What a month February has been – a month of extremes of weather for one thing. I’m glad to escaped the worst of it here in steaming hot Brisbane, but feel for everyone who has suffered loss from bushfires or wildfires, the Sahara-dessert levels of heat south of the border or Antarctic cold of the polar vortex across the Pacific, from earthquakes, storms, drought and other disasters.
It’s been something of a deluge on the publishing scene for me in much more pleasant ways – frantic, crazy and fantastic -with four new books due for release in February-March, several events both online and in person, and two promotions.
New Releases
Shadow Crystals
Shadow Crystals – Book 4 in the Under the Mountain series
She will do anything to save her people.
Delvina, Zadeki and the delegation lead by Danel must seek answers from the haughty Vaane, but they find the Lonely Isles in turmoil. Will Delvina find the way to open the Gate in time to prevent her people from starving? Will she be reunited with her twin, Retza? And why are the Forest Folk so secretive? As tensions increase, Delvina must discern friend from foe and defeat the shadows in her own heart.
Join Delvina and her friends on their quest to save the Glittering Realm under the mountain.
Set in the world of Nardva, Shadow Crystals is the fourth and penultimate novella in the Under the Mountain series.
Beat the price rise. It is currently available for pre-order on Amazon for February 21 release. Here.
If you haven’t started the series yet– no questions asked (: – you can pick up the first book in the series, Heart of the Mountain, for 99 USD (less than $2 AUD) (or as part of Ruhanna’s Flight and Other Stories or Limited Horizon).
Heart of the Mountain can be standalone, or it can lead into the next story if you want to experience more of Delvina, Retza and Zadeki’s world. So, what is stopping you? Begin the adventure today.
Wondering about which order to read them in?
Caverns of the Deep 5 (So close to finishing the first draft of this fifth and final book in the series. Looking at an April release.)
Gods of Clay
I can now reveal that a year ago my sci-fi short story, ‘Maroon’s Sanctuary’ was accepted for an anthology – Gods of Clay (a SciFi Roundtable anthology by the same publishers as The Quantum Soul). Maroon’s Sanctuary is one of my favourite sci-fi stories (that I’ve written so far). I had fun researching moons with ice-crusted oceans, genetic engineering, mining in the ocean and surviving underwater at deep pressures as well as railguns and a few other things. It is loosely connected to my other Nardvan space stories –– Space Junk, Rendezvous at Alexgaia, and Project Chameleon.
Gods of Clay is available here.
Challenge Accepted
Another exciting announcement. My story ‘Space Triage’ was accepted into the Challenge Accepted anthology – a celebration of difference and diversity with proceeds going to the Special Olympics.
A blind spaceship pilot.
Cops and maintenance personnel in wheelchairs.
Taking on bad guys with only one leg or no arms.
It’s not what you are that makes you something special. It’s who you choose to be.
Seventeen stories about people who rise above anything that tries to stop them, even their own limitations.
With stories by Stephanie Barr, Micha Burnett, Jennifer Busick, Adam David Collings, Steve Curry, Scott G. Gibson, Joyce Hertzoff, Jane Jago, Clarence Jennelle, Jeanette O’Hagan, Layla Pinkett, Jen Ponce, Connor Sassmannshausen, Lynne Stringer, E. M. Swift-Hook, Margret Treiber, Andy Zach.
Coordinated by Stephanie Barr with all proceeds to go to the Special Olympics.
I loved writing the characters in Space Triage which includes a space station and space pirates. Like Maroon’s Sanctuary, it is linked to my other Nardvan space stories.
Challenge Accepted is now available on pre-order here.
Tales of Magic and Destiny
Finally, my story ‘Wolf Scout’ has been selected for the new Inklings Press anthology Tales of Magic and Destiny – along with stories from talented authors Maria Haskins, Tom Jolly, Rob Edwards, Tara, Leo McBride, Aaron Emmel, Kerry Buchannon, Brent Harris, Jaleta Clegg, Ricardo Victoria & Hall Jameson.
I’m excited to be part of another Inklings Press anthology. (‘Shadows of the Deep’ was published in Tales From the Underground in 2017)
Wolf Scout is a fantasy story set in Nardva – a Barrakan Tale in the same region as Full Moon Rises (Like a Woman) and Broken Promises (Another Time, Another Place). Cover and publication dates will soon be revealed, so watch this space.
February Online Events
I’ll be attending a number of conventions and book fairs this year. More on that next month.
This month has been busy with online events.
Fantasy and Science-Fiction Readers Lounge (FSFRL)
A new, active readers group was launched last month with lot’s happening. I participated in the Kick-Off party, the FSFRL Young Adult Event and will be part of the Romance focus in a few days time. Join the celebration of Romance on FSFRL here.
It’s been fun interacting with readers, playing games and competitions and seeing new readers (to me) enjoy my books.
To keep up to date with online events, check out my Facebook Page here.
Sci-Fi Roundtable Auction
This auction is being set up in aid of helping a fellow Knight, Doreen Gunkel, who was involved in a horrific accident that left her with a broken back. She has since had an operation on it, and will be walking again soon. Doreen is known for her generosity in helping authors and cosplayers at conventions. The funds raised from this event will go towards Doreen’s medical expenses.
There is a fabulous range of items up for auction, including books, artwork and literary services. Bidding is often fierce and bargains plentiful.
Throughout this week, Layla will be adding lots to this event. Please note, the lots will be ‘browsing only’ until Friday 15th February (EST). If any of the other SFRT auctions are anything to go by, this will be an awesome event.
Fri to Sat EST (New York time) which is Sat-Mon Brisbane time.
Check it out here.
Our Books are Not Free
Another online event with over 100 authors, competitions, prizes and interaction. A great way to discover new authors and books to enjoy. Join here.
Take a big breath – almost finished.
Promotions
SFF 99c PROMO (FEBRUARY 2019)
I’m participating in in SFF 99c PROMO (FEBRUARY 2019) with the offer of Akrad’s Children at 99c USD until the end of the month.
Dates: 18 – 24 February 2019
Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Check out the link next week here .
Heart of the Mountain: a short novella
And in celebration of the release of Shadow Crystals, the first novella in the series – Heart of the Mountain – is at the introductory price of 99c USD until the end of the month here.
And that’s it for the month.
February has been busy, but I’ve had lots of fun interacting with fantasy and science-fiction fans, running competitions and gifting my books to the winners – and seeing my stories released into the world. There’s still time to join in the fun.
- Check out the new releases
- drop in on the events (whether online or in person),
- take advantage of the special prices on Akrad’s Children & Heart of the Mountain.
Time to immerse yourself in the world of Nardva – engaging characters, thrilling adventures.
I’ve also been busy reading and blogging – but more on that next time.
Jeanette