So, I've published some books.

[Jason Tandro]

So I'm sure I've mentioned on here that a lot of my work in recent years has been for KupoCon, a final fantasy fan convention. It started with getting an FF8 Novelization published through them back in 2019 - Seed: The Beginning, which covers basically the beginning of the game to the Dollet mission. This was co-written with my mentor, friend and the man who made me the writer I am today M.J. Gallagher.

M.J. by the by, is a prolific author in his own right who has written a series of books about the mythology which has influenced Final Fantasy. See Norse Myths that Inspired Final Fantasy VII, Greek Myths That Inspired Final Fantasy VII and his upcoming kickstarter-funded book Mythos a massive work detailing the influences for Final Fantasy XVI. Man is a genius.

Anyway, since 2023, I've been doing work on a series of Choose Your Own Adventure style books based on Final Fantasy, though original fiction (littered with references, naturally). The simply titled soon-to-be quadrilogy began with The Earth Shrine which can be purchased here. I have also just put the final touches on its sequel, to be launched in Glasgow's Kupocon in February, The Fire Shrine.

Writing these books has allowed me to do what I love and get paid for it. CYOA books are strange because it's as much game design as it is story-telling, though I will admit I am much better at the latter rather than the former. I get paid a stipend for the books (not an insignificant figure) and the guy who runs the event also pays to have me flown to the launch events for each of them, as well as covering my room. It's a great gig and while it doesn't pay enough to be my main source of income, it's a wonderful side hustle.

I have been through some shit in my life, but I am very lucky to be doing what I love to do (both in this and in my day job). Anyway, that's the latest bit on me writing and why I've been so hard to be in touch with. Pumping out a 400-page book once per year is, uh, hard. Thankfully I have a team of editors / beta readers as well who make it all possible.

Anyway, bragadocious rant over.

[psychokind]

sounds waaaaay better than your days (nights?) at the hotel reception if I remember this correctly at all

[Jason Tandro]

psychokind wrote:

sounds waaaaay better than your days (nights?) at the hotel reception if I remember this correctly at all

My guy I've been out of that game for over a year now and being able to get a proper sleep has had a MARKED effect on my mental health. I'm also taking care of myself and my health better in general lol.