ho ho ho, guess who's here? your fat and jolly friend blogs near

Well, it's still Sunday on the west coast. You know how holidays go sometimes. Anyway, this is a special Sunday catchup, as after the cut, I present...my top songs of 2016! (Warning: Lots of videos ahead.)

I'd like to blog about all the things your eyes and mind can see

Sunday catchup, and since we're heading for the thick of it, happy holiday season to all! (I apologize for missing Beethoven's Birthday, though.) I hope that it's a beacon of light for you, even with all the darkness that may be ahead. Lots of trimmings coming up after the cut, including where all those Sunday blog titles for 2016 came from.

Skyblade's Gambit: FAQ time!

Skyblade's Gambit, unlike the Monkey Queen books, doesn't lend itself to a "behind the scenes" blog post, mostly because it's not jammed with pop culture references the way Michiko and Beth's adventures are. I did have some observations, though, along with a Big Secret to reveal about the Skyblade Saga. So, I decided to write an FAQ about this first adventure for Annabel and Victorie. No spoilers this time, but if you were to read Skyblade's Gambit first, I wouldn't mind (and if you missed it, head to Amazon and get your copy!).

So, me fine pirate lads and lassies, hoist the mainsail, load yer pistolere, and find out more about the makin' of this fine pirate treasure of a novella...after the cut! Yarrrr!

This blog's a long old road we shouldn't have to walk alone

Sunday catchup is late today, and we can blame that on the flu bug I picked up on Friday. Or thank it for that. Anyway, let's lead off with this request: If you've enjoyed Skyblade's Gambit, The Crown Of Kylthena, or any of the other books I've written, please scoot over to Amazon and leave a review or three. Reviews do help attract new readers and attention, and both are very welcome sights to me. Feel free to also leave reviews elsewhere - Goodreads, Kobo, your blog or Facebook timeline - but Amazon does work best. More after the cut.

(A quick reminder: If you're outside of the US and want to buy a copy of Skyblade's Gambit, contact me. We can work this out.)

Speaking of Amazon, here are two other ways to help support my writing. One, if you need to do some last minute shopping there, start by clicking on any of the Amazon links in this post. If you do and then buy anything, I get a small but welcome cut of the proceeds. Thanks.

The other? I've revised my Disney Infinity want list on Amazon to no longer be just Disney Infinity. There are all sorts of goodies on there, and I'd be happy to get any of them, big or small. Click here and shop away!

But I'll be even happier if you consider donating to the GoFundMe page my friend, and big Monkey Queen fan, Amber Goss has set up. She's raising funds to help pay for tuition and other charges for a class she needs to take to graduate...but that her financial aid plan won't pay for.  She's met the most urgent need, but she still needs a little bit more to pay for some application fees. Any help you can give, even $5 or $10, means a lot.

Oh, if you didn't notice, the holiday season is upon us, and I have two videos I wanted to share. First: This song debuted on Amazon in 2014, but wasn't available elsewhere (including YouTube) until recently. It's not where I got the name or inspiration for "Best Christmas Ever!" from...but it's still a song I could see Mandy singing over the holidays.

And as improbable as it seems (especially in 2016): Is your holiday season lacking a little DOOM? Do you need a more DOOMY Christmas? Meri Amber's got you covered.

it's enough to make kings and vagabonds blog the very best

Starting off Sunday with this reminder: Skyblade's Gambit, my new novella, is now available through Amazon! Be advised that as a Kindle Worlds book, it's only available through Amazon's US store. If you're outside the US and want to get this book, leave a comment here or message me through my Facebook page; there is a workaround, and I'll be glad to help you get your copy. More after the cut!

Skyblade's Gambit: Now Available! Take to the Skies!

Today is the day! ARRRR! Buckle your swash and prepare to set sail! Skyblade's Gambit, my new novella, is now available! Click here to get the first chapter of The Skyblade Saga! Can a pirate and a Navy officer rescue stolen treasure...while falling for each other? Find out now!

An important note: Due to restrictions of the Kindle Worlds program, Skyblade's Gambit is only available through the U.S. Amazon store. You should be able to buy the ebook at that link even if you're outside the U.S., but if you have any issues, contact me and I'll see what I can do.

And don't forget that Skyblade's Gambit is part of the Plundered Chronicles, featuring a great selection of pirate stories inspired by the books of Alex Westmore! Click here for more info!

Skyblade's Gambit: Sneak Preview!

Time to take to the skies to seek treasure, adventure and romance! Be among the first to read the opening scenes of Skyblade's Gambit after the cut! And check back tomorrow for the official release!

Skyblade's Gambit: The Plundered Chronicles...revealed!

We're just two days away from the December 1 launch of Skyblade's Gambit, my new novella. There'll be a preview tomorrow, but today, I wanted to share more information about the project that this novella is part of...after the cut.

when all hope is gone, sad blogs say so much

First off on this Sunday catchup: If you missed the announcement, Skyblade's Gambit, a new novella set in the new Kindle Worlds' Plundered Chronicles, is coming this Thursday, December 1! Read more here, and check back later in the week for an exclusive excerpt! More after the cut.

Best Christmas Ever! - a reposted holiday short story

It's not been a good year, for so many people, in so many ways. But the holiday season has begun, and maybe we need another reminder that we're not alone, that we have people we care for and who care for us.

Or a reminder to be thankful that no one's actually written "Freddie, The Little Christmas Fruitcake That Could" yet. Either one works for me.

So, after the cut, join Michiko and Beth in their..."Best Christmas Ever!"

Announcing: Skyblade's Gambit!

The last four weeks, I've been working on and hinting at a secret project. At last, I've gotten the all-clear to announce it, so here goes...

Coming December 1, an all-new novella, with new characters and adventures...

Skyblade's Gambit.

Captain Annabel Skyblade commands the Peregrine, the most feared pirate airship to sail the skies of Aldarre, plundering the rich and powerful. The rulers of the sky realms have had enough of her, and the kingdom of Cerindel has enlisted top Navy intelligence agent Victorie Brassfeld to capture the pirate, using a lure too strong to resist - a valuable, beautiful sapphire amulet.

But the amulet hides a great secret, and when it is stolen by sinister forces, Annabel and Victorie must join together to retrieve it. And as they face danger and adventure, they also have to face their feelings for each other, feelings they have never had before, when they discover...

Hearts can be stolen too.

I was honored to be asked to be part of this project - Skyblade's Gambit is part of The Plundered Chronicles, the very first LGBT-themed Kindle Worlds, with stories inspired by the novels of Alex Westmore. My fellow writers and I are taking things in new directions, with adventure, romance, time travel, steampunk, dystopia...and airship pirates!

(Note that as a Kindle Worlds story, Skyblade's Gambit will only be available through Amazon, and only as an ebook.)

There'll be official previews and much coming up over the next few days, so stay tuned! I have a load of fun writing Skyblade's Gambit, and I hope you have fun reading it...and that you'll want more of Annabel and Victorie!

looking like a true survivor, blogging like a little kid

Another quick Sunday catchup. The secret project has been written, but I still can't reveal what it is or when...but with any luck, I'll be able to later this week. Check back later here, or on Twitter or Facebook. It'll be worth the wait! More after the cut.

don't abandon the light, don't step away, don't blog up that tune that you never could play

Sunday catchup, and this once, I'm skipping the cut as I don't have a lot to say. Work on the secret project is going well; the first draft should be concluded later this week. I still don't know when I'll be able to say more about this, but when I get the go-ahead to say more, you'll hear all about it. I will say that I'm having a blast writing this, and I hope you'll have one reading it.

I posted earlier this week about my state of mind, so I won't repeat that here. But I will mention that today is World Kindness Day. I have my doubts about these kind of days - there's a National Oatmeal Day, for goodness' sake - but right now, a little kindness won't hurt and could help a lot. How you approach that is up to you, but I hope you'll consider doing something, and keep a little kindness going in the months and years to come.

And I have to admit I can never say no to helping Girl Scouts...and I can also never turn down penguins.

some words

After the cut.

blog for each second without hesitation

I've got a few minutes while laundry is laundrying, so here's a Sunday catchup for you. Leading off with a blatant plug: The first Monkey Queen ebook, Of Introductions And Abductions, is on sale through November 10! Just 99 cents US/CA/AU/NZ, €0,99 and £0.99! Get it here at Amazon, or search your favorite ebook store for "Robert Dahlen"! More after the cut.

you know I can't blog straight no more

Starting Sunday with an announcement: For the next few weeks, posting on this blog and other social media will be significantly less than usual, mostly likely just a Sunday catchup post every week. A secret project is involved, but I can't say more than that for the time being, and there is a deadline that needs to be met. When I can say more, I will, and I think it'll be worth the wait. More after the cut, including paperback news!

Willow Wednesdays: royally social

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Disney Infinity: Done

After the cut...the end.

the less I say the more my blog gets done

Starting off Sunday with this news: The new Monkey Queen book, The Crown Of Kylthena, is now available on DriveThruFiction! In case you missed Michiko and Beth's latest adventure, check the featured post on the sidebar for a full list of buying links! More after the cut.

The Crown Of Kylthena: Sunday Update

We're taking another break from our usual Sunday catchup format (though a few things may slip in) to keep you posted on doings with The Crown Of Kylthena, the new Monkey Queen book! If you missed the news from earlier this week, Michiko and Beth's new adventure is out now! The post with buying links has been updated with links for Kobo, Barnes and Noble, Indigo / Chapters, Fnac and Angus and Robertson; click here, or search your favorite ebook retailer for "Robert Dahlen"! More after the cut!

The Crown Of Kylthena: Out At Last!

Yes! The wait is over! The sixth Monkey Queen book, The Crown Of Kylthena, is out at last! Get Michiko and Beth's newest adventure at Amazon, or find other buying links and more after the cut!

The Crown Of Kylthena: Coming Friday!

Yes! You read that correctly! The sixth Monkey Queen book, The Crown Of Kylthena, will be published this Friday, October 14! Many, many thanks to Keri Knutson, and to Jason and Marina Anderson with Polgarus Studios, for getting things fixed in a hurry and allowing me to bump up the publication date! (And thanks to Willow, who is awesome!) Here's the corrected cover, and if you missed the preview of the first two chapters, click here! See you on Friday, when the buying links are ready!

The Crown Of Kylthena: Publication Delay Alert

Due to an unfortunate complication, I've had to push back the publication date for The Crown Of Kylthena until next Tuesday, October 18. The reason why? Short answer: I screwed up. Long answer? After the cut!

from the end of the world to your blog

The Sunday catchup returns, with this announcement: The sixth Monkey Queen book, The Crown Of Kylthena, will be published this coming Tuesday, October 11!

"Whatever it takes to rescue Beth, I'll do it."

The Crown of Kylthena is a legendary relic from the Lost Lands of Earth. The stories say it brings great power to its wearer. Michiko Koyama, the hero known as the Monkey Queen, is sent to retrieve the crown along with her girlfriend and partner in adventure Beth McGill, only to find that it's been stolen. They'll have to hop from world to world and team up with the enigmatic wizard Alasdair Sterling to get it back...but can he be trusted?

And even if they find the crown, the secrets it holds could tear Beth away from Michiko...or lead to their doom.

Come back Tuesday for buying links, and click here in case you missed Friday's preview of the first two chapters of Michiko and Beth's newest adventure! More after the cut!

The Crown Of Kylthena: Sneak Preview!

It's been a long wait, but the sixth Monkey Queen book, The Crown Of Kylthena, is just days away from being published! To get you ready, here's a sneak preview - Chapters One and Two of Michiko and Beth's latest adventure! I hope you enjoy! Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments.

(Warning: As with all the Monkey Queen books, this preview contains spoilers for the previous books and for the series as a whole. If you haven't read the earlier books, proceed at your own risk...)

(Or head to the website's "Where To Buy" page to find out where to get the earlier books and catch up first! When you're ready, the preview is after the cut!)

Willow Wednesdays: The Crown Of Kylthena!

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Amber

I'm going to take a moment away from all the prep I'm doing for the next Monkey Queen book to talk to you about something important. A friend of mine needs your help.
I first met Amber Goss when she wrote me fan mail about one of my short stories. She went on to read the Monkey Queen books, and has become a big supporter of Michiko and Beth.

Amber is a college student in Arizona, majoring in linguistics. Health issues have caused her to miss several semesters, and as a result, she's in real danger of missing her deadline to graduate. She can make it up, though, by taking a class during the December Winter term...

A class that her financial aid plan won't cover.

Amber's started a GoFundMe page to help raise money to cover the costs of tuition and books for the December class, plus her application fees for graduate school. She's looking to raise $2300 by December 1; any extra money raised will help cover her living expenses. She goes into detail there about her situation and what the funds will be used for.

$2300 is a big amount. Money's tight for everyone. People are nervous about the election and so many other things...but I'm not hesitating to pitch in. Amber's not just a fan, but a true friend; she's smart and sharp, she knows her geek stuff, she makes me laugh early and often, and she's there with words of support and encouragement on the bad days.

And this is Amber's chance. A chance to graduate, to go to grad school to pursue her dream career, to make a living instead of struggling to get by, to make a difference in the world. But to do it, Amber needs your help. And I'm asking, imploring, all of you to pitch in.

Please head to her GoFundMe page and donate. Even the smallest donation helps get her closer to her goal. And spread the word that a fellow Monkey Queen fan needs our help.

Thanks for reading, and if you're donating, a million thanks more.

(She's going to kill me when she reads this. I know it.)

Willow Wednesdays Extra: Sunday Catchup

The Sunday catchup post you would normally see at this time has been cancelled. Normal service will resume next Sunday. In case you're wondering why...

I have a book to finish and publish.

(Art © 2016 by Willow; used with permission.)

Willow Wednesdays: ride Willow ride

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

but you misread my blogging when I met you

Sunday catchup! Sorry for the lack of posts this week; life gets in the way sometimes. Normal service should resume this week. After the cut...nerd music stuff, including a concert review! (Warning: Lots of photos, links and videos ahead.)

Anniversary Day 2016!

So today marks two years of the Monkey Queen. The anniversary sale is still going on, and I suspect that I may forget to reset the prices for a day or two. (Birthdays will do that.) If you want to grab the first three books, search your favorite ebook store, or scroll down to find the Amazon link.

But I wanted to touch on the important thing: To thank you. There's a more detailed post on Facebook, but I wanted to thank all you here as well. The readers, the reviewers, the fans, the inspirations, those who help with getting the books out, those who cheer me on and cheer me up when needed...I will always be grateful to you. Thank you, one and all.

Those of you on the mailing list may have already seen these, but if you haven't: Here's another sneak peek at the sixth Monkey Queen book, The Crown Of Kylthena. Here, Alasdair Stirling is in a bit of a hurry.

Alasdair pushed his way past a group of surprised dwarves as he ran up to the car. "Good afternoon!" he said pleasantly to the conductor, a wyrdra with an impressive set of bushy whiskers, as he boarded.
"What's this all about?" The conductor glared at Alasdair.
"Just getting two more aboard...there we are!" Alasdair said as Michiko and Beth ran through the door. "Now we can go."
"No, we need to wait. We have a schedule—"
"Yes, yes, I'm sure you do." Alasdair rapped the car door with his cane.
"This—this is highly irregular!" the conductor sputtered as the door slammed shut.
"I know." Alasdair smiled as he reached behind the conductor with his cane. He tapped the control panel. "Isn't it delightful? Hold on, everyone!"
The car wobbled as the crystal-powered engine sparked to life. Beth swayed as the car started down the cables. As it left the terminal building, it lurched as the ground fell away below it. Beth saw the metal inlays along the car's wooden frame; as they glowed, she realized that they were aerium, the same metal that kept Faerie's airships aloft.
"Why are you hijacking my cable car!" the conductor said with a scowl.
"Such a strong term," Alasdair said. "We had a matter of some urgency." He pointed at Liem. "My young friend has an important engagement she dare not be late for."
"Important..."
"Well...technically, it's a big date," Alasdair stage-whispered. "He's apparently quite attractive." He winked. Liem buried her face in her hands.


And even though this book is basically finished, work has started on the seventh book. Here's the very first sneak peek:


"In these woods?" Skoja nodded towards the trees that surrounded them. "There's no one else around, is there?"
Channi started to speak, but stopped as branches in nearby trees rustled and shook. The chimri stopped and watched quietly, mouths open, as a gold-tipped wooden staff flew towards them. It stopped several feet away, floating motionlessly in mid-air.
"Skoja?" Keren said slowly. "What have we told you about tempting fate?"

I hope you enjoyed these. Thanks again for all your support. Stick with Michiko and Beth; there's still lots of adventure to come!

...

Still here? Okay, then. One more thing:

You may want to be dropping by again in early October. [grins]

he's a pinball wizard, he's blogged a trillion more

Sunday! Catchup! We'll start with this reminder: The Anniversary Sale continues! Through Monday, you can get Michiko and Beth's first three adventures for just 99 cents US each! They're also 99 cents CA/AU/NZ, 0.99 £, and 0,99 €! Grab them now, and happy reading! More after the cut.

The Anniversary Sale is on!

This coming Monday, September 19, marks the second anniversary of the official debut of the first Monkey Queen book. To celebrate that, you can get Michiko and Beth's first three adventures for just 99 cents US each!

Start with the first book, Of Introductions And Abductions, where Michiko and Beth first team up to rescue a kidnapped friend. In the second book, The Brigadoon Boondoggle, they have to stop a conflict between Emigres while unraveling a real estate scheme gone bad. And in the third, Under The Stars Of Faerie, they face a deadly assassin and a mad gremlin and team up with airship pirates!

If you've never read the Monkey Queen books before, this is the perfect time to start! If you've read the first, catch up now on books two and three! And ebooks make great gifts! Click here to buy from Amazon, or search your favorite ebook retailer for "Monkey Queen"!

This sale ends Monday, so don't miss out! Thanks for your support, and I hope you enjoy the books!

Rejected Peanuts Specials: It's Ridiculous Crossover Time, Charlie Brown!

Find out what the round-headed kid got himself stuck in...after the cut!

Willow Wednesdays: maybe it's a Beauxbatons uniform?

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

still too busy singing to put anybody down

50 years ago today, and hopefully not lost in the deserved celebration over Star Trek's debut, another show that would leave its mark for years to come premiered. Take a look at Michiko's favorite band...after the cut!

hello, baby hello, haven't seen your blog for a while

Sunday catchup time! Next week will mark the two-year anniversary of the official debut of the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, and there will very likely be a soppy blog post on the 19th. But there may also be a sale...so stay tuned! More after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: be sure to wear some stars in your hair

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

my bulldog is blogging in the backyard

It's Sunday catchup time! I know things have been a little light on the blog in the last couple of weeks, but I do have a few posts planned for the near future in addition to the regular features. As for what's planned for today...just look after the cut to find out!

Willow Wednesdays: I'm late! I'm late!

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

turn on the T.V., shut out the lights, Roy Rogers is blogging tonight

A quick reminder to start this Sunday catchup: Twitter. @MonkeyQueenBks. That is all.

...Well, not really. More after the cut!

Willow Wednesdays: an early Journey

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

gonna set this blog alight

Kicking Sunday off with this reminder: If you didn't catch it earlier, a new short story, "Adoption Day", was posted this week! Scroll up or click here to read it. If you liked it, feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment, and you're encouraged to share the link to this story everywhere you can find! More after the cut.

Adoption Day: A new short story! (Post #450)

Here's the surprise I promised for the 450th post on this blog: A new short story! It features Henrietta Honeycutt and Duncan Wizansky, two characters who debuted in Redblade (needless to say, there are spoilers ahead). It's a slice of life story, much like "That's Amore", and there's only a little magic...unless the magic in the human heart counts.

If you like this, feel free to leave a comment or drop me a line, and you're welcome to share the link all over social media! Spread the word! And read on...after the cut.

Care and Feeding of Toon Creatures

Hagrid has certain job complications...after the cut.

your sister can't blog (but she can rock & roll)

A small announcement to start the Sunday catchup: Willow Wednesdays will be taking the coming week off, as Wednesday is when post #450 to this blog will be going up. Willow Wednesdays won't be going away for good; there's still lots of great art by Willow to share! It'll be back on the 24th.

After the cut: A geek music update!

Francophone Fridays: AD_e!

Welcome back to Francophone Fridays, where we take a look an artist from the French-speaking part of the world and feature some of their art. This week: Meet AD_e...after the cut!

Willow Wednesdays: Bookmarks Are Magic!

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Rejected Peanuts Specials: Nobody Likes You, Charlie Brown!

Find out why...after the cut!

all the young girls blogged Alice

Starting this Sunday catchup with a reminder: Comments and feedback are always welcome! Jump in here on the blog, chat with me on Facebook, tweet at me on Twitter! I like hearing from people, and I don't bite, so talk to me!

More after the cut, including a look at Harry Potter And The Cursed Child. Warning: Spoilers!

it's that time again...

First, Francophone Fridays will return next week. Things have been crazy at my day job lately, and I haven't been able to put in the time to get the next post done as it should be. I think it's going to be a good one, so stay tuned!

But we have something else to discuss.

Every year, John Kovalic - the cartoonist behind the great gaming webcomic Dork Tower, and the gaming illustrator best known for his work on Munchkin - takes part in a bike ride to help a charity in his home of Madison, WI. Bike The Barns raises funds to help bring locally-grown organic food from farmers to needy families. That is one heck of a win-win.

And every year, John sets a fundraising goal, reaches it, and bikes the entire 60 miles...with a duck on his head.

This year, the goal is $7500. If he hits $10,000, he'll also wear tentacles.

You get all sorts of goodies for backing him, even if you don't live anywhere near Wisconsin. A $20 donation will get you a Munchkin postcard, a "Army of Dorkness" button, two coloring book PDFs, and a PDF of a print with a duck limerick illustrated by John...and written by Patrick Rothfuss.

And if you up the donation to $50, you get the art as an actual mini-print...signed by both John and Patrick.

So, get your browsers over to the Bike The Barns page and donate already! The fundraising started late this year, but there's still time to help a good cause...

And even better, make a grown man wear a duck on his head. Again.

Willow Wednesdays: a dark secret revealed

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Harry Potter and the...Wait. What?

So a thing came today. See this thing after the cut.

I've seen a lot of bloggers who haven't had much luck

Starting this Sunday catchup with an apology: Circumstances kept me from getting a new Francophone Friday posted this week. Sorry about that. I'll try to have one up next week.

Work continues on the Special Project for post #450. Fasten your seatbelts!

After the cut: A tribute to a great comic strip and its cartoonist.

Willow Wednesdays: they call me the seeker

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Rejected Peanuts Specials: Funko Pop a Roll, Charlie Brown!

What trouble has the round-headed kid gotten into now? Find out...after the cut!

and he found faith in blogging, a lifestyle he lived by

Let's kick Sunday off with a reminder: If you've read and enjoyed any or all of the Monkey Queen books, spread the word! Let everyone know that you're a fan of Michiko and Beth! Blog about them, tweet about them, share the Facebook page or the website, leave a review, or just buy an extra copy of the first book and give it as a gift. New readers and fans are always welcome here! More after the cut.

Francophone Fridays: Enalizarine

Welcome to a new feature here: Francophone Fridays! Every week, I'll feature artwork by one of many French (and French-speaking) artists I follow, on Facebook and elsewhere. I'm astonished by how much talent is coming from that part of the world, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

After the cut: Suddenly, a savage French comic artist appears!

Willow Wednesdays: Console-lation

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

a fine suggestion

Calomiel tweeted this earlier today with the message: "We don't only WANT it, we NEED it"

Art © 2016 Calomiel. See more work by her at her blog, and follow her on Twitter and Facebook!

You won't need a gutter to blog in tonight

Starting this Sunday catchup off with a small announcement: We're coming up soon on post #450 (counting on the original site of this blog on Blogger). I always like to do something special for those anniversary posts, and I just may have something in mind for this one. Stay tuned! More after the cut.

Rejected Peanuts Specials: "You're Not On Kids WB And We Are, Charlie Brown!"

Revisit cartoon classics...after the cut!

Willow Wednesdays: chicks dig it

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

clicking and busting

Take the awesome geek-folk-rock duo The Doubleclicks and their cool take on the Ghostbusters theme. Add some clever video editing, using footage from all the trailers for the upcoming movie. Result? Something verging on amazing that's loads of fun, and worth watching.

saying blog's just a four letter word

Starting Sunday with something we like to remind you of from time to time: You are always welcome to leave a comment here! I enjoy hearing from you, and I'd like to hear what you think about anything I have to say here, whether or not it's Monkey Queen-related. I'm also on Facebook and Twitter, so feel free to like and/or follow me on those sites and jump in on the conversation. I don't bite...unless you have chocolate chip cookies.

Speaking of Twitter, there's an interesting story...after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: Surprise!

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Wandering Star

I've mentioned the new collection of the sci-fi comic Wandering Star several times on this blog. It's a forgotten classic, a story of interstellar war, the unlikely starship crew that tries to end it...and the effects that the war has on its survivors. My copy is here, and I have photos! (After the cut, that is.)

Disney Infinity: Because Some People Are Worth Getting Shot Multiple Times By A Ruthless Bounty Hunter For

it's no good blogging in the sun

Kicking Sunday off with an updated reminder: As I mentioned last week, Willow will be appearing at the Collectif Pin Up booth at the Japan Expo in Paris this coming weekend, July 7-10. She's just announced that you can get copies of her debut BD/graphic novel, The Journey Of Earth, for just €12.00 through July 10, either at the show or from her directly! And you should if you haven't already - as you'd expect from Willow, the story is imaginative and the art is wonderful! The best way to contact Willow would be through her Facebook or DeviantArt pages; if that doesn't work, email me or leave a comment and I'll put you in touch with her. And get more info on Japan Expo here! More after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: I was right

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

CATBUS!

Er, and some other Miyazaki characters Willow drew for button designs a couple of years back.

(CATBUS!)

Art © 2016 by Willow. All rights reserved; used by permission. You can view Willow's extensive galleries on DeviantArt and Tumblr, see her updates and works in progress by liking her Facebook page, follow her on Twitter, and buy prints and much more at her Society6 webstore, including exclusive Monkey Queen items!

(CATBUS!)

Rejected Peanuts Specials: Goodbye to Disney Infinity edition

We'll always have happy memories...after the cut!

all my life is bloggings from the eye

Sunday is catching up, and we open with Willow news: She will be at the Japan Expo in Paris, July 7-10! She'll be at the Collectif Pin Up booth (Hall 6, booth Q678), with two other talented artists, Pikila and Galaxyspeaking! They'll have lots of goodies for sale, including the shiba dog charms I showed a while back, and Willow's debut graphic novel The Journey Of Earth. If you're going, stop by and tell Willow that Michiko and Beth say "hi"! More info on Japan Expo here, and more after the cut.

Kobo sale! This weekend only! (EDIT 7/1: Sale Over, Sorry.)

Do you have a Kobo e-reader or the Kobo app? Do you live in the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand? Do you need to catch up on Michiko and Beth? Well, this is your weekend! Head over to your Kobo store and use the promo code 50JUN, and save 50 percent on all five Monkey Queen books! But don't wait - this is only good through Monday, June 27! (And you can get other books as well - US readers click here for more!) Search your Kobo store for "Monkey Queen" or "Robert Dahlen" to find Michiko and Beth's books.

satanic cats, clockwork Alices, and much-needed vacations

Last week, I shared some work from three good Francophone artists. There are a lot of them out there, though, so I'll be sharing three more...after the cut!

First, from Belgium, is AD_e. Her style is unabashedly and unapologetically cartoony, and an absolute delight. The drawing I'm sharing comes from her DeviantArt page, but she seems to be on Facebook the most. And she is always supportive of younger artists and willing to chat; there may not be a friendlier artist in all of western Europe! (Unless cats from Hell are involved.)

Next is France's Rosy Clockomaton. I discovered her work through Willow, and I am amazed by it. Her work is influenced by steampunk, and she has a great eye for color, character design and costuming. I think I like this Alice better than the ones from the recent movies! She's also on Facebook, but her Tumblr blog seems to be the best place to keep up with her and her work.

And I'll close today with Enalizarine. She's really come along in the last year or so, and I'm eager to see her continue to grow as an artist! She's on Facebook and Tumblr. I hope she enjoys her time off!

All art is, of course, © 2016 by the respective artists. If you have any artists (they don't have to be French!) whose work you like, please share them in the comments!

Willow Wednesdays: Take The Air

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Your Crown Of Kylthena update

It's good news...and bad.

The good is that the final draft is almost done. I need to expand one or two scenes, and then nitpick the draft from first page to last, but when that's finished the book will almost be good to go.

The bad is that Willow's tendinitis is taking longer than expected to heal, and work on her thesis is taking up a lot of her time anyway. At this point, I'm going to have to assume she won't be able to complete the cover until September, which means that the book won't be out until this fall.

I hope you'll forgive me for this delay. Sometimes, life does get in the way. All I can do is make The Crown Of Kylthena the best book I can, take the extra time to improve it and make it worth the wait...and I will.

Thanks for your patience, your understanding and your support.

if we're all blogging somewhere let's get there soon

Sunday means catching up, and here we go! First, and you'll have to forgive me for the short notice, The Doubleclicks are holding another one of their great livestream shows today, starting at noon Pacific / 3:00 PM Eastern / 8:00 PM GMT / 9:00 PM CET! This one is going to be on Twitch instead of YouTube, so click here if you're on a computer or download the app if you're using a smartphone or tablet, and make sure to set up an account before the show starts. Prizes, possible surprise guests, and the chance of seeing a grown woman dressed as a banana! More after the cut.

wizzards, soot sprites and cricket bats

Today, I thought I'd do something different, so after the cut, see some art from some nifty artists who aren't named Willow!

Willow Wednesdays: That is one happy sheep

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

where the blogs of society howl

On this sad day, my thoughts are with the survivors of this morning's tragedy in Orlando, the families and friends and loved ones of the victims, and the good people there, especially in their LGBT community. I hold out hope that someday, we can finally fully accept each other's differences and move beyond hate and fear and violence.

Happier topics after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: I'll be doggoned

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Geeks Doing Good!

Want some cool stuff? Want to help a good cause? Time to do both! Worldbuilders, the organization that harnesses geek energy and good vibes to help great charities, has launched their annual Geeks Doing Good campaign on Indiegogo! Head over there to get lots of cool swag, with the proceeds going to charity! (I've got my eyes on that sweet Karen Hallion calendar, and OMG that coffee...) This campaign closes on June 13, though, so get over there now!

the spotlight's hitting something that's been known to blog the weather

Happy Sunday! Hope all of you are keeping cool where it's hot, warn where it's cold and dry where it's rainy. It's been hot here, and my apartment is quite muggy; I'm tempted to call it "Dagobah," as it feels like I'm walking in a swamp every time I head to the kitchen... More after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: Moonstruck

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

they blogged you on the treadmill

Sunday starts with a reminder: You have just three days left to get your copy of the first Monkey Queen ebook, Of Introductions And Abductions, for just 99 cents US/CA/AU, £0.99 UK and €0,99! The price will be reset to $2.99 US on June 1, so don't wait! (And remember that ebooks are easily giftable!) More after the cut!

We have first draft sign!

The first draft of the sixth Monkey Queen book, The Crown Of Kylthena, is finally done!

Don't get too excited yet. There's still at least one round of editing and revising to come, and we need to wait for Willow to recover from her wrist tendinitis before she can finish the cover. It'll still be a while before The Crown Of Kylthena is published.

But if you want to get a bit excited, be my guest. I am!

Especially since I'm getting some great ideas going for the seventh book...

Willow Wednesdays: be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

and love lies blogging in my hands

Sunday starts with the reminder that the May sale has been extended to May 31! If you're making your first visit here, check the sidebar post to see where you can get the first Monkey Queen ebook, Of Introductions And Abductions, for just 99 cents US/CA/AU, £0.99 UK and €0,99! If you're already a fan, you're welcome to spread the word - let everyone you're connected to on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Google+, or your blog know that it's time to meet Michiko and Beth! More after the cut.

Rejected Peanuts Specials: "It's (fill in the blank) Day, Charlie Brown!"

Wacky hijinks ensue...after the cut!

Willow Wednesdays: Carpe Fugam

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

This is the last bit of art that Willow completed before she took a break to recover from her tendinitis.

My first thought: "Wow."

My second thought: "We'd like to thank you for choosing Yokai Airlines. Coffee, tea or sake?"

Art © 2016 by Willow. All rights reserved; used by permission. You can view Willow's extensive galleries on DeviantArt and Tumblr, see her updates and works in progress by liking her Facebook page, follow her on Twitter, and buy prints and much more at her Society6 webstore, including exclusive Monkey Queen items!

Kobo Next For Less!

A bit of Monday night news: Not only is the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, back down to 99 cents on Kobo and related sites, we're featured on Kobo's Next For Less page! If you have a Kobo ereader or the Kobo app on your Apple or Android device, swing on over to check out the latest deals!

blogs for baby and me

Sunday is catchup time here at Monkey Queen HQ, and here's something big you may have missed: On Wednesday, there was a sneak peek at Willow's in-progress art for the next Monkey Queen book, The Crown Of Kylthena, along with an excerpt from the book! If you missed it, scroll down or click here...then come back for more after the cut!

Thursday (!) catchup

A bit unusual, but some things have happened that couldn't wait until the weekend. First and foremost, the May sale has been extended! You can now get the first Monkey Queen ebook, Of Introductions And Abductions, through May 31 for just 99 cents US/CA/AU, £0.99, and €0,99! Get buy links in the featured post on the sidebar, or search Amazon, Kobo or iTunes for "Monkey Queen"! More after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: Meet Alasdair Sterling! (post #400)

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for a special, do not miss installment!

Rejected Peanuts Specials - the Timey-Wimey Edition

Things get wibbly-wobbly for Charlie Brown after the cut!

Lord I was blogging by the record machine

Time for that Sunday catchup! First, another friendly reminder that the May sale is still on! The first Monkey Queen ebook, Of Introductions And Abductions, is just 99 cents US/CA/AU, £0.99, and €0,99 now through May 21! For buying links, click on the featured post on the sidebar; you can also search Amazon or iTunes. More after the cut!

May Sci-Fi and Fantasy sale! 99 cents US

I'm pleased as punch to be taking part in the latest promo arranged by author Patty Jansen! May 7 and 8 (and already, in many cases), over 150 ebooks and box sets are marked down to just 99 cents US! (And if you've forgotten, one of those ebooks is the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions!) Click here to go to Patty's site and find some great, cheap reading!

Willow Wednesdays Extra: Get well, Willow!

Bad news to pass on about Willow: She's been diagnosed with wrist tendinitis in her drawing hand. She's tried to keep working through the pain, but she's given in and will be taking a break from drawing until her wrist heals.

I'm sure that all of you are joining me in wishing Willow a speedy and complete recovery! If you want to leave her a message of support, the best place to do so would be her Facebook page. Let's all hope she'll be back drawing again soon!

Willow Wednesdays: May the Fourth (plus 96) Be With You

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Giveaway: Win a Kindle Fire!

Fantasy author C.J. Brightley is holding a cool giveaway that I'm glad to be helping with! She's giving one lucky winner a new Kindle Fire, pre-loaded with 30 fantasy ebooks, including the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions! Click here to enter, but hurry - the contest closes May 14!

(Disclaimers: By entering, your email address will be given to all participating authors, and many of them will be adding you to their mailing lists. You can unsubscribe at any time, but be advised. Also, the contest is closed to entries from some countries, including France, Portugal and Italy, and you have to be 21 or older. Be sure to read the rules and conditions before entering!)

drunk all the time, blogging fine on elderberry wine

Sunday catchup! Don't forget that the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, is now on sale! Just 99 cents US/CA/AU, £0.99 UK, €0,99 in Europe, and at special prices everywhere else! Tell your friends and spread the word! Buying links and more are in the pinned post on the sidebar, so share away! More after the cut.

Welcome!

To those of you dropping by for the first time: Hi! I'm Robert Dahlen, the author of the Monkey Queen novel series, in which Michiko (teenage hero with a wisecracking streak) and Beth (fangirl college student) team up to "save the world" (they're starting small). It's fantasy adventure with heroines, humor and heart, and a friendship that may be leading to something more. The first book, Of Introductions And Abductions, is on sale for just 99 cents US/CA/AU, £0.99, and €0,99 now through May 31! You can find all the sale links, and learn more about Michiko and Beth, after the cut!

Willow Wednesdays: I'm a sucker for those helmets

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Happy World Penguin Day!

Celebrate that most amazing of days...after the cut!

It's World Penguin Day, and there are reasons to mark it. It's not just that penguins are remarkable and funny and cute, as you can see here.

It's also that penguins are in trouble. Climate change is real, and it will affect animals and plants worldwide, including penguins. Many of the world's species of penguins (12 of 17, by one count) are experiencing population decline, due partially to habitat loss caused by climate change.

Want to help? Learn more about penguins and how climate change affects them. Support organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and Defenders of Wildlife that work to raise awareness, and work to protect penguin habitats. One group that I've mentioned earlier is Penguin Watch, where you can help researchers and look at cute penguin photos. Win-win!

Also, if you're on Twitter, follow BioTweeps. This week, their Twitter account is being curated by Dr. Michelle LaRue, who brings awesome science when it comes to penguins! Cute stories, photos, penguin facts and ways to help!

And have a happy World Penguin Day!

Daniel is blogging tonight on a plane

A request/reminder for Monkey Queen fans to start this Sunday catchup: If you've enjoyed Michiko and Beth's adventures, please take the time to leave a review! People do pay attention to what other readers have to say about books they're interested in. They'll do the most good on Amazon, especially for any book after the first, but any review anywhere you want to post it will help. Don't be shy! I appreciate all the support I've received so far from reviewers, and the readers you could be bringing in will appreciate it too. More, including another way you can help, after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: Gone Fishin'

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Worthy Cause: Help the Grall family

Regular visitors to this blog know that I love webcomics. One of my favorites is Max Overacts, about an aspiring child actor with an overactive imagination, written and drawn by ace cartoonist Canaan Grall. It's been on hiatus recently due to his health issues. He's been diagnosed with a brain tumor, and will undergo surgery next month.

He won't be able to work for several months after the surgery, and his family's finances will be taking a major hit. A relative has started a GoFundMe page to help cover their expenses. I know money is tight all around, but if you can spare anything, please drop by the page and donate. I've never met or contacted the Gralls, but Canaan seems like a good guy, and his family could use a hand or two right now. Thanks.

rich man can ride, and the blogger, he can drown

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Let's start with another reminder: If you have a Kobo e-reader, or Kobo software on your smartphone or tablet, you're all set to follow Michiko and Beth's adventures! US readers can get all five Monkey Queen books through the Kobo site, Canadians can hit Indigo, and you can always search your favorite e-book store for "Monkey Queen" or "Robert Dahlen!" More after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: RANDOM GUY!

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

and I'm gonna blog high as a kite by then

Sunday catchup time! Just make sure you've got your hand sanitizer ready; whatever flu-like bug I've picked up this week is tough and contagious. I apologize in advance if this infects the internet. More after the cut.

Rejected Peanuts Specials All-Stars

See what didn't make the cut...after the cut!

Willow Wednesdays: Sea Cruise

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

the ups and downs of fifty people

"When we look back, we'll never see how lines got crossed..."

I like blogging and I like wine, and I've always liked it that way

(Well, maybe not the wine part so much...) Hello! It's Sunday catchup time! Let's start with a reminder: All five Monkey Queen books are now available through iTunes! Read Michiko and Beth's adventures on the iBooks app for your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch! More after the iCut! Er, after the cut.

nirvana achieved

(I do have to admit that I did not bake these; they came from a local grocery store. But I will learn how to bake them someday!)

Max

I've mentioned before that the Doubleclicks are a nerd-pop-folk-rock sister duo, but I don't talk enough about their secret weapon...Max, the cat keyboard. They've just released a cover version of a certain theme most of you know, and Max is in full force here. (Perfect music for your next trip to Cattooine...)

But I still think I like this cover version they did of a certain theme most of you know even better.

Willow Wednesdays: I do like the scarf...

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

blogging in the country, fishing in the stream

Happy Easter Sunday catchup! Hope all of you enjoyed your candy! Or will enjoy the half-off sales on Monday like me. I had a happy Easter surprise this morning, when I got to see how far Willow's come on drawing the cover for the upcoming sixth Monkey Queen book, The Crown Of Kylthena. You may want to put on extra socks when this book comes out, because this cover will knock them off! More after the cut.

Relics

It was an era of magic and wonder, of stories lost to the ages, of epic deeds and tales. There were giants in those days. And there were great relics to behold.

Some try to claim these relics never existed...

But they did. They truly did.

Willow Wednesdays: Rejected Peanuts Specials

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Doubleclicks live show update!

So here's the promised update on The Doubleclicks live online show this Saturday: It's going to be on their YouTube channel! It'll be at 3:00 PM Pacific time/6:00 PM Eastern/10:00 PM GMT/11:00 CET. The Doubleclicks are lots of fun, and their online shows are a blast, so join me there!

Until then: You need a song about the kilogram. No, really, you do.

Spends his days blogging in a garage by the motorway

We begin this Sunday catchup by letting you know that Redblade, the fifth Monkey Queen book, is now available on Barnes & Noble for your Nook! You can also get it through Kobo, iTunes, and DriveThruFiction!

With that, all five Monkey Queen books are now in wide distribution again. You can get Redblade, and all the other Monkey Queen books, through Amazon or most other ebook retailers; just search the store for "Monkey Queen" or "Robert Dahlen". More after the cut.

Going Wide IV: Redblade...and thanks!

Today is the day that Redblade, the fifth Monkey Queen book, goes wide! You can now get it through Kobo, iTunes, and DriveThruFiction! It should be available shortly on Barnes & Noble, for your Nook, and other webstores worldwide. And you can still buy Redblade, and all the other Monkey Queen books, through Amazon!

Today is also a special day for me. If you don't know the story: On March 16, 2013, I found the material I had written for a comic book series that never took off and, after reviewing it, realized it could work as a book. The next day, three years ago today, I typed these words into my tablet: "It was another crappy Friday for Beth McGill." Three years and five books later I'm still writing, with two books and a secret project in progress, and still having the time of my life.

Thank you to you - the fans, the readers, the people who have taken a time to drop me a line or leave a comment or review, the people who have encouraged and supported me. Special thanks, first and foremost, to Willow! And also to Calomiel, Shei Darksbane, Kate Danley, Meri Amber, the crew at KBoards, Stan Sakai, Studio Foglio, Cora and Jessica at the Speculative Fiction Showcase, the enigmatic "M", everyone else I may have overlooked...and of course to you!

Stay tuned! Don't touch that dial! 2016 is still going to be amazing for all us! And thanks again.

Willow Wednesdays: Foxy Ladies

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

hold me closer, tiny blogger

Today's Sunday catchup is going to be a short one. I've got three major things I need to take care of, and all of those need to be done today. I've been busy getting Redblade ready for this coming Thursday, the 17th, when the fifth Monkey Queen book will debut on Kobo, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, DriveThruFiction and more! I'm finishing something for a top-secret project that I can't say anything else about. (It is top secret...for now!) And I have to do laundry. Not as exciting as the other things, but there you go.

Just a quick reminder: If you're a Monkey Queen fan and a reader of Portuguese, I could use your help! I promise I'm not going to sell you anything, add you to some weird emailing list, or send ogres to your house; I just need some help with a publication opportunity. Contact me for more details; I'll keep everything confidential. Thanks!

Willow Wednesdays: Let It Snow

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Brazilian and Portuguese Monkey Queen fans: A request (updated)

If you're a Portuguese speaker and a fan of Michiko and Beth, I could use your help with a publishing matter. I want to keep things confidential for now, so please contact me by email or using the contact form. Thanks! (3/15: I've had someone contact me, so help is no longer needed for now. Thanks.)

For the rest of you, here's a penguin video. Because penguins.

Going Wide III: Nook!

The first four Monkey Queen books are now available in the Barnes & Noble web store for your Nook e-reader, your Nook app, or in paperback! Click here, or search B&N for "Robert Dahlen"! (And next week, Redblade will be made available everywhere you can find the first four books!)

will they blog again next week, can my mind really take it?

Sunday catchup time! For those of you who haven't stopped by this week, a quick reminder: The first four Monkey Queen books are now available again on Kobo, iTunes and DriveThruFiction! (Due to Amazon requirements, Redblade will not be available outside of Amazon until March 17.) For US residents, click the links! Outside of the US, search your favorite e-book retailer for "Robert Dahlen"! More after the cut.

Going Wide II: iTunes and more!

I know I said I'd wait until Sunday, but this is too exciting for me to wait. The first four Monkey Queen books are available again on iTunes and DriveThruFiction! And Canadian fans can get them on Indigo.ca! (The fifth book, Redblade, will continue to be an Amazon exclusive until March 17.) I'm still waiting for Barnes and Noble to come into line; hopefully, it'll be up on Sunday for the catchup post. Spread the word!

Going wide

Today is the big day. The first four Monkey Queen books are, or will soon be, available on web sites other than Amazon. (Due to having to fulfill a 90-day commitment to Amazon, Redblade will still be exclusive there through March 17.) They're already available in Kobo's US store; just search for "Robert Dahlen", or click here! By Saturday, they should be available in other US stores including Barnes and Noble (for Nook), iTunes and Drive Thru Fiction! I'll have links up on Sunday. It may take a few more days for the books to be available outside the US, but keep checking, and feel free to share the links here and everywhere else!

If you've been reading these books through Kindle Unlimited, I apologize for any issues this causes. I felt it was time to take this step, as the best way to keep the audience for Michiko and Beth's adventures growing. If you have any concerns about this, leave a comment or contact me privately. Thanks.

Willow Wednesdays: strolling along

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Scam Alert!

Some of you may have received email recently from a web site calling itself "ebookjuice", which claims to be a site to help authors promote their books. There are confirmed reports from at least two authors that this is a scam site. They get your email and password, and use it to try to crack into PayPal, Hotmail, Mail Chimp or other mailing list sites, and the like.

Do not use "ebookjuice"! Stay away from this site! And pass this on. Let's let everyone know of these pathetic scumbuckets.

another glimpse of the blogger across the water

I really didn't intend to leave all of you hanging when I mentioned that "next big announcement" earlier. Really! I just haven't had much time or energy to post more this week, due to other commitments and that dang flu bug that's going around. But here's the announcement: Starting later this week (time permitting), I'll be serializing the first Monkey Queen book, Of Introductions And Abductions, on Wattpad! More details soon, and more after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: By Lantern's Light

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

where to now, St. Peter? if it's true, I'm in your blog

First, in case you missed it this week, a big announcement: After several months in Kindle Unlimited, the Monkey Queen series will be returning to wider distribution as of March 4 (except for Redblade, which will be March 17). This does mean that you won't be able to read the books for free in KU, but it also means that you'll be able to get them through places other than Amazon. (Kobo is all set, and I'll be getting listings ready to go at other stores on the 4th.) I'm hoping that the wider exposure will lead to more people discovering Michiko and Beth's books, and telling their friends. Let's get that word spread! More after the cut.

Goodbye Kindle Unlimited - Hello iTunes and Kobo!

If you haven't seen this elsewhere, here's an announcement of note: The Monkey Queen books will be leaving Kindle Unlimited when their current term expires - March 17 for Redblade, March 4 for the others. They'll still available to buy at Amazon, but they'll no longer be free to read for Kindle Unlimited members.

I've made this decision because I think that interest in Michiko and Beth has grown enough where I'd like to make the books widely available again. If you've been reading the books through Kindle Unlimited, I hope this isn't an inconvenience and you'll continue to follow the series. If you prefer other e-stores to Amazon, however, you'll soon be able to get the Monkey Queen's adventures at Kobo, iTunes, Barnes and Noble (for Nook), Drive-Thru Fiction and more! We'll update the "Where To Buy" links as the changeover takes place.

And stay tuned - we'll have more exciting news coming soon! Let's make 2016 the Year of...the Monkey Queen!

Willow Wednesdays: Into The Woods

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

love is the opening door, love is what we blogged here for

One last reminder for this Sunday catchup: There's still time to read the new Valentine's Day Monkey Queen short story, "That's Amore!" (Well, there's still time to read it this Valentine's Day. And time to read it after Valentine's Day, since it won't be taken down soon. Or later. Or even after next Valentine's Day. You know what I mean. I hope you do. I'm not sure I do any more...) Anyway, more after the cut, including some spoilery fan art you'll want to see!

Good grief! More rejected Peanuts specials

After the cut...the shows THEY didn't want you to see!

Willow Wednesdays: Happy Birthday, Willow!

This installment of Willow Wednesdays is a bit different, and with good reason:

Today is Willow's birthday! (Well, according to DeviantArt. If it's wrong, blame them.) Here's hoping for the very best of birthdays and nothing less to a wonderful artist and equally wonderful person! If you want to wish her a happy birthday, click one of the links below and leave her a message! (Well, maybe not the Society6 link...then again, buying some of her goodies would be a nice birthday present!)

Art © 2016 by Willow. All rights reserved; used by permission. You can view Willow's extensive galleries on DeviantArt and Tumblr, see her updates and works in progress by liking her Facebook page, follow her on Twitter, and buy prints and much more at her Society6 webstore, including exclusive Monkey Queen items! And Willow, if you're reading this on February 10, Happy Birthday!

Tuesday catchup

Two things to get your Tuesday rolling. First, I forgot to mention that The Doubleclicks, our favorite sister geek-folk-rock-with-cat-keyboard duo, are holding a live streaming concert this coming Sunday, Valentine's Day! Well, technically it'll be at midnight GMT and 1:00 AM CET, but it's on Valentine's Day in the Western Hemisphere - 3:00 PM Pacific, 6:00 PM Eastern. There'll be songs about love, dinosaurs, geeky fun things, and more! It'll be on YouTube; click here to watch, or here to learn more about the band. See you there!

And a Happy Birthday to awesome pal Shei Darksbane! You know her as part of Darksbane Books and the main author of the Dakota Shepherd series, but she has also been a good friend in good times and bad, and one of my favorite people. Shei, I hope your birthday kicks butt! (In a good way!)

2016...the Year of the Monkey (Queen)!

Wishing of all you a Happy Chinese New Year! It's 4714...the Year of the Monkey.

Things are off to a slow start this year for Michiko and Beth, but it won't stay that way for long. Enemies are waiting for them. They'll greet old friends and new, and adventure in new and familiar places.

By the time this year is over, Michiko and Beth will have faced their greatest challenges, confronted their greatest dangers and fears, and will celebrate their greatest triumphs...if they survive.

In the end, 2016 will be the Year of...the Monkey Queen! Stay tuned!

Art © 2016 Willow; used with her kind permission. Designed by Robert Dahlen on Canva.com.

just the sweetest song my blog has ever known

We'll start this Sunday catchup with a quick reminder: Talk to me! If you have any comments about the Monkey Queen books, the short stories, the setting in general, Willow's art, penguins, what Disney Infinity figures should be next, or anything else I discuss here, feel free to leave a comment here! I really don't bite, and I'd love to hear from you! (You can also tweet me, or leave a comment on the Facebook page.) More after the cut.

big box set sale!

Have you finished reading all the Monkey Queen books? Need something new to fill your Kindle or e-reader or tablet? This weekend only, you can get 45 box sets and omnibuses for just 99 cents US each! Head here to check out what's available.

Willow Wednesdays: Summation

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more!

Rejected Peanuts Specials

See what won't be coming to your TV...after the cut.

a few of the blog posts, well they've got me quite cross

Heads up! Today is the last day to enter Willow's Facebook contest to win a copy of her BD/graphic novel, The Journey Of Earth, and other goodies! Click here and follow the instructions to enter, and good luck! More after the cut.

That's Amore!: A new Monkey Queen short story

It's almost Valentine's Day! To mark the day, after the cut is the premiere of a new Monkey Queen short story, "That's Amore!" Be warned: There are spoilers, especially for the endings of A Tiding Of Magpies and Redblade.

a reminder from the Tenth Doctor

Ten wants to remind you that you only have until Sunday the 31st to enter Willow's giveaway on Facebook! You can win a copy of her graphic novel The Journey Of Earth, or a package of goodies! Click here to enter, and don't wait...time is running out!

Willow Wednesdays: Goals

Welcome to Willow Wednesdays! Featuring art by Willow, the cover artist for the Monkey Queen series, with her kind permission! Read on after the cut for more, including a Facebook contest!

Willow Wednesdays Extra: Goodies!

If you didn't back the crowdfunder for Willow's first BD/graphic novel, The Journey Of Earth, good news! Willow just announced that she's now selling some of the goodies she originally offered to her crowdfunder backers, including art cards, bookmarks, and keychain charms! You can see samples (from my goodie bag) below. Head to Facebook to view better photos and see all the keychain charms. To order, message Willow through Facebook or email her at willow (dash) san (at) outlook (dot) com. You can also contact me and I'll forward your message to Willow. But be warned: I'm keeping my goodies. Mine!

I have seen the blogger, he has been here too

Sunday means catchup, and here's some happy news: Although I can't set a publication date yet for the sixth Monkey Queen book, The Crown Of Kylthena, I can confirm that Willow will be back to do the cover! (We're getting it done early to avoid some scheduling conflicts she'll have later this year.) I've already seen her first sketches, and I promise that this cover will knock your socks off! (We recommend putting on socks when it's time to reveal the cover.) More after the cut.