Latest in Spec: All the news about Christian Spec-Fic

The April issue of Latest in Spec is chock full of news about Christian speculative fiction.

If you don't receive one in your email, you can sign up for it at www.latestinspec.org.

You can now view issues at the Lost Genre Guild site.

Highlights:

• Karina Fabian's virtual book tour for Magic, Mayhem and Mensa (including a very nice review from Publisher's Weekly!);

• Part 2 of the Christian Speculative Fiction Panel at Novel Journey

• Great news from Bill Snodgrass: Mindflights has received the coveted "Top 100" designation from Writer's Digest;

• Member Profile: Wayne Thomas Batson

• Lots of novel reviews, new stuff on the web, new book releases and much more . . .

Podcasts and Classics

Scott M. Sandridge announces:
THE SILVERBLADE PROPHECY LAUNCHED AS PODCAST NOVEL

Columbus, OH – April 7, 2009, 2009 – Scott M. Sandridge launches a dark heroic fantasy story in podcast novel format: "The Silverblade Prophecy - Book I of The Messiahs War Trilogy." Mr. Sandridge first developed the overall story while writing short stories and selling them to "The Sword Review" and "Dragons, Knights, and Angels." He at first envisioned a collection of related but separate short stories, but as he worked on it, it began to morph into a complete novel and then a trilogy.

A blend of dark fantasy and heroic fantasy, Sandridge delivers a story epic in scope. Throughout Pankea's history, messiahs have come and gone, and many have failed. Marian Silverblade seeks to fulfill her prophetic birthright, but her fallen ancestor has other plans. She will need help from the most unlikely allies to succeed, but before they can help her fulfill the prophecy they must first learn to work together.

Of the short stories that were merged into the novel, "Tangent Online" reviewer, Nicole McClain, said, "…there is enough mayhem to keep things interesting." And Donna Watkins said, "Sandridge digs deep and gives the reader prose and plot worth chewing on." Locus Award-winning author, Paul Levinson ("The Silk Code" and "The Plot to Save Socrates") says of Mr. Sandridge, "Scott is a brilliant up-and-coming author...I expect great things from him." And ELFIE award-winning author Frank Creed ("Flashpoint") says, "Scott's reputation in the Christian speculative fiction market is iron-clad and passionate."

The podcast novel can be found at http://silverblade.mypodcast.com and at http://pankea.wordpress.com and can be downloaded onto your computer or iPod.


Also today: Check out this Publisher's Weekly article on new editions of C.S. Lewis, and while you're at it do take a look at the all-new cslewis.com!

Let's celebrate

Let's celebrate with R.L. Copple the release of his new novel, Transforming Realities, available now at this link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0981926118. When Sisko refuses the demon Beltrid's request to use his miracle-producing ring for selfish purposes, Sisko's world is turned upside down. Trapping Sisko's wife, Gabrielle, inside the "Crystal of Virtues," Beltrid sends Sisko and his two teenage children, Nathan and Kaylee, on a journey to find seven virtues that will free her. Simple? Not when a demon is involved. The trip takes several twists and turns leading to a showdown at the steam house where it all started. They discover that the reality of the ring transcends healing sicknesses-they discover a transforming reality.

Fred Warren says: My short story, "Our Lady of Chagrin," is now out in Beyond Centauri #24. Beyond Centauri is a a print magazine of fantasy, science fiction, and "ewww-gross" for younger readers or anyone young at heart, and features fiction, poetry, articles, puzzles, art/illustrations, and movie reviews. My story, a tale of friendship and magic on a river in the Ohio woodlands, falls into the `fantasy' category. Pick up a copy or subscribe at http://www.genremall.com/zinesr.htm. I've also got another story coming out online at Brain Harvest magazine (http://www.brainharvestmag.com) tomorrow. "The Time-Share" is a darker story than I usually write, about crime, punishment, and the meaning of justice, set in a bleak future with brutally-simple legal system enabled by a frightening technology.

Peter J. Dudek says: I'm going to be adding weekly webcasts to my website www.forsakenkingdom.net to try to help with promotion. I've also added a shameless one-liner that should get the sales rolling in! Feel free to check out the updates.

Jeremy Robinson says: Get KRONOS for free - The Podcast Novel Arrives!
For months I have been talking about the podcast novel version of Kronos. Well, it's finally here and the first six episodes are available for download from podiobooks.com. While you're there sign up for a subscription and get the next bunch of episodes as soon as they come out. Be sure to rate the book (5 stars please) and forward this to anyone you know who enjoys podcasts or audiobooks. The book is being narrated by Jeff Kafer, 2008 Voicey Award winner for Best New Voice, so you know it's good listening, and the story isn't half-bad either.

If you are a podcaster, know a podcaster, run a blog or frequent facebook, myspace or Twitter, feel free to download or link to this super cool audio spot for the podcast.