Two New Book Releases & Specials, Promotion Angst, & Writing Wild Insights

 

Writing Wild

by Verna McKinnon

New Novel Releases

Greetings my friends! It has been quiet, but in my writing den it has been crazy busy. But my labors, fueled by lots of tea and chocolate have achieved some literary goodness. I have two new book lreases this March! Not one, but two, and there is a story behind that. More on that later. I am a very lucky author. I work with two small publishing housesm TANSTAAFL Press and Wolfsinger Publications. So I am a lucky girl to have new publishers release my books. First, let's review my happy new book news!

War Poet

Release Date March 15

Rogue Bardess Book #2

https://bit.ly/42QsAsI 

My second novel in my rogue bardess series is War Poet from TANSTAAFL Press. The release date date is March 15th and I posted the easy link below the cover! I just adore this book cover. The tale of my bard heroine, Rose Greenleaf, continues as she is hunted by strange fey and demons on her first mission as an agent into dangerous territory to resiuce a lost prince.The first novel, The Bardess of Rhulon, is having a special in honor of War Poet's release.  Go tohttps://bit.ly/4a6IW2V to get your free copy of "The Bardess of Rhulon," so you will be caught up on Rose Greenleaf's adventures before War Poet's release.

The Fires of Rapiveshta

Release date March 20

A Familiar's Tale, Book 3

https://amzn.to/3uO8QJO

The final novel in my Familiar's Tale trilogy will be releases March 20!

My writing heart is filled with joy that The Fires of Rapiveshta will be released March 20! Thsi is the third book in The Familiar's Tale trilogy. Carol Hightshoe frm Wolfsinger Publications picked up my Familiar's Tale series after I left my previous publisher. Publishing is hard and expensive, even in this so-called instant world of technology. Small presses struggle. We spent time releasing my first two novels, Gate of Souls and Tree of Bones onWolfsinger first. I am thrilled to see my trilogy complete! The journey of my mages and their familiars against the bloodstone magic and dark goddess, Obsydia, which threaten not only their lives, but their world, will be concluded. And there will be dragons.  

Before reading Fires of Rapiveshta, do read the exciting adventure sof Runa,and Mellypip, and friends in Gate of Souls & Tree of Bones.

So Sabine Fable does not feel put out. Check out The Bastard Sorceress fom TANSTAAFL Press. On sale! $6.27 for paperback!

https://amzn.to/3DPq77p

The Bastard Sorceress is not a new release, but she is on sale. The paperback edition on Amazon (normally 19.99) is now $6.27! That's better than thrift store prices and this is shiny and new. Explore the world of Sabine Fable, where she is a poor baseborn in a world where magic is currency. Can she acheive the magic she craves and save her mother from poverty? 

Wild Writer Insights

& my search for Zen in a crazy writing world.

Some folk think being a writer, all quiet and solitary at our writing desks, typing away, are seriious and studious folk. I have no idea what those folk are about. There is a circus of crazy in my head. I am one of those writers who does not see words in my head as I compose my tales. I see vivid scenes, like from an epic movie, only the special effects are better.  There is a musical soundtrack. I know what my characters look like and sound like. These images I translate into words. And since I have published several novels and short stories, my imagination is pretty crowded. When I write, I am usually hunched over my keyboard in a baggy tee-shirt looking like a goblin who never sees the light of day.

But that is me. Every writer has their own process. Creative people cannot be categorized. I accept that now. Do what works for you. Write the tales you want to read. Believe in yourself. We are lonely warriors of words in a strange world. More to come in another newsletter. 

Until then, read more fantasy!

Cheers,

Verna McKinnon

War Poet cover reveal, RadCon 2024 convention Feb 16-18, writing news, and more!

 

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2024! So much going on, but I had to survive the holidays first. My 2024 resolutions include doing more newsletters. Will this resolution become a reality and not a fantasy? Who knows, but I do write fantasy. But let's get started with some fun author updates today. Let's start with War Poet.

War Poet Cover Reveal

 Yes! I finished War Poet, the second "Rogue Bardess' novel about Rose Greenleaf, a Dwarven bard with a rare magical gift of the glam rhapsode. My publisher, TANSTAAFL Press, will release War Poet around April 2024. I am excited because I love this character and this cover looks the way I imagined Rose Greenleaf to look like. This cover is gorgeous. Plus, the bonus of the shadowy fey characters in the background. I would recommend you read the first book in the series, The Bardess of Rhulon. 

FREE Ebook offer for The Bastard Sorceress on Amazon

Yes, my publisher is offering a great free E-book offer for my novel, The Bastard Sorceress! Use this link https://www.amazon.com/Bastard-Sorceress-Verna-McKinnon-ebook/dp/B0BG6CQM4Z/

                                            

I will be appearing at the RADCON science fiction/fantasy convention at the Red Lion Inn in Pasco, Washington February 16-18. I will be sitting on several writing panels and having fun. There will be authors, artists, gamers, and more. Lots of fun. Contact info for Radcon is Contact Us – RadCon SciFi/Fantasy Convention

Hotel info:

Red Lion: 1-509-547-0701

Pasco Red Lion - 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301   

More news to come. Have a wonderful New Year! Read more fantasy and enjoy the magic.

 

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