Friday update: 28th April 2023 - New events & signings, plus exclusive Tales from the Death Star news!

Hello there! Every other Friday, I post an update that gives you a round-up of my work, things you might have missed and a few recommendations as well! Let’s dive in - and make sure you keep reading for EXCLUSIVE STAR WARS: TALES FROM THE DEATH STAR news!

Work update

OK, real talk… these last couple of weeks have been tough. Lots of things that I thought were sorted have been shot back with last-minute notes, unexpected changes and delays that are out of my control, all of which collapsed a carefully constructed house of cards. Moments like this happen a lot in a freelance life and can be massive triggers for mental health, so I am doing my best to process them while also acknowledging my frustration. I also think it’s essential for us to be as transparent as possible about these things, to talk about them in a way that makes it clear that no job is all sunshine and roses. Bumps in the road come from nowhere, leaving you battered and bruised. That’s definitely how I’ve been feeling this week, but I also know my success rate for getting through bad days stands at 100 percent.

And it’s not all doom and gloom. Far from it. I have a LOT to be grateful for. Amidst all the frustrating emails and calls, I received the green light to move on to the next stage of an exciting TV project this week. It’s early days but a step in the right direction. Plus, I spent some time with some great friends; my Best Man Pete, who I don’t see often enough, and my buddy George, who survived some truly terrible driving of mine to see Renfield in Coventry. (We enjoyed the film a lot, by the way. It’s silly, gory, popcorn-chomping fun, and Cage was great as Dracula. Nicholas Hoult is always watchable and seems to be channelling Hugh Grant in the titular role, which is never a bad thing.)

So, line drawn under this week, and on we go. There are lots of exciting things on the horizon, as we’ll see below…

Pre-order my books and save 25% with B&N

U.S. friends, there is still a chance to pre-order Star Wars: The High Republic - Path of Vengeance from BN.com and get 25% off! You just need to order it before Friday 28th April using the code PREORDER25 ! Hurry!

And while you’re there, you can save 25% on Star Wars: The High Republic Phase 2 Volume 1 and Volume 2, plus the B&N Exclusive Edition of Tales of Light and Life!

In case you missed it…

• The Laughing Place interviewed me alongside the other High Republic authors at Star Wars Celebration.
• We are also quizzed in Collider, revealing all kinds of juicy details, including what song we think would best sum up High Republic Phase 3!
• The infinitely talented Kelly Knox created Vildar Mac and Tey Sirrek dolls! I want them! I need them!
• Path of Vengeance inspires some wonderfully gory cosplay that makes the horror writer in me happy!
• I posted two new Tuesday articles - Stop worrying about social media and do the work & a special birthday ask me anything, while Alex Segura shared his recommendations for a perfect Sunday featuring Alyssa Wong’s first High Republic story!

Upcoming events

Here are some places to find me in the months ahead, two in the UK and one in the US!

Saturday, 13th May will see me at Forbidden Planet London signing copies of The Other Side of Never with editors Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane and fellow contributors, Paul Finch, Jen Williams, Lavie Tidhar, AK Benedict, Guy Adams, Robert Shearman and Anna Smith Spark. Click here for all the info!

I’ll be back at Portsmouth Comic Con on 3rd & 4th June, along with some super cool Doctor Who guests! You’ll find me in Artist’s Alley, plus some soon-to-be-revealed panels. Click here for more details!

I’m pleased to announce I’ll be back at San Diego Comic Con again this year from 19th - 23rd July. My full schedule will be revealed nearer the time, but it’s going to be great!

Star Wars: Tales from the Death Star TOC

Fancy some exclusive news? Well, what about the titles for the stories in this year’s Star Wars Halloween special, Tales from the Death Star?

Not enough? Then here are the creative teams as well!

Things I enjoyed and think you might too…

Last week, I became obsessed with the BBC investigative podcast A Very British Cult which delves into Lighthouse, a self-help company that sucked folk in with a promise of mentoring and ended up a cult that swindled them out of thousands. A terrifying look at how easy it is for people to be tricked into losing themselves, available on iplayer, BBC Sounds and wherever you get your podcasts.

Fan Art Friday

A shout out to Ellie, who made my heart sing with this beautiful piece of fan art imagining Jedi Keeve Trennis and Matt Cathley meeting.

As Ellie says on their Instagram:

“Matty and Keeve would absolutely 100% be besties and I cannot be convinced otherwise.”

I’m inclined to agree!

And while we’re talking art, just look at this simply stunning custom funko pop of Avar Kriss!

Click on the link to see how cardinal.creates crafted the incredible figure based on one of my favourite pages from The High Republic Marvel comic!

That’s all, folks

But before I go, we have a new tradition — posting a picture of a subscriber’s pets. This week, it’s the turn of Leia, subscriber Derek Hill’s little princess:

Just look at that smile!

If you want your furry, feathered, or even scaly friend featured at the end of one of my updates, post their pic on this thread or reply to this email!

Until next time, please share this newsletter with anyone you think would enjoy it! I’m really enjoying the community we’re building here and would love to see it continue to grow!

Stay safe!