A dictator, a recording and a crazed ninja kangaroo

A selection of assorted items:

1. The problem of being a dictator
This time around, I’ve decided it’s time to get right inside the functioning of the ‘Duum State’, the ‘Tiomke’ or, well, the bad guys in the Amnar story. It’s been causing me a little stress, because I’ve been considering actually seeing matters from the perspective of Tiom himself.

I’ve spent the last couple of days staring at the point in the chapter where Vasha walks in and is introduced to the Cabinet who manage the Duum State, wondering how to begin. I want this to be authentic, as much as I can get it, so I figure I might have to go back and do a bit of thoughtful research. I’ll write more about this tomorrow.

2. Re-recording for Podiobooks
Since Amnar is going to be released through Podiobooks.com in the next month or so, I’ve been preparing the episodes. The first eleven will need to be completely re-recorded so that they match 12-38. I have to take off all the original intros and outtros and set them up to match Podiobooks’ requirements.

I decided I’d be very clever and make sure the end of Amnar: The Awakening is all ready to go out on my own website so I don’t have to worry about putting together my own podcasts at the same time as the Podiobooks ones. This is turning into a bit of a logistical adventure, especially given that in three weeks I’ll be launching Amnar: The Inheritance on the world – whether it likes it or not.

3. It’s a ninja kangaroo
I swear I was investigating the background to the situation in Iran when I found it. According to the Times, “Man in underpants wrestles crazed ninja kangaroo”. I think that might be the best headline I’ve ever read.