Hello everyone,
I hope you are all keeping well!
Even though I’ve sent this out on the 1st of January, I started writing this newsletter on the last day of 2022 – and I’ve been thinking about how much I have to be thankful for.
In terms of writing, 2022 has just been magical. My book, The Children of Gods and Fighting Menwas published and that has been a dream come true for me. Thanks to everyone who has bought my book, rated & reviewed it, and recommended it. All that word of mouth really helps and it’s been fantastic seeing my book on social media over the last few months.
I’ve been writing for years, and for most of that time I never really considered that I could be a writer. That seemed something very distant, a job that other people did. To even contemplate sending off my work to an agent/publisher was a big deal for me and I sometimes don’t even believe my manuscript was accepted by Head of Zeus.
If you want to order a book, hit the link below. It will take you to my ‘books page’ on my website, which has links to bookstores in most countries. Also remember you can order from your local independent bookstore or library.
I’d also note that the paperback version will be available from May 2023 onwards. So if you prefer this format, you won’t have to wait too long.
Also, as it is post Christmas, some bookstores have book sales on. If you want a signed first edition, The Broken Binding have signed copies that are £15 in their Boxing Day sale.
https://www.thebrokenbinding.co.uk/product-page/the-children-of-gods-and-fighting-men-shauna-lawless
The Words of Kings and Prophets
And so onwards to 2023. This will be the year of The Words of Kings and Prophets – Book 2 in The Gael Song series.
I’m still delighted with my book cover, so thought I’d share it with you again… just in case you missed it the first time around!
The story moves into the 11th century. Both Fódla and Gormflaith continue to explore how to survive during a time of war of hostility. I’ve also got an official backcover now… so here is the blurb to entice you further!
Ireland, 1000 AD. Gormflaith is unhappily married to Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, and although a queen she struggles with her limited position. As an immortal Fomorian with the secret gift of magic, Gormflaith has a burning desire: to find and destroy the hidden fortress of her sworn enemies, the Descendants, who seek to kill her kind at all costs. She begins to use her magical powers, and discovers she is more skilled than she ever realised… but can she control what she will become?
Meanwhile Fódla, the Descendants’ healer, mourns her banished sister but clings to life as the guardian of her young nephew. She seeks a place of safety for them both, but he has secrets of his own that could threaten everything – and Fódla must do all in her power to keep him hidden away from those who would use him for evil.
When a mysterious man comes to King Brian’s court, his presence could spell disaster or deliverance for both Gormflaith and Fódla – and for Ireland herself. For he is Tomas, an ambitious immortal with few scruples – and he will do anything to see his plans become reality.
Soon, mortals and immortals alike are drawn towards a bitter conflict that could decide the future of Ireland and all her people.
If you want to preorder – here is the link for Book Depository & Amazon – though you can pre order from most bookstores now.
Social media & reviews
This month my book was reviewed by Lezlie at The Nerdy Narrative. She loved the book (I was so delighted) and put a spoiler free review on her BookTube channel.
The Nerdy Narrative is a great BookTube channel – and I’ve bought a few book based on her recommendations.
I was also invited back to Steve Talks Books. Steve is not only a Booktuber, but also runs Page Chewing, which is a great SFF community group. Friday Night conversations are always fun and don’t overly have a focus, rather just a group of SFF fans and writers talking about what they are reading and writing.
Steve has also invited me to do a spoiler chat in February. I haven’t done one of these yet. Most conversations so far have been to attract new readers without giving too much away. This conversation will be for those who have already read The Children of Gods and Fighting Men. If you have questions, this will be a good opportunity to hop into the live feed and ask them.
Writing
I’m currently working on book 3 of The Gael Song series and I’m 65,000 words in. That’s about half way.
I’m really enjoying this book and weaving all the threads together to build the story to a conclusion. I am, however, hoping to continue the series with another trilogy (although this one will be set around 100 years later).
As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, I take off two weeks over the Christmas period. I find it really helps to recharge and move into the New Year ready to go. My kids go back to school on the 9th January, so that’s when I will get back to writing myself. Until then, I’m enjoying spending time with them, playing games, going for walks, reading and watching some TV.
Reading
During the month of December, I read quite a few books. These included Shield Maiden by Sharon Emmerichs, Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill, Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez and Ascension by Nicholas Binge.
These books were all wonderful in their own ways. For reviews of Shield Maiden and Of Blood and Fire, look below. Acension will follow shortly.
Yours Truly will also receive a review closer to the release date, but rest assured – if you like romance – you will love it.
The books I am currently reading are:
- Howling Dark by Christopher Ruocchio
- A Gamble of Gods by Mitriel Faywood
- The Hacker by Daniel Scanlan
All of these have been excellent so far.
Next on my TBR is The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan – as I am taking part in a book club readlong with the Fantology Discord Group. If this book takes your fancy, why not join in?
For my 2023 TBR, I put together a blog post which includes all the books I intend to read over the next year. It’s quite eclectic – fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction and literary. If you are reading any of these please let me know!
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Shauna Lawless is writing 