Wow! So…that happened.
Back in June, I had a really wild Friday that I had to keep super secret. On that day, I heard back from two different publishers about two very different books that they wanted to publish, and that I would be sent contracts for them soon. That’s right. Two book deals in one day.
Here’s the thing. I was an indie author, meaning I published my own books. So even just getting one traditional publishing deal would have been a massive step forward in my career. But to hear in one day that I would have two? I couldn’t even think straight. It’s fair to say I was gibbering all day. I received the physical contracts themselves on different days, but I will always remember those two initial acceptances on the same day for the rest of my life.
Now I’m technically a hybrid author since I am both traditionally and indie published. Basically, I will be traditionally published going forward, though THE QUESTRISON SAGA will remain with me unless another publisher offers to buy that series.
Here are the two book deals:
More Info About the Books:
THE SHADOW GALAXY: A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry (Trepidatio Publishing; March 3, 2023)
This is my traditional publishing debut book.
THE SHADOW GALAXY is a collection of short stories and poetry by me that spans multiple genres: science fiction, horror, fantasy, magical realism, and Appalachian tales. I had sent one of the poems to Ursula K. Le Guin many years ago since she had asked for readers to do that. In fact, I found the only other typed copy in a notebook in my closet, since it was no longer in digital form. Some of these stories and poems are intensely personal. Now they all reside in a collection for the first time. Categories in the collection include Shadow Shores: Tales from the Sea; Other Futures: Tales of the Galaxy and a Place Called Earth; Into the Darkest Hollow: Tales of Horror; Love and Other Moments; Far Appalachia: Tales from the Ancient Mountains; and Resonant Thoughts: Some Poetry.
Add THE SHADOW GALAXY: A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES AND POETRY on Goodreads.
THE INN AT THE AMETHYST LANTERN (Android Press; Autumn 2023)
This is a young adult (YA) Lunarpunk science fiction novel set in the future.
In the future, a climate catastrophe and dangerous sun result in a societal shift to night living. After Gentian “Gen” Lightworth’s cousin Mira Celestus uses illicit magic to attend the Glowworm Ball, Gen receives an invitation to the derelict inn at the base of the Amethyst Lantern, a lighthouse old beyond memory, and connected to their past and our present by forces that seek to disrupt the future utopia. Gen and her friends in the night-living town of Glimmerbight must stop the past from repeating itself by using all their wits and talents…and perhaps a bit of magic.
Add THE INN AT THE AMETHYST LANTERN on Goodreads.
Latest Updates
As of July 30, 2022, I have updates for both books. For the THE SHADOW GALAXY‘s cover, I have seen the proposed cover artist’s other work, and it’s fantastic. The cover will be in great hands. Preorders will happen at the cover reveal in late autumn 2022.
For THE INN AT THE AMETHYST LANTERN‘s cover, I’ve long admired the artist’s work, and I’ve already given feedback on two different concepts. I liked both a great deal. So much so that I may commission the artist to make a print of the alternate cover so I can frame it. Preorders will happen after the cover reveal (via Locus Magazine), possibly in June 2023.
What’s Next?
I’m already looking ahead to prioritize my works in progress, which include a sci-fi thriller, a middle-grade dark fantasy, some adult high fantasies, a fantasy horror, dark horror sci-fi comedy, and stories about robots, among many other tales. I have over 70 items in my IP list in various stages. Next, all I need is the time and the right editors to get these out in the world.
This is a new phase for me and I’m quite excited. Next year, I’ll have two books out, and I can’t wait for everyone to read them!