The Fireside

George R.R. Martin is finally back after a large amount of time traveling. This is good news for those eager for The Winds of Winter, and here's why....

I know with this post, I am getting really ahead of myself - but an author can dream eh? It is not my intent to 'step on any toes' here, but for me to merely express some of the big names in publishing whom I would love to work with and print Kalvel. And you know what, in the end all that really matters is if eventually I do get published...

Here is the cover for Bernard Cornwell's upcoming book, The Empty Throne , which is #8 in his Saxon Stories series. This one will be out in the fall sometime, though the format which I will get it in (and have the rest of the series) will be out in May sometime.

If you are one of the (un)lucky few, you just need to back up your data, wipe it, and visit your local Apple Store or Apple-approved retailer for a fresh new battery. One major catch: If you've got a busted screen or other damage, you have to fix that first, on your own. But if that's not a problem, the program has already started in the US and China, with other countries to follow on August 29th. Check your serial here: https://ssl.apple.com/support/iphone5-battery/

Only one more to go! Read my review of Wheel of Time book 13 here....

Ending tomorrow is a box set sale at Chapters, Canada's national bookstore. You can save up to 50% on some boxed sets. To view them, go here http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/sale/DOTW-20-Box-Sets?s_campaign=Paid%3ASocial%3AFacebook%3ADOTW .  Highlights include: The Complete Far Side, The Hunger Games, Legend of Zelda strategy guide set, Divergent Complete series (including Four) , Harry Potter Complete series (adult edition), The Chronicles of Narnia , and of course, A Song of Ice and Fire (trade paperback). To check to see if a series is eligible, type in the name of it (or author, etc.) and 'box' or 'boxed' and you should get a few results showing the various editions or types of sets.

Earlier, Brandon Sanderson was part of a Q&A on Goodreads. Read it here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/38550.Brandon_Sanderson/questions#

So I've been playing Oblivion at a steady pace, in my spare leisure time - you know, when I've done some writing, not in the mood to watch a show / movie, etc... Since this game is 'free roam' I only really follow a strategy if I get stuck on a quest, or if I want to read up on an area before I get there. I just hit level 20 last night, and here is my checklist for the foreseeable future: - recommendations for fighters and mages guild for Bravil and Bruma. [My cities visited, in order, are Chorrol, Skingrad, Cheydinhal, Anvil, L, and am now in Bravil] - getting the Relics of the Crusader [since I have blade specialty, I'd rather the sword than mace] - Castle of Kvatch [Oblivion gate is closed, though. Chipping away at this one. My next step is the Guardhouse Key portion] - Arcane University [ enchanting and spell creation] - Oblivion gates / main quest - undecided about Shivering Isles. T...

   

Today, a new Stormlight story was unveiled. Is it a short story / novella / etc? Is it from Book 3 (or another book yet to come)? Either way, if you have not yet read Words of Radiance, here be spoilers after the jump.

Beau's is gearing up for Oktoberfest up at Vankleek Hill in a big way. To read all about it, head to www.beausoktoberfest.ca .   

This post is for those who actually liked The Hobbit (Part 2) , and have an interest in the trilogy's extended editions.