Spring Is Here

 

It is with great sadness that I report the untimely death of Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Battlefield Press, the publisher of the Spellmonger series TTFRP game adaptation.  I’ve worked with Jonathan on this project for a few years now, and he has overcome some mighty obstacles along the way: fire, pandemic, and illness. Just as the project was nearing completion, Jonathan went to the hospital with an infection that ultimately led to multiple surgeries and the eventual amputation of his left arm this past December. That was heartbreaking enough, but he returned to the hospital last week with symptoms of a stroke. He died shortly afterwards. Jonathan was a devoted gamer and a consummate professional during the entire process. He truly was outstanding to work with as we strove to convert the books into a playable game. He was patient, insightful, and had an intuitive understanding of both game mechanics and player appeal. He worked closely with David Ramsay, who runs the Spellmonger Wiki, and Dave shares my grief over losing Jonathan: “Jonathan was a calm, encouraging, and very lovely man. We’d always planned to play a game, and now we never will.” I wholeheartedly agree. I had always planned to do a showcase game with Jonathan once we released, and I am saddened that that won’t happen now. His enthusiasm was contagious. It sucks that he missed his saving throw. I’ve been in contact with Jonathan’s brother and girlfriend about the matter of the Spellmonger adaptation, and we are all in agreement that we intend to finish the work that Jonathan started (once some bureaucratic and technical issues are overcome) to honor his memory. I’ll drop further details as they come to light. In addition, I will be dedicating Book 16 to Jonathan. It is apropos, as Slagr, the God of Games, figures prominently in the story. Jonathan’s death hit hard. This February has seen a lot of funerals for me and my family. Distant relatives and family friends, neighbors, and old acquaintances have all made their exit this past month, and it has been taxing. Death makes a family stop, for a time, and sends ripples throughout our real-life social networks that cannot be avoided, postponed, or rescheduled. It is often a time of personal reflection and stock-taking for those involved. Lives change. Plans are altered. The emotional toll is rough, especially in quantity, and a numbing sense of grief starts to roll in. But we have to shake it off and keep going. Spring is here. Hope in the future sprouts along with daffodils, pear blossoms, and the godsdamned Bradford pear pestilence that curses the land. We will miss Jonathan.

A non-Spellmonger Terry Mancour Story! As bummed as I am about losing Jonathan, I am quite happy to announce the production of an anthology I was invited to participate in: When Swords Fall Silent, edited by Bryce O’Conner. Touted as “an assassination anthology.” Bryce put together a great group of fantasy writers to contribute stories featuring the topic of assassination—always a favorite of the fantasy genre. The authors include Michael J. Sullivan, Marie Brennan, Andrew Rowe, David Dalglish, RJ Barker, Jonathan French, ML Wang, Peter A. Flannery, Luke Chmilenko, Phillip C. Quaintrell, Jay Boyce, Bryce O’Conner, and myself. (I might be leaving someone out— forgive me if I have). Although the project— like everything in the pandemic years—is running behind schedule, the Kickstarter pre-order should now be up today. I’m particularly proud to be involved in this as this anthology is a benefit for the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. My wife had a career in clinical research for twenty years before I made her retire, so this is a subject near to our hearts. My contribution is a non-Spellmonger short story called “Mission of Mercy.” It was a delightful challenge to do something away from Callidore, and on such a juicy subject. Of course I had to get all twisty with it, like I do, but I am extremely pleased at the result. Assassination is by definition a sinister subject. And there is more than one way to approach it. Add magic to the mix, and, well, things can get a little twisty. I encourage all my Spellmongrels to check this anthology out. It will be released on audiobook (through Podium Audio) as well. I’m actually looking forward to reading the other authors’ takes on the rubric. I don’t often get much exposure to other fantasy due to issues with my writing schedule and the very real possibility of subconscious plagiarism, but this will be an indulgence. Bryce has been a dream to work with, too. So check it out. It’s a great cause, with a great bunch of writers. And it will show you whether or not I can handle non-Spellmonger fantasy. Let me know what you think.

Listen on Audible

💭 DISCORD DISCUSSIONS 💭 If you aren’t already aware, the Spellmonger Discord server (Ghostrock) is hosting regular review sessions for each of the novels and anthologies in the Spellmonger series. I may even show up from time to time to offer my insights and explanations. I did so this past week when we discussed Magelord—one of my faves—and for two hours I was able to answer burning questions and explain a few things that people missed or that I did. It’s a fun time. Check the Discord server for more details about future book reviews. Apart from that, I’m just writing. Deadlines loom. Pressure is on. The magic must flow.

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