Have you ever had a week that just clicked? Where everything seems a bit easier and you are, for the most part, present?

This week definitely clicked.

I decided to try an experimental week. I dedicated two hours every day to one of our writing projects.

Monday and Thursday - Writing Book Three of The Innkeeper's Dirge.

Tuesday - Editing Book Two

Wednesday - Writing Volume Two of Legends of the Realm

Friday - Plotting some fun new projects!

Usually I have spent my days doing a twenty-five minute sprint, and then trying to wrap my head around every other aspect of being a creator and publisher. There was constant progress, but definitely not like this.

The Innkeeper's Dirge - Over ten thousand words written, and five chapters of book two reviewed! I'm definitely closing in on the halfway point for book three, which I thought wouldn't happen until after the holidays.

Legends of the Realm - Eight comics pages written!

New Projects - Definitely exploring what is possible in the world of Tir Aileni.

I found the process definitely more freeing. Knowing that there was dedicated time for other projects let me stay focused on the task at-hand. And keeping it early in the day let me really see what I could get through.

I'm hoping this week I'll be able to continue this focus and start incorporating more focus on the business side as well. But with this progress, I think Arcane Inkdustries is definitely in a good spot.

The Lore Corner

The Legend of Therivult

Ah, the Foredwarf and great engineer of Khyrstein. For many dwarves, Therivult was the pinnacle of achievement for the mountain-dwelling race. He crafted weapons and tools that helped the dwarves unite under the banner of the kings. Developed theories of gravity, metallurgy, and even light underground. Theories that had been tested and proven correct a thousand years later, in the time of the Fiorae.

But Therivult was most well known for his explorations. Delving further and deeper into the earth than any dwarf had ever dared. He discovered whole new understandings of magic and geological formations alongside the great expeditions of his era.

Until the last. Until Therivult’s Folly.

Therivult, for all of his ideals and intelligence, was often reckless. Miners, guides, and companions on his expeditions often took their lives in their own hands. The Foredwarf tested his weapons and theories with abandon, and had lost several dwarves in the process.

All of this could be forgiven and explained. Driven by a pride in Khyrstein. A zeal for knowledge that bordered on mania. The Council of Nine weighed his rare failures against his numerous successes and allowed him to continue without restraint or restriction.

And so Theirvult continued his quests for deeper and further depths. Past the goblin lands, past where anyone had ever traveled. Seeking the last Forgehome of the gods. Seeking an audience with the dwarven gods Croex and Insalvain and the ultimate knowledge.

For months Khyrstein and the Council of Nine heard nothing. And then out of the depths, Therivult emerged alone. Lost, shivering. Raving about magics and the folly of seeking too much knowledge.

His entire party was lost. It included many of Khyrstein’s greatest engineers, architects, and the king’s own daughter.

Therivult was charged with their endangerment, murder, and his own folly. He presented no defense, instead spending the trial composing his last theory, the Arc of Mastery. The last equation that has never been proven, detailing the arc of intelligence, wisdom, and folly. He presented his final work to his executioner, before being sentenced and executed by hanging.

To this day, Therivult remains an ultimate figure of controversy. Remembered in equal parts for his determination and ultimate need for caution. And, at the end, a figure that may have done great harm, and even greater good.

The Maelswood is Complete!

The Maelswood piece from Antonio Sforza is chilling and exactly what I imagined when I was writing it. The scar of Tir Aileni, the gaping wound whose evil has infected the very air and forests around it.

Many thanks to the amazing Antonio Sforza for bringing The Innkeeper's Dirge to life!

Want an advance copy of The Shattered Wing?

Reminder that we are still building our ARC team. Applications are still open. Readers interested can fill out an application in the form below.

And if you want to stay up-to-date on the upcoming project and know when it launches, make sure you sign up to be notified on our Kickstarter Pre-Launch Page.

Where to Find Us Next

We will be doing an exclusive signing at The Million Year Picnic in Harvard Square, Sunday November 22nd at 3-5 p.m.! Excited to go back to one of our favorite stores with Legends of the Realm!

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.

Finally, one last fun question for you. I am constantly reading, as is the wont of writers everywhere.

2027, I am considering doing one of two things. The first idea is a deep-dive into Indie Fantasy books, giving you some nice reviews and links to their pages.

The second is to return to some of the classic fantasy and read them with a weathered eye. Seeing what is possible with another readthrough.

Which do you prefer?

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

Until next time.

Blessings,

Jack Holder

Listen with the writer! Check out our playlist now.

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