I pray my wish will come true, for my child and your child too

Sunday catchup! Sorry I missed last week's. That's what happens when you catch a cold ten days before Christmas and have to do your darndest to fight it off in time. I don't recommend my solution - eating a package of raisin pastry and sleeping as much as I can - to everyone, but it worked for me.

Don't forget that if you want to show your support for what I do, my Amazon wish list is up and running, and ebooks make great last-second gifts! More after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: an update

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!

I'm afraid of the blog, I'm afraid I can't help it

Sunday catchup, and here's a reminder if you missed it: "The Missing Mallard (Or, 'Duck, Macalley! Duck!')", the new Peavley Manor novelette, was released this past Tuesday! Click here to get buying links and read a preview, or head to Amazon!.

Another reminder: If you enjoyed "The Missing Mallard", or anything else I've written, let people know! Reviews on Amazon and Goodreads help other readers make up their minds about buying a book, and social media shares can catch someone's attention. Spread the word around. Thanks! (And don't forget that e-books make great Christmas gifts!)

Keeping it short this week; I'm in wind-down mode after publishing one novella and four novelettes this year. (I broke 90,000 words for 2017, which was amazing.) But I did do a complete bit of dark silliness this past week, and here's a link to the Twitter moment where it emerged. Enjoy "The Night Before the War on Christmas"!

The Missing Mallard (Or, “Duck, Macalley! Duck!”) - out now!

The time is here to unravel the mystery, as the feathers fly and the villains gather! "The Missing Mallard (Or, 'Duck, Macalley! Duck!')", the new Peavley Manor novelette, is now available at Amazon and other e-book stores! Check for links below the cut, or search your favorite store for "Missing Mallard"!

One would think that an auction of duck paraphernalia would not create that much excitement. Unfortunately for Alice Peavley and her valet Macalley, one of the items in the auction, a golden duck figurine, is attracting far too much attention...especially from a number of villains and scoundrels. Food fights, pixie sorceresses, mad scientists, adorable yet destructive automatons - can Alice and Macalley prevail, or has doom come to Darbyfield?

Read on after the cut for buying links and a sneak preview of "The Missing Mallard"!

spreading holiday cheer

Sunday catchup, and we're taking a break from the themed post titles. Why? Well, hold on to your Santa hats - "The Missing Mallard (Or 'Duck, Macalley! Duck!')" will be coming out this Tuesday, December 5!

(An important note: "The Missing Mallard" will only be available through Amazon and other e-book vendors, no free offers as with the other Peavley Manor novelettes. However, the price will be just 99 cents US.)

Check back on Tuesday for the official release announcement, with buying links, or keep notified by signing up for my mailing list, liking my Facebook page, or following me on Twitter! There'll also be a full sneak preview on Tuesday! Here's another little snippet to (hopefully) whet your appetite until then. In it, Alice has a few words for a sinister pixie countess...

“This auction was intended to be for duck enthusiasts, not villains and their sworn enemies!”

“‘Villain’ is such a harsh term,” Gylburnt said.

“What term should I use, then?”

“‘Destined future ruler of Tirnog, conqueror of the lands of the Crescent Sea, and subjugator of humanity.’”

I shook my head. “That might be a bit too long, Countess.”

“Spoilsport.”

After the cut...an annual tradition.

look at his blog, did you see his crazy blog

Sunday catchup ahoy! It'll be a short one today, but with some good news - the main draft of the next Peavley Manor novelette, "The Missing Mallard (Or, 'Duck, Macalley! Duck!')", has been completed! I'm not going to give a confirmed publication date today, but you might want to keep December 5th open just in case. Please enjoy this short excerpt from the midpoint of "The Missing Mallard"! Duck enthusiasts can be quite fanatical...

“Honored guests!” The quarrelers fell silent as Bludergard rose to his feet, clanging a spoon against his wine glass much as a best man at a rather trying wedding reception would, and punctuating his remark with a loud hiccup.

I winced. “This cannot possibly go well.”

“Alice!” I could hear the reproach in Clarinda’s voice. “Let him have his say. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day, you know.” I nodded and held my tongue as Bludergard resumed his speech.

“Look at us!” he said, swaying slightly. “Quarreling over such trivial things. Which breed is best. We all love these marvelous creatures, and no breed should be placed above another.” I could hear murmurs of “Hear! Hear!” from the crowd.

“Is this how we honor the memory of Trenton Fotheringay, the greatest of us all?” Bludergard continued. “We should respect each other’s opinions. We should focus on what brings us together.” I could see people nodding in agreement or dabbing at their eyes.

Next to him, Stibbins nodded and lifted his wine glass. “Well spoken, guv’nor!” he said.

Bludergard snatched the glass from his valet’s hand and held it high. As Stibbins glared at him, he said, “I propose a toast to that most marvelous of birds!” This was met with another, louder round of “Hear! Hear!”

“Honored guests…” Bludergard paused and smiled drunkenly. “To geese!”

Stibbins sighed deeply. “Not so well spoken, guv’nor.”

As Bludergard drank Stibbins’ wine, most of the other guests glanced at each other, then at him. They began to mutter threateningly. “Clarinda?” I said. “Your clock analogy failed to take into account that one that always runs several minutes slow is never right.”

I could blog for a thousand years

Sunday catchup ahead, and since it's almost time for holiday shopping to begin, I'll remind you that ebooks make great gifts. Even mine. [grins] More after the cut!

modern love gets me to the blog on time

Helloooo Sunday Catchup! This exchange may just have been written for the upcoming Peavley Manor novelette, "The Missing Mallard (Or 'Duck, Macalley! Duck!)":

Macalley raised an eyebrow. “You’re not worried that you might actually have to find a space to display that duck, madame?”

“Not at all, Macalley. I never win these raffles,” I said with a grin as I started the motorcar.

Heh heh heh,

More after the cut!

watching some good friends blogging, "Let me out!"

Sunday catchup, and did you know that today is National Redhead Day? Here's a quick story: In Copper Cove, I never specified Tabitha Miles' hair color, but I always saw her as a blonde. However, when Shei Darksbane was preparing the book cover, she found a stock image with a ginger model and pleaded with me not to change the hair color. I gave in. More after the cut (and a reminder that Copper Cove is available now at Amazon)!

scary bloggers and super creeps

It's Sunday, and here's a bit of overdue catchup: The first two Peavley Manor novelettes, "Book Fair Frenzy (Or, Macalley Turns The Page)" and “The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)” are now available on iTunes, Kobo and Barnes & Noble (for your Nook) as well as Amazon! Search your store of choice for e-books by "Robert Dahlen"! You can still read "Book Fair Frenzy" for free here, and you can get your e-book of "Thorn Harbour Road Rally" for free by subscribing to my mailing list, but you can also show your support for what I do by buying one of my e-books or gifting one to a friend! More after the cut.

I never blogged anything out of the blue

Sunday catchup, and I'll start with this reminder I post from time to time: If you've enjoyed Copper Cove, or any of my other stories, would you be so kind as to leave a review somewhere? Reviews do help people decide if a book is for them, and increase its visibility. They're one easy way to support any author whose work you enjoy, not just me. So, head over to Amazon, Goodreads, or your social media of choice and spread the word. Many thanks! More after the cut.

#WhyIWrite

Two years ago, I wrote this in response to the #WhyIWrite hashtag: "Because I love telling stories, and I love sharing them with everyone. Simple as that."

I've thought it over today, now that the hashtag has reappeared, and I've come to realize it's not that simple.

The world seems to be getting darker and crueler day by day. A lot of fantasy fiction that's coming out nowadays reflects that - gloomy settings, hopeless causes, gray and gray morality. I won't criticize anyone for writing or reading those books, and I'm sure some of them are very good.

That's not what I want to read. Or write.

As silly as it might sound, especially at a time like this, I want books with hope. Characters that want to help others and make the world around them better. Stories that inspire, or at least make you smile and laugh and root for the heroes. Frodo and Sam in Mordor, Cimorene seeking to be free of the role forced on her, Rincewind or Tiffany Aching trying to do the right thing in absurd or tough conditions, Master Li and Number Ten Ox persevering for the sake of children who need help, Harry Potter facing down Voldemort.

The trend I mentioned earlier in fantasy is called "grimdark". There's been some debate about whether the opposite should be "noblebright" or "hopepunk". I'd like to think that those are the stories I tell. Stories where the good guys win (but not always without a cost), where there is a difference between right and wrong, where people of every stripe are represented, where love is love and love beats hate. Where there's hope that things will be better when all is said and done.

My stories may not make a difference in the world, but they're what I want to read and share. And that's why I write.

Willow Wednesdays: She's Baaaack!

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!

closed his eyes and moved his lips - "It's time we should be blogging"

Sunday catchup! I'm back from Gaslight Expo 2017, rested and revved up for further writing and steampunk adventures! (Sorry about missing last week. The tea dueling started at a rather early hour on Sunday.) There'll be a quick wrap up, and other things, after the cut, but this announcement first for those who might have missed it on social media:

Coming later this fall - the new Peavley Manor novelette, "The Missing Mallard (Or Duck, Macalley! Duck!)" The feathers will fly when Alice and Macalley get mixed up in a crazy yet sinister scheme! Stay tuned for more!

and we blogged as though nothing could fall

Sunday catchup time, and there's news to report: Copper Cove is now available at iTunes, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more! Find buying links after the cut!

Copper Cove: Out now!

It's here! Copper Cove, my new novella, is now available on Amazon! It's time to meet Tabitha Miles! If you haven't read the extended preview yet, click here!

(I should have posted this on Tuesday, I know. I was busy moving bookshelves and cleaning up so the windows in my apartment could be replaced. Real life. Time to escape that for a bit!)

There's been a snag or two in getting Copper Cove up at other ebook sellers and in paperback, but we're working hard on that. With any luck, we'll have news on that soon.

If you've already read and enjoyed Copper Cove, might I ask that you leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads? Reviews do help influence people who might be on the fence about buying an ebook, especially in a crowded market, and getting a few for Copper Cove could go a long way towards bringing in new readers. Don't feel obligated to do so, but I'd be grateful if you did. Either way, thank you for your support!

sometimes you blog so lonely, sometimes you blog nowhere

And Sunday catchup is back, with this reminder: Copper Cove is coming Tuesday, September 26! My newest book is a steampunk fantasy novella with adventure, romance and a great deal of tea! You can read an extended preview here, and preorder it through Amazon! More after this image, and the cut.

Copper Cove: Coming September 26! Preorder now on Amazon!

My apologies for missing Sunday catchup this past weekend, but I think this should make up for it. Copper Cove is coming Tuesday, September 26...and preorders are now open at Amazon! Steampunk fantasy with romance, adventure and tea!

Copper Cove, city of marvels powered by magic and steam, is abuzz over the coming of the new rail line. Crafter Tabitha Miles would love to be on the first trip of the Velessan Express, but there’s work to be done. Staying awake past midnight to make ends meet, difficult clients, runaway automatons, guild enforcers...just another typical day for her.

Tabitha’s latest commission seems like another job at first...but then she meets newspaper reporter Sophie Haverford and falls into a web of conspiracy and murder. Can Tabitha unravel the mystery, prevent a disaster, and win Sophie’s heart in time for tea?

Copper Cove will also be available through Kobo, Barnes and Noble, iTunes and other places where ebooks are sold, and there will be a paperback edition! Keep checking back for updates, or follow me on Twitter or Facebook!

And after the cut, you can read an extended preview of Copper Cove! I hope you enjoy it!

always blogging in the same car

And Sunday catchup is back! My apologies for missing last week. I had two things going on - finishing the latest draft of Copper Cove, and trying not to melt during the monster heat wave that California had going over the Labor Day weekend. Holy cats, was it hot. There are a few goodies after the cut, but first, this update: Copper Cove has been sent to two beta readers; one has finished and given some useful feedback, and the other should be done shortly. The cover designer is hard at work. With any luck, I'll be able to announce a publication date sometime this week. Click for more!

waiting for the blog of sound and vision

Sunday catchup is late, I know, but that's because...we have first draft sign! The first draft of Copper Cove is done! Review and rewriting will come shortly, but before long, the book should be ready to go!

So, things are a bit short this week, but I wanted to mention that the people of Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast could use your help after Hurricane Harvey. The crowdfunding website Global Giving has set up a donation page to collect funds to assist area charities with both short-term and long-term needs. Please donate here, or to your other charity of choice. Thanks.

wait until the crowd blogs

Sunday catchup, full steam ahead! Work is continuing on Copper Cove, and though we don't have First Draft Sign yet, that should only be a day or two away. I'll keep you posted. After the cut: Where you can find me (or, places to avoid in the near future).

blogging glass in your room again

Sunday catchup, and again it's going to be light, between working on Copper Cove and the fact that some of my future plans are still being finalized. I did want to let you know that later today, the ever-delightful Madame Askew will be doing Facebook Live videos from San Diego's Steampunk Day At The Library! Click here for more info on the event, and here for Madame Askew's Facebook page, where you can sign up to be updated whenever she and/or the Grand Arbiter go live!

This coming Tuesday will be a red-letter day for nerd music fans, as it's the official release day for Love Problems by the Doubleclicks and Trust Issues by the PDX Broadsides! I'll try to have reviews for both soon, but no promises.

And another one of nerd music's bright lights, Meri Amber, is now doing regular live shows on Twitch! Follow her there to get updates as to when she's on, or check her Twitter timeline.

And with that, tea and writing call. More later.

Copper Cove!

Sunday catchup is taking a week off, as I realized that is post #550 on the Monkey Queen Books blog (as counted on its original home on Blogger). I enjoy doing special things for anniversary posts, so I'm using this one to formally announce my next book, a steampunk fantasy.

Coming this fall: Copper Cove!

In Copper Cove, city of marvels powered by magic and steam, being a renegade crafter is no easy task. Working past midnight to make ends meet, difficult clients, tough conditions, guild enforcers...all in all, just another day for the talented, plucky Tabitha Miles.

Her latest commission seems like just another job at first...but then Tabitha meets newspaper reporter Sophie Haverford and falls into a web of conspiracy and murder. Can Tabitha unravel the mystery, prevent a disaster, and win Sophie’s heart in time for tea?

I can't give an exact publication date, as writing is still in progress, but if all works out, it'll be out on a familiar date. It'll be available on all my usual platforms (not just Amazon), and there will be a paperback edition.

After the cut: Two brief excerpts!

let me blog away with you

Sunday catchup is going to be short this week, for... (glances at pile of laundry) reasons. (peeks over at dish-filled sink) Work is progressing on my next book, and I'm hoping to have the first draft done by the end of August if not sooner. I'll keep you updated. Until next time...well, I won't leave you empty-handed.

this time I know we could blog it together

Sunday catchup, and we'll open with another reminder: If you've enjoyed anything I've written, I would be grateful if you'd take a moment to write a review. Reviews really do help influence people as to whether or not they should buy a book, and the more the better. So, if you like the Monkey Queen books, the tales of Peavley Manor, or the Skyblade Saga, please drop by Amazon and/or Goodreads and let others know. Thanks! More after the cut.

be with my baby, then we'll blog some time together

Sunday catchup! First, a reminder: If you haven't done so already, now would be a good time to sign up for the Monkey Queen Books (and more) mailing list! Especially since a mailing will be going out later today...with a first look at my next book! And new subscribers get the Peavley Manor novelette "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)" for free! Click here!

After the cut...lotsa stuff. Really.

oh sweet name, I blog you again

It's time for Sunday catchup! I'll lead off with a reminder: If you've enjoyed any of the ebooks I've written, I'd be grateful if you could take a few minutes and write a review, for Amazon, Goodreads, your social media or elsewhere. Reviews do help attract new readers, and new readers in turn get the word out to bring in more. Whatever you can do is deeply appreciated. Thanks! More after the cut.

I'll blog with you baby for a thousand years

Just a quick Sunday catchup today. In case you missed it, Skyblade's Claim, the second book in the Skyblade Saga series, is out! Get it exclusively at Amazon's US store! You can read a preview here; be advised that it's meant for older readers (adult situations). More after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: Returning Japanese

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!

Skyblade's Claim - out today!

It's time to take to the skies again! Skyblade's Claim, the second book in the Skyblade Saga series, is out today! Head to Amazon now to get your copy!

(As a part of the Plundered Chronicles Kindle Worlds setting, Skyblade's Claim (and Skyblade's Gambit, the first book in the series) is only available at Amazon.com. If you're not able to get a copy there, let me know; there is a workaround to get one to you. Also, note that this book is not recommended for younger readers, due to language and (ahem) adult situations.)

After the cut: Read Chapter One in its entirety! (Spoilers ahoy for Skyblade's Gambit!)

I must be only one in a million, I won't let the blog pass without her

Sunday catchup, and if you missed it, scroll up or click back one post to learn more about Skyblade's Claim, the new novella in the Skyblade Saga series - coming this Tuesday, June 27! There'll be a preview with buying links up on Tuesday - but you'll get to read the preview Monday evening if you sign up for my mailing list! Click here! (I promise that your address will never be sold or given away.)

More after the cut!

Skyblade's Claim - coming June 27!

Take to the skies again! Skyblade's Claim, the second novella in the Skyblade Saga, is coming to Amazon.com June 27!

Annabel Skyblade, notorious pirate captain, has a mystery on her hands: an enchanted piece of parchment she acquired while raiding a Svendaran airship. Victorie Brassfield, the Cerindel Navy's top intelligence officer, found another one just like it in the pocket of a Svendaran agent.

Annabel and Victorie have a history. After coming together over a common goal, their unlikely friendship blossomed into a budding romance. But it's been hard to maintain a relationship when their hearts take them in different directions - and put them on opposite sides.

Now they share a common quest once more. Can Annabel and Victorie uncover the mystery before them, through wild beer festivals, stately balls, and far-off-tropical islands, without letting their passion get in the way? Will this bring them closer together...or lead them to their bloody doom?

More after the cut!

what you blog you have to borrow

Just a very short Sunday catchup post today, as I'm staring at the Dreaded Deadline Doom for Skyblade's Claim. Check back later this week for more; once I get everything in place, I can announce the official publication date and post an exclusive extended preview. But until then...

Willow Wednesdays: Uncovered

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!

someone has to see a blog for him and me

Sunday catchup! Work is going mostly smoothly on Skyblade's Claim, and I'm hoping to have a completed first draft by this time next week. I don't want to commit to a release date yet, but feel free to mark your calendars for June 27. Just do it in pencil. More after the cut!

you've blogged it in the tea leaves, and the tracks are on TV

And we're back. My apologies for missing last week; Clockwork Alchemy consumed the entire weekend, but in a good way. There'll be a few photos after the cut, along with two other things of note. Before that, I do want to answer a comment left by H on Saturday in a bit more detail. They asked what the latest news was on the seventh Monkey Queen book.

Hopefully, it'll be late this year. Part of the delay is due to my not being completely happy with the story I had planned for the seventh book. At this point, I need to either figure out how best to rework what's been written, or scrap it and start over. I know where the overall storyline is going after that; I just need to get it to that point.

Another part is real life getting in the way. Getting the Monkey Queen books ready for print after they're written requires covers and formatting. That has taken money and time, and though I may be looking into steps to cut those costs, it's not like with the Peavley Manor and Skyblade Saga stories, where I've had help (thank you, Shei and Amber!). Also, Willow has been busy for most of the last year, both with her Yokai art book and her real life things. (She did pass the review and earn her Ph.D last year, and was immediately hired for a teaching and research position, all of which has eaten up a lot of her time.) I don't want to ask her to commit time to do a cover until I know what the story is going to be.

And other writing projects have also come up. Skyblade's Gambit took some writing time, and I still need to finish up Skyblade's Claim for a release later this month. The Peavley Manor short stories begged to be written and were fun to do (and helped me get out of my writing lull). And I have another project, a steampunk/fantasy thing, that I want to finish by September. After that, I can take a long look at Michiko and Beth and try to get book seven going. But it will, sooner or later, get done!

More stuff after the cut! (WARNING: Lots of photos, may take a minute or three to load.)

I tried to blog her 'cause I can't resist her

Opening the Sunday catchup with a reminder: The second Peavley Manor novelette, "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)", is now available! You can get your copy for free - that's right, free! - by subscribing to my mailing list! Click here to sign up, and in your final confirmation email, you'll get a link to download the ebook! You can also get a copy at Amazon, for 99 cents US/UK/AU, €0,99 or £0.99!

After the cut...things move like clockwork!

The Thorn Harbour Road Rally - out today!

Start your engines! Today is the day that "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)", the new Peavley Manor novelette, makes its official debut!

Well...technically, that happened Sunday if you were subscribed to my mailing list. That's when the newsletter went out with links to let you download "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally" in .mobi or PDF. If you're a subscriber and didn't see the newsletter on Sunday, check your spam or junk email folders.

If you're not a subscriber, it's not too late! Click here to sign up, and in your final confirmation email, you'll get a link to download the ebook!

And if you don't want to subscribe...or if you want to help support what I do...or if you want to give an ebook to a friend..."The Thorn Harbour Road Rally" is available on Amazon! Click here to buy your copy, or search your local Amazon store. It's just 99 cents US!

Whichever way you choose to go, I hope you enjoy it. Thanks, as always, for your support!

you and I will blog up all the way

Sunday catchup, and the big story is the upcoming release of "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)", the new Peavley Manor novelette! If you've subscribed to my mailing list, you can download your copy for free! Check your email for the newsletter that was mailed out earlier today for links to grab the ebook in .mobi (for Kindle devices and apps) or PDF!

If you haven't subscribed to the mailing list, no worries. Click here to subscribe, and you'll get a link in your final welcome email to download "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)"!

And if you prefer, you can skip the mailing list and preorder your copy through Amazon! It'll be released Tuesday, May 16!

After the cut: An exclusive excerpt from this new story, and more!

The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel) - coming May 16!

Start your engines! The second Peavley Manor novelette, "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)", will be coming Tuesday, May 16! Read on to find out how you can get a copy...for free!

It’s Race Day in the town of Darbyfield, and after an accident, heiress Alice Peavley and her gnome valet Macalley jump into the race behind the wheel of a friend’s motorcar. They’ll have to go up against five other racers and confront dangerous roads, dirty tricks, and a hungry bear. It’ll take all of Macalley’s brainpower, and all of Alice’s wits and determination, for them to win the Thorn Harbour Road Rally!

There'll be two ways to get your copy of this new story. You can buy it for 99 cents US on Amazon, as with "Book Fair Frenzy (Or, Macalley Turns The Page)", and help to support what I do. It'll be released on May 16, and you can preorder it now! (Outside the US? Just search your local Amazon store!)

However, if you've signed up for my mailing list, you will receive "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)" for free with a mailing that should go out Sunday - and this'll be a file formatted for your Kindle! (I'll also send a PDF just in case.) If you haven't signed up, now will be a good time. I'll be kicking the mailing list back into gear, with bi-monthly mailings filled with news, previews and more. And your email address will never be sold, given away, or used for anything except sending you that newsletter. Promise. (And if you're reading this after the novelette has come out, you'll get it for free when you sign up for the mailing list!)

Click here to sign up for the mailing list, make sure your goggles are properly strapped on, and I'll talk to you on Sunday!

Willow Wednesdays: It's oni make-believe

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 blog on the phone wouldn't leave me alone

Sunday catchup, and there's some news on the writing front: The final draft of "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)", is done! The production part of things will be finished shortly, and I'm aiming for a publication date of May 16. Stay tuned for the official announcement, coming soon to a social media thingie near you! More after the cut.

watching him blog away, swinging an old bouquet

Sunday catchup! I'll lead with the big news - work on the second Peavley Manor novelette, "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)", is almost done! I'll be trying something different again for distribution, which I'll announce when the story is ready to be published...and if everything goes well, that should be sometime in the next two weeks! Check back here for more this coming week, or keep an eye on my Facebook page or my Twitter feed! More after the cut.

she turns me on, don't get me wrong, but I'm only blogging

Today's Sunday catchup will be brief, due to a badly-timed power outage. But I do have an announcement, for those who missed it during Friday's Tea Party: Work is underway on the second Peavley Manor story! It looks like it'll be another novelette, and the title is... "The Thorn Harbour Road Rally (Or, Macalley Takes The Wheel)"! Look for it sometime in May!

And If you missed Madame Askew's Tea Party last Friday, you can watch it on Facebook. The delightful, vivacious Madame discussed tea, dances, Scotland, a naughty cat, more tea...and "Book Fair Frenzy"! I cannot thank Madame Askew enough for her time and her kind words. Don't forget - the good Madame and/or other members of the Temporal Entourage host a Tea Party every Friday night, so do drop by!

More next Sunday as always, Assuming the lights stay on, that is.

Book Fair Frenzy to be featured on Madame Askew's FB Live on Friday!

If you've read "Book Fair Frenzy (Or, Macalley Turns The Page)", you've seen the mention in the acknowledgements of Madame Askew (a.k.a. Jocelynne Simone), whose videos on tea dueling helped to inspire parts of that story. I'm pleased to announce that Madame Askew will be discussing "Book Fair Frenzy" during the weekly Facebook Live video on her Temporal Entourage's page! It'll be Friday, April 21 (tomorrow!), starting at 6:30 PM Pacific / 9:30 PM Eastern / 3:30 AM CET! If you can't make it for the live webcast, it'll be available for viewing shortly after the webcast wraps up; check my Twitter feed for the link, or check here on Sunday.

Oh, and since Madame Askew will be discussing a story I wrote, I will be taking part in the live chat. There may be questions. There may be behind the scenes insights. There may even be a surprise. But make no mistake...there will be tea and biscuits!

Click here to find out more about Madame Askew, her trusty sidekick The Grand Arbiter, the rest of the Temporal Entourage, and their many adventures, and also to be notified when the event goes live. Hope to see you there!

Willow Wednesdays: Teenage Mystic Reading Kappa

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!

you're blogging yourself but you're too unfair

Sunday catching up! One more reminder: If you somehow missed it, you can read "Book Fair Frenzy (Or, Macalley Turns The Page)", the debut novelette for my new series Peavley Manor, here! If you like it, don't forget that you can buy your own nicely-formatted ebook copy at Amazon.

And this is definitely not the last you'll be seeing of Alice and Macalley...work is in progress on their second story! Stay tuned for more!

After the cut...lots! (Warning: There may be spoilers.)

The Sound Abounds: The PDX Broadsides!

Welcome to The Sound Abounds, where I talk about the weird, wonderful world of nerd music! These posts will feature and discuss musical acts that have performed songs that touch on (or squeefully embrace) some aspect of geek culture.

In this installment, after the cut: The PDX Broadsides!

So inviting, so enticing to blog the part

Sunday catchup, and we're starting with this reminder: If you missed it, Book Fair Frenzy (Or, Macalley Turns The Page) is out! You can get a nicely formatted copy at Amazon for 99 cents...or click here to read it on this blog! Either way is fine with me; just let me know what you think, and spread the word.

After the cut...well, best put the kettle on first.

Book Fair Frenzy (Or, Macalley Turns The Page): A Tale Of Peavley Manor

It's here at last! Meet the irrepressible Alice Peavely, the imperturbable Macalley, and Alice's friends and rivals in their debut novelette, Book Fair Frenzy (Or, Macalley Turns The Page)!

I'm going to do something a bit different here...

You can click "Continue Reading" and read this for free, after the cut...

Or you can help support my work and spread the word by buying a nicely formatted and ready for your tablet or phone copy on Amazon! Click here for the US link, or search your local Amazon store.

Do whichever you like, and do it without guilt. I'm fine either way. (And doing both wouldn't hurt!) But please, please, spread the word. Review, retweet, share the Facebook post, blog, mention it to friends over a hot cup of tea, whatever works for you.

And enjoy! I had a lot of fun writing this, and I hope you have as much fun reading it.

Book Fair Frenzy: Cover reveal and blurb!

The story I've been mentioning for the last two weeks is done, except for the formatting. It may not be ready for a few more days...but I think at this point, I can tell you what's going on. This is a novelette, which I think is a fancy term for "longish short story". It's the debut of a new series - Peavley Manor - with a new cast of characters and a new setting. (And unlike the Skyblade Saga, this has no connection with the Monkey Queen series.) It's technically not the first story chronologically, just a taster for what's to come.

Here's a peek at..."Book Fair Frenzy (Or, Macalley Turns The Page)"!

All I have is my blog of love, and love is not blogging

Hello, Sunday! As you may have noticed, the story I've been promising for the last few weeks is still not ready. I'm trying things in the presentation I haven't tried before, and getting those ready is taking longer than I thought. But, if you check back later this week...patience can be rewarded

After the cut...one of those "try something different" Sundays.

Rejected Peanuts Specials: I Don't Want To Go, Charlie Brown

Hop in the TARDIS...after the cut!

I smiled sadly for a blog I could not obey

Starting off Sunday with an update on the project I previewed a while back. The reaction has been generally positive from what I've shared so far; many thanks for those who took a moment to leave feedback. The story is almost done; I'm just waiting (as of this writing) for one last correspondent to answer a research question. With any luck, it may be posted this coming week! When it is, I'll update on Twitter and Facebook. More after the cut.

Fantastic!

So, someone apparently saw the wishlist I have at Amazon...

Because a certain something from that list came in the mail today.

To whichever kind soul (or souls) were behind this...

Thank you! Thank you!

I am a happy man today.

freak out in a moonage blogdream

Starting Sunday off with a reminder: Friday, I shared the first bit of a work in progress, a new short story in a new setting with new characters. If you missed it, click here. I'm still interested in your thoughts on the excerpt, if you have any, so pass them along. More on this, and the usual other goodies, after the cut.

four years on

On March 17, 2013, I wrote "It was another crummy Friday for Beth McGill" on my trusty tablet. Since then, I've completed six novels (with one in progress), one novella (again, with one in progress), eight short stories, and a lot of posts on this blog. While not everything has been wine and roses, I have had a blast.

I thank all of you who are on this trek with me, whether you've been here since the beginning or joined along the way, or are even just coming abroad now. I am grateful that you enjoy what I write, and I hope you'll continue to do so.

There's more after the cut...and more than ever, I need to hear what you think.

Willow Wednesdays: Into the blue flame, I want to crash here right now

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!

there's a starman, blogging in the sky

Today's Sunday catchup is going to be brief. It's in part because I'm getting a late start to the day (stupid Daylight Savings Time), and in part because...well, there's something in progress and I need and want to get back to it. If it works, you may see it later this week. Wish me luck!

For now, here's a quick reminder: The Kickstarter for the new album by the Doubleclicks, Love Problems, wraps up on Monday. If you haven't backed this, think about doing so; I get the feeling this will wind up being their best album. Thanks, and one way or the other, I'll have real content up by Wednesday.

The Sound Abounds: The Library Bards!

Welcome to The Sound Abounds, where I talk about the weird, wonderful world of nerd music! These posts will feature and discuss musical acts that have performed songs that touch on (or squeefully embrace) some aspect of geek culture.

In this installment, after the cut: The Library Bards!

and my time was blogging wild

Let's kick Sunday off with this reminder: If you're on Facebook, feel free to like my page there! It's been a bit less active than my Twitter lately, but I try to post or share there several times a week minimum. Drop by and say hi. More after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: The Eyes Have 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!

all the nightmares blogged today

"Sunday" means "catchup", at least around these parts, and I'll start with a reminder: You can follow me on Twitter, where I'm @MonkeyQueenBks . I do a lot of retweeting there, punctuated with the occasional insight, plug or joke. More after the cut!

and he's blogged it ten times or more

Sunday catchup, and we'll lead off with a reminder:

I'm glad you're stopping by to check in and say hello. Thanks.

More after the cut.

Rejected Peanuts Specials: It's Double Trouble, Charlie Brown!

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

Willow Wednesdays: Five'll get you Tengu

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!

I thought you blogged alone a long long time ago

It's Sunday, our don't have to run day, and let's kick things off with this reminder: If you're in the mood for a little Valentine's Day sweetness, it's time to read or re-read "That's Amore," a Monkey Queen short story about romantic dinners, half-off dark chocolate and what Shakespeare play not to watch on date night. (Warning: Spoilers!) Click here, then come back for more after the cut!

The Sound Abounds: The Doubleclicks!

Welcome to this blog's newest feature, The Sound Abounds, where I talk about the weird, wonderful world of nerd music! These posts will feature and discuss musical acts that have performed songs that touch on (or squeefully embrace) some aspect of geek culture.

In this opening installment, after the cut: The Doubleclicks!

and the rumor spread that I was blogging fast

Sunday catchup time! Just a quick reminder that if you're shopping at Amazon, it helps a bit if you click all the links I've freely scattered around this blog and the website. Like this one. If you do, I get a few pennies from anything you buy at Amazon during that visit, even if you don't get any of my books. Thanks! More after the cut.

Willow Wednesdays: How Low the Moon

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!

Willow's completed another piece of art for her upcoming Yokai book!

In case you don't follow Willow on every piece of social media you can (that's kind of my job anyway), she's Tweeted that she won't be posting all of the art she's drawing for the Yokai book online. Just something to keep in mind...

Art © 2017 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!

the blog machine is coming down and we're gonna have a party

To start this Sunday catchup, I'm just gonna leave this link right here for future reference. More after the cut.

Rejected Peanuts Specials: Don't Call It A Comeback, Charlie Brown

A sci-fi twist in this installment...after the cut!

Take To The Skies...Again! (Post #500)

I promised an announcement for post #500 on this blog, and I'll lead off with that. I've started writing the second book in the Skyblade Saga...Skyblade's Claim! If everything lines up right, it'll be coming out on June 1, along with other books in the next wave of Plundered Chronicles stories! If for some reason you missed the first book in this series, Skyblade's Gambit, head over to Amazon's US store to check it out.

More after the cut!

and the bloggers want to know whose shirts you wear

This is post #499 on the Monkey Queen Books blog (as counted on its original home on Blogger). Post #500 is coming this week, and since I save cool stuff for posts like that, you may want to tune in. Hint hint.

After the cut...there are those who say that creative types should shut up and art. I disagree with that with every bone in my body. Be advised that I'll be getting political.

Willow Wednesdays: The Night Has a Thousand Eyes

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 blogging gnome

Sunday catchup ahoy! First, I updated the website slightly with a preview page for The Crown Of Kylthena, and a separate page for Skyblade's Gambit and the Skyblade Saga. Just a gentle reminder...if you've read either book, or any of my books, please feel free to leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, social media, your own blog, or all of the above! Reviews, and spreading the word in general, do bring in new readers and remind the older ones that they may need to catch up, so won't you take a few minutes to help? Michiko and Beth thank you, Annabel and Victorie thank you, and so do I! More after the cut.

we could steal time, just for one day

blog you till Tuesday

Sunday catchup is back! One of the reasons that I skipped last week's, besides the complete lack of news, was that it was the Sunday I finally replaced the old Windows 7 laptop that no longer wanted to download updates or display web pages properly. Oh, and the "5" and "6" keys no longer worked. I'm still getting this new laptop up to speed - for one thing, half my music files need to be moved over - but it's a vest improvement and will hopefully speed up all the aspects of the writing game that don't involve the actual writing. More after the cut!

Willow Wednesdays: We're Back!

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!