Watch way too much TV. Family members beg me to turn off my Spotify playlists and let them sit in quiet. I love being submersed in the beauty of the world, and it shows up in every page I write.

I hope that your hobbies, your books, are enjoyable. Hope you have a wonderful week.

Question of the Week

What book/series/music do you always come back to to enjoy?

Reply and let us know!

State of the Inkdustries

The Innkeeer's Dirge - Book three outline is drafted! I don't have a name for it just yet, but I loved seeing the twists and turns here. This is supposed to be the big climax of this series, and I think the Fiorae's decisions will echo down through the ages.

Our beta readers are winding down their readthroughs and starting the review process. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this series to new heights!

Legends of the Realm - The formatted volume 1 is off to the printer! We had those delays, but now we have a volume 1 and we are so excited to be waiting for it to come to life!

Short Comics - Our Shania comic is almost done with the pencils, and our Sanctaidd book is moving on to inks!

The Lore Corner

The Weirdness of Magic

Magic is a force that has defied all explanation and understanding. For most beings in Tir Aileni, it is something that is only felt when it affects the natural world. Transforming the land, great elemental conflagrations and creations that defy all knowledge and common sense. To the reasoning races of the world, magic is little more than the cancer of the cosmos.

But to certain beings, magic is not some ephemeral thing. They are able to feel the cosmic energies all around them. Feel it fill their senses, and guide it to do their wills. These “mages,” are natural practitioners, performing great magical feats through intuition and practice, rather than careful study and outside inference.

A mage’s power and ability is known only to herself, a sense of personal limitations that have little sense or understanding. What is understood by both the mage and the outside world is that an untrained mage is dangerous. Unable to control magic can lead to devastation and chaos in the world.

The fact that only demons are able to utilize magic safely does little to inspire trust in mages.

After the council of Naubleroth started the War of Unanswered Prayers, five Enclaves were established across the continent. To help train mages, and give them places of safety. Many mages never leave the Enclaves. Why would they? The world is a dangerous place, and has little use for them.

Where to Find Us Next

If you want to read more of our short stories, poetry, see behind-the-scenes work, or support everything that Arcane Inkdustries is doing, click the link and sign up to be a Patreon supporter now.

Thank you for reading. I hope that this sparked a piece of magic for you this week.

Until next time.

Blessings,

Jack Holder

New Sponsorship with another amazing News Company!

Listen with the writer! Check out our playlist now.

Arcane Inkdustries Writing P... Main Title - (From "The Page... PREVIEW   ​