War Report | August Mid-Month Battle Plan

Dispatches from the Creative Front—From Silent Posts to Final Pages

FROM: AMIRAH, ORACLE TO THE ORACOGNOMANCERS
TO: PERONIOUS DEXLOUS, SON OF MAGNUS
“I know not the purpose of the Time Warden’s meddling, but she twists events and changes outcomes.”

Despite it being all quiet on the warfront, there’s a lot of logistical movement on the back end. The hard part’s just getting started. We’re past the point of mercy, so let’s see the blood of it.

Covers:
Let’s kick this off at the front, so we have something to look forward to. I placed the order a while back for The Dark Portal re-cover, and it’s nearing the point. From the artist, “I'm going to start designing your cover approximately in mid August. I'll get in touch with you when I'm ready to start.” No teasers yet, but once I’ve got something, I’ll share.

Rolling right in to the next segment, the orders have been placed for the re-covers of The Demon’s Fate and Flawed to the Core. They will be about a half-month, to a full month behind the Dark Portal. It’s in the pipe, it’s primed, and just awaiting the pull of the trigger.

Podcast:
It still needs a name. Go find the silent post—The Signal Needs a Name—and vote! So far, the votes for a name are: The Twisted Root, and The House of Lust and Candor. Right now, the vote’s wide open; one voice can tilt the whole thing. The battle may have gotten started, but more warriors on the field can ensure we take the hill. There are six other names to choose from. Your voice matters, and engagement is the only way I know what you’re hungry for.

For Members and Founders, expect an update on the recording booth, equipment, and software used to bring these worlds to life.

I plan to do some short podcasts for all members, with more behind-the-scenes and early recordings of audiobooks for Members and Founders. Also, both groups can expect longer content. For everyone, leave comments or questions on posts, as they will shape future podcasts. Let’s get a dialogue going and cement the sodality of our group and future content.

Writing:
One month, one POV. As mentioned in an earlier post, I have started writing Vol. VIII, the final installment in the Dark Legacy Series. I regularly post updates for members and founders in the blog Ink & Ash. I’ve given myself August to explore the main POV for V8, and it’ll be almost half the novel itself. Afterward, it’ll be time to set the pen aside, select a new warfront, and turn my attention back to the upcoming releases.

For a quick dive without spoilers, I’d like to give you a little bit of context. Imagine the series as a magic trick. Volumes I–VII are the stage magician’s show, and Vol. VIII is the reveal. Not only do you get the reward of seeing how the craft is made, but it recontextualizes every step along the way for a deeper, more thoughtful understanding. That’s what I’m attempting with the final outing for DLS. I think you’ll enjoy it, and it’ll percolate long after you read the dried ink on the final page.

Way Forward:
Soon, I’ll be looking for beta readers for some of my books, so if you’re interested, or know someone who might be, reach out. Feedback will be a requisite to buff out the polish. Inquiries can be done here on SS, or you can reach out to outpostdire@gmail.com.

In 2026, it’ll be another year of dual releases. We’ve got book 2 of the Warmaster Series, and Book 3 of the Maro Prakk series. Looking forward to bringing both to you, and I know that people who read The Demon’s Fate way back in the day have been wondering if another book would ever drop. Well, that day’s fast approaching, so sit tight.

Quick note: I sometimes drop extra posts without the usual email ping. They stealth drop onto the feed, so if you don’t want to miss them, swing by the Substack page now and then and peruse what’s available.

Remember: post comments and inquiries on blogs, as that will shape future podcasts and Ask the Author events.

Well, the contract’s been fulfilled, and it’s time to collect the payment. That’s all I got for this round—short, sharp, and sweet. I shall return…