Welcome, new folks!

Hi, there. If you've joined the mailing list recently, I want to make sure you get your free Frosthelm book, Traitors Unseen. If you haven't gotten it, you can get it free here (the site will ask you to sign up for this newsletter, which you're already getting) or here from Smashwords. It's also on Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. Please, enjoy with my compliments.

Kenai reaches the finals

In big news for me, my latest sci-fi novel, Kenai, reached the finals of the SPSFC, a competition for indie sci-fi books. This is the deepest I've gotten in any of the novel contests I participate in, so it's really exciting. Out of 221 books that started out last year, there are now only six finalists under review by the nine judging teams, with an ultimate winner announced some time in June. Some of the judges have started posting reviews on GoodReads or on their blogs, and it's neat to see the wide range of responses to my story of an archeology dig on a distant world gone very, very wrong.

To celebrate, I've commissioned an audiobook version of Kenai with the same narrator, Jennifer Pratt, I used for the Daros audiobook. She's hard at work and should have the book done within a month or two for you audio fans out there.

Mermaids and more

If you haven't read my recently-published mermaid story, it's in the latest issue of On the Premises magazine. It's the winner of a story contest for stories involving transportation, which is my case is a ship in distress. Read Tide's End for free here.

A new fantasy story is coming really soon!

My next novel, The Glorious and Epic Tale of Lady Isovar, is nearly ready. I have some final edits to make based on comments from my early readers, and then it will be off to Tami, my capable (and quick!) copyeditor and proofreader. I have a self-imposed deadline of May 10th to get it ready to enter the SPFBO, a fantasy novel contest similar to the SPSFC, so it will need to be in final form by then, and published before the end of the month.

This book is the story of a heroic lady knight, Isovar Vargrave, and her long-suffering squire Chevson as they right wrongs, battle evil, and follow clues to an all-consuming mystery across the Western Realms. This is a very silly story, so if you enjoyed the humor in Flames Over Frosthelm and my other books, you'll have even more of it in this one. Conversely, if you prefer grim, dark stories of suffering and turmoil, this one is probably not for you.

Unlike my other fantasy novels, this is not a story of the Inquisitors' Guild or Frosthelm - it's set in a different world, so there are new places to discover. Unlike the Inquisitors' Guild, monsters and fantastical beasts are common here, and there's a good bit more magic about.

Watch for this new story later this month!

Some stories to try

I'm part of several author collectives, and we share each other's work to try to help all of us reach more readers. In many cases, the books we share are are free or discounted. Sometimes, they ask that you sign up for a newsletter like this one. Here are some new books I have to share this month:

First up is Trollsbane by Gregory Amato. This free prequel introduces his Norse fantasy saga and comes with vikings, trolls, spirits, and legendary spears. Great stuff!

Next, I have Child of the River by Anna Bushi. This fantasy novel is brand new with an April 21 release, telling the story of a magical medieval India and a prince set on conquest who instead finds magical voices and a mysterious girl. This one really sounds neat.

Next, I have Shadow of the Dark Elf by Tom Cleverly, which is an awesome author name. More awesomeness ensues with black leather clothing and glowing red eyes on the cover. This is a brand new release (May 1), and it tells the story of a dark elf king and those who resist his evil, desperate ploys.

Finally, I have Five Stars by Scott Burtness. This high-concept comedic short story is the story of a demonic travel agent in hell who has always gotten (and wanted) one-star reviews for the trips he sends other demons to, until one day the unthinkable happens. Somebody rates their trip five stars. The story is free, so check it out today!

Thanks

Thanks so much for signing up for my newsletter. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for upcoming books! I love hearing from people. If you've read one of my books and wouldn't mind leaving a review anywhere (Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, LibraryThing) I'd really appreciate it! Each review helps me reach more readers. 

I hope you and your friends and family are having a safe and rewarding 2024!

May the Bloodmother watch over you - 

Dave