I’m trying to see if I can fit my entire post into my title. ;-)

Just kidding.

One of the cool things about being an author is that you get to meet lots of other authors, and authors are some of the most supportive and creative people on the planet. Especially indie authors, who realize that we are all in this together, and “a rising tide raises all ships.”

One of the cool things about being an editor is that sometimes you get to not only help other authors but contribute to their careers and maybe, just maybe, even call your clients your friends.

Jessica Renwick is one of those authors/clients/friends for me. I am super proud to have been part of all three books in her middle grade Starfell series (as well as a new series she teases later in this post)—and to know her, because she is super awesome.

Wait, did I say three books?

Why yes, I did. Book 3 of the Starfell series, The Bow of Anarchy, was released on Wednesday—and it’s the best one so far. (But they are all amazing—the first two have won awards to prove it!) I confess, even though it’s middle grade, I really love these books and get super excited whenever I get to work on the next one.

In honour of the occasion, Jessica has answered a few questions about the book and her process, which we’ll get to in a minute. First, I want to share an exciting milestone for another Canadian author friend of mine, Brandy Ackerley.

Brandy Ackerley: Lord’s Curse

Today is Cover Reveal day for book 2 in Brandy’s epic fantasy Kitsune-Ken series. But before I show you the cover for Book 2, let’s just ogle Book 1 for a minute, shall we?

I mean, WOW, amiright?

I haven’t read either of these books yet, but I just downloaded Hunter’s Gambit because it’s been on my TBR (To Be Read) list since it came out and it’s about time, darnit. Brandy tells me it’s got some spicy (fade-to-black) scenes, for those who want to know such things.

Now, here’s book 2, Lord’s Curse, out today (and he’s—er, I mean, it’s—equally as gorgeous):

Lord’s Curse (Kitsune-Ken Book 2)

Kuzunoha, bastard daughter of the Tanaka family, is determined to leave the village she grew up in and take control of her own life. Her sister, Himiko, is just as determined to keep their splintering family together. When a forgotten branch of their clan is discovered in the far city of Kalvettika, Himiko suggests that a trip to find them is just what they need.

Though Kuzunoha is excited to finally leave, even if she is traveling with her sister, she finds herself tempted by what Himiko offers should she return to Hidan, and the family home, after. Her conflicted feelings multiply when an old flame leaves, proving that even if she did return with her sister, home will never be the same again. Worse, something seems to be hunting them, and secrets, old and new, will threaten them all.

Will our heroes survive to see inside Kalvettika's tall walls in this intriguing sequel to Hunter’s Gambit?

Can Kuzunoha persevere and accept who she was meant to be, or does destiny have other plans? 

And, unlike me with my months-before-release cover reveals, Brandy’s new book will be out in only weeks—June 12! So get thee to Amazon or the bookseller of your choice, read Hunter’s Gambit (which has just had the price reduced and is super reasonable on eBook), and get ready for Book 2 of this creative new series.

Here’s the Amazon link for Hunter’s Gambit. Lord’s Curse is now on preorder on Amazon.

You can also find Brandy in all these places to be kept informed of its release: Twitter: @FoxyWriter, Facebook: facebook.com/InkedFoxPress, and blog: musingaboutthewords.blogspot.ca/.

Jessica Renwick: The Bow of Anarchy

I helped Jessica with her cover reveal for her new middle grade fantasy book a couple weeks ago, and she graciously agreed to answer a few questions about her new book and her process for this post. But first, a little reminder about the book:

The Bow Of Anarchy (Starfell Book 3)

After a quiet winter, the Lichwood is waking. Murmurs of activity at Endora’s mansion reach Tulip Manor, and Fable and her friends are restless to discover why. After an undead guard attacks the enchanted barrier that encloses the cottage grounds, Fable’s magic spins out of control.

When a letter arrives from the Thistle Plum Inn stating a Folkvar has been sighted in the city of Mistford, the residents of Tulip Manor find themselves thrust into chaos. A mystery involving Thorn’s missing sister, a mystical bow and arrow, kidnapped magical creatures, and a dangerous curse looms over the spring festival—and it’s up to Fable and her friends to solve.

Deep down, Fable knows these secrets are tied to her evil great-grandmother. But if she can’t fight the darkness that grows within her, she won’t be able to save anyone. Not even herself.

And now, a peek behind the curtain about Starfell, Jessica’s life as an author, and what else she has in the works.

What was the inspiration behind this story?
I always knew I wanted to write for kids. Books had a huge impact on me during those middle-grade years. As a kid who wasn’t the most popular, books were great escapes for me. They were worlds where I could belong. The inspiration for this particular series was sparked when my partner launched a new D&D campaign (yes, Dungeons and Dragons. We are thirty-somethings who love playing tabletop fantasy games!). He asked me to write a short backstory for my character. It quickly grew from three pages to ten, and it struck me that this would make a great novel for kids.

Who is your favourite character and why, or what is your favourite scene and why?
Honestly, I love all of my characters so I don’t think I could choose. But I do have several favourite scenes. In The Bow of Anarchy, it’s the scene when the kids are in The Arcane Scroll (a magic shop), and Fable and Thorn have a heart-to-heart about the issues Thorn is dealing with. I’ve been very lucky to have some really good friends in my life, and I just love writing and reading about strong friendships.

What is a theme or message that runs through this series that is very important to you?
Similar to my previous answer, the most important theme in this series is about embracing who you are and your loved ones for doing the same. It’s a message I really needed when I was young, and I think a lot of kids go through that.

You travel to schools a lot to promote your work. What is one cool moment you’ve had with a young reader?
I have done a few “surprise” visits to students who had been reading my book in class. Those are always my favourite! This spring when the schools shut down, a teacher of a classroom I had done this for reached out to me. She had been reading her students the second book in the series. As a surprise for the kids, I made some videos of myself reading the last two chapters for them. She said the kids were so excited, and I’m so glad we were able to brighten their day during a confusing time.

Do you have any other projects on the horizon right now?
Yes, a few! In June I have a short story coming out in an anthology about girls who find mythical objects (Mythical Girls by Celtricfrog Publishing). And in September, I am launching the first book in another middle-grade series, The Haunting of Lavender Raine. These books are paranormal mysteries and much shorter, quicker reads than my fantasy books at about twelve chapters. And of course, I am working away on Starfell Book Four: The Curse of the Warlock for release next year.

So, now that you’ve seen the behind-the-scenes, go grab your copy of Jessica’s new book here:

Or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or bookmark her website.

Lastly, Wednesday was special for another reason: It was my twentieth wedding anniversary! I put up a super-sappy post on Facebook which I’ll repost here, because my honey deserves as much sappiness as I can muster:

Happy Friday, friend! And happy reading!