Every week I will read the first chapter of someones book (with the authors permission of course)
You might just find your next favourite book
rohanoduill.substack.com (https://rohanoduill.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
Demon Engine is a heart stopping high-seas adventure featuring deep sea demons that certain skilled individuals can summon and control. But with these talents comes other torments. Ghosts or remora like to attach themselves to cleavers, leaving our MC with hundreds of competing voices in their head that can only be quietened by a lot of grog. Relatable right?
You can get Martens book in ebook, paperback and audiobook. (https://linktr.ee/flowerprincedesign)
If you love Martens writing as much as I do you can sign up to read an advance reader copy of his next book - Oath and Entropy here. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0vHR_R1pUFoVFQuvZKf_LbGvWA4jMgk4K4QcxUm6iu25HEQ/viewform?pli=1&authuser=0)
What to write on?
In first world writer problems I have been struggling of late to find the right software to write on. Who would have thought that in 2026 I would struggle to find a word processor that works for me? Previously I wrote in MS Word with a Pro Writing Aid extension and edited in Google docs. For the last year I have been trying my best to boycot any companies that actively support the state of Israel and the IOF as well as getting away from companies that integrate AI into their software. This has meant all my software is now out the windows. Pun intended.
I moved my email and cloud storage to Proton. But being dyslexic I always write and edit with a cream background, which proton docs doesn’t allow. I have tried a number of anti-AI grammar/spelling software. But again as a dyslexic I often spell things so wrong that the software needs to be very smart to figure out what word I was trying to spell. I haven’t found anything that was up to the level of Pro Writing Aid. But PWA admit themselves that even if you don’t use their AI features your writing could still be flagged as AI, and that’s a situation I don’t want to find myself in.
A lot of writers are big fans of Scrivener. I did try Scrivener a couple of years ago and found it had a lot of complicated features which I just didn’t need. But I have heard they are releasing a light version at some stage in the future which might be my answer. But unfortunately there is no confirmed release date.
In the mean time I will keep procrastinating from writing by trying out different writing software. If I do find a winner I will let you know. Otherwise, I might just have to try a pen and paper. And nobody can read my handwriting, including me.
What I’m Listening To
I listen to a lot of podcasts so I thought I would tell you about a couple I have been enjoying lately.
Wizards and Spaceships (https://wizardsandspaceships.ca/) is a Canadian podcast on SFF from Rachel A Rosen and David Clink. They have some excellent guests on and always have something interesting to say. A must listen from me.
Working Writer (https://workingwriters.io/)s is a new podcast on writing craft from Bryan Chaffin and Pete Aldin. If you would like some solid no nonsense advice on how to be a working writer, this is a great place to start.
In Other News- A Treasure Chest
Ever since I was a small kid I loved woodwork. I have a soft spot for old well made tools. The ones that were manufactured before throw away tools became a thing in the 70’s. Today my uncle turned up with a chest of old tools that someone was going to throw in a skip.
The tools are in relatively good condition and I look forward to polishing them up and getting them back into their former glory. When I do get around to it I will post up the after photos.
Thanks for tuning in this week, Hope to see you again next time, Dog Bless.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com (https://rohanoduill.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
26 Aug 2026
First Chapter Reads E42
This week I bring you Re-Emergence (https://www.alankdell.co.uk/books) by the excellent Alan K Dell
"It was just a myth. Just a damn legend passed down from corrupted databanks..."A mysterious probe from a long-forgotten satellite network appears in the heart of the Maldaccian Empire, warning about the return of a mythological evil.The Re-Emergence is a classic high-tech space opera described as "truly extraordinary" with "a feel somewhere between Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica".
Well This Happened
You might remember my book Cold Blooded made it into the quarter-finals of the SPSFC. I held a promotion that rocketed Cold Blooded up the charts and had me sitting pretty with Adrian Weir and Adrian Tchaikovsky. I may have to get this printed and stick it on my wall.
A Real Life Website
A while back my brother agreed to build me an author website, but these things take time or so he told me. So I am glad to announce after 30 months in development I have my very own website. Obviously there are still a few kinks to work out but I think you will agree it was worth the wait.
In Other News
It has been a while since I made a First Chapter Reads. To be honest the wind was really knocked out of my sails by how difficult self publishing has become in the past couple of years. The flood of AI books into the market along with the tightening up of social media sites has made it near impossible to get in front of readers without paying for ads has made being an indie author almost impossible.
But the SPSFC competition has given me a huge boost and the recent promotion where my book hit the top of the charts has given me the inspiration to get back in the saddle. I have started into a new short story this week along with getting my planning back in gear for the third Cold Rush Novella.
Watch this space.
Thanks for listening. Hope to see you all soon and dog bless.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com (https://rohanoduill.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
17 Aug 2025
First Chapter Reads E41
Today I had the pleasure of reading from this epic fantasy novel ‘The Crimson Fire’ which was originally written in Italian and translated into English by the author Abel Montero. Abel is a very talented writer and excellent member of the writing community.
In Other News
I am honoured to have teamed up with some of the most talented speculative fiction authors to create this science fiction anthology. We will be launching this exciting project through Kickstarter and features stories from T.K. Toppin, Nick Snape, J.D. Robinson, Bryan Chaffin, Rohan O'Duill and Jes Deaver.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rohanoduill.substack.com (https://rohanoduill.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
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