Hey everyone. Can you believe we’re already a quarter of the way through the year?
It was a bit of a busy month despite not going out for any events. I’ll be brief this morning, so let’s jump into it:
Next Events of 2026:
After the quiet March, I have almost every weekend filled this month. The only one that I’ve done before is Browsers’ so it will be some new experiences to start the month. Particularly looking forward to the evening ball of the Paper Arts Fair.
Writing Life:
We’re going to run through this quick, as it’s pretty similar to last month because I meandered between three projects.
The Hammer of Fate: Alone Among Stars is nearing the finish line. Edits are wrapping up and the cover is being drawn. Taking a lot longer than it should have because I made an executive decision, but you all should see a cover in the next few weeks. The plan to release in May before Madras is still alive and well.
Speaking of covers, Wraith‘s is basically done! Keep an eye out for the cover reveal in the next few days. Not sure if I’ll have copies on hand for Salem Paper Arts Fair, but I will do my best.
The third project is entirely new. Lebanon Strawberry Festival wants its vendors to “really embrace the strawberry” this year. One of the options was an item to sell. An idea hit me and I’ve been running with it in-between editing and cover changes for the books. It has two parts:
- Poem. Yep, making my first poem to publish. Actually already have it fully written. It is about Lady Strawberry, a fairy in the woods who can protect you from the dangers there.
- Illustration. With the poem written, I’m diving into refining my very-rough artistic skill for an art piece. Plan is to show the fairy and her favorite scout, the Strawberry Stoat. (I have talked with a backup artist in case my drawing skills don’t improve much).
This poem and illustration will be at Lebanon Strawberry Festival the first weekend of June!
Turning to works in progress, ESWM is on the docket. We’ll see how well April treats me.
Book Recommendations:
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Another history book, this time about Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet members, most of whom were his opponents for the Republican nomination in 1860.
It has been a while since I looked at the Civil War era, particularly the lead-up to the war itself. Saw a lot of parallels to today in the political climate and argumentation of the antebellum period. Once the book moved into the war period, I found myself surprised at how close Lincoln and his cabinet willingly traveled to the frontlines at times.
This book is not on the shelf as I chose to listen to the audiobook narration by Suzanne Toren. She has a very good voice for a historical work. Highly recommend and may have to get the physical version as well.
That’ll do it for now. Take care, and may God bless you in the days ahead.
Tim Maddox Books 
Leave a comment