CM Simpson: Writer & Gamer

On Monday, I realised that I hadn’t built a glossary, or series ‘bible’, for my current fantasy series, and I spent quite a bit of time going back to the first book for important details like the king’s name, the naming convention for the sea elves, the name of the elven land, little things like that. Note to future self: always build a glossary of terms, names and whatever as you go; it saves a tonne of time later. As a result of having to do that research, I ran out of time to work on Mack ‘n’ Me ‘n’ Odyssey #4 . Here are the first words from Monday: The Priestess, the Prince & the Dragon’s Children Tarquin breathed a sigh of relief, and then came and stretched out beside me. I looked up at where he had propped himself on one elbow and was looking down at me. He reached across me with one hand, brushing a stray lock of hair out of my face, and stroking my cheek. “I love you,” he said, and I smiled, feeling the unexpected prickle of tears at the edge of my eyes. ...

Last Saturday, as part of the new writing schedule, I worked on two novels. One is the fifth book in the Mack ‘n’ Me ‘n’ Odyssey series, and the other is the second book in the Lords of the Five Kingdoms series, set on the world of Tallameera. The Priestess, the Prince & the Dragon’s Children “Very well,” I said, and settled to the floor, ignoring the way Chushka tutted. I was just about to open my soul to Iarius, when Chushka nudged me. Drawing a swift, sharp breath, I turned, but all thought of scolding her fled when I saw the cushion she held. She caught my look, and smiled. “There is nothing in all the holy books I’ve ever heard of that says Iarius expects his priests to kneel on hard flagstones when they seek him—and I’m sure you can pay him better mind when you’re knees aren’t complaining of a hard, cold floor.” She was right. There really was nothing in the books that said I had to be uncomfortable when I prayed. I suspected that it would be useful...

On Sunday, the work continued on both novels, although I didn’t get as many words completed on Mack ‘n’ Me: The Wolves of Alpha 9 as I’d like. The Priestess, the Prince & the Dragon’s Children So, I knew everything wasn’t fine. I knew that, but I couldn’t tell Chushka. I couldn’t put my unease into words, and give it more power than it already had. I ran my fingers over the shells of my children’s eggs, murmuring a soft goodnight to each one, and I prayed Chushka couldn’t read my feelings on my face. But she had told me that she had a sense for these things, and she remained troubled. “Something is coming,” she said, “but I cannot tell if it is for good or ill.” I stepped away from the eggs, and moved toward the door to my chambers, but she laid her hand on my arm. “Wait, Mistress. Perhaps we should check.” I was about to agree, when the unease grew to a fine fit of fear. “Bar the door, first,” I said, and she hurried to obey. “And that one, too,...