Sometimes things slow down.

We're in a weird state right now. It's been busy in the house, but mostly it has slowed down at Arcane Inkdustries. With formatting almost done and the plotting for another book in the mix, it has felt like the company has been in just a bit of a lull.

Perhaps that's because every week as of late has been focused on trying to build something new. New comics, new projects, trying to get everything out the door as quickly as possible. But instead, this week was focused more on...breathing. Being able to slowly continue this progress without burning ourselves out.

Arcane Inkdustries is still going strong even if it seems silent. I hope you enjoy it.

State of the Inkdustries

Legends of the Realm - There was a family tragedy last week, which has slowed down our formatting, and we are making sure everyone has the time they need. Our readers have received the digital versions and have been nothing but supporting. Thank you to everyone for your understanding.

The Shattered Wing - There's less than a month left for our beta readers! It has been amazing watching the reactions. Apparently I slipped a Rick and Morty joke into the book and didn't even know it. What I've been most excited about is seeing who readers fall in love with. because I know that I have my favorites, and they will most definitely not line up with all of my readers. One month left in the beta read!

Comics - We are beginning to work on inks for both comics. The early stages have been quite exciting to see, and we cannot wait to show more from Shania and Sanctaidd!

Behind the scenes with Book 3

Yes, I've started rewriting the outline for book 3 of The Innkeeper's Dirge. I knew it would be challenging, because once I reviewed the initial outline, I realized so much has changed over the last four years.

But it is a fun challenge. I'm seeing spots where what is being read in book 1 is popping up now. I cannot wait to see how the twists and turns of the Fiorae's story reaches its exciting conclusion!

Lore Corner

The city of Fiora has never been overly important. A small river port on the Eirennal, situated near West Furthing, the Dusken Sea and the Coral Enclave. A part of the Eithar dukedom, its importance has been little. A minor trading partner with the Gallantine Empire and the neighboring kingdoms.

However, its beginnings are legendary. A legend so ancient that many do not know it. For Fiora was not some collective, or a town that rose up out of nothing. Fiora was a woman. The Rose Wall, defender of Greenhart, the kingdom before Eithar. A defender of the kingdom who had never been scratched, armed with the mystical Heart Shield. After decades of faithful service, Fiora built a small cottage and a dock on the Eirennal. Others came to her side, hoping to find safety next to the Rose Wall of the Greenhart. Soon a community grew, and a modest town beyond it.

Perhaps that is why Fiora is so inviting and comfortable to passers-by. Fiora may have started from a legend, but its essence is one of solace. A place to rest, and grow contented.

That is the legend as it stands now. If it will stay that way, well…there are legends coming that will make the Rose Wall fade from memory.

Did you love that lore about Fiora? Guess what, the whole story is up on Patreon right now for paid subscribers. 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.

Lastly, we want to send a very special Happy Birthday to our COO (and my mom) Kacy Clarke. If you want to wish her a happy birthday, reply and send it, I'll make sure she gets it!

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

Until next time.

Blessings,

Jack Holder

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