Alveric2

The leaves are falling.  The days shorten.  Winter is coming.  Time for me to emerge from my dwelling, briefly to communicate with my fellow beings before hibernation sets in.
When last I wrote to you, I was determined to ignore my affliction (Curse Parkinson and the horse he rode in on.) and carry on writing.  I'd underestimated my adversary.  I existed very much like Theoden under the thrall of Grima.  Fortunately for me, there is no Grima Wormtongue, just a loving and patient spouse and sympathetic family.  No Saruman, just the usual, ancient adversary who delights in human despair.  I've had no visitations from Gandalf the White yet, but the next best thing.
I stopped one of my meds.  It was intended for depression and anxiety, it seemed to have little effect on either.  In fact, it did me no earthly good that I could see.  Two months passed and the change was noticeable.  I was no longer constantly sleepy and lethargic.  I wanted to actually do something other than stare blankly at the TV.  My writing output went from near nothing to...well not very much, and not on what I'd planned but better than it has been.  They also bear some scars.  In any case, I'll be posting this material soon.

I would like to thank all who sent well wishes for my birthday.  You’ve played no small role in making that a happy day.  I’m also encouraged to write this message you are now reading, for you all deserve an explanation for my recent slowness and inconsistency.  It’s not due to a loss of desire to write nor to that common nemesis, writers block.

Six years ago next month, I began experiencing difficulty walking and keeping my balance.  After several months, it became impossible to ignore the problem.  I eventually went to a neurologist who diagnosed me with Parkinson’s disease.  That was five years ago last August.  I won’t bore everyone (including myself) by going into a description of this disorder.  There are folks on Google who can do a much better job.  Also its very possible that one or more of you may have a friend or loved one who is dealing with this same problem which makes you already too familiar with it to want to hear more.

At first there was little effect on my writing beyond the emotional.  The Framing of Illa was me working through loss of mobility.  The Lady and the Bronze Mask was partly inspired by my worry about other effects of the disease.

Over the last couple of years I’ve had increasing problems with the physical act of writing, which is the primary cause of my slowness (thank goodness for spellcheck). 

Now for the positives.  I have the loving support of my friends and family, including a grandson (with another due in February) and my wife of 33 years (who’s also my primary editor, fan and mentor on all things feminine).  Both my children also show potential as writers in their own right.  I can still walk, most of the time, and I still keep up with my many hobbies (including collecting and shooting antique rifles).

Finally, I will never give up writing.  Even with my current slow output, it is far too enjoyable and satisfying to ever stop.  My only regret is that you who have supported my hobby with your reading and words of encouragement have to wait so long.  I hope I can make my tales worth that wait.  In any case, with average luck and the grace of God, I should have about another decade, so I ain’t goin’ nowhere.

Thank you again

Robert E Thornsberry

(Alveric 2)

I'm going to do something I've not done before.  I'm going to list all of the projects I'm currently working on and ask for feed back.  I can't say what effect this may have.  I doubt it will bring any tales to a stop, it may, however speed some up, if the interest is strong enough.  Here they are ordered according to how close to completion each is, from about halfway to just some random thoughts:

The Lady and the Bronze Mask - This one has the highest priority and should be the most familiar to everyone.

The Reluctant Centauress - The first chapter is just about ready - A young, female engineer, circa 1890. unwittingly becomes involved with a group who are hatching a horrifying plot against the world.  She combines forces with a physician/private investigator to save humanity, but not before she finds herself deprived of memory, physically altered and unwillingly installed as part of her latest invention.

No title yet - This one is much more light-hearted.  Television news anchor and single mom with her twin girls find themselves in the middle of the Xanadu Event.

Part three of The Mermaids of Xanadu - Hannah finally gets to give birth.  We learn more about Erica the cat and the fate of Wynd, the winged centauress.

Possible sequel to The Shadow Priestess

Possible sequel to Spindrift

That's all I'm cooking up at this time.  Tell me what you think.

At long last, Spindrift is available in ebook format on Kindle with Dashinvain's excellent illustrations.  Look it up on Amazon.  Also it should be in print as well soon.  I'll let you know.  

I've entered Spindrift, in a writing contest on inkitt.com (Sky Bound/Sci-fi).  First prize is publication, the top 10% in voting get a chance at first.  I have the first twenty chapters up and will add the rest soon.  I would be grateful for any support. 

Thanks and I hope you like it.

P.S.  An older story, The Framing of Illa, has also been entered under Vendetta/Thriller/Adventure.