An Update on Kings and Crusaders

 Kings and Crusaders was originally intended to be a series about the Third Crusade. As the years have went on though, the series follow more than this historical event. In summary, the series is about the Anglo-Normans of the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

The nine novel series covers more than Medieval Warfare. Home life, courtship, the role of the Latin Church, Pilgrimage, family and knighthood are all part of this series. The novels are mostly set in Britannia, France and Outremer. The series is principally focused around the Angevin family, specifically Richard the Lionheart and John, as well their people and culture. Saladin is an important character in several of the first novels of the series. Peter of Preaux and William of Roches are two important Norman knights that are throughout the series.
 That is just a brief on my books. In many cases, my novels are based off of entire historical events. Where they take liberty, they have been inspired by other events of the Medieval World, including not only Medieval History, but also Medieval Literature.
I am about to finish up the eighth novel of the series. After that, one more novel to go. When the ninth novel is finished, I will start the process of making second and third drafts of my first novel, before eventually seeking publication of it.
 In a few months, I will be starting courses through Liberty University online. I will have to find a way to balance my desire of creativity with my academic work also! Until then, your friend Josh Dotson.

Inspirations Used for my Writings

 A lot of people probably don't know this about me, but research I have found to be more tiresome than writing. While I usually enjoy writing, research can be another story.
Back in 2013 I needed entertainment after my hard days work. Around that time, I started watching cartoons in the evenings after writing. Whether it be Ducktails or Tiny Toon Adventures, I have used cartoons over the years to relax me.
 One of the best ways to inspire a writer is to read books. Fof the past year, I have been reading one classic of English Literature after another. https://themedievalist.blogspot.com/ is my new blog addressing English Literature.  Writing is not the only way to becoming a writer, so is reading. Good reads of literature are probably as important as the discipline of writing itself.

We have all have strengths and weaknesses. It is important for us to know our creative talents, and where we are not so creative. Imagination the key to creativity, but so are practice and knowledge. I usually know when a scene or two in my books aren't that great. I also usually know, when I have written a masterpiece. First drafts are rarely perfect. Writers need to work hard, and eat healthy to keep good focus. Stay away from social media, as I find it to kill creativity. Never, never, never, let criticism make you give up. Most of criticism can actually be beneficial, no matter how it was meant.