I hope you all had a restful holiday and New Year. I’m looking 2019 directly in the eye with determination- at least, that’s what I’m attempting to do. For some reason unknown to me, my levels of determination and willpower seem to increase as the world and society grow steadily worse. 2018 plumbed new depths, and if 2019 does the same then who knows – I may even launch three books this year rather than the two standalone novels I have planned. Silver linings and all that. You know, people will need books more than ever after the apocalypse, in the post-tech world...

I managed to get a fair bit done on the aforementioned works over the Christmas period. Everybody tends to go quiet around that time of year so as a result I don’t think too much about trying to keep social media profiles visible or other marketing related things - I figure most people are taking some time out so it gives me a chance to devote more time to what I should be doing. Writing! And reading, when I need a break. And sleeping, when I need even more of a break.

Some of you have already noticed that the Aona books now have new covers. I wanted to source some artwork which captured the essence of the series – and I think I finally managed it (at least, I hope I did). If you want to go and have a look you can see them on my Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Simon-Williams/e/B00P0ZZYS8/

My long-term artist-collaborator-in-chief Ankolie (www.ankolie.com) who worked on Summer’s Dark Waters and The Light From Far Below will be continuing to work with me on covers for the two new novels, which should see the light of day this year. It feels a bit strange to be writing two standalone books (both will probably be quite lengthy) rather than a series – I guess that shows how long I was deeply involved in crafting the Aona books.

The working title for one of the books is "Misfortune Smiles Sweetly" - now I’m not sure about it, but as you may already know I can’t even get started on something unless it has a title. Sometimes I look at it, or sound it out in my head, and it sounds more like an especially angsty emo album than the title of a novel. On the other hand, I didn’t want to go with a more traditional-sounding title even though this is a fantasy novel. So I remain uncertain. Maybe you have an opinion - if so I’d love to hear it, whether you like the title or not.

Until next time…