Tinkers

The late 1800s, "The Gilded Age," was an age of invention. The telephone, the light bulb, cameras, motors, and many others were all invented during this time period. In my novel, inventors are referred to as "Tinkers." Tinkers create devices not just for society, but also for the guilds, who fight the evil Abominations. My good friend Jason made some artwork for me, as I struggle to create a decent stick figure. Here is a Tinker:

Of course, the guilds want to snap up as many Tinkers as they can, since the guild with the best gadgets will reap the greatest bounties. At Crimsonfall, Tinkers wear this patch on their uniforms.

See https://www.catboneface.com/ for more of Jason's awesome work

Diary of a late gamer

I love video games and while I do my best to wedge them into my busy schedule it can take me a long time to finish a game. So I'm always behind on new games, usually getting to them years after release. But with AC Valhalla, I'm only four months behind! It's practically brand new. I'm enjoying running around Ubisoft's gorgeous 9th century England, and building up the Great Heathen Horde. But the best bit, so far, happened during an escort mission when I accidentally stole my NPC's horse. And then he jumped up behind me anyway, and we rode doubles through Mercia.

Glorious Book Art

My good friend Jason Hunt (https://www.catboneface.com/) made some beautiful artwork for me based on Shadow Storm, my upcoming, madcap, steam-punkish YA fantasy novel.

In 1895, New York’s Reaper Guilds are daring mercenaries who face the supernatural, fight the monsters and, most importantly, collect their generous bounties. Genie Gearhart, a new member of the guild, is determined to climb the ladder and become the city’s greatest Lady Reaper. With her brother Hans, she’s going to do her best to kill monsters, undo curses, and host the perfect afternoon tea. Their first investigation is a haunting in Brooklyn, but as Genie and Hans hunt the ghost they realize that something far worse is lurking in the factory’s dark shadows. As the danger grows, they turn to their friends for help. There’s Alice Walker, the high society airship captain whose weapons are as elegant as they are deadly; Sprocket, the mad Tinker with ramshackle inventions primed for maximum destruction; and Bo Hai, the Drunken Boxer who defends Chinatown with the mysterious Dragonfly Brotherhood. Together, they will face their greatest fears to protect their families, their city and their very souls. Will Genie be able to triumph over the dark, and become a great Lady Reaper? It will take all her strength, courage, and manners, but in these modern times a girl can do anything.