Hard to believe that it is April already. So what’s been happening?  I’ve been writing, editing, blogging and critiquing.

Futurevision anthology:

I’m thrilled that my short story Rendezvous at Alexgaia (a follow-on from Space Junk) was accepted by 1231 Publishing for the Futurevision anthology. The anthology will be released in September with a physical launch on 9th September at the North Lakes Library, North Lakes (Brisbane), Qld.

Other stories include:

‘100 Words’ by Nola Passmore, Ground Zero by Raelene Purtill, ‘Bad Hair Day’ by Julian Green, ‘Dragons in Area 51′ by Kasper Beaumont,’Sanctuary’ by Nyssa Baschel and many others.

It’s going to be a fantastic anthology – you can read excerpts of each story here.

March Events:

I’ve participated in a number of online events and launches in March:

Our Books Are Not Free week long event.

Mirren Hogan’s online launch of her historical novel The Night Witches (check it out Night Witches blog tour on Jenny’s Thread).

The Science-Fiction and Fantasy authors and artist Faire – run by Author Gibson and friends.

Spring into the Elemental Series by Alex Carey

If you missed out on the fun of these events – two more opportunities are imminent – an opportunity  discover new speculative fiction authors and books, enter competitions, win books and prizes and to support emerging indie and small press authors.

Don’t Miss Out

In 7 hours – Mirren Hogan and Erin Yoshikawa’s release party of Nightmare Rises. I have a slot at 11:30 AEST.

And on April 12 (or April 13 in Oz) the Fantasy and Science Fiction Network are holding an online Drop Everything and Read Day – I have a slot on 8:30 am Wednesday AEST.

Blogging:

As usual, I’ve participated in a number of guest blogs including talking about Secondary World and Portal Fantasy – and have also featured on a number of blogs – Promote Me and Tuesday Spotlight.

Like a Woman anthology

There’s an opportunity to submit to the Like a Woman anthology, a follow-on from Like a Girl anthology (original home for Lakwi’s Lament). This is also a speculative fiction charity anthology, with profits being donated to a group that supports victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Hard at Work:

Otherwise, I’ve been hard at work (well actually, having a great deal of fun), writing and editing.

I’ve done a full edit of Akrad’s Children

I’ve been hard at work on Blood Crystal, the sequel to Heart of the Mountain.  I’ve completed a second draft & will go through it at least once more before sending it out to beta-readers. I’ve also started working on the cover.

Blood Crystal excerpt:

Boom, boom. Something heavy smashed against the outer cavern doors. Delvina braced herself, the stone floor vibrating beneath her boots. This assault was longer and more ferocious than the last. She gripped the rim of the basket she was hauling and shuffled closer to her brother, Retza, reassured by his solid presence and the faint smell of rock dust and mushroom soup on his rough clothes.

Retza pushed his lips into a stiff smile. “It’s going to be okay.”

‘Yes, maybe this time.’ Delvina swallowed against the sudden tightness in her throat. How long could they withstand the former Overseer Uzza’s attacks. How long before food and supplies dwindled. Old Barekia had repaired the Crystal Heart, but now it was producing only half the power. How long before it failed? Again. Cold fear fingered her heart and squeezed the breath from her lungs.

I’ve also written a couple of flash fictions – ‘Eating Time’ and ‘Rookie Mistake’ – and a short story ‘Moonflame.’ I have several other short story ideas on the boil and am hopeful that one or more will appear in upcoming anthologies. Watch this space 🙂

Otherwise family have kept me busy with various challenges and successes. My daughter, Kathleen O’Hagan is a budding young artist, winning several prizes over the last 2-3 years, including recently 3rd Prize in the Mosman Youth Art Prize (seniors 15-17). You can see more of her work on her KathleenOHaganArt website.

I hope you too have had a productive and successful few months & with many enjoyable reads along the way.

Jeanette O’Hagan

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