Hey All!
It’s the Friday before Christmas, a day before the start of Chanukah, two days past solstice, and the season of celebration for many different religions, faiths, belief systems. It’s cold and the sun is bright, and I’m feeling reflective. So maybe a slightly chatty post? It’s hard keeping in touch with fans these days, since FaceBook owner made it a less free site. FYI — I knew these FB restrictions were coming so I started a newsletter, with free short stories and secret news. It is fan based and fan run. If you want in, you can subscribe at the link above.
I got a new Dutch Oven for early Christmas, and I adore it. So far, I’ve made homemade bread in it, a batch of homemade soup, and it cooks great! It’s heavy as all get out, though! Here’s a pic! Ain’t it pretty?
OH! I am in a new kickstarter called LAWLESS LANDS with a story set in the Jane Yellowrock world. The story is finished, a little over 9K words, and is set in 1879, in Arizona. The main character is Ayatas, the skinwalker character from the short short short in The WEIRD WILD WEST anthology. He is so refreshing and different.
In Nell news — The fans voted and Nell Nicholson Ingram won an award! Tres cooli! It’s 3 or 4 up from the bottom if you want to take a look! Standout Heroine! THANK YOU all for the voting!
I overdid in 2015 and 2016, and I’m feeling it. By Dec 30, 2016, I will have released 3 novels, 2 anthologies and have written shorts for … 3 more anthos? Oh. And the serial short in the newsletter. Oy. I’ve been busy! If you missed something, it’s likely the Rogue Mage anthos TRIALS (out now) and TRIBULATIONS (out Dec 30). And yes, both are or will be available on Nook too. I’m tired but feeling good. And I might soon have info about the future of Jane Yellowrock and Nell Ingram, and the cast of characters you love. My agent and editor at Penguin Random House are in negotiations and sometime after the holidays we’ll know for sure.
My pal A.J. Hartley made Kirkus’ Best List for 2016 for his young adult novel STEEPLEJACK. It’s also available on Nook and paper. In my opinion it is the best book of 2016, in any genre. I LOVED THIS BOOK! Need a last minute gift, send an ebook! I mentioned that my pal David B. Coe and I are writing a serial short story in our newsletters. It’s about an Everhart witch set in his Thieftaker world. ADORE! (Yeah, I said that I over did? LOL) Another last minute gift? Take a gander at David’s books, also on Nook.
In 2017, I am going to be four cons, for sure. Confirmed. And I am Guest of Honor at two. Florida fans? Oasis 29 is a limited con, and caps attendees. If you want to see me, sign up early! Chattanooga (and surrounding areas) fans, I am GOH at LibertyCon. Ditto on the sign up early thing! Small cons sell out fast. Then there is my home con, ConCarolinas, and of course, DragonCon in Atlanta! If you can travel, please come see me!
I guess I should mention that I lost my dad this year. Grief can be an odd thing, especially when a relationship is complicated. I’m doing great, and I don’t even feel a loss. In fact I feel like he’s giving me more attention now than he ever did in life. Yeah, I’m weird. But that death has changed me. I’ve grown closer with my friends, closer with my family, and closer with my fans. I feel connections from me out into the world and back, a cycle of energy and hope, even as the world seems to descend into chaos.
I have no advice for 2017. But I promise to keep writing and to try to remain connected to my fans. I hope you will keep reading my books and giving new characters a chance, while giving old characters a chance to grow! (I first wrote that as a chance to growl. LOL) I send out hope for better things for each and every one of you. Peace and love, good health and prosperity.
Faith