A Bounty of Goodness
Happy May, Fellow Creatures!
I can hardly believe it, but spring has officially arrived. The air here in New England has finally warmed, and the dandelions are popping up across the lawn like they’ve got somewhere important to be.
Unfortunately, that place seems to be Casco’s stomach.
Does anyone else have a dog that loves gobbling down dandelions?
Regardless, progress continues on the Scarred World Saga, books 1–3. As of writing this, I’m about 40% of the way through editing Book 3, which is the final box to check on the writing front before I begin preparing for launch.
Eek. So close, yet still just out of reach.
It’s been a long, steady trek to get here, but even now, the moment doesn’t quite feel real. Maybe that’s part of it. When you’ve been working toward something for so long, it’s hard to believe you’re actually nearing the end.
It feels like just yesterday I was sitting down to write Book 2, wondering if I’d ever make it to Book 3—let alone finish the entire series.
And yet… here we are.
The finish line is finally in sight.
And that’s both exciting… and a little terrifying.
Along the way, I’ve been lucky to come across a number of things that have helped fuel my creativity and keep me going. I’m no critic, but here are a few that have given me a solid boost of writing mojo lately.
The Witcher 3
I know this game is over a decade old now, but I originally started playing it when my second son was born—back when he’d fall asleep on my chest during those late nights.
Like many things, I drifted away from it as life picked up speed. But since it’s my brother’s self-declared greatest game of all time, I knew I had to go back and finish it.
And finally, this past month, I did.
Now I get the hype. One of the best stories I’ve ever experienced in a video game.
Project Hail Mary
I hadn’t been to the theater in ages, but a visit to some close friends in New York City usually comes with at least one movie outing.
With limited options, we landed on Project Hail Mary.
Lucky for us, it delivered. Ryan Gosling is at his goofy, charming best, and his unexpected companion really makes the film. It’s well worth the two-and-a-half-hour runtime.
Stella Maris
Cormac McCarthy’s final novel before his passing—and the last of his I had left to read—this short, roughly 200-page book is a fascinating exploration of the line between genius and mental illness.
Written in his signature, stripped-down style, it only further cemented him as my favorite author of all time.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Game of Thrones is back—and in a way that feels right.
It starts a bit slowly, but it’s hard not to root for Ser Duncan the Tall, an honorable hedge knight trying to find his place in the harsh world of Westeros. Episode five, in particular, was one of the best pieces of television I’ve seen in a while.
I’m already more excited for season two than I am for the upcoming season of House of the Dragon.
The Fantastic World of Frank Frazetta
One of the top art books on my list—and one I was lucky enough to receive as a gift—I finally finished this a few weeks back.
Frazetta’s work is just on another level. The collection put together by Taschen not only showcases his iconic pieces but also gives insight into the man behind them. If you’re a fan of fantasy art, this one is absolutely worth your time.
The Long Way Home
I’ve been a fan of Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor’s motorcycle journeys for years now, and this latest installment continues that tradition.
They’re still a great duo to follow, and the series does a fantastic job capturing the spirit of exploration. If you enjoy travel shows—or need a reminder to get out and see more of the world—it’s well worth watching.
That’s all I’ve got for now.
What’s been on your reading or watch list lately, Fellow Creatures?
Every time I dive into stories like these, I’m reminded how important they are—not just for enjoyment, but for refueling the creative well.
If you check any of these out, let me know what you think.
Alright—back to editing Book 3.
Stay special,
Jeff