I’ve been a little lax with posting lately, but that’s only because I’ve been spending my writing time, well, writing! Book #2 in The Reinhold Chronicles is coming along quite swimmingly after a tricky middle section. Now, at around 63% of the way through, I’m beginning to see the end: or at least, the beginning of the end.

I’ve just sent out The Fiery Arrow to a handful of family beta-readers, so it’s still on track for publication next year (date yet to be decided, but I’m guessing late summer at least). At this rate, check back here for a plot summary/publication information by the New Year!

Now, on to the things that have my attention this week…

Book:  The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis

A wonderful friend gave me this book for my birthday, and I’ve finally finished it. Lewis wisely and concisely writes about four different kinds of love—Affection, Friendship, Eros, and Charity—from a sensibly Biblical standpoint. Excellent read.

Movie: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Extended Edition

It’s no secret to most people that I’m a die-hard fan of both J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels and Peter Jackson’s film adaptations. This Tuesday evening, I’m thrilled to be able to attend a one-day, one-night theatrical showing of the extended edition of the final Hobbit movie. The extended editions are always the definitive version for me, so I’m excited to see what makes the cut.

Music: Alexandre Desplat

This week, I’ve been listening to a lot of composer Alexandre Desplat’s film scores, especially those for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Just the right mix of quirky, ominous, and emotional—the perfection inspiration for my current writing.

So that’s me this past little bit. I’d love to hear what you are up to! Let me know in the comments.

Oh, and yet another reminder: my short story “Finding Viola” is currently free on Amazon Kindle! Download it yourself or share a link with someone else. Who doesn’t love freebies?