Fantasy & Science Fiction: Past & Present

When I was a teen and started buying my own books, fantasy and science fiction came in all sizes. The tradition now is for an average fantasy novel to be around a 100,000 words. Some fantasy novels out there are doubler or triple that size now. That is  the current mode and expectation. But when I first dove into reading science fiction and fantasy, many of these novels were much smaller, slim paperback volumes. But the tales within were epic! The small books from great authors now legendary:Tanith Lee, Ursula K. Le Quin, Robert E Howard, Ray Bradbury, and more. Everything is so complicated in the publishing world. This is why I love going into used bookstores, which is about the only place to find books these days outside of Amazon. There are some bookstores left, but few work with smaller publishers and carry their books. I understand there is an issue of profit and loss, but that hurts some genuine good authors who are looking to expand. So I take my shopping to the used bookstores or buy online. I miss finding those little gems. Of course, my personal library is stocked with my old favorites. But it would be nice to for publishers to think back on these slim books with so much impact. Not everything has to be a thousand pages to telll a great story. What are your favorites? 

Snow White: My Story

This story first appeared in print antholgy by Mystic Signals, Issue 13. April 2012. 

This short story was my retelling of onw of my favorite fairy tales, Snow White. This dark tale has so much wonder, and sadlly, not as appreciated. I do agree (as far as Disney film) their version's use of the seven dwarfs was silly. But the wicked queen and innocent Snow White had a deeper message. Being a strong character is not just about swinging a sword. Snow White was an innocent, but she was also strong. She was kind and generous. Her path thorny with trials and threat of death, but in the end, she rose form the ashes thanks to magic and found not only true love, but (this is often left out of movies and tales) made sure her wicked stepmother/queen was punished. I made sure to include that in my version of Snow White. These fairy tales are old, and predate Grimm. They gathered these tales in Europe, but they are hundreds, even thousands of years older than we know. Fairy tales are a fascination of mine. It's not about the kiss. It's about light being rewarded and darkness banished. The tale is free to to read on my website (with many others, old and new). It was originally published by Mystic Signals edition 13, 2012 print anthology only.  Enjoy! Here is the direct link: Snow White: My Story

War Poet

My second novel in the Rogue Bardess series, War Poet is nearly done. I have dragged my heroine Rose Greenleaf through the trauma trail as she faces goblins and fairy, a mad king, a cursed prince in a tower, and ancient legends with dark agendas. There are new characters along with our established ones. I hope to submit it to my published, Tom Gondolfi  of TANSTAAFL Press soon. Read the first novel, The Bardess of Rhulon, and cattch up on her adventure. Available at Amazon amzn.to/3Z3Oqar

You can read the first chapter of Bardess at TANSTAAFL Press atr The Bardess of Rhulon » TANSTAAFL Press

The Bastard Sorceress from TANSTAAFL Press, @ Amazon https://amzn.to/3DPq77p

And check out my new editions form my Familiar's Tale series at Wolfsinger Publications. Gate of Souls and Tree of Bones are available at Amazon & Wolfsinger in both Kindle and paperback formats.

First chapters can be read at Wolfsinger: Gate of Souls & Tree of Bones both here: Gate of Souls | Fantasy | WolfSinger Publications (wolfsingerpubs.com) 

And an excerpt from my writing life:

 

More to come later. Now that it is September I welcome autumn, hazlenut lattes, and crunch fall leaves. 

Verna McKinnon

Tree of Bones Release, Goblin Rant: The Curse of Tropes, & Writing On Empty

Tree of Bones, A Familiar's Tale, Book 2

It's back! Am so happy Tree of Bones is back again, now published by Wolfsinger Publications. It was just released and am so glad to see it back in print and on kindle. As a reward, there are sweet deals for you! We decided to keep the original cover by artist, Mitch Bentley. Tree of Bones is the second book in my Familiar's Tale series. 

Tree of Bones is now available on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and the WolfSinger Publications website. 

You can read the first chapter at Wolfsinger @ Tree of Bones | Fantasy | WolfSinger Publications (wolfsingerpubs.com) 

Readers, you get a 15% discount by visiting the WolfSinger Publications website at: https://www.wolfsingerpubs.com/shop and using code NR2023. You can also get a 15% discount at Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1422701 by using code PJ87Z. Discounts will be available through 8/31/23. Enjoy the fantasy!

There is also time to take advantage of deals on Gate of Souls. A Familiar's Tale, Book 1. These discounts are available until 08/15.

You can read the first chapter here: Gate of Souls | Fantasy | WolfSinger Publications (wolfsingerpubs.com)

Deals include WolfSinger Publications: https://www.wolfsingerpubs.com/shop - Use coupon code NR2023 to save 15% off the cover price. (Valid through 8/15) (Trade Paperback, .pdf and ePub are available on the WolfSinger website)

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1415416 - Coupon code AH37L to save 15% off the cover price. (Valid through 8/15)

Gate of Souls is of course on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944637230 & Snashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1415416 - Coupon code AH37L to save 15% off the cover price. (Valid through 8/15)

Goblin Rant: The Curse of Tropes

Maybe I have read too many books, seen to many shows & movies, but certain tropes set off my inner goblin. There are so many that need to go down a deep, goblin hole. Here is a list of some tropes that annoy me. 

Death: Killing off a character because you think it wraps up their story. It might kill off your readership as well, or your viewership.A character death must mean something. This has been done in books as well as TV and film. Some of these shows traumitized me. As have some books. Boo! 

The Reluctant Couple: Playing the boring game with keeping a couple apart, and only coming together at the end. Some examples from TV: Penny and Leonard from Big Bang Theory & Ross & Rachel from Friends. I was sick to death with both shows before season five. The trick of letting them get together for a season and then split them up for years until the show is cancelled. It's boring and by the end, I did not care at all. And the trope of  having other, less important characters, find love and marriage as a weird compensation. I would rather see a couple weather bumps and stay together. Have some imagination. A couple with charisma is never boring. 

The Adventure Ends: The trope of now that you have a spouse or fulfilled a destiny, your adventure ends. You settle in a cottage and quietly have babies. My characters will never follow that road. Some may marry, but they will never fall into fantasy suburbia. Life does not end when you find your love or destiny, It should continue to grow. This is for both male and female characters. When Prince Charming wakes up Snow White with a kiss after the deadly apple episode, I don't think her advenuture is at an end. 

Okay, rant done. For the moment.  

Writing On Empty

As I push ahead with completing War Poet (Bardess of Rhulon, Book 2) I have been overwhelmed by annoying obstacles. A bad cold which longered for three weeks, and when I finally stopped coughing, a hurt my back. I want a refund on July. Now that we are in August, I hope to complete War Poet, I just need to avoid the plague and not move. Rose Greenleaf is getting impatient for her story's completion. Wish me luck as I dive into the goblin war and a dark fairy war. 

More to come later.  Until then, read more fantasy!

 

A Familiar's Tale Reborn, War Poet, & Goblin Writing Guides & More

A Familiar's Tale Reborn

Great news! My Familiar's Tale series, which includes Gate of Souls and Tree of Bones, is now published by Wolfsinger Publications. Thanks to the publisher and editor Carol Hightshoe for rescuing my series. The final entry to the trilogy (Fires of Rapveshta) should be out before the end of the year. To add to the happiness there are some discount codes listed available through Wolfsinger website for Gate of Souls & Tree of Bones. Gate of Souls is now up and available as of July 17 and can be found through these links:

Wolfsinger Publications website: https://www.wolfsingerpubs.com/shop - they can use coupon code NR2023 to save 15% off the cover price. (Valid through 8/15)
(Trade Paperback, .pdf and ePub are available on the WolfSinger website)

 Also available on: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944637230

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1415416 - they can use coupon code AH37L to save 15% off the cover price. (Valid through 8/15)

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gate-of-souls-verna-mckinnon/1143713331

Tree of Bones through Wolfsinger is coming soon! Wolfsinger Pubications will load it on website & Amazon on 07.31.23 (the current aim). Yeah!

War Poet Update

War Poet, my sequel to The Bardess of Rhulon is nearly complete. So much action, romance, demons, magic, and trauma await our favorite bardess in War Poet. I hope to have the novel complete before the end of summer. I have been editing as I go ( attention nitpickers who shout don't do that, mind your own books).  I have a system that works for me. Rules apply to writing habits only if they are useful or helpful.  

My Writing Process 

You've know those lovely writing vlogs by authors on YouTube or on their websites? The ones with polished writers sitting with their laptops with groomed hair and cute outfits, sipping tea? I am not one of them. Sigh. I wish I were. When I am deep in writing mode, I resemble a short goblin in a hoodie,  hunched over my computer  with smudged mascara. Coffee or tea is there, with emergency cookies (they are essential to the writing process).  Writing is not glamorous. It only appears that that way in publicity shots. I love writing. It makes you feel good when you are creating a great character or tale.  But it is gritty business. 

More to come later. Good writing until then.

Verna McKinnon

 

Norwescon 45 & The Bastard Sorceress News!

 

I'll BE AT NORWESCON 45!

This year I will be hanging out with my publisher at the TANSTAAFL Press trable in the dealer's room on Saturday, April 8. Feel free to drop by! I am happy to answer author questions & signh books. Hope to see you there/

NORWESCON@

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport

18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188

THE BASTARD SORCERESS NEWS!

The Bastard Sorceress Free Book Promo Offer 

So much news to unpack. First, TANSTAAFL Press is offering  a special free book promo for The Bastard Sorceress free until April 2nd. Take advantage of this book promo and get The Bastard Sorceress today!   Amazon https://amzn.to/3fvHOio

This kindle book is free on Amazon March 29-April 2. Enjoy the magic.

The Bastard Sorceress reaches bestseller status on Amazon!

I'm thrilled to share that my novel, The Bastard Sorceress, reached bestseller status on Amazon Kindle. I feel grateful because of the promo,my publisher offered, it encouraged curious readers to get my novel. Yeah! So on March 30th, The Bastard Sorceress reached #3 in children's sword & sorcery fantasy books. I never knew this categpory existed. I was also #14 in Epic Fantasy and #15 in Sword & Sorcery Fantasy E-books. I can now officially call myself a best selling author.

ALSO CHECK OUT

Have a great weekend and I will be scribbling another blog soon. Until the, read more fantasy & support small press publishers!

    Verna McKinnon

 

Baby dragons, March word battle, & writer wisdom on marketing

 

Baby Dragons

Who doesn't love magical animals? I use them a great deal in my books & stories. Rory, the baby pukis dragon, is one of the stars in The Bastard Sorceress. I find animal characters to be relatable and fun. With dragons, unicorns, perytons, gryphons, and animal famliars of all kinds, I will never run out of story ideas. Rory (pictured above thanks to my publisher, Tom Gondolfi of TANSTAAFL Press) has his very own promo ad where he tells his side of the story. You can buy The Bastard Sorceress on Amazon @ https://amzn.to/3DPq77p

March Word Battle 

How many words am I writing a day? The word battle can make you crazy. War Poet is flowing. The novel is entering the danger phase for my characters. I mean, there have been challenges. It would be dull without threats to my precious characters. New kingdoms to explore. The Siabur, Fallon Gansis, is closing in on our heroine, Rose Greenleaf. Why does he want her rhapsode' magic? The Goblin War is taking a toll in the eastern realms. A mad king wars on his people. A captive prince needs rescue. Rose and Culain face their hidden emotions as Meg Sparrow faces her painful past. Lots of trauma and action. Lots of magic & secrets. Let's see how I survive March.

Marketing for Small Press & Indie Writers

This is a touchy subject for some. It is for me, but I need to share what I have learned over the years being with a small press. We don't have it so easy, do we? Who can find us in the massive well of Amazon book section as we drown among the other unseen novelists? Who knows us? How can we spread the word? There are many online book marketing companies. Many. Are they worth it? Many are not. Maybe some are, I just haven't found one. I have paid a little and more than a litte for a marketing campaign. Their websites have dozens of testimonials on how great they are. I have never seen any sales upswing, not even a decent example of a promo. It's like some of them just download a picture of the cover and link, but do little else. Many just take your money and run, so beware. They do not even design a good promo image. They do not add your reviews to the promo ads. Beware. If it sounds to good to be true, it is.  I have taken to learning how to do my own. They are not perefect, but better than what I paid for with these marketing geniuses that fib as they take your money. Learn to do your own promos. Canva is great and I use the free version. 

My dragon is calling me back to work and word counts. Enjoy the day and read more fantasy!

Cheers,

Verna McKinnon

   

  

War Poet, February Goals, Sanity, & Goblin Rant

 

War Poet: progress & why motivation is not the key to finishing your book

I am deep into writing the sequel to The Bardess of Rhulon, which is offically titled, War Poet. Motivation may spark your creaive journey, but you cannot rely on motivation to finish. One thing I have learned over the years is two things keep you going: Discipline & Focus.

Discipline &focus is how you finish. It is easy to make excuses or try to find that initial motivation feeling again. Discipline is what matters. Focus keeps you working. This is how you finish chapters, draft outlines, do chartacter bios, edit, do grammar and spell checks. It does not matter if you are writing a novel or short story. You need both to finish. How many writers get started and flounder at three chapters in? It is easy to submit to failure, but you must be stronger to go on and finish. It's okay if it is not perfect. You can polish and rewrite. Just write! Discipline and focus are key for your goals.

I am a writer who always knows how my story ends. I know the fate of characters, who wins, who loves, and who fights. I know how every tale I ever created ends, even if it is a series and that end is three novels in the future. Do some minor things change along the way? Sure! But that often happens for a reason because you have figured out what happens your novel. So develop the skills to keep going. Writing is brutal and frustrating, but it is also rewarding. 

February Goals

I have vowed to focus on finishing War Poet. When? Not sure, but am on a roll. Since it is a big project, I think that will be my main goal for February. I am only human. My publisher, Tom Gondolfi of TANSTAAFL Press, is also eager for my finished novel.

Sanity

My sanity is sketchy at the moment. I blame my February goal for finishing War Poet. When will it be completed for my publisher? I cannot answer. Really Tom, I cannot give a date yet. 

Goblin Rant

I am often both amused and annoyed by the opinions of other writers on certain topics. In one social media feed, we were discussing the pros and cons of being with a small press or self-publishing, or published by a large publishing house. One writer told me it is best to stay small because you cannot get dumped the way a large publisher can drop your book if your sales are down. This person has also never to my knowedlge been anything but self-published. Nothing wrong with that. But, I was told I am better off where I am and money and exposure are not important. Really? I have been with small presses from the beginning. I have had two small publishers fold on me. And money? I may not be making money now, but I intend to. People who say they do not care about some level of success are just full of bull%$#@. I am driven to make my mark as an author. Just ask my publisher Tom about my quest to be Mistress of Epic Fantasy. Also, big publishers can send books to reviewers and magazines of note. Big publishers have the clout to send books to other authors in their house for author endorsements. Your book is seen on well-known websites. This blessing happened to a colleague of mine. Her book is getting a ton of push on a huge scale, and I am happy for her. It is not easy for small presses to get reviewed by major outlets and magazines. There are a lot of great works being published through small presses, but we are not getting the attention we deserve. We are great! And I want my novels to be seen. How else will people read my work? So I have my moments when the goblin inside my head has a big screaming rant. I do not apologize. 

What are your writing goals? Whatever they are, do not be afraid to pursue them. Fight for your dreams. Done for now. Need tea and chocolate. So until next time, read more fantasy (and explore small publisher offerings from TANSTAAFL Press.)

Cheers,

Verna McKinnon 👸 Mistress of Epic Fantasy

     

 

Welcome 2023! Bastard Sorceress, Writing goals, projects & more news!

 

Welcome to 2023 my friends! My time has been busy with writing and new publishing projects, so I have not blogged in a while. Okay, in over a year. Life is crazy. We all know this. I do promise to blog more often. Let's catch up!

First, my newest novel, The Bastard Sorceress, is getting wonderful reviews. Mandy Eve Barnett, a wonderful writer and reviewer, posted a wonderful review on Goodreads. Thank you, Mandy! 

Personally, I would like to see a goal of at least twenty-five reviews on for my novels on Amazon. This would allow my book to be included in newsletters or be suggested on the website. The algorithms are brutal. I think a dark wizard created those rules. As an author with a small publisher, it is harder for us. So, let's give the small presses support. Many wonderful novels are published by small publishers.  if you like a novel, review it. It helps more than you know. You can also check out the first chapter of Bastard Sorceress at TANSTAAFL Press. The Bastard Sorceress » TANSTAAFL Press

My novel, The Bardess of Rhulon, will have a sequel. The novel is currently titled, War Poet, in my Rogue Bardess series. As I continue Rose Greenleaf's story, old friends and dangerous enemies will return. There will be magic and new mysteries. Some great new characters will appear as Rose walks the bard path with the goblin wars shadowing the land, and a dark fey shadowing her. Also, post a review! Writers love you for that. You can also read the first chapter to The Bardess of Rhulon at TANSTAAFL press.  The Bardess of Rhulon » TANSTAAFL Press

More to come later. Until then, read more fantasy!!!

Cheers,

Verna McKinnon