How to get the new versions of TDR
The moment so many of you have been waiting for has finally arrived. For the new kids around here: I've recently completed a significant update to The Divided Region series (excl. The Great Betrayal). The audiobooks have been reproduced with a much-improved virtual voice, and while producing them, I couldn't help but make some enhancements […]
🚨 Three BIG updates 🚨
Usually, my Sundays are spent answering the biggest, bestest, and meanest questions sent my way during the week, but it seems the summer days are frying people’s ability to ask questions that have not already been answered. 🤷 So, instead of torturing you with a slew of dad jokes, I figured it would be a […]
Such a silly sausage
Something miraculous happened to me last night. I finally relented and got around to watching Squid Game: The Competition. (Bearing in mind, I am yet to watch the actual viral-hit TV sensation itself.) Have to admit, I was impressed. It has to go up there as the best competitive game show I’ve ever watched (and […]
The maddest challenge I ever done-did
It was circa 2021-22 and I was itching for a fresh physical challenge. I had been a vegan for 30 days (never again)… took cold showers during the winter months (surprisingly amazing)… ate raw beef liver (perhaps the best supplement on the planet)… did cold plunges (way harder than cold showers)… ran barefoot (just don’t)… […]
When I fell out with love of writing
Many years ago during my New Adult Romance writing days, I used to pump out a lot of words. A METRIC TONNE OF THEM. Just to put things into perspective, Stephen King writes approximately 2,000 words a day on a given project. No slouch by any means. However, in the indie writing world, that is […]
How Sauron made me a better author
If you're worth sharing company with, you’ll know who the Dark Lord Sauron is. Usually, the name conjures images of black-clad armour with spikes jutting from it, or the ever-watching Eye of Mordor burning its gaze across the ashen landscape. He is those things, but he is also something of a hero of mine. (Yes, […]
The danger of reading too much fantasy
“The dose determines the poison.” Or so the saying goes. While it is usually applied to alcohol, junk food, and illegal substances, one cannot help but wonder if it can also be applied to seemingly “harmless” activities such as, say, reading. Here’s why I think it can: Ask a thousand fantasy readers and I’d bet […]
Uh-oh
It was 3:30 AM, and that only means one thing in the Watson household… NAPPY TIME 👶 Every parent knows it’s like playing a game of Russian roulette, only worse. Move them too much, and they will wake up. Rip the nappy off too quickly, and they could stir. Even so much as whisper to […]
The only author “rule” I follow
Listen up, Legionnaires and Liegelings. I’m under strict orders to make this email quick while Lady Laura gets the resident wriggler dressed (also known as Liam, our one-year-old). It’s Father’s Day here in the UK, and our restaurant reservation is unlikely to hold our table for longer than five minutes, so let’s get on with […]
I agree with J.K. Rowling
Depending on who you ask, J.K. Rowling is either a hero or a villain. Either she’s the creator of the most iconic fantasy world to have ever existed or a trans-bashing vigilante. I personally see her as the former and a staunch defender of women’s rights. Does that, by default, make me a transphobe? Not […]
Advice I ruthlessly live by
Bath time isn’t just a time to rest, relax, and frolic in the bubbles… It’s also a time when I power on the iPad and disappear down some rabbit holes — new and old. One such rabbit I visit from time to time is that of: Earl Nightingale. Earl was quite the guy. Not only […]
2 quick questions…
Excluding me, your daily humble host, off the top of your head… 1. How many books do you buy directly from authors each year outside of Amazon and other retailers? 2. What authors do you buy from/have bought from? Don’t worry. I’m not plotting to kidnap your favourite writers just yet. DJJW P.S. If you’re […]
My response to George R.R. Martin’s recent article
A few of you were curious why I declared George RR Martin's most recent article off-limits for #AskWatson. It seems the pervasive “thirst” for industry drama has seeped into the Legion, and all I can say is, shame on you all! However, instead of ruing this reality and dousing each and every one of you […]
Confessions of an introvert
“Take a seat, mate,” said the barber with a giant neck tattoo. I quietly died inside. Not because of the little skin this man had left on his body, but because — of course — only I (a hardcore introvert) would get my hair cut by the bubbliest, chattiest guy in the entire shop after […]
Did you smell something fishy yesterday?
Following yesterday’s retail release of The Great Betrayal, a few Legionnaires with a nose for fish quickly noticed something was afoot. Namely: Where was the weekly #AskWatson? To those who noticed, I applaud your attentiveness. You’ve earned full marks and a place on my Christmas card list. To those who didn’t (excluding new recruits)? Well, […]
This one is for the traitors
This one is for the traitors Alright, maybe ‘traitors’ is a bit strong of a noun, so let’s try that again: This email is for those who, for whatever strange, unusual, and quite frankly, treasonous— CUT! NOPE. TRY AGAIN, DANIEL. Fine! This email is for those among the Legion who have been waiting to purchase […]
10 things you’ll find in The Great Betrayal
Starting with: 1. Lots and lots of breakneck action (who said epics had to be slow?) 2. Absolutely no bloat, fluff, or lore dumps 3. New and old faces 4. A personal discovery that changes everything for Darius (Chapters 8 & 14) 5. A cast of new, menacing beasts 6. Tragic losses 7. Surprise attacks […]
A movie to pull you out of a slump
Ever get those days or weeks where even just getting up and making a coffee feels like you’re dragging a block of stone by your ankles? Where all you want to do is draw the curtains and collapse on the couch? Well, I don’t. (just kidding) In fact, this week has been one of those […]
Why Ukraine and Russia should read The Great Betrayal
Not a day whizzes by without Russia and Ukraine stealing a few headlines. If it isn’t Ukraine bombing a third of Putin’s bombing fleet, it’s Russia destroying residential buildings in Kyiv. And before anyone is tempted to scribble me a reply with all the other atrocities I’ve skimped on… Please don’t. I’m merely a fiction […]
I thought we had an intruder
“Do you hear that?” Lady Laura asked. “Hear what?” “Shh!” she scorned me while holding a wriggling Master Liam. “That!” With furrowed brows, I lean in, summoning my ears to listen beyond The Wiggles playing in the living room. For a couple of breaths, I heard nothing but the //annoying// baby songs, but then… I […]