Rob's Update: Father's Day Prelude
We're celebrating father's in anticipation of their day!
Week 23 of 2026
Greetings all!
We kicked off Father’s Day ahead of time by talking to a bunch of friends about their dads. This is definitely my most poignant show as we all shared memories of our dads.
But first, my office manager hard at work!
I spent this week running hither and yon. I popped up to Lilies War for a couple of days after sending out last week’s update. The wife had to be there because she’s one of the war’s volunteers. I took up the tent and set it up.
I’m actually really pleased how that went. Setting up camp is a major thing now, given all the stuff we bring. However, for an event where we’re not setting up a merchant booth, I was able to do it basically by myself. As I’ve said, my weight has basically plateaued around 310, but that’s a major step up from 370ish. I’m not in great shape, but I’m definitely more active.
Anyway, then I came home to watch the shop, feed the cats, and take care of the chickens. By the way, the moms helped out a ton with the shop, as they often do. We really appreciate them giving us some time where both of us can travel.
For work, I focused on the last Okkorim project. It’s a bittersweet moment finishing it because I really enjoyed what we did there. We had some neat, innovative adventures and had some really cool worldbuilding, but the project is left unfinished. I had so much more in mind. Maybe I’ll get off my butt and set up my world in Castles and Crusades, which I have to say I really enjoy.
I also did a bunch of work on Shattered Spear II. Much of this week’s work was historical, not words on the page, but in historical fiction, you have to be right. Fortunately, I have the resources at hand to look up mines and quarries in Herefordshire and what not.
Still, I got about 10% of the book written, which is only about 5000 words, but still that’s progress.
Made progress on re-arranging the shop too. I also started the process of getting the upstairs in this building fitted for human existence. It’s only the basic quotes, but I need them as I’m applying for a grant. Wish me luck!
And with that, I’m off to write some more.
This Week’s Show
This was perhaps my favorite show despite the fact it was certainly the least smooth one. I tried a new format where I swapped guests in and out so we could hear as many cool stories about dads as possible. Check it out here:
Thanks to Ruth Jackson, Casper Hileman, Wally Waltner, Kelly Grayson, Nathan Balyeat, Chris DiNote, and Cedar Sanderson for coming on the show! Some of the stories were rough emotionally, and I appreciate your willingness to talk about them.
Truly, it was the most emotional and poignant show I’ve ever done. I’m sure I’ll do it again next year.
Next Week’s Show
I’m excited to host the amazing Brandy Bolgeo-Hendren! If you don’t know her, she’s the boss at LibertyCon, which is coming up in a couple of weeks. We’ll be talking about what’s happening this year, the history of the con, and about her dad, Uncle Timmy, who founded the con.
If you’ve ever been to LibertyCon, you don’t want to miss it. If you haven’t, watch the show and learn why it’s worth it to hit refresh on your screen to make sure you get a ticket to the show!
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Let me know if you have any suggestions on the website, this email, or cool story ideas at rob@robhowell.org. Especially let me know of suggestions you have for the Spotlight section.
Have a great week, everyone.
Rob Howell
Creator of the Firehall Sagas Universe
My Weight Today: 308.8 lbs
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/-/e/B00X95LBB0
Website: robhowell.org
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Twitter: twitter.com/Rhodri2112