New approach - lots of news!

Hi guys, and here we are back again by popular request. But it's not going to be the same-old same-old we've had before. I'll be moving back to one post a week with all the news, and hopefully some commentary on it as well rather than just dry links.

Without further ado, here is the amazing new trailer for To Darkness Fled by Jill Williamson - put together by several of her readers and members of the LGG. Well done guys!

Other news this week includes the release of the long-awaited Tales of the Dim Knight by Adam and Andrea Graham. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one. Check out their post on Top 10 Reasons to Love Tales of the Dim Knight. And be aware of the beverage ban, for your own safety!

Also newly appeared lately is War of Attrition by the legendary Frank Creed. This is an amazing book for sure, continuing right on from his award-winning debut Flashpoint. Plenty of heart-pounding action and heartfelt raw emotion in this one. Here's the link to grab it on Amazon.

Facebook News: Both the Lost Genre Guild and Speculative Faith have taken a new run at FB pages this week. The LGG one is here (or use the box at the left of the blog) and the Spec Faith one is here.

Both promise to be useful sources of updates and places to hang out and talk. Be sure you go over and "Like" them both - note that in the case of the LGG, this is a new page because the old one got overrun with spam and we couldn't remember who was the admin!

Diane Graham of the New Authors Fellowship has created an Anvil Review and Interview for Fred Warren, author of The Muse. Comment on either post for a chance to win one of two signed copies.

Bill McGrath announces the release of his novel Eretzel on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Eretzel-Sword-Fire-ebook/dp/B0046LU8II

Rick Copple got a new review for Transforming Realities: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6040268/transforming_realities_by_r_l_copple.html?cat=38

Sherry Thompson also got a review of Earthbow Vol. 2 at http://vantiltool.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-of-earthbow-volume-2.html by Forrest Schultz.

Guest Post, anyone?

If you'd like to write something for this blog, please get in touch! Make use of our wide readership and get yourself some exposure.

News for October 4, 2010

For writers: The Afictionado ezine has posted summaries of workshops from the ACFW conference, among them these two from friends of speculative fiction:

Creating a Believable Science Fiction or Fantasy Storyworld - Jill Williamson

The Last Show vs. Tell Class You’ll Ever Need - Jeff Gerke

Interview with Matt Koceich, author of The Sending, at Where The Map Ends:

http://www.wherethemapends.com/Interviews/current_interview.htm

EARTHBOW by Sherry Thompson - Part 2 out now:

Earthbow vol.1 (Narentan Tumults#2) (paperback)   http://tinyurl.com/y49h82m

Earthbow vol.2 (Narentan Tumults#2) (paperback)   http://amzn.to/8XXrVo

Earthbow (v.1&2) for Kindle                                   http://amzn.to/aimTRk          

Earthbow (v.1&2) for other electronic devices)         http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/12032


Product Descriptions (vols. 1 & 2)
And so begins the warleader's descent into darkness... Cenoc, the self-styled Lord of Latimus, learns of hidden treasures that can make him even more powerful. Few dare oppose his will, even as they witness his growing madness. However, a remnant stand in his way: a newly knighted young man who is torn between his mission and an overwhelming desire for revenge; an enchanter-initiate who finds himself facing terrors even greater than the danger of opposing Cenoc; a teen Outworlder from Earth who has been gifted with the Earthbow and told he will learn its purpose- just before his mentor abandons him. Return to the world of Narenta in the first installment of Sherry Thompson's Earthbow.

"This book is even better than Thompson's first book, which I really enjoyed." - Grant Lyle (refers to vol.1)

"In the thrilling conclusion to the second Narentan Tumult, can teen Outworlder Xander and his allies overcome the evil unleashed by the evil Cenoc?"  (refers to vol.2) 

News for August 20th 2010

Updates from Laser & Sword magazine:

The Sword Comics acquires a new title and makes someone very, very unhappy. (http://lasersword.adamsweb.us/the-double-cross-part-twenty/) The Double Cross, Part Twenty

 Night Lord is interrogated by the Emerald Avenger and gets the shock of his life. (http://lasersword.adamsweb.us/the-origin-of-the-emerald-avenger-part-eighteen/) The Origin of the Emerald Avenger, Part Eighteen

Colonel Dread meets Colonel Morgan, fireworks ensue. (http://lasersword.adamsweb.us/countdown-part-seven/) Countdown, Part Seven

Greg Mitchell announces the final cover for his upcoming release, The Strange Man. See it here:
http://thecomingevil.blogspot.com/2010/08/final-cover-for-strange-man.html

John Otte revisits the Birthright Project by Kathryn Mackel and speculates on its future:
http://leastread.blogspot.com/2010/08/birthright-project-revisited.html

Sherry Thompson joins the Blogging Team at Young Adult Authors You've Never Heard Of 
http://obscurekidlitauthors.blogspot.com/2010/08/hi-from-sherryt.html
http://writtenremains.blogspot.com/2010/08/member-news-sherry-thompson-joins.html

Writers! Want to get your synopsis read by someone at Penguin? Now's your chance. Penguin UK is taking unsolicited submissions until October! More info and guidelines here:
http://www.penguin.co.uk/static/cs/uk/0/aboutus/#question11

News for July 14th 2010

Chris Solaas says: Check out a short prequel excerpt to my Lynvia series posted online today at
http://novelteen.wordpress.com/2010/07/08/a-prequel-glance-inside-chris-solaas-wip/

If you like dragons, magic, and teen fiction.

Sherry Thompson has been interviewed at Broad Universe and you can check that out here:

http://community.livejournal.com/broaduniverse/19746.html

Karina Fabian says: The Catholic Writers Conference Live is Aug 4-6 at King of Prussia, PA. Get more info or register at www.catholicwritersconference.com. Regardless of what genre or type of writing you do, if you are Catholic, this is THE conference to attend. Lots of great information and some terrific opportunities to meet publishers and editors. I'm trying to spread the word, and am having a drawing for any of my books if you'll help let folks know. Each time you post about it is another chance to win. Check out the rules at http://fabianspace.blogspot.com/2010/07/advertise-catholic-writers-conference.html

Ellen Maze has started a new FB group for fans of Supernatural Fiction (a.k.a. Christian Horror/Paranormal Fiction). The new group is at this link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=114671505247677&ref=ts

 

News for June 30th, 2010

You can read an excerpt of Sherry Thompson's Earthbow Vol. 1 at the Written Remains blog here:
http://writtenremains.blogspot.com/2010/06/earthbow-week-continues-with-exclusive.html and if you haven't seen her interview there from last week, it's well worth checking out too:
http://writtenremains.blogspot.com/2010/06/member-spotlight-interview-with-sherry.html

Rounding up last week's CSFF blog tour for Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos, let's take a look at a few of the reviews:
Rachel Starr Thomson Krysti Kercher  Fred Warren Rebecca LuElla Miller

July 15 marks the six month anniversary of The New Authors' Fellowship. To commemorate the occasion, we are launching a new site layout, and renewing our commitment to be a site to help and promote unpublished authors, especially those in Christian Spec Fic. The new site will feature custom graphics made specifically for NAF, and it will have a new easy to navigate menu system, that will feature great links and resources for unpublished authors.
http://newauthors.wordpress.com/ 

And just for fun, here's the R2D2 Translator: translate any word or phrase, and you can even download the audio file. http://www.r2d2translator.com/

News for June 21st, 2010

Sherry Thompson says: I'm a member of Delaware's Written Remains Writers Guild. During the week of June 21st, the WRWG Spotlight will be turned on me. I'll be interviewed, people can ask questions via comments, I'll be giving away at least one copy of my latest book "Earthbow", and I may let slip interesting bits and pieces about my present and future work.
The link to the WRWG blog is: http://tinyurl.com/24bs4or OR http://writtenremains.blogspot.com/2010/06/member-news-sherry-thompsons-earthbow.html
Plus: If you go there now, you can already see some "pre-Spotlight" activity.

Writers: Port Yonder Press is looking for fantasy. The submissions window is October only, so now's the time to be getting those proposals and first three chapters ready. More details at the PYP site: http://portyonderpress.com

The trailer for the next Narnia movie has appeared: Voyage of the Dawn Treader. So far it's just at Facebook: http://bit.ly/9IHJEG and gives Lewis fans plenty to ponder. How come we see Susan and Peter in there? And Jadis the White Witch, for that matter, she's supposed to have died! And where's the dragon? But it looks like the effects are even better than the previous ones.

News for June 11th, 2010

A new story is up at Mindflights: "The Black Bag" by Peter H. Solomon: In a contest with dangerous witches, a little help is always welcome.

Here's Forrest Schultz's review of Earthbow Vol. 1 by Sherry Thompson:
http://vantiltool.blogspot.com/2010/06/review-of-earthbow-volume-i-sequel-to.html

A draw to win a copy of The Superlative Stream by Kerry Nietz is here:
http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com/2010/06/on-my-nightstand-superlative-stream-by.html

And while we're at that, here's Ellen Maze's review of Kerry's Book 1, A Star Curiously Singing:
http://amzn.to/bZFnwX

"Dragons and fantasy are hot, hot, hot! We’ll find out about the newest series of books for young readers in this genre." An audio interview with Bryan Davis by Valerie Connelly - http://www.valerieconnelly.com/radio-show/this-weeks-show - Scroll down a little bit to the audio player icon and click the play button.

News for June 9th, 2010

The one year anniversary edition of Digital Dragon Magazine is here! Be sure and check out all the new stories from familiar names. www.digitaldragonmagazine.net

Stephen L. Rice has published two short pieces on the Web: Justice, Waivering, Triumphs; and The Gem in the Locket.
http://www.feedbooks.com/user/87909/profile

Randy Ingermanson interviewed Jim Rubart, author of Rooms, and part one is posted here: http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/blitz_marketing.html

Here's a new interview of Sherry Thompson's Seabird, posted by Forrest Schultz:
http://vantiltool.blogspot.com/2010/06/review-of-sherry-thompsons-seabird.html

News for May 3rd, 2010

C. L. Dyck has posted Part 8 of The Moonborn Code: Counterintelligence http://scitascienda.com/2010/04/24/the-moonborn-code-part-8/
To read all the episodes, go here: http://scitascienda.com/category/loci-litterae/the-moonborn-code/

Krystine Kercher has posted part 2 and 3 of P'olleeaster: http://krystisbooks.blogspot.com/2010/04/polleeaster-part-2-of-5.html and http://krystisbooks.blogspot.com/2010/04/polleeaster-part-3-of-3.html

Sherry Thompson says: Last week, I posted 3 linked extracts from Earthbow Volume 1, beginning at: http://tree-lady.livejournal.com/95027.html I just added three more in another linked set, which completes a second scene. Please check them out when you have a chance. If they pique your curiosity, remember that Earthbow Vol.1 is on sale via Amazon. I'm currently working on the final draft of vol.2. Gryphonwood should be publishing it in a couple of months.

Rick Copple says: John Ottinger has graciously agreed to have me as a guest blogger. http://www.graspingforthewind.com/2010/05/03/guest-post-more-sin-please-by-r-l-copple/ There is a giveaway of two copies of Infinite Realities running that week as well: http://www.graspingforthewind.com/2010/05/03/giveaway-two-signed-copies-of-infinite-realities-by-r-l-copple/
And no, the article isn't a plea for people to sin more. To find out what I'm really talking about, you'll have to read the post. :)

News for March 31st, 2010: Sherry Thompson, Jeremy Robinson, Novel Journey

Sherry Thompson announces the release of her second book, Earthbow: Volume 1, which she has dedicated to the Lost Genre Guild and her local writing group.

Cenoc, the self-styled Lord of Latimus, is on an inspection tour of his country's military keeps when he is told about hidden treasures that could make him even more powerful. So begins the warleader's descent into darkness. Few dare oppose Cenoc's will, even as they witness his growing madness. However, a remnant stand in his way: a newly knighted young man who is soon torn between his mission and an overwhelming desire for revenge; an enchanter-initiate who finds himself facing terrors even greater than the danger of opposing Cenoc; a teen Outworlder from Earth who has been gifted with the Earthbow and told he will learn its purpose--just before his mentor abandons him.


Find out more at Sherry's blog http://tree-lady.livejournal.com/ and buy the book here: http://tinyurl.com/ylew76a

--

Jeremy Robinson has posted an article on basic marketing for writers, including the main secrets of his own success! Check it out at http://www.jeremyrobinsononline.com/2010/03/marketing-101.html

And speaking of Jeremy, there's a new review of his novel Kronos at Splashdown Reviews: http://splashdownreviews.blogspot.com/2010/03/kronos-by-jeremy-robinson.html

--

At Novel Journey, Mike Duran has started a discussion on the definition of Christian fiction from the example of Tolkien. "How many great Christian writers, musicians and artists are not embraced by the Christian subculture simply because their work does not adhere to a predetermined template?" http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/2010/03/is-lord-of-rings-christian-fiction.html

Guild Member Spotlight: Sherry Thompson

Welcome to our ongoing series of conversations with Lost Genre Guild members. Catch them here on Mondays!

Sherry Thompson

When did you join the LGG? How did you make the connection?

Feb-Mar 2008. Frank invited me to join becuase he knew me via the Christian Fandom list.

What's the first thing you remember that happened in the Guild?

Previous to my joining, a LGG member asked for advice for her mystery novel set on the Moon. The question was cultural in nature, I believe. By the time I becaue I member, the thread had taken over most of the bandwidth on LGG and had become quite wacky. I leaped in at once, feeling quite at home.

Tell us some good things that have transpired from belonging.

Three huge things:
1. Getting to know all of you!
2. Having my fantasy novel "Seabird" blog-toured this year.
3. Obtaining Frank's help with Earthbow.
Make that 4 things--Learning all sorts of bits and pieces about all sorts of things including specific Christian Speculative fiction publications by LGG members and their friends.

What's your genre and subgenre? Why do you think that is?

I write Christian fantasy which is sort of on the cusp of YA and adult. I write it because way back in 1979, I was inspired to write it.

Do you like to read the same genre as you write? What other genres interest you? Favourite authors?

I read very slowly and therefore have less time to finish works than most people. Generally, I prefer readng fatnasy but I do read some SF. I am gob-smaked amazed at the people who can write SF well, much less Christian SF!
Favorite authors remain the Inklings of mid-20th century Oxford, plus Geo MacDonald, etc.

Tell us about your published work, and where we can go to find out more.

"Seabird", my YA/adult Chridstian fantasy novel, has been available since Jan 2008. The publisher is a small indy named Gryphonwood Press, owned by Daved Wood who is a part-time Methodist minister. It--the book-- can be purchased through Amazon and B&N online, and can be special ordered via most bookstores.
For more information, pleae go to my website:
http://khivasmommy.googlepages.com/news%21 (links to reviews)

What are you working on right now? How's progress?

I am revising "Earthbow" which is the sequel to "Seabird". It's also a fantasy, set in my world of Narenta--which is a Christian world beset by sorcerers, werewrights and other forces of evil. Amongst other themes, "Earthbow" is about the nature of forgiveness. In spite of the theme, much of "Earthbow" is kind of swashbuskly, sword-and-sorcery-ish. ;-)

How has the LGG helped you in your work?

Thanks to the information in too many threads for me to remember in detail. Also, I learned about The Finishers via LGG.

What are your dreams for the future of Christian speculative fiction, and for yourself within that?

I would love to see it spread its wings and land in both regular and Christian bookstores in a larger way than it has to the present time. The only way that this will happen --in my opinion-- is of various types of publishers but especially indy publishers to accept the promise of Christian speculative fiction as a viable genre in the market place. In the long run, I look to the indy press for this to happen. And to God moving certain hearts in certain publishing houses of course.)

Your best writing tip?

Two. The first is ancient--BiC, i.e. butt in chair.
The second one works for me especially when I'm revising. The "job" --any job actually-- looks far worse before you start working on it. Find I way to begin and you're halfway to the end of the project whether it's writing the first paragraph of a story or revising a novel.

What else are you up to that our readers would find interesting?

Not much. I've started attending a new church which I can only reach by very wonky Sunday bus transportation. Please pray for me that I may find someone with whom I can ride to and from the church.
Once "Earthbow" is revised and published (end of year into beginning of new year), I want to take the show on the road to one or more speculative fiction cons in the eastern seaboard area. Possibly, Arisia or Boskone.

Something you reckon not many people know about you?

I used to write lyrics for filk songs. (pre-2000 mostly) I even one a prze once for the "Most Fannish Filk Lyrics" Title of song: "Fenton, the Neo and the Dew"

Your website or social media profile?

http://tree-lady.livejournal.com/91893.html

Under the Mercy,

SherryT

News for April 29th, 2009

The Christian Fiction Review has a new post on Starfire by Stuart Stockton: "Prepare for one of the geekiest book reviews this site has ever seen."

The Woman Behind The Dragon - Terri Main interviews Karina Fabian at Wayfarer's Journal! And here's Terri's review of Magic, Mensa & Mayhem. Don't read it in a library!

The CSFF tour buzz around Blaggard's Moon by George Bryan Polivka continues to develop: Check out Rebecca LuElla Miller Blog Tour Wrap-Up. There's also a very good discussion still ongoing about what makes for a hero in Christian literature. Feel free to participate! Blaggards or Heroes?

Reposted at Splashdown Reviews:
Leaps of Faith, edited by Karina & Robert Fabian

And Sherry Thompson of the Guild wants your help in deciding whether to put a new cover on her novel Seabird.

Original Cover:


Proposed new cover:

To join in the discussion, you can go to Sherry's blog; alternatively, use the Gryphonwood forum (signup required). So what do you think?

LGG Member News

Check out this new review of Seabird by Sherry Thompson, posted by Phyllis Wheeler: "I really enjoyed this book. Sherry Thompson excels at character development. She gets inside Cara’s self-centered head very well, and also shows her gradual turnaround."

Rick Copple says:

I wanted to sell not only my ebook downloads, but also my on-hand
physical copies of my books. So, I went ahead and installed a shopping
cart and made it official and all.

Check out my store at: http://www.rlcopple.com/store/

If you have an IPhone or IPod Touch, you can download the ebooks
right to your device on either EReader or Stanza by going to the site
within those programs.

And the good news is, now on sale in PDF, EPUB, or PDB format, is my new
book Transforming Realities.

Mike Lynch says:

An interview Brandon and I did in Novel Journey for our upcoming book just came out today. Not only did we get to talk about the novel, but we also had a chance to discuss the importance of the Lost Genre Guild, and the role Christian speculative fiction plays in society. Check it out.

http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/2009/03/sci-fi-co-authors-mike-lynch-brandon.html

Online Madness - the Guild is busy!

The Web's going mad lately. Here are just a few of the mind-boggling things that are going on. Why not get along and join in?

Virtual Book Signing at Variance Publishing
Jeremy Robinson offers a world premiere - buy a book online, then meet the author via webcam and chat while he signs your book! Events are scheduled for January 22 and 24. See the site for details.

Over at Shoutlife, Terri Main and Frank Creed have opened a forum to discuss how best to go about ministry and book promotion in Second Life. Using one network to discuss the use of another - it's so crazy it might just work! Check out "Ministry in Second Life".

Steve Doyle has created a webpage for Bill McGrath's Sword of Fire series. Here you'll find video trailers, audio segments, and sample chapters.

Karina Fabian is thrilled to announce the discovery of a cover artist for her upcoming novel, Magic, Mensa and Mayhem. Check out some preliminary sketches - and some of the other finalists!

Last but most definitely not least: Alisha Paige delivers an incredibly rich in-depth interview with Sherry Thompson of the Guild, concerning her novel Seabird and the ongoing Narentan Tumults.

Phew! Enough for today...happy reading!

Blogs and Breaking News

We at the LGG are very grateful for the highly successful CSFF blog tour of our Guild last week. For the stats on that, check out Cynthia's post. Shout outs to D.G.D. Davidson for igniting one of the longest blog comment threads ever seen in our realms! Great fun was had by all, as they say.

This week, the Christian Fiction Review Blog is touring Seabird by Sherry Thompson. Check out their page for links to participating bloggers and reviews.


Jeremy Robinson continues to post action-packed video blogs, be sure you haven't missed any.

And Terri Main posted her views on the recently inaugurated Lost Genre Guild discussion forum. Her post is a great introduction to this arena for Guild activity. Why not join in?

Breaking News: Forever Richard by Sue Dent hits stores on January 5th. Forever Richard, Sue Dent's much anticipated vampire & werewolf sequel to Never Ceese, is horror, and like Bram Stoker's 1897 Dracula, is written from a subtle Christian wordview. thewriterscafepress.com Autographed copies are available!