Mary of Starlight

Yes, Mary of Starlight, that is the name of book number three in the series. Why is it called Mary of Starlight, you might ask? Well, you'll just have to wait and see. I am 39,750 words into the story, and things are already heating up. Terrible things are happening, tension is building and pretty soon spectacular events will unfold. Is that vague enough?

In other news, I wrote a really long fantasy novel earlier this year called Deep Water. It was over 200,000 words, which is a pretty hefty paperback. On the advice of an agent, who suggested a publisher might be hesitant to purchase such a large novel from an unknown author, I split it into two volumes. The first volume, Bloodstone, is currently under consideration at a small publishing house. They expressed excitement about the sample chapters and synopsis. I should have a response one way or the other in a couple of months. The second volume, A Whisper in the Void, is also ready to go, should the first volume sell.

Now, I haven't even talked about my post-apocalyptic science fiction novel, The Klown Kroo. I wrote that one back in 2011. It is also under consideration at a publishing house. It may sell first. You never know. Of all the things I've written, my wife (who is my chief reader of first drafts) declared The Klown Kroo her favorite. It's about a ragtag clown troupe trying to eke out a living in various decaying Arkansas towns whilst being occasionally attacked by hordes of brain-sick rubes. What's not to love?

If all goes well, I could be a four-time published author by the end of the year. We shall see.

Survived!

I survived the first book signing! Honestly, it was an awkward experience. You're sitting there at a little table right in the middle of Hasting's, staring at the entry door while people wander past you. My wife's advice was "don't look bored or angry," so I opted for grinning like a fool.

It went well. The book manager told me I sold more copies than usual for this sort of thing, so I can't complain. Plus, I met some interesting people and saw some old friends.

The next book signing will be at Hasting's in Fort Smith on Saturday, September 22, from 2pm to 4pm, so if you're in the area (or willing to drive to the area), stop on by. I would like to meet you and grin like a fool in your general direction!

Mary of Shadows

Well, it's official. I signed a contract for the sequel, Mary of Shadows. Now, mind you, things work slowly in the publishing world, so it will be quite a while before this book is actually on the shelf. There is editing to do and cover art and all of the other fun things that have to happen. But at least the formal paperwork is done.

What can I tell you about the sequel? Not much. First of all, many of you still need to read Mary of the Aether. I don't want to spoil anything there. However, I will give you the very first sentence of Mary of Shadows. Here it goes:

It was the screaming that brought the party to an end, the screaming and the blood. 

That's the opening line. Nice, eh? Stayed tuned for more info as more info becomes available.

Book Signings!

So here's something I've never done before, a book signing. I'll be honest, what I have witnessed of these things gives me a degree of trepidation. How many times have I walked into a bookstore only to see some indie writer sitting all alone at a table with one million copies of his or her book piled on a table, while they smile and try not to look disappointed?

Well, buck up there, pardner, because soon that will be you!

That was just me talking to myself there. Anyway, the first book signing is coming up on August 18. I'll get more specific info today when I talk to the book manager of this particular store. The only vow I can make is that any books purchased at this book signing will be signed with an extra fancy signature! Now, if that doesn't draw in the crowds, I don't know what will.

Sequels!

Mary of the Aether is out, people are reading it, and I'm starting to get feedback. The question I'm getting more than any other is whether or not there will be a sequel and when it will come out. For the record, the sequel is already written, and I have already sent it to the publisher for consideration. I am waiting to hear back from the editor to see if they offer me a contract.

The sequel is called Mary of Shadows. Without giving anything away, I can say that ultimately it is a lot more intense than Mary of the Aether. Turmoil, danger and crazy things happen. I think it is a much better book than Mary of the Aether, but maybe I'm not a good judge of my own writing. We'll see what the publisher says.

I am currently working on the next sequel, book number three in what should turn out to be a four book series. The working title is Mary of Starlight, but that is subject to change (or not). I have the series mapped out in my head already. We'll see how it works out. It is headed in an epic direction, that's all I can say. Just you wait and see, people.

And with that, let me get back to working on chapter five.