Books and More Books

Hi my friends! I wanted to send this out last night, but it was Monday.

Let’s start at the beginning and work through all the fun and exciting news. First of all, I am about half way through editing Xenagogue! Yep, that means the editor got the manuscript back to me and I’m slogging through all their notes. Book 1 of Pebble is a reality!

Pre-Order Xenagogue
Xenagogue – Available April 11, 2025

Now, if you wanted to be an ARC reader, and just never signed up, here is your last chance. I’ll take applicants through February 27th. My goal is to send out the eBooks on March 1st, or maybe the 28th if I’m really on top of the ball! Sign up here.

Now, why might I NOT be on the ball, you ask? Teaching? Grading? Classes? Nope. I started a whole new series. A dystopian fantasy. Maybe I’ll send out the first chapter, what d’ya think?

As for our favorite phoenix, Ember, well her final story, Battle Phoenix, is out. You all knew this. The audiobook is in review. It’s been there since Friday. It takes up to ten days, so I expect, if you love audiobooks as much as I do, you’ll be able to listen to the story, soon!

Battle Phoenix - book 3 of the Ember Savita Chronicles.
Battle Phoenix – book 3 of the Ember Savita Chronicles.

Last, but very much not least, Year of Queer Lit has a free and $0.99 book event TOMORROW, the 26th of February. Wolf Healer is part of the event. She’ll be on sale for $0.99. If you want to go grab some amazing books, check out this website.

Year of Queer Lit – Stuff Your Kindle Day!

I am so happy to be part of this event!

Huckle

A Cold Month 🥶❄️☃️

To anyone who has read Wolf Healer, you know my opinion of February. On the 14th, V-day itself, the roads were so bad, the spouse ended up not getting me anything because it was safer to just drive home. My son called me on his drive home from work, not to talk, but in case the car left the road, someone would know right away.

As for me, I was home Friday. My teaching schedule this semester is Monday through Thursday. I cooked macaron cookies and a nice dinner in (don’t ask about the diet!)

(By the way, the image above is my cat with the same opinion of February as I have!)

A friend of mine started listening to the full Jade series. On Sunday she started Battlefield and something distracted her after she finished chapter 5. I sent her this short story, linked on my website. It occurred to me that not everyone here may know about all the short stories I’ve written.

When I first wrote Wolf Healer, I had a flashback to when Jade was six, out running with Owen and her cousins. It’s the story she and Owen elude to when they discuss her knowing her future path to become the next wolf healer. The writing group I was with at the time thought it was too much for the first chapter so I took it out and added it to the website as a short story.

There are four short stories. The fist is the one about Jade when she was six. the next is when Bevin is young, coming out to the kiddos about his name. The third one is Bevin during spring break when Jade and Sarah are in Florida, and the last is the first chapter of Battlefield in Pebble’s point of view. You can find them all under the ‘mini’ menu tab on my website.

If there are any other questions you want seen fleshed out in a short story, let me know, though I may wait until after Pebble’s trilogy is out. Unless the questions are about Ember’s world.

Xenagogue is scheduled to drop on April 11th. There haven’t been many pre-orders, though I guess I don’t get many for this series in general, so I’m not too surprised. I’ve been told by my most amazing editor that it should be back to me in the next 7 to 10 days. If you want to be part of the ARC team, receive an early copy of the eBook and review it on the day it comes out, please fill out THIS FORM. (You can review it on goodreads as soon as you’re done, the only review that has to wait until April 11th is amazon)

Xenagogue - Book 1 Pebble Stone Chronicles
Xenagogue – Book 1 Pebble Stone Chronicles

I hope you are all doing well, and surviving this February!

Huckle

Happy 🎂🍰Release Day!!

Hi friends! Battle Phoenix is available! It published today. That means the full Ember Savita Chronicles is out in the world, risen from the ashes, and available for you to enjoy.

Battle Phoenix - book 3 of the Ember Savita Chronicles.
Battle Phoenix – book 3 of the Ember Savita Chronicles.

If, for whatever reason, you don’t love Amazon, you can request the paperback at your local bookstore. They should be able to order it. I also have the books available for ordering on my website, signed and delivered!

As for me, it is Friday, January 24th, the last day of my winter break. Monday I go back to teaching. It is also my birthday. I’m going to be heading out to lunch with my good friend, author A.R. Grimes. Did you know she had THREE books out in the Wyldling Dreams series? They are all FANTASTIC!! You know, if you’ve read my books and need something else to tide you over until April…

Wyldling Dream Series - YA Portal Fantasy Adventure

April? Why April you ask? Well, that’s when Xenagogue will come out! The first of the Pebble Stone Chronicles! Woot!!! I’ll have a sign up for anyone interested in being part of the ARC team in my next newsletter. OR, you can pre-order today!

Pre-Order Xenagogue
Xenagogue – Available April 11, 2025

Now, I’m off to enjoy my day. I know for many of us, times are stressful. Just remember, be nice to those around you. Spread your love to friends and family. And books are an amazing escape!

Huckle

A Whole New World! 😱😍📚🌈

It’s the last week of winter break. I’ve been putting off setting up my classes for next week, but it’s getting to be critical! By Wednesday, Thursday?, I’ll be set for Monday. That’s my birthday gift for myself.

My birthday is Friday. This is the first year … ever? Well in a long time that I’m not teaching or working in some way the week of my birthday. The spouse’s bday is next week, so this weekend is the big celebration for both of us. We’re going to a Dinner Detective … dinner and a murder mystery all in one! I’m pretty excited.

I have a friend who loves to get me goose themed gifts … I have no idea where she got that ideas. (Do you hear the droll sarcasm dripping from me?) It amuses my family to no end. Today in the mail I received this!

Because of her, and my editor, I can go out multiple days wearing goose themed shirts, goose themed socks, and now I have a bookmark. It is sharp, it could double as a weapon! I’ll admit, it’s all amazing! 🥰😻

As you know, Battle Phoenix comes out on Friday. Kassandra Novell, the narrator, was sick at the end of December. Because of this, the audiobook will be a bit delayed. I don’t mind. For the most part, all my audiobooks have come out after the rest. As I write this, I’m listening to chapter 7, 8, and 9. As always, Kassie is doing an amazing job!

Battle Phoenix - book 3 of the Ember Savita Chronicles.
Battle Phoenix – book 3 of the Ember Savita Chronicles.

From where I’m sitting, Ember’s story is done. I don’t plan on going back into this world again. A few people have asked that I poke around more. Right now, I’m going to let the world be.

Before you all clamor to say you want more. I have a new idea I want to explore. My son, the original inspiration for my writing, loves the idea. The concepts are still in their infancy, but I do like where the story could go.

As for our favorite baby sister, Pebble’s first book, Xenagoge, is being edited. I’ll send out a sign up for the ARC soon!

Xenagogue - Book 1 Pebble Stone Chronicles
Xenagogue – Book 1 Pebble Stone Chronicles

I hope you’ve been surviving this cool January. As always, you can order paperbacks from the website.

Cheers!

Huckle

Happy January!

Hi friends!!

I know, it’s been too long. I’ve been meaning to say hi since last year, literally! I don’t have much of an excuse. So … what have I been doing?

  • Battle Phoenix is with the advance readers. If you really want an advanced copy and will get a review up by end of January, send me a note. I can get you a copy right away!
    • The book itself will be published on January 24 (fun fact, that would be my birthday 😱🙀)
    • The audiobook will come out some time in June, for pride month. If anything changes with that, I’ll let you know.
  • Xenagogue is heading to the editor!! I know, so very exciting. It is scheduled to publish April 11th.
  • Yugen, Pebble’s second book is coming in June, if everything goes as planned!
  • Zepher, the end of Pebble’s trilogy, comes out in August.
  • As always, you can pre-order all of these books

If you want to know things faster, join my facebook page or instagram, I post things there first and mostly daily. I know emails fill fast so I try not to put too much here.

Cheers!

Huckle

It’s The Holiday Season! ❤️📚🎧🌲🍪

It is almost December. I know that I just sent out a newsletter, but there are a few important things I need to tell you.

First of all, I’ve updated my website. There were a few items that needed a bit of help, but I believe I have it mostly in working order. As always, websites are a work in progress.

Speaking of progress …

  • Battle Phoenix – I am hoping to get this out in December, ahead of Christmas. I don’t know if I can. I also don’t know if it happens, if the audio will be available at the same time.
  • The Pebble trilogy – It is set for 2025! I hope all of you are as excited as I am. I believe after Pebble, I will be stepping away from these characters and this world. Then again, I have thought that before, so I may be convinced otherwise.
  • Events – I never really know where or how to find events. I seems to fall into them by accident. I do have a few coming up, but again, it seems more random than planned. I had one at a mall, not my best plan. I have one coming up in a few weeks in Madison, Wisconsin – super excited about that.
    • December 1st – I’m joining a group of authors for a day of give aways on the Reading Lounge of facebook. Find the link on my author page on facebook.
    • December 2nd – 7th – I’m joining a group of authors who are doing a December Dash, promoting indie authors books to be bought from their websites as holiday gifts. You can get mine from here. I’ve updated the page to include the phoenix series, and is updateable for when Pebble’s series is done.
      • The full list of participating authors can be found here, but it doesn’t officially start until December second!
    • The Big Gay Holiday Market – December 20th – 21st.
      • The 20th is 18+ with fun adult themed events
      • The 21st, in the morning is mask only, and the rest of the day is for everyone.
      • Come get gifts for the whole family!!

I have a friend who has started a website to review books! I’d love for you to check it out here!

I have another friend who has been making crochet art to make ends meet. Their work is amazing! They are disabled and this has helped them to maintain independence. If you want to check out their online store for more Christmas Gift ideas, you’ll be nothing but happy with their work. Check it out here!

We got this for one cat, a second decided it was hers. What can you do? But, it kind of fits my mood the day after Thanksgiving! I SHOULD be getting stuff done, but, alas, the cat reflects my wants!

Cheers, everyone! An happy holiday season!!

Huckle ❤️🌈

Holiday Updates 📚🦃🌲😍🔥

Hi friends! I know it’s been a few weeks since I’ve written, but don’t worry, I’m here, and I have a lot to tell you! I’ll send another update coming out, probably on Sunday.

First of all, for those of you who celebrate, happy turkey week. If you so indulge, I hope you eat all your favorite foods. If like me, you’re taking on a different type of holiday week, have an amazing time! When I was in the Peace Corps, I remember how weird it was on Thanksgiving week when it was just like any other week. Why would people in Papua New Guinea care about our Thanksgiving!

Well, I’m not working on Thursday, but the family is eating pizza, not anything traditional.

So, what big announcements do I have for you?

First of all, on December 20th and 21st, I’ll be part of The Big Gay Holiday Market, in Madison, WI. I’m so excited to be part of this event! I hope that if you’re anywhere near Madison, you’ll consider coming out to support me and others in the market.

For those of you interested in book gifts for Christmas, there is a stuff your … bookshelf! event. From December 2nd through the 7th, the fantasy site is promoting paperback. It will link each book to stores as well as author websites. The goal is to promote books for gifts.

Backing up through the calendar a bit more, on December 1st, I’ll be doing a facebook author party. If you are on facebook, and want to join The Reading Lounge, you could win lots of fun items.

Throughout the day, different authors will be celebrating Brandee Paschall, who has a new book coming out. They will be sharing about themselves and their books, and most will have prizes. I’ll be doing my bit at 7 – 7:30 Central Standard, so Chicago’s time. I’ll be highlighting all my books, but the giveaway will be Veiled Phoenix … or any of my books the winner s interested in.

So, that’s three big events … are there more? I’m hosting a white elephant this month, but I’m not sure that’s all that important.

To give you some reasons why I haven’t had many newsletters go out, I’ve been doing a lot of events. I’ve gone to Kenosha, I even did a craft fair in a mall in Illinois. That may have been the worst idea yet. People in malls seem to take books sellers as a personal offence. I went with author A.R. Grimes, and we were both baffled.

We took a self created challenge to see how many people we could complement. It was interesting seeing different people’s reactions.

Well, I hope you all are well. Drop a comment if you think I missed anything or you have any questions. Otherwise, I’ll get another of these out mid exam 3, possibly before….

Cheers!

Huckle

Treat or — 📚🔥🔥🔥😘

Did you survive September? Did I?

The start of a new semester is always a challenge. New instructors, new students, new schedule, new classes, new … just new.

Because the weather in Wisconsin is nice, I’m still bopping around doing book events, so it really feels like I’m maintaining two jobs. I tell you, it’s a trip.

Okay, let’s talk books. Veiled Phoenix is out, but you know that, the book has been out since June. As has the audiobook. Moonstone Phoenix is out. They came into the world on September 27th. ACX, the biggest producers of audiobooks has been … special? challenging? exciting? frustrating? All of the above? Probably all of the above.

I actually have a few books held up in their QA maze and I can’t get a clear reason why they won’t release my stories. This isn’t the first time I’ve struggled with them and their odd requirements. I’m wondering if in the future they’ll deny my book because I didn’t perform the correct dance of their people. Don’t worry, I’ve been dancing up a storm!

As for the last book of the Ember Savita Trilogy, Battle Phoenix, I’m still hoping to move the publication date up to before Christmas of 2024. Wouldn’t that be nice? That would leave Pebble’s trilogy for 2025. (Did you notice you could pre-order Battle Phoenix AND all three of Pebble’s books??)

For those of you who have read my friend A.R. Grime’s series, Wyldling Dream, I thank you. The first two books, Wyldling Snare and Wyldling Trial are out and ready to be loved.

Well, Wyldling Armor is out (now?) Depends on when you’re reading this. It comes out on 10/8 (octopus day!). You should read this fantastic follow-up to the first two books, just check out this cover. We get to learn about more of the magic, both good and bad. There are three point of views, and one isn’t a hero! Getting into the mind of the villain is fantastic! More than that, LOOK AT THAT COVER!

If you are in Wisconsin. I’ll be at Studio Moonfall in Kenosha on October 12th. I’ll be there again 26th with A.R. Grimes if you want to get one of her books, signed.

I hope you’re having a great October, my friends, and I’ll have some great news for you in a week! Just you wait!!

Huckle

Exciting News! 📚😍😘🔥

Hi my friends! We are in the middle of August and things are happening!

For any of you of facebook, there is a new page for readers and indie authors that is very supportive of us authors, The Reading Lounge. Tomorrow, August 20th, they will be opening it’s virtual doors for the first time and during the day there will be a slew of games and book give aways! You should come check it out!

Please note, all those times are Eastern Standard Time. I’ll be closing out the night with a give away of Veiled Phoenix, though, if you have that book and are interested in Moonstone Phoenix, and are the winner, just let me know!

On Sunday, I’m back in Kenosha for the Kenosha Book Festival. I am so excited to be there. I always meet amazing people when I visit Kenosha, including the narrator to Veiled Phoenix!

On August 26th, I’ll be part of Year of Queer Lit – Stuff Your Kindle, which will offer a ton of free and $0.99 queer lit! I hope you’re as excited as I am!

I hope in all of this you found something you thought was fun and interesting!

Huckle

On The Road Again

Hi friends! I have so many exciting things to share with you.

First of all, Ember Savita Chronicles. Veiled Phoenix is available on audio. The narrator did SUCH an amazing job, I’m thrilled. Meeting her at the Kenosha Book Festival in June was just one of the best things ever.

Speaking of, I’ll be heading down to the Kenosha Book Festival again on August 25th with author A.R. Grimes! If you can make it, it’s a great place to meet indie authors, get books, and have a good time. There are also deals on used books, so there’s something there for everyone.

As for something happening SOONER, I’ll be visiting WordHaven BookHouse in Sheboygan THIS weekend, on August 10th. Again, I’ll be traveling with A.R. Grimes. We’ll be holding a class on How to Publish a Book. We’ll also have our books there.

Every time we’ve gone to WordHaven, we’ve had a ton of fun. It’s an amazing bookstore. Even if you just want to stop in to say ‘Hi!’, we’d love to see you.

Back to Ember. I’ve been getting some good feedback on Veiled Phoenix. I hope all of you are enjoying the story. I just sent Moonstone Phoenix to the narrator. My hope is to have the audiobook publish close to when the book itself releases. I MAY even release earlier than November. What are your thoughts on a good release date?

Now, this series is planned to be a completed trilogy. Once I’m done with it, I’ll be working on getting Pebble’s trilogy out.

I have physical copies of Meowgical Tales, the anthology with the Jade short story. If you want to get a signed copy from me, send me a message. I don’t have this book on my website because I can’t order them easily.

If you have any thoughts or opinions on what direction I go on my writing after Ember and Pebble’s stories, I’m open. I do have a shift-octopus series I wrote that I can finish up, but beyond that, let me know what you’re interested in!

Happy August!

Huckle