Jeanette O’Hagan writes

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November Update – Interviews, Book Events & Specials

Hard to believe that’s it’s almost December.  The last few months have brought a slew of conventions and other opportunities along with a few family crises.

Friday Feature Interview

In November, I was thrilled to be interviewed by Eric Klein about the world of Nardva. My last interview with Eric focused more on the Under the Mountain series, whereas this one highlighted the Akrad’s Legacy series. So, in case you want to know more about the behind the scenes of world-building, here is the interview:

 

For this week’s Feature Friday Futures Jeanette O’Hagan returns to tell us about her Akrad’s Legacy Series Akrad’s Children and Rasel’s Song.

Can you describe your world or setting?

The Akrad Legacy series is set in Tamra, one the Five Lands and part of a southern continental mass on an earth-like planet, Nardva. This is a fantasy world with shapeshifters and other wielders of mystical gifts and mythical creatures like the koraktil, though the vast majority of the people and animals are not magic users.

How did you build this concept, what research did you do?

The world took shape over many years, developing in complexity and scope as I imagined the exploits, relationships and challenges of different characters, starting with Agwynallen when I was eight or nine years old.

I’ve researched geographical land forms, weather and climate, how far and fast people and horses can travel, the phases of the moon (there are two in Nardva), sailing craft, fighting techniques, architecture, marriage costumes, poisons, underground caverns, and whatever else my various characters and world needs at the time.

Why did you choose this setting?

Most of the early stories I imagined were set in the northern hemisphere, but many years ago I had a lucid dream of a young girl holding a lantern near a fountain, at night. That became a book, the book became an idea for a series and I decided to set those stories in the southern hemisphere of Nardva.

What’s unique about your world?

I can think of four possibilities. Firstly, Nardva has two moons (not in itself unusual ins spec fic) but, in a reckless moment, I decided any descriptions of the different phases of the moons should be correct over time. That means, if I change the timeline in my draft, I also need to shift the moon phases to match. For that reason, I had to axe “the crescent of Argenti hanging like a silver reed boat in the western sky” because Argenti would be a half moon, not a crescent at that time. Keeping track is quite complicated and I suspect, I’m the only one who notices the difference. Read more here.

Book Events

After few face-to-face book events in 2020, 2021 has been a feast.  Meeting people who love fantasy, who are keen to buy books – some new readers to Nardva, some enthusiastic readers returning for more – is fantastic.

This Year  I have been at
*Supanova Gold Coast (with Rendered Realms) – 17-18 April 2021
*Omega Writers Book Fair – 31 July 2021
*Cooparoo PC Book Fair – 28 August 2021
*The inaugural Logan Writers Festival – 11-12 September 2021
*Supanova Brisbane – 6-7 November 2021

Unfortunately, Oz Comic Con was postponed, first to December and then to next year, but really it’s been a fabulous year for meeting new and old fans.

Looking forward to meeting more readers next year.

Congratulations to the Winner

Thanks everyone who commented on the interview with the wonderful Claire Buss.

I’m thrilled to announce the winner of a book from the Roshaven series.
(And sorry for the delay, see above reference to family crises.)

The winner is

….drum roll…

Babs Mountjoy.

Congratulations Babs. If you can let me know which book you would like to receive – The Rose Thief (book 1), The Silk Thief (book 2) or The Bone Thief (book 3). and Claire will be in touch 🙂

 

Black Friday /Cyber Monday Sales

Sales Bonanza – 5 books all 99c each

 

*Under the Mountain Boxed Sets 1-3 & 4-5
*Ruhanna’s Flight and Other Stories

*The first two books in the Akrad’s Legacy Series

This is almost my entire body of work (apart from poetry and several short stories) – available in  electronic form for $5 US – but only for a few more days.

Don’t miss out. Grab a bargain & start reading. Enjoy #epicfantasybooks #blackfridaydeals
Follow the link (or check out Amazon, Kobo, ITunes etc)

Wishing you all the best for the Season.

Jeanette

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2019 in review

If you had three words, how would you describe 2019?

Eventful, Stressful, Hopeful

It’s certainly been eventful and often stressful (especially on the world stage and also locally). Here in Australia the unprecedented bushfires, the smoke haze in many of our major cities but especially Sydney, and the drought has dominated the news. And of course, then there is Brexit, Trump and the revival of old political rivalries to keep us on our toes. So many issues to face and to take a stand on (whichever way that might be), that sometimes the good news can become lost in all the furore.

But if it all gets too much, why not escape into another world with a good book (or movie) to replenish and revision for a more positive future? With that in mind – how was your 2019 for books read, books written?

Recap of my 2019 literary adventures.

New Books and Stories

Under the Mountain Series complete

With the publication of Shadows Crystals & Shadows of the Deep – the Under the Mountain series is now complete. Currently, the first four novellas are available in print, and fifth soon will be.

Five Anthologies

Four my short stories & a poem have been published in five anthologies in 2019

Continue reading →
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Launchs and Events: February 2017

Did you come to the Lakwi’s Lament Launch? We had a fabulous time.

And the year has already been busy with writing, other events, publication plans.

Happening Now – Our Books Are Not Free Facebook Event

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Not sure what to read next? Looking for a range of great books? Over 100 authors are participating in the Our Books Are Not Free event over 5 days – why not join the event & check out the authors and books https://www.facebook.com/events/206705409792190/

My slot is 2pm Tuesday, 14 February 2017  Queensland time (which is 3pm in EST Australia & 11:00pm 13 February 2017 EST USA). It would be fantastic to see you there.

 

Lakwi’s Lament Launch

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A big thank you to all my fabulous guest authors – Paula Vince, Lynne Stringer, Adam Collings, Mirren Hogan, Kasper Beaumont, Adele Jones, Nola Passmore -and all wonderful participants – whether you dropped in for a few minutes or stayed until the last one left – for your inspiring and heart-felt answers and enthusiasm and refreshing party supplies. I couldn’t have done it without you. There were lots of fabulous questions and competitions with prizes won.

Can I remind you – if you haven’t got a copy of Lakwi’s Lament – it’s available at Amazon or Draft2Digital – ie Kobo, Apple, Nook etc.

Just 99 cents US. I’d love you to read it & review it 🙂

Check out my Amazon Central page for my other stories –
Heart of the Mountain: a short novella
The Herbalist’s Daughter
and the stories Broken Promises in Another Time Another Place
and Ruhanna’s Flight in Glimpses of Light

Both Anna and Lakwi appear in Fever & the associated stories posted on my Jeanette O’Hagan Writes website.

 

Reviews

It’s a truism that authors love reviews.

Thanks to my lovely readers who have posted reviews of Lakwi’s Lament, Heart of the Mountain and The Herbalist’s Daughter on Amazon, Goodreads, blogs  or Youtube. Here’s a small selection 🙂

 Heart of the Mountain:

‘Captivating characters and a plot that draws you in from the start. This well crafted work is recommended reading.’ Adele Jones, GoodReads

‘Jeanette O’Hagan creates a world rich in lore and mystery. It kicks off with a good action hook and there is an undercurrent of dire consequences for failure. There is plenty of action, well interspersed with snippets of background reveal and lovely imagery,’ Ladyhawk, Amazon

The Herbalist’s Daughter:

‘An enchanting story with engaging characters. Looking forward to reading more of this world.’ Shelley Nolan, GoodReads

Lakwi’s Lament:

‘Lakwi isn’t the typical princess. I liked her spunk and how she thinks on her feet so to speak. My one complaint is the story wasn’t long enough. I wanted to know what happens next and would gladly read more in the series.’ Jenny Blake, Amazon

I always enjoy Jeanette O’Hagan’s stories and this one is no exception. She writes engaging fantasy stories. … It is suitable for older readers too and is a very quick read but with a rich storytelling world. Rebekah Rodda, GoodReads

Lakwi’s Lament also featured on Adam Colling’s Bulletin

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Month of Poetry

I had a fabulous time with Month of Poetry. This Year I decided to experiment with different poetry forms-form A to Z (Acrostics to ZamiLA rhymes). It was stretching at times, but a lot of fun. Here was my List Poem 🙂

A Novel Cake

Take a modicum of talent
a cup full of dreams
and hard work in equal measure,
mix together vigorously.
Stir in two aspirations well beaten
and half a cup of constructive feedback
until reaching a smooth and creamy consistency.
Add chopped metaphors (never mixed) to taste.
and a pinch of optimism.
Bake well in the scorching oven of opinion.
When cool, sprinkle with crystallised hopes.
Allow to settle to release the flavours
and garnish with a swirl of revision.
Serve with a generous side of promotion.
 
Warning this cake may cause tears but has been known to be addictive.

 Jeanette O’Hagan 15 January 2017

 

I’ve submitted a number of the poems to competitions and anthologies. To read more about Month of Poetry check out Jenny’s Thread

 

Coming this year:

‘Stasia’s Stand’ is due to be published in the Crossroad anthology later this year.

I’m submitting some short stories to a couple of anthologies and will be involved as editor in Like A Woman anthology – a spec-fic charity anthology in support of victims of Domestic Violence.

The sequel of Heart of the Mountain – Blood Crystal should be out in a couple of months & Akrad’s Children (the first book in the Akrad Legacy series) later this year.

To keep up with cover reveals, publication dates, launches and more–subscribe to my email Newsletter here. http://eepurl.com/bbLJKT

Thanks again. And hope to see you at the Our Books Are Not Free Event

Jeanette

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December update

These a meme I saw recently that goes something like this:

January

February

March …

blink

December.

I’ve got to say, it does seem like I blinked and the year is almost finished.

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 Since September

  • I’ve released The Herbalist’s Daughter as a e-story on Amazon and other digital outlets.
  • I had a fantastic time a few days in Katomba with the quirky quills & then at the Omega Writers Conference in Mulogoa. Meet old friends, made some new ones, was encouraged and inspired in my writing journey and had the opportunity to inspire others through a Bootcamp session.
  • Had fun at the Be Creative Camp especially in the watercolours workshop – letting my imagination roam.
  • Wrote 50,000 words as part of NaNoWriMo in November
  • Had a short story – Stasia’s Stand – accepted by Birdcatcher books for an anthology in 2017
  • Received some good feedback on Rasel’s Song though the Caleb Competition
  • And also some feedback on Heart of the Mountain’s cover ‘a simple, clean design that makes its point well’ Joel Friedlander, e-Book Cover Design Awards, November 2016

 Anniversaries

This December is the second year anniversary of Tied in Pink: romance anthology (December 2014) and the first year anniversary of Let the Sea Roar, Another Time Another Place, and Like a Girl (December 2015).

The Herbalist’s Daughter (in Tied in Pink) was my first published story. I now have seven short stories and over eight poems published. It’s been an exciting two years 🙂

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 Future Plans

I’m planning on publishing Lakwi’s Lament (a short story originally published in Like a Girl anthology Dec 2015) in January and hoping to have the sequel to Heart of the Mountain edited and published early next year.

I’m also working towards publication of Akrad’s Children, Rasel’s Song and Mannok’s Betrayal.

So far all my stories (with the exception of Sandy:Perfect Plans in Let the Sea Roar and, possibly, Space Junk in Genre-lly Speaking) are set in the world of Nardva – though often in different places, times and/or cultures.

Reviews

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I’ve also been chuffed with some fantastic reviews of Heart of the Mountain: a short novella both on Amazon, Goodreads and different blogs.

“She (Jeanette O’Hagan) skillfully weaves plot and developing relationships into a gripping, high stakes tale and wraps it up lickity-spit with a satisfying conclusion that leaves you keen to read more.” M. Adams, Goodreads

“This is an intriguing novella with a richly detailed storyworld.” R. Rodda, Goodreads

“Jeannette O’Hagan takes readers on a fast paced adventure of intrigue, mystery and action. She leaves us wanting more. The fantasy world that O’Hagan has created has depth and originality with a rich history and fascinating characters.” L. Painter, Goodreads

and many more on Goodreads

 “Jeanette O’Hagan creates a world rich in lore and mystery.” K. Beaumont on Hunters of Reloria

 

If you have read and enjoyed Heart of the Mountain, I’d love you to leave a review (it doesn’t have to be long). And if you haven’t read it yet, copies are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other outlets.

I’ve also read some fantastic books (more on this next post) including craft books and fiction – YA, Sci-Fi and fantasy. (See upcoming post – Jeanette’s 2016 Spec Fic Picks).

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2017

While there has been a lot of sadness and tragedy during 2016, and some challenges for myself and my family – it has also been a year with lots to celebrate and appreciate. I treasure the support and encouragement of my readers and fellow writers.

Wishing you and your families a Christmas time and New Year – full of joy, peace and love.

Jeanette O’Hagan

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Scavenger Hunt

The Necklace Thief

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Over several days items of value – and some not so valuable – have been disappearing from the palace. Have they been stolen and if so by whom? The clues are hidden in the following stories

To participate in the Scavenger Hunt you need to:

1)      Name all four items that go missing from the palace.

2)      Identify what these items have in common.

3)      Identify the thief.

4)      State in 25 words or less who you would like to feature in the next short story and why.

The best answer to the above questions submitted either as a comment to this blog post or as comments on my Facebook Fan Page will win a $US 50 Amazon Voucher.  (The winner will need to notify me of his/her email to receive the prize within 10 days of notification of the winning. The decision on the winner is final with no correspondence will be entered into concerning the winning entry.)

Entry to the contest is free.

The contest will be open from 9 am Monday 10 November to 5 pm Wednesday 19 November 2014 (Brisbane time). The winner will be announced on Wednesday 26 November 2014 along with publication of Part Two of the Missing Necklace.

Please read Terms and conditions

If you enjoyed reading about the adventures of Anna, Rokkan and Naetok, their adventures continue in The Herbalist’s Daughter to be published in Tied in Pink anthology (due to released 14 December 2014) and in the Akrad Legacy series (as yet unpublished). Profits of Tied in Pink go towards Breast Cancer research.

 

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Venturing into the Twitterverse

In the words of the Borg – “resistance is futile” (at least some of the time). It’s taken some years but I’ve finally ventured into the Twitterverse  find me @jeanetteohagan or https://twitter.com/JeanetteOHagan.

For other social media contacts, you can check out my contact page but to save you that extra click I’ve included them here too 😉

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeanetteOHaganAuthorAndSpeaker

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanetteOHagan

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jeanetteoh/

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanetteohaganwrites

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11029945-jeanette

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Lynne’s Book Launch – The Crown

Book launches are exciting – especially when the author is someone we know.  This afternoon I’m heading off to the launch of my friend, Lynne Stringer’s The Crown.

The Crown is the second book in the YA Sci-Fi Verindon Trilogy (published by Wombat Books). I enjoyed reading the first book The Heir  as High School student Sarah discovers that all is not as it seems. The sci-fi elements of the book filter in slowly and the book ends with a bang. I’m looking forward to reading The Crown which is set on another planet and follows Sarah as she adjusts to a new identity, a new world, new responsibilities and dangers.

And the launch will be a blast.

Lynne’s third book The Reign is due out next year.

Jeanette O’Hagan

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Welcome to Nardva and The Five Lands

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”

― Neil Gaiman, Coraline

Welcome to Jeanette O’Hagan Writes – a compendium of information, imagination and adventure. Please, come in, explore, make yourself at home, stay a while, leave a comment and visit again.

I was on the cusp of turning ten when I took my first tremulous steps in the world of Nardva. Strange lands shrouded in mist, populated with people that over the years became close friends, even allies. Neither wardrobe or blue box was needed to be transported there – all I had to do was imagine – and stories, vistas, histories began to coalesce out of the mist and the world took shape. Some of those stories I have written down, some remain to be told.

This website is a portal into Nardva. Here you can find :

My Books (in Waiting) – glimpses and teasers for the currently three completed manuscripts and another fully plotted and about to be written (as of October 2013).

The Nardva Files – stories, poems, maps, character sketches, artwork, compendiums of flora, fauna, typography and customs.

The Fantasy Files – ramblings, ruminations and reviews about fantasy literature.

News and Events – things I do and markers along my writing and publishing journey as well as announcements (when relevant) about surveys, contests and giveaways.

About Jeanette  – want to know more about who I am? Here I have the perfect excuse to talk about myself 😉

Contact Jeanette – well, I’m sure you can work that one out.

Nardva was not built in a day – and neither is a website. It’s more fun that way.

 

Jeanette O’Hagan

24 October 2013

Brisbane, Australia