Kasper's Ramblings from Kasper Beaumont

Fun fantasy writing with the Intricate Worlds Group

9/17/2016

Writing groups come in all shapes and sizes from social get-togethers to full-on professional assistance sessions. I'm looking for something in the middle of those two extremes and I think the group I attended today has the perfect balance.
Intricate Worlds writing group is for fantasy and science-fiction authors from around South East Queensland.
Today we had a critique session and a writing activity. I was really excited to receive some constructive feedback on my Eventful First Kiss story. The other short stories and excerpts read were very well written and I enjoyed hearing them. There are very talented writers in the group.
The writing exercise was to write for 10 minutes about a randomly-drawn character, genre and setting. My was a haughty middle-aged man with a murder in a Synagogue, written in a post-apocalyptic world. Apart from me getting tongue-tied trying to pronounce 'post-apocalyptic,' it was loads of fun.
I look forward to our next catch up.
Write on.
Kasper

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Bryan Rainey drops by for a Fantasy Sci-Fi Network interview #FSFNet @bdr2031 #fantasy

2/20/2016

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Bryan Rainey is a fantasy writer with a self-confessed passion for writing. He has just published a fantasy book called 'Unforseen:' book one in the Starshot Chronicles. Bryan is madly writing away and has ambitions to finish Southern Desires; I, Ronin; Dragons of the Cosmos; Salvation of Gaalin and its two sequels this year. Phew, that is a big to-do list!
Bryan also has an alter-ego 'Brien O'Raighne' under which he publishes adult-only fiction.
His writing is a unique mixture of fantasy, science fiction, super heroes, paranormal and horror.

What do we learn about Bryan from his interview?
Well, without wanting to spill all the beans, I can share a few tidbits with you and then you'll have to click on the FSFNet interview to discover the rest.

Bryan outs himself as a 'Dungeons and Dragons' Dragon Master, which shows a high level of skill and determination.
He talks about the favourite character in his book series, who is the heroine, Fiona. I am quite intrigued about these 'goblimites' she is battling and must explore this further.
Bryan is also a big Star Wars fan (well, honestly, aren't we all?) as evidenced by his list of most-recently read books.
I did find it interesting that Bryan (or Brien) likes to write erotica, but lists romance as a genre he doesn't enjoy reading. I'm guessing his books are not your typical formula and he is bringing something new to the genre.

You can see the full interview here on the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network website.

Here is Bryan's first novel in the fantasy genre: Unforseen which has just been released this month.
Blurb: Fiona Harley, a princess and Sentinel Knight, escapes her captors in a starfighter. She manages to reach the nearest jump gate. As she set up the coordinates to get home, her fighter's navicomputer is hit.
The coordinates scramble as she enters the jumpgate sending her to the planet of Desarti on the other side of the galaxy, where she is stranded.
A young paladin named Gaalin iv Coel Fan rescues Fiona from a sinking starfighter. There is something strange about this young paladin as others arrive to the location hours later.

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G'day Aussie Fantasy Sci-Fi Network members. #FSFNet @K_CopeFunRead @Kia_Crystal @Ind1cated @Lawfabex

6/26/2015

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Hey mates! We have uncovered 6 awesome Australian authors from the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network. Check out these talented beauties and their great writing.

Katrina R Cope

Kerry Hall and Kasper Beaumont

Kia Carrington-Russell and Kasper

LJ Clarkson

Leisl Kaberry

Katrina R Cope

Katrina is a quiet, bordering on shy, person until relaxed with the company or after a couple of her favourite reds (Yes, that is all it takes).

She resides in Queensland Australia and is a loyal friend once you pass the barrier. Her three teen/preteen boys and husband of over fifteen years treat her like a princess. Unfortunately though, this princess still has to do domestic chores.

She holds a 2nd Dan in Taekwondo, which she likes to incorporate the experience into her stories. When she has enough time away from her writing to commit to training, she will be going for her 3rd Dan.

From birth, she has been a very creative person and has spent many years travelling the world and observing many different personalities and cultures. Her favourite personalities have been the strange ones yet the ones under the radar also hold a place in her heart. During her last extensive travels, she spent 16 nights in a bomb shelter on a Kibbutz 8 kilometers off the Lebanese border. It was to avoid Katyusha bombs that the resident volunteers decided to name her after (she is still trying to work out why).

PS. Do NOT try to scare her in a dark alleyway even as a joke. Just saying!

Katrina has published four novels in the Sanctum series and is currently working on the Afterlife series.

http://katrenee11.wix.com/katrina-cope-author

Katrina Cope on Amazon.com

Kerry Hall

Kerry's love of life, literature and a deep hunger for learning, has been at the core of her being. Growing up in rural NSW and as a third generation writer, her childhood was surrounded by animals, fiction characters, stories and verse. Kerry's early career spanning thirty five years, plunged her deep into the humanistic side of the nursing field. From the late 1980's, she combined University studies with her clinical knowledge and together

Kerry Hall with Ken

they melded into a long and distinguished academic career. It was on those poor souls in her lectures, she finetuned her wicked nurses sense of humour. Early retirement however, saw Kerry return to her love and passion for the fiction novel. Not one for letting her mind stagnate, she soon discovered the Indie Author world and a new challenge emerged.

For the past few years Kerry has been beta reading, critically evaluating and substantive editing fiction novels of varied genres. It was only a matter of time then, she would embark on mentoring and writing her own fiction novel; one inspired by a dream. The Tales of Cerahya, Book one; Morphids will be completed and published in the latter half of 2015.It will be fast paced, action packed with love, life and liberty all at stake. Kerry resides in a quiet community in Tasmania, with the love of her life, husband Ken and their small fur baby that believes she is human. Their five children are all adults now. A country girl at heart; she treasures each and every day. Her only nemesis; 'The spider'.

Kia Carrington-Russell

Kia Carrington-Russell is a young fantasy, paranormal and romance author writing from her Australian home. Kia is supported by her helpful friends, family and readers. Most of all she is assisted by her Ying and Yang kitties, Isa and Forest, as well as her Cavoodle, Sia, who are always by her side as she busily types away in her office.
Kia completed her first manuscript, Possession Of My Soul: The Three Immortal Blades, when she was fifteen. After graduating from high school, Kia pursued freelance journalism.

After working for half a year within the sales section of the local paper, Kia realised journalism was not what she wanted to focus on.
Kia started her Precious Living website, which is a self-help blog publishing weekly affirmations. It was a way to express her enjoyment of photography as well as reaching out to readers who might not be feeling positive in their current lifestyles. She often published motivational stories, hoping to fill many with gratitude for what they had, instead of focusing on what they didn't.
In the year of 2014, Kia took her first manuscript seriously, and on May 15, Kia's first book was published. Since then Kia has continued writing and publishing many works from the Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, and Action genres. Kia has many more books planned for the future.
In 2015, Kia's self-publishing services and promotional services became live. She is now CEO of both Crystal Publishing and Crystal Book Promoters, which have been designed to help other authors at an affordable price. The mission is to guide writers through the perilous journey of self-publication.
Kia enjoys dancing, cooking, painting, manga, anime, eating (loves eating), reading, and is very competitive in all games, no matter what game.
Kia has now released 6 novels as paperback and ebook with plans for a further 2 publications in 2015.

Kia Carrington-Russel on Amazon.com

LJ Clarkson

LJ Clarkson has done many things in her time. Making mud pies as an Environmental Engineer. Bossing people around as a project manager. Reducing flood risk to residents affected by floods. But her all time favorite job is telling stories and making others laugh.

She counts the following as very special talents: singing out of tune, laughing at her own jokes, reciting useless, but very fascinating facts, and a magical habit of magnetizing food to her clothes. If she were a Mastermind, she’d uninvent early mornings, grammar, broccoli, cleaning and her dog’s fussy eating habits.

LJ is the author of the Mastermind Academy and Heaven and Hound series, and the brains behind Author Resources Database, a promotional site for authors.

Book titles: The Silver Strand (Book 1 in the Mastermind Academy series) and Heaven and Hound-Rise of the Alpha (Book 1 in the Heaven and Hound series).

We'll have a full interview with LJ Clarkson here on the blog next week.

LJClarkson on Amazon.com

Leisl Kaberry

My name is Leisl Kaberry and I am an Aussie living in Canada missing the summer heat and beaches of Australia but loving being able to snowboard in the winter… why can’t I just have it all?, the cake and the eating. I am a stay at home mum with four kids, a dog, two cats and a husband… so yep, I keep pretty busy. I am studying part-time a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, completely different to writing fantasy but I guess it just engages another part of my brain. I never wanted to be a writer when I was growing up, I was determined to be a theatre actor, I still do the bit of theatre from time to time which I enjoy but now I would much rather be writing… can never get it right!

See more of Leisl's interview at:
http://universe.suvudu.com/post/author-interview-leisl-kaberry#sthash.egWvKtlJ.dpuf

Leisl is the author of the Titanian Chronicles fantasy series. Her first book is available now and she is hard at work perfecting book 2.

Leisl Kaberry on Amazon.com

Kasper Beaumont

G’day folks, I’m Kasper Beaumont, a fantasy author from Australia and I’m looking forward to sharing my dragon tales with you. I’m a mild-mannered healthcare worker by trade and when I’m off duty, I turn into a creative fiend, pushing the boundaries of fantasy writing. I juggle writing, work and my three young cherubs and enjoying catching up with my writing group, family and friends. Living the dream.

An extract from Kasper's interview by Wendy Van Camp on Suvudu Universe blog
See more at:
http://universe.suvudu.com/post/author-interview-kasper-j-beaumont#sthash.P7eKBMfA.dpuf

Kasper has published 3 novels in the Hunters of Reloria trilogy and a short dragon battle story, 'The Tragedy of Garass & Asher;' all of which have received many 5 star reviews. Kasper is currently working on two short stories as collaborations with young fans: 'Sienna the Huntress' with 12 year old Kyla, and 'Fandri's Eventful First Kiss' with 13 year old Bailey.

Kasper Beaumont on Amazon.com

Fantasy Sci-Fi Network:

The Fantasy & Sci-Fi Network is a collection of authors, bloggers, and reviewers who are passionate about finding and creating quality fantasy/sci-fi books which are also teen safe (G, PG, or PG-13 rated). The FSF Network believes it is possible to create fantastic works of fantasy and science fiction without resorting to graphic violence, explicitly harsh language, or sex.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FSFNet

FSFN website: http://fsfnet.com/

Twitter hashtag: #FSFNet

Twitter handle: @FSFNet

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Conquering the Spanish market is Raymond Bolton's next goal. Read it here ... @RaymondBolton #FSFNet

6/9/2015

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Raymond, I’ve just learned that you are having your debut novel, Awakening, translated into Spanish. Why is that?
There are numerous post online about the importance of getting one’s book translated into other languages. Spanish and German are the most important.
After averaging 4.8 stars on Amazon, almost 4.7 stars on Goodreads and receiving all 5 star reviews on Barnes & Noble, I was wondering why sales for Awakening, my epic fantasy, weren’t exploding. Then I learned that Amazon.com has 3.6 million English language titles, of which more than 458 thousand were published last year and more than 600 thousand new titles expected to be released in 2015 with more expected every year after.

I’m being buried.

Then, when I learned (1) next to Mandarin, Spanish is the most widely spoken language on the planet and (2) Amazon has only 93 thousand Spanish language titles and that (3) Game of Thrones and Twilight had recently been translated into this language—thereby indicating demand for the kind of book I write—I decided there might be a way out of my predicament.

Smart thinking.
How did you begin this process?

Initially, I thought I could let translation software handle the bulk of the work, then have a human translator tweak it. After buying the highest rated app on the market, I translated a chapter and sent the result to an editor friend who now teaches Spanish at an Indiana university. Even though I did not reveal what I had done, he got back right away saying, “Your translator isn’t telling you this was produced by translation software. Not only that, it isn’t even grammatical Spanish.”

I gather, then, you have hired a human translator. Is finding a qualified translator difficult?

Certainly, finding the right person takes a great deal of time and effort. But this is not the only obstacle. Getting a book translated into another language is anything but inexpensive. At just a few cents a word, the price quickly moves into thousands of dollars. At professional rates, Awakening’s 109 thousand words would require me to dish out a five figure fee and I don’t have that kind of money. You can imagine my delight, then, when a professional translation firm that wanted to move from business and legal work into literary translation expressed interest, offering to take a significant portion of their fee from the book’s royalties as an inducement. Naturally, I jumped at the chance. It was a game changer.

It sounds as if they approached you.

Not exactly. Actually, it was a case of serendipity. In the course of conversation with one of my clients—I am a high-end hairdresser who has many well-connected individuals in my chair every week—when I mentioned my sales dilemma and my desire to find a Spanish language translator, she told me she knew someone who might be qualified to handle the project. After she had contacted her friend, he got in touch with me right away. He did so because, after reading the book and appraising its reviews, he believed Awakening has the potential to become an international best-seller.

So you hired him.

Actually, I ended up hiring a team.

Really? Will you tell us about them?

I was counciled by several experts to ensure my translators were native speakers, educated at the university level, so I am pleased to describe what a stellar a team I’ve assembled. The director of the translation firm, which has offices in both Boston and San Juan, hails from Barcelona and has a PhD from Harvard University. And though he is certified to interpret in Federal court—a level of proficiency for which very few qualify—he did not feel he was the one best suited for the job. Instead, he chose to oversee the work of one of his editors, a published poet who resides in Puerto Rico. He gave her the assignment because he felt she could produce the most literary result.

Yet, despite even this pair’s amazing qualifications, they made some missteps early in the game. In the first chapter, when one of the characters exclaims, “What in the world have you been doing?” they translated it as, “What have you been doing in the world?” This is very different and it occurred because this figure of speech does not exist in Spanish. As a result, I’ve added a third member to the team: a native English speaker who is professor of Spanish at a college in New Mexico. My instinct was right. Because she is more sensitive to English language nuances and idioms than my primary translators could ever be, Awakening is receiving a world class translation. This also illustrates why an author should have at least a rudimentary understanding of the language in question. If I did not speak as much as I do, I would have missed that initial bobble and the end result would have been the poorer for it.

How do the characters in El Despertar differ from the those in Awakening?

Actually, the books are identical except for an issue or two that cropped up right away. Let’s see. How do I explain this without spoilers?

The first one involved a prophecy. In the English version, it was misunderstood because the accent of the character who related it caused the one to whom it was delivered to misunderstand what was said. As you well know, many English words can sound like other unrelated words. The problem here was that the corresponding words in Spanish could not be similarly confused. We solved this by renaming both a land and one of the characters.

The other issue evolved out of my sailing background. Awakening has several chapters set at sea on a sailing ship and I was not confident my translators could arrive at the appropriate Spanish terminology. For example, in English we call the controlling lines for sails “sheets.” I did not want them to end up sounding like bedding. Taking a sailboat to windward is called “beating.” I could only imagine what mistranslations that might cause.

Consequently, I went online and found several Spanish/English sailing glossaries. I located the appropriate terms and gave them to my team.

Does this begin to illustrate the kinds of problems a translation can pose?

So you are pleased with whom you’ve hired.

I’m beyond pleased. I am privy to all their emails, so when they spend time debating the advantages of such minor details as using Lo versus Le—two pronouns meaning him or to him—because one has a more literary quality while the other feels more dynamic, I know that I am blessed.

How excited are you to have your work translated? Congratulations!

Thank you. I can say, without reservation, I am beyond excited.

Regardless of whether this experiment succeeds as I would like, the ride has been exhilarating. While I believe incursions into relatively unexplored markets are the way to go, even if I fall flat on my face, the journey will have been worth it.

How are you enjoying the marketing of the series?

Now THIS is the fifty million dollar question.

My research is indicating that neither Iberian nor Latin American readers are as prone to shop online as are we Americans. Casa del Libro, Spain’s largest brick and mortar bookstore is still huge, such that Internet travel sites directing travellers to Spain list prominently hotels near every Casa del Libro location. Even so, in anticipation of Amazon’s incursion, Casa del Libro is putting up their own Internet sites with ebooks formatted for their preferred eReader, Tagus. I am currently working to get El Despertar listed.

I am also in the process of creating Spanish language Tweets and have several Spanish speaking friends who are looking for other ways I can create buzz.

I am also about to launch a Goodreads Giveaway, targeting readers in Mexico, all of Central and South America, as well as Spain itself.

Finally, El Despertar will be featured in the New Titles Showcase at the Guadalajara Book Fair which runs from November 28 through December 5, 2015. It is the world’s largest for Spanish language books and is attended annually by more than 20,000 Spanish language publishing professionals, as well as—get this—over 750,000 attendees from the general public! THAT’S what I call visibility.

It’s a bit daunting, but I am trying my best to rise to the challenge.

Thanks so much for chatting to us today, Raymond. We wish you all the best with your Ydron series.

Links to connect with Raymond and view his books

Website & blog: http://www.raymondbolton.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaymondBoltonAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7690905.Raymond_Bolton

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RaymondBolton

Amazon.com:
http://amzn.to/1FVxgwU

Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thought-Gazer-Ydron-Saga-2/dp/0991347110/

Amazon AU:
http://www.amazon.com.au/Thought-Gazer-Ydron-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B00OP1HA7G/

Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/RaymondBolton

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+RaymondBoltonAuthor/

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Group book signing with the Writers Anthology Group at Strathpine arts and crafts fair #amwriting @bentbananabooks

5/29/2015

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I am rather impressed that our writing anthology group is known by the acronym of WAGs. It does sound a little irreverent and mischievous. Bernie Dowling is the ringleader of the WAGs and arranged a group book signing for us at the Strathpine arts and crafts fair.
It was great to hang out with a bunch of talented and experienced writers and also to meet so many clever art and craft folk.

The Writers Anthology Group produce an anthology of short stories and poems each year all written around a particular theme. Last year's version was 'Alpha & Omega' and this year's theme is 'Inspired By.' Pictured here are Vera M. Murray , David MacLaughlin and Bernie. I was next to Vera with my Hunters of Reloria trilogy and Anne Olsson came later, as well as Bakthi Ross with her delightful, self-illustrated children's stories. It was quite fun to watch Bakthi doing the digital artwork on her laptop for future books. I do admire her imagination with titles such as Pumpkin Pants.
You can see the Alpha & Omega Anthology here on Amazon.com
I was also very excited to meet a charming 10 year old artist named Tania who makes polymer clay dragons. Each dragon she produces is lovingly hand-crafted and painted. I flicked through her book depicting previous works and each dragon has a unique look and personality.

You can see some of her delightful dragons above on her display table. I am so impressed that such a young lady has achieved so much with great talents and the support of her parents.
I have placed an order for Tania to make Ash Dragon for me. I can't wait to see how he will turn out. It is so exciting!
I have an email address here for anyone who is interested in Tania's Little Funky Dragons: mila@abv.bg

I really enjoyed getting out and about, mingling with talented local artists.
Until next time, have a great time, cheers, Kasper

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Exciting news from Kasper's writing cubbyhouse. A new story co-written by 11 year old Kyla

1/31/2015

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Sienna by Hecate Jerrett age 16

Sienna the Huntress and her bond fairy are far and away the most popular of the Hunters of Reloria characters according to her reams of fan mail. Young Kyla wanted to have a go writing a story of Sienna and her father, Harlon, in the Wild Woods.
The first draft of the fantasy story came back to Hunters HQ yesterday and it sounds great. We will do a bit of editing and add some tension and emotion, but I must say, I am very excited to be working on this story with Kyla and can't wait until we can share it with all the Hunters fans.

I am stoked to receive any letters, suggestions or fan art about the Hunters of Reloria series. If you are interested in being a part of this big adventure, please send something or let me know.
Here's a link to the Hunters of Reloria trilogy where you can check out the highly rated Hunters of Reloria trilogy. Happy reading, cheers, Kasper

Hunters of Reloria trilogy

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Blog post: Time for dragon holidays

1/24/2015

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Did you know that dragon's love to surf?

Well, it's true. Ash Dragon and the little dragonelles have been catching some ripping waves at the sunny Australian seaside. Many of you are curled up escaping winter's chill with hot mugs of dragon brew, while our mob are hanging ten on our boards. What a great way to kick off the year!
After the busy 2014 year we had here at Hunters' Headquarters, it's nice to peel off a few layers of clothes and forget about everyday life for a change.
I think it's important for authors to take a bit of a break from the routines of writing, revising, marketing etc and to rediscover their muse.

Those of you who know a little about me will know that my biggest inspirations for my writing come from travelling and also spending time with my loving family. After all, you need to have new experiences and adventures to have something fun to write about and share with the readers.

So what adventures did the dragons have this week? We spent two glorious days at Australia Zoo, the home of the Crocodile Hunter. We do respect other hunters to be sure. Our favourite animals were probably the beautiful giraffes and the regal tigers. We also enjoyed the free flight bird show with many different varieties of parrots and a large condor ranging free around the stadium. We do love flying, of course!

We also did surfing at the beach, played a cut-throat game of Monopoly with the young entrepreneur dragons, and spend a glorious afternoon at a water park.

We hope you are all having a smashing start to the year. Feel free to tell us your holiday tales too.

Dragons rule.

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It's time to set some remotely achievable New Year's resolutions

1/8/2015

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So 2014 was a big year for everyone, wasn't it?
Instead of the obligatory post about how much bigger 2015 will be, I'll say 'meh' and resolve to do a little less this year.
Yes, that wasn't a typo. De-cluttering my life sounds like the way to go at this brave and optimistic point in time. I think I'll do a bit less of all that trying to be a super Mum, author, Uni student, working 2 jobs and raising 3 wonderful halflings.

Will I make a sea change or tree change and move somewhere quiet? Nah, I hate moving, but maybe I'll be a bit quieter within myself. 'Calm the farm' as my good friend, This Charming Mum would say (yes she said that in her blog the other day and I'm so stealing it while poking out my tongue). After all, being incredibly witty is one of those things I've never mastered, so I might as well quit that habit as well.
So what is realistically achievable in my quest to downsize? Hmmm ... I guess I'd better keep on raising the halflings, no cutting corners on that one. Next, I suppose I should keep one job to pay a few of the bills. Maybe I'll spend less money so I don't need to earn as much ... aha that could be a winner! Quitting post-graduate Uni ... yep not for this little black duck at the moment. They say study is a lifelong pursuit, so what's the rush eh? I'll get back to it eventually.
I was offered the position of Head Fundraiser at our local school. Thanks, but no, I'm downsizing this year. Just let me know when you want a cake stall and I'll be there with bells on.
This may come as a bit of a shock and you may giggle into your hipster beard when I say that I resolve to do a bit less social media and more writing. Yes, I said it. Candy Crush Saga and various other nefarious FB games are a major time drain, so I will try very hard to resist your temptations. Of course Dragon City is more like research than an actual game, so I can't give that one up. (Yes I can hear your chuckling all the way from over here. Ok, it is not remotely educational but so very addictive and I can't wait to hatch my first Hot Metal Dragon egg).

I think Stephen Covey here has hit the nail on the head. I don't know how to say 'No.' My to-review list is probably 2 years long atm, so I'll have to say no to new books to review. I do as much as I can, but must dedicate some time to actual writing myself. 'Yes.' Good idea that.
So, what am I writing?
My new editor and I are revising Elven Jewel and making it grammatically correct and tightening up a bit of excessive verbiage (yes, apparently that it a word and a phenomenon).

I have made a start on three new writing projects: The Tales of Fandri ( a prequel to the Hunters trilogy); a short story about Sienna which I am writing with Kyla, a young fan; and a new trilogy. What I will write first is anybody's guess, but the short story sounds like the quickest one, so it might get my vote while I'm still in editing mode.

Me with fellow author Sue Sander at the Alpha & Omega book launch

I also have my short story 'The Tragedy of Garass and Asher' to publish as an ebook this year. It was published in the Alpha & Omega Anthology towards the end of 2014 and is on my to-do list.
Hmm ... that sounds like a bit of work to do, so I'll be heading off social media and working on my New Year's Resolutions right now.
Until next time, be fantastic folks.

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An exciting book launch: 'Alpha and Omega Anthology' at Pine Rivers

10/25/2014

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Kasper with Sue Sander, author of 'Journey's End'

Alpha and Omega Anthology book launch
The Alpha and Omega Anthology is a collection of short stories from the Writers' Anthology Group (W.A.G.) of the Arts Alliance of Pine Rivers. I am new to the group and this is the first short story I have submitted for an anthology.

It was a different experience for me to be part of a collaboration and I can't wait to read the other authors' works.
We were all asked to write a story fitting the Alpha and Omega theme - the beginning and the end. My short story is 'The Tragedy of Garass and Asher', a story of two dragons who fight over a beautiful maiden. It is a prequel to my Hunters of Reloria trilogy and is aimed at an older audience than my other PG-rated works. I am aware that many of my readers are mature and thought they might appreciate this short insight into Asher's history.
The book launch was held at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery and attended by most of the authors and well as their families, friends and other local writers. I really enjoyed meeting the authors, especially Bernie Dowling, the publisher of the series, who called me a Lone Wolf. The writers' anthology is now in its 5th year and I hope to be a part of this talented community in years to come.

I spoke to many of the writers, including two budding young authors, Sarah L. Wilson and Paimarie Teague. Other contributors include: R.William Penshorn; Phil Devine; Santina Cardillo; Maurice Hardy; Anne Olsson; Bakthi Ross; Kelly Brettell; Sue Sander; Sarah Wilson; Vera M. Murray.
Other authors I met include: Raelene Purtill, Lorraine Noscov and Lexcia Dalton.

Way to go Writers' Anthology Group of Pine Rivers! Congratulations on the Alpha and Omega Anthology.

Copies available through: bentbananabooks.com.au

I managed to snare a few autographs at the book launch. Wish I had the entire set.

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We're celebrating the release of the Dragon's Revenge paperback with a Goodreads giveaway. WIN a FREE copy here.

9/24/2014

Check out this super cool cover with art by Scott Patterson and graphics by Troy Stoilkovski. The title has been specially redone to show off the great artwork and to fit nicely on the paperback format.

I'm so excited to be sharing this with you all. The back cover for this one will be royal blue and has the book blurb and a review from one of our fans, Wayne Stirling.

This time I have also include artwork by fans at each chapter and it looks really cool. Enter the Goodreads giveaway to win a free copy.

Click here to enter the Dragon's Revenge GIVEAWAY

Here are the winning pictures going in the paperback and ebook editions