Hello all! It’s a rainy morning here and I love the cozy feeling that comes along with those–except that part of me simply wants to go back to bed and sleep all day! It’s been busy like usual here, but there are a lot of exciting things happening!
Progress Updates
I am working on re-drafting Book Four and am currently a tenth of the way through the story. It’s gotten really dark, but there are some bright moments. That “Nobledark” term really seems to apply to my books.
Meanwhile I’m letting my subconscious chew over the edits I know I need to make in Book Three. I’m really proud of the pacing there though–things keep whipping along, and so far Book Four is continuing that pace. Enough threads have been brought into play from the first two books that there’s just a lot to do, and I love Palon and Windward’s occasional cameos.
Speaking of Palon and Windward, if you missed out on beta-reading their prequel, no need to worry! Simply click on the link below for your own beta copy. Your comments will help me strengthen the story and polish it up for release!
I’ve finally finished the nonfiction book on Self-compassion and it was quite interesting. I took my time to digest it and I don’t know that I agree with everything, but even so I think it’ll be a useful tool for me (and it gave me some further insight into how Kaemada would think).
I’m now eager to start Nophek Gloss by Essa Hansen. It looks really good, so I can’t wait to dig in!
I finally dropped a bunch of mini-reviews from last year’s r/Fantasy Bingo board, so if you’re interested in those you can check that out, too.
Indie Ink Awards
The Indie Ink Awards are open for nominations! I’m really excited to be working with this. All self-published and small press books are eligible (except mine because, obviously, conflict of interest). It’s been incredible to watch the nominations roll in– we’re up to nearly 2,000 nominations across over 200 books.
Feel free to pop over to IndieStoryGeek.com and nominate your favorites! We’re still looking for reader-judges for the final stage of the contest, too, so if you’re interested in that, you can fill out the application here.
Newsletter freebie
I thought today I would give you a sneak peek into part of Book Three. There may be mild spoilers, but nothing huge.
“Alright, Galod,” Umril said. “Promise you won’t infect us, and we’ll help you heal. I will of course scan you for truth.”
Kaemada groaned. “Can’t you trust him?”
Umril looked down at her. “We must protect ourselves.”
Takiyah scowled. “This is foolish. If you can’t trust him, why trust the rest of us? What are you going to do if you decide not to trust him, just leave him to suffer?”
“I swear on my life and the lives of my students, I will not infect you purposefully,” Galod said.
Takiyah folded her arms, glaring at him. Using her as collateral to his word was bad enough, but not even being asked first if she was all right with that was even worse.
“I’ll send you my memory of how careful he was not to infect me, if that’ll help,” Kaemada said.
Galod gave her a sharp look, while Umril smiled. “Unfortunately, you are someone he cares for, while we do not have that luxury.”
“He’s not a monster,” Kaemada insisted.
“Fine,” Umril said abruptly. “The others of the Stand accept your condition. On your life, Galod, and the lives of your students.”
Wariness instantly leaped to Kaemada’s face, and Takiyah narrowed her eyes. “Didn’t you just say you’re pacifists?”
“Oh, no, we wouldn’t hurt you. We would just have your life.”
Takiyah glanced at Kaemada. “Are you alright with this?”
“I don’t like it, but Galod won’t infect them.”
“Such trust you have in him,” Umril said, that fondness creeping back into his voice before it was replaced with iron as he turned his gaze to Galod. “I only hope he’s worthy of it.”
Galod mumbled something in reply. Whatever it was, Umril laughed, and beckoned them after him as he walked across the clearing. Galod hobbled after, and Kaemada and Takiyah trailed.
“Umril, we have questions,” Kaemada said.
“You always have questions,” Umril said.
Takiyah love gathering more information at the best of times, but answers were sorely needed now. If the elves had answers about any of the issues facing them, it was time to bring them to light. So much was rooted in the past, and neither she nor the Rinaryn had the lifespan to see it. No wonder the fae seemed all powerful, all knowing, or at least, extraordinarily wise. And yet, it was the elves that people went to when they needed healing, not the fae. That should have been their first clue.
“What do the fae have against Eian?” Kaemada asked.
“And against us?” Takiyah asked.
“Oh, we’re going to be in for a long night.” Umril chuckled, shaking his head. “Let’s plant your technomage and I’ll have some tea and refreshments brought out.”
Looking for more to read?
Dragons, Fantasy Riders, and Epic Adventures Promo
If you’re like me and there’s just no such thing as too many dragons, check out this promo. This one is all dragons, dragon riders, or riders of other fantasy creatures in epic/high fantasy or sword & sorcery genres. None of these books focus on romance, though it might be there in the background.
Check out this selection of free fantasy and sci-fi stories. Some contain elements of mystery, paranormal, romance, coming-of-age, horror, dystopian, aliens, mythology, and more. Some are full books, others are short stories, but they’re all middle-grade on up
