It might feel that with all the hoopla about the new cozy fantasy series, I have forgotten all about my most recent release, A Knack for Metal and Bone. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I just finished a reread of this book because I am deep into writing book two now, and I want to make sure I pick up on all the juicy details that I created in book one. I’m enjoying the writing so much more than book one. It’s less stressful because I have 90% of the world building already done. That means I can just set the characters free in this world and see what shenanigans they get up to.
And, I have also been working toward two new formats for A Knack for Metal and Bone. Today I am glad to be able to finally share this news with you. I just signed a contract with Podium for the audiobook rights to A Knack for Metal and Bone, along with books 2 and 3 in this series! I’m so excited! I had planned to do the audiobook on my own, but that meant finding funding (probably through Kickstarter), which would delay the audiobook for at least a year. With Podium taking over, not only will you get the audiobook sooner, but I can focus my time on writing those next books. It’s a win-win. The ink has barely dried on this contract, so I’ll have more information about dates, narrators and such as we get closer to publishing.
I also decided to publish A Knack for Metal and Bone in a hardcover format for those book sniffers who like to keep hardcovers. It’s already available on Amazon. Other retailers might take a little longer, but they will become available soon too.
SHOP FOR A KNACK FOR METAL AND BONE HARDCOVER
Black Annis Year - Snippet
Now, I want turn your attention back to Black Annis Year. Elenna Kane is a reluctant animal rescuer. She’s also a wannabe author and illustrator. And even though events in her life have forced her to put her art on hold, she still likes to scribble in her journal.
I commissioned some line art from the very talented Anthony Smith to include in the book. These scribbles are meant to represent Elenna’s drawings in her journal. So today, I thought I’d tease you with one of those scribbles and a snippet. Here is a little winter gnome and an excerpt about the holiday fair that Elenna enjoys with her potential romantic interest, Milo. I like this excerpt because it shows Elenna finally coming out her cocoon of grief to try something new.
Don’t forget to pre-order your ebook now. The price will go up on launch day!
PRE-ORDER BLACK ANNIS YEAR
In this excerpt, Elenna and Milo are enjoying the Quebec delicacy, poutine, at the Mullarkey Mills Holiday Market.
They took their food and sat beside the fire. She balanced the carton of steamy fries, cheese and gravy on her knee within Milo’s reach.
“Are we bad people for making fun of those kids?” She scooped a French fry with her fork and slopped gravy on her leg.
Milo wiped it with a paper napkin. “You know, I like my niece and nephews, but other people’s kids? Meh.”
“You’ve got gravy on your beard too.”
He grinned. “I’m keeping that for a snack later.”
“Ew! What else have you got hiding in there?”
“Oh, just a family of mice and a few coins in case I forget my wallet.” He shrugged. “And some bacon. The usual stuff.”
She laughed. “You can never have too much bacon.”
“That’s what this poutine is missing! Bacon!”
“Right, because the cheese curds and gravy aren’t doing enough to clog our arteries.”
Milo’s smile turned down at the corners. “I like this. It’s easy being with you.”
“I like this too.” And she was surprised that she meant it. She was also surprised that for the first time in nearly two years, she didn’t feel guilty for being happy.
He stabbed a gravy-covered cheese curd and she watched him eat it. Her eyes were drawn to his beard. She couldn’t help being fascinated by the way his lips—half hidden in the fur—bunched as he chewed.
“I see you looking at me,” he drawled. She yanked her gaze back to the poutine.
“You like the beard. Admit it.”
That put her back up.
“It looks like a squirrel is mugging your face.”
He laughed. It was an unselfconscious sound and it thrilled her. Making Jamie laugh had been the best thing about their relationship…
Scratch that. No more comparing bears to squirrels.
“Is it soft?” Did she just say that out loud?
“I dunno. Why don’t you touch it and see.” When she hesitated, he added, “It doesn’t bite.”
Her hand reached up without permission from her brain. When it was inches from his face, he turned and snapped his jaws at her fingers. She yanked them back with a gasp and he grinned.
“Just kidding. Go on.”
“Bastard.” But her fingers roamed along the side of his chin, all the way to his ear.
He closed his eyes and a small, deep noise rumbled from him.
She pulled her hand away and he opened his eyes.
“So?”
“So it’s more like a beaver than a squirrel. Or maybe a muskrat.”
Milo let out a pained sigh. “You are a hard woman to please, Elenna Kane.”
VISIT THE FAIR FOLK OF MULLARKEY PAGE
Book Fairs & Events
Finding new books to read can be hard. There is so much to choose from! That's why each newsletter, I offer you a few curated book fairs to highlight certain themes you might enjoy. In this week's selection you'll find Rising Stars if sci-fi and fantasy, brand new fantasy and No Spice Fantasy book with romance, for those who like all the romance and none of the spice.
Spotlight Books
Wings of Fire
Stephanie Mirro
Stealing objects for supernatural clients is my bread and butter. Murder? Not so much.
As a phoenix, I’m used to burning hot and rising from the ashes. That’s why I chose to make my living as a world-class thief. Some say it’s dangerous. I call it fun.
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Kobold Clean up
A Rise of Dragons Series Prequel
G Clatworthy
Amethyst is a half-dwarf jeweler and weaponsmith ready to move off of her friend's couch and into her first shop. There's just one problem with her dream location - a gang of kobolds scaring away customers.
This is a short story prequel to the Rise of Dragons series
