In this special year-end episode, I take a look back at 2025, reflecting on the high points, challenges, and key milestones in my author career.

I walk through the year month by month, revisiting the projects I launched, the goals I met (and missed), and everything I’ve learned along the way.

Thank you for being part of the journey—wishing you all the best for an exciting and creative 2026!

This week, I wrote a new Soren short story set in the Guild of Assassins universe, exclusively for Patreon supporters.

It’s always great to return to Soren’s world and explore new corners of the guild.

I also talk about struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and how I’m starting to wind down for the Christmas break to rest and reset before the new year.

Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor.

This week, I completed the final check of Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2), which means it’s now officially ready for the editor.

It’s always a great feeling getting a book to that stage.

I also finished my post-edit checks on The Ravenglass Throne Books 11 and 12, bringing me one step closer to wrapping up that epic series.

For reading, I’ve been immersed in Educated by Tara Westover—a gripping and powerful memoir that I’d highly recommend.

It’s a deeply personal and thought-provoking story about resilience, identity, and the power of learning.

This week, I’ve been hard at work on the final edits for Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2)—I’m about halfway through and pleased with how it’s shaping up.

I’ve also been writing a few short stories, including a wacky progression fantasy that’s been a real blast to put together. Sometimes it’s fun to let loose and experiment a little.

For reading, I’ve been deep into Entitled: The Fall of the House of York—a fascinating exposé on the Prince formerly known as Andrew and his ex-wife.

It’s a grim but revealing look at corruption and privilege in British high society.

This week, I’ve been bravely battling man flu (the most fearsome of ailments), but still managed to finish my draft of Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2)!

Next step: a final polish before I start posting the unposted chapters on Patreon.

The Punk’s Not Dead audiobook (Book 3 in the Punks Versus Zombies trilogy) is now live on Audible, and Ken has done an amazing job with the narration.

I’ve also been reviewing the audiobook for The Ravenglass Throne Parts 1–4—I’m about halfway through and really happy with how it’s sounding so far.

I’m hoping to have it live on Audible before Christmas.

This week, I’ve been making great progress on Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2)—I’m just two chapters from finishing the draft!

I also had a lovely visit from my mum and her new partner, which gave me a nice break from the writing cave.

In downtime, I’ve been reading Garth Marenghi (gloriously ridiculous) and getting ready to see the brilliantly weird band HENGE this weekend—should be quite the experience.

This week’s been tough—I’ve been struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which has made writing harder than usual.

Still, I’ve kept pushing forward with Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2), and I’m now at around 50,000 words into the draft.

To switch off, I finally finished watching House of Cards on Netflix… and honestly, it didn’t quite land for me.

So I decided to dig out the DVD player and introduce my son to some classic films, starting with Brewster’s Millions. A much-needed hit of nostalgia.

Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor to start reading RAF Dragon Corps.

This week, I reached the midpoint of Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2) and have started posting editor-ready chapters on Patreon for early access readers.

The story’s coming together well, and it’s exciting to share it as it develops.

I also talk about the upcoming release of Rising Storm (The Ravenglass Throne, Part Eight), which is out this Monday! If you’ve been following the series, be ready—things are about to escalate.