The Gigantic Drama of Political Intrigue in Jing

On the day I'm writing this post, I crossed the 63K line in word count. And A Cup of Conflict isn't anywhere near completed.

I knew this was going to be a complicated story. Even though she's acting as Issura's ambassador by escorting Quan Po home for his coronation, Anthea's caught in the middle of differing factions in the Jing Empire. Most of whom have no desire for Quan to continue breathing, much less ascend to the Dragon Throne.

But I'm also almost through what is essentially the Second Act, if this were a play. Which means this will be a 90-100K novel.

Therefore, I'm moving the release date for A Cup of Conflict to July 15, 2025.

I don't like the fact that I lost almost three weeks of writing time dealing with the Selket-damned basement, but that's essential the 30K words I'm missing. *sigh*

However, I did promise I'd get this series done before I die, and I'm damn well going to do it!

Monday Movie Mania a Day Late - Ballerina

After the insanity of the last few weeks, DH and I went to two movies this weekend. The first was the 25th Anniversary remastered Dogma, which I contend is one of the funniest movies ever made. It's amusing how the re-release didn't attract the Christians to protest outside of the theater this time.

The second movie was the brand-new Ballerina, which is part of the John Wick universe. And frankly, I'll take that universe over this one any day. Why? Because there are rules!


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SPOILERS


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PROS
1) Ana de Armas delighted me as the innocent nurse in Knives Out, but here, she seriously kicks as Eve Macarro, a member of the Ruska Roma. (For those new to the series, the Ruska Roma are a criminal organization of assassins to which John Wick formerly belonged to.) However, Eve is a member of a side group of bodyguards known as the Kikimora, who are just as deadly when protecting their charges.

2) It was lovely to see Lance Riddick one last time in the Ruska Roma universe. Charon was always my favorite character, yes, even beyond John, because he cared for John's second dog.

3) Sharon Duncan-Brewster was criminally underused as the Director's second-in-command and Eve's mentor Nogi. Sharon has kicked ass in some of my favoite franchises (Doctor Who, Dune (2021), and Star Wars), and I'd love to see a Nogi-centered film!

4) In addition to Lance Riddick, Kenu Reeves, Ian McShane, and Anjelica Houston were back as their in-universe personas, John Wick, Winston Scott, and the Director.

5) The soundtrack was awesome, especially Evanescence front woman Amy Lee's "Fight Like a Girl"

CONS
1) My only gripe is Norman Reedus has a minor cameo as Cultist Daniel Pine, basically in a similar position as Eve's parents who tried to save their daughter from an assassin's life. However, I am thankful the writer Shay Hatten didn't try to force a romance between Daniel and Eve! (Goddess, I hate that trope! And it sure wouldn't fit in the Ruska Roma universe!)


Overall, Ballerina was a fabulous addition to the Ruska Roma universe and an awesome movie in it's own right. I give it 10 out of 10 stars!

Clarification on Pricing

The price changes I announced three weeks ago DO NOT AFFECT e-books! Only print books!

The rise is paperbacks is solely due to the rising prices for paper and ink for the printer. Again, it sucks, but it's the only way to keep my print books on the market. However, e-books will remain the same:

$4.99 for a full novel
$2.99 for a novella
$0.99 for a short story

If/when I do have to raise prices on e-books, I will give you plenty of notice.

I promise.