New Opportunities

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Much to my surprise, I have a seat in a book fair next month. It’s the Spellbound September event at Page 42, a used bookstore in Spokane. Just a short one, noon to five on Saturday, September 26th. This is the third time I’ve applied for one of their events, but the first time they accepted me.

Unlike previous events based in hotels and bookstores, where the location provides chairs and tables, I’ll need to get some equipment together. I’ve also gone through my books on hand and ordered a few more. Should be a fun time, and I look forward to it.

On the republishing front, the contract for The Grimhold Wolf had clearly lapsed, and the publisher agreed to return those rights. I’m preparing to re-release it in October so it can be part of Teri Polen’s blog event, Bad Moon Rising. Another book, The Eighth Order, will stay with Wolfsinger. They have The Seven Exalted Orders in their catalog and it could be problematic to bring out the sequel from a different publisher.

This week I’ve been working hard to format The Grimhold Wolf for ebook and paperback. My back-to-work date is August 20th and I’d like to set up as much as I can before then. Once I do a final check of the reformatted files, my next task is selecting cover art on Shutterstock. There’s a bit of winnowing to find artists who were registered and images that were posted to Shutterstock before 2022 and the release of so-called AI, but nothing I can’t handle.

I hope your life is bringing new opportunities, too!

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky.

Chores and More

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First, the most important thing: I am safe from the Old Trails fire, part of the Spokane Complex. Old Trails started miles away from our home and the wind blew it further away. Unfortunately, it is still burning. Police have arrested a suspected arsonist.

Second, I have sales figures! As I previously mentioned, Draft to Digital upset its user base (including me) by announcing it will charge fees for services that previously were free. We have to sell a certain amount to avoid their fee. They may be trying to make it up to us with better reporting. This is how I know that I sold 6 units during the Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale. No doubt I will still have to pay the fee, but news that I’ve sold books is always delightful.

Now to actual writing. The Land Beyond is complete and my husband is reading it now. He always gets the first read on my stories. I’d like to get one more pass on this before I return to the not-yet-retitled Wizard’s Army. But, I get restless if I’m not doing something related to my writing. Thus, I’ve been tackling some of those writing chores that get put off when I’m working intensely on a story.

The main one has been to go over my web sites (Debyfredericks.com and Wyrmflight) for errors. It seems I’ve been lax about adding my books as they get published. So I went through those pages to make sure they’re up to date. I also changed e-mails about a year and a half ago, and I corrected a couple of the contact e-mails there. I need to give it another close look to make sure the graphics aren’t weird on the page, and so on.

In addition, I’ve been looking at the contracts for work I had scheduled with Wolfsinger. I thought that The Eighth Order, sequel to The Seven Exalted Orders, would be next up. In fact, I cannot find a contract with them, either a printed signature page or a contract in electronic format. Since Wolfsinger has The Seven Exalted Orders in their catalog, I’d like to have The Eighth Order with them, but if the publisher is running behind, maybe not?

The contract I did find was for The Grimhold Wolf. It has a clause specifying that if the work wasn’t published by last January then the contract is null and voice. This means I can stop waiting for the publisher and re-issue it myself. At the time I signed with Wolfsinger, I was a lot less confident about self-publishing. These days I’m in the groove with it, and I want to get that book back on my shelves.

I’ve politely e-mailed the publisher asking for clarification about The Eighth Order and advising I want The Grimhold Wolf back. No big drama there, it’s just a day in the writer’s life.

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky.

Woman at Work, August 2026

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What’s Happening? I’m plodding along, relaxing as much as possible in these long summer days. The big (incipient) thrill is that I got my husband’s buy-in to have sprinklers put in. I have loving plans for our yard, but the first step has to be the sprinklers. So far, one estimator did a no-show, and the one who showed has not actually given us an estimate. Contractors, am I right?

What I’m Working On. I’m into the first draft revisions on “The Land Beyond,” my short story that grew into a novella. I’m pleased with it, but it still needs emotional oomph and the ending isn’t quite right.

What’s Next? Assuming I get “The Land Beyond” where I want it, I can prepare to publish in the fall. There’s another short story featuring Mistress Henbane, which was part of Wolfsinger’s anthology, Spirit of the Wolf. If I match it with “The Land Beyond,” it will make my third Standing Stones book. That will become the “Project X” I resolved to do back in January.

Where I’ll be. My next appearance will be at Just-A-Con in September. Details to follow!

Fun and Games. Animal Crossing, forever. There’s also Loco Moto, an Indy game where I’m in an animal land, driving a train all over delivering packages and getting into all my passengers’ problems. For my next read, I don’t remember the title but it will have to do with estate planning. Thrills!

Wishing you a relaxing summer, and may all your contractors arrive as scheduled!

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky.

Coming Closer

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Closer to the end of my latest WIP, that is. What started as a short story idea, with a projected length of 7,000 words, has continued to grow. It’s now 19,000 and some, the dividing line between novelette and novella. This is set in the same world as “Mistress Henbane” and “The Guardian Stones” from my two Standing Stones books. Perhaps the greater length is appropriate, since it ties off some threads from the previous two stories.

In “The Guardian Stones,” I hinted that the stone circles are protective features, meant to close off peists invading from another dimension. However, with a magical university built up around the stone circle, it seemed inevitable that some of the students might get pushy in trying to find out more. In fact, three students have disappeared.

Mistress Henbane returns, accompanied by a senior wise woman names Lady Holly. They request Ethan Mathias and Edward Pierce to help them with what turns out to be a missing persons case. As I’ve written so far, the three missing students have been rescued. It’s a matter of addressing what they now know. Lady Holly is going to ask, ever so nicely, that the university students not disclose the existence of that other land.

The other thread that needs to be tied up is the tentative relationship between Mistress Henbane and Ethan Mathias. They come from different worlds — the wise women of the countryside and the elite magical university which looks down on their “superstitious” ways. Mathias has been threatened if the relationship continues. Henbane doesn’t know if she could trust him with any more of their hidden knowledge. Will hearts be broken?

I look forward to working all this out. It shouldn’t be much longer, but I don’t want to rush it. We’ll see if this novellette (or novella) can be finished in time to be my fall publication.

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky.

The Tale of the Drakanox

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A person stands before a glowing magic doorway in a dark fantasy jungle.

The Smashwords Year End Sale is still going on, so now I’m featuring the grand finale of my Minstrels of Skaythe series: The Tale of the Drakanox! If you’ve only read part of the saga, this is where it all wraps up.

You can findThe Tale of the Drakanox along with all my other ebooks on Smashwords for 50% off until July 31, 2026.

The Tale of the Drakanox

It was just an old story. There couldn’t really be a lost civilization based on trust and equality. Not when the Wizard-King Dar-Gothull rules Skaythe through cruelty and terror. 

But when Ar-Thea told the story of the Shining Ones to her six magelings, the legend took root in their hearts. For years, they traveled the land as Minstrels. Through stories and song, they offered light and hope in dark times. Now their secrets have been laid bare. The Minstrels flee as the regime gathers its forces to crush them. 

Yet there is hope. Deep in the cursed Hornwood, there is an incredible power that only the Minstrels can use. It is guarded by a terrible beast — the Drakanox! The Minstrels must call on every ally and avoid every enemy if they hope to recover what has long been lost.

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky.

A Book of Significance

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First of all, the Summer/Winter Sale at Smashwords is still going. Everything in my catalog is 25% off until July 31, 2026.

Secondly, as part of his promo for the Summer/Winter Sale, David Lee Summers included a review by me of his book Lightning Wolves. If you like Weird Western or Steampunk or just want to read my words of wisdom, go ahead and click that link.

Thirdly… How long can I keep this going? I re-read a book that had an impact on my life, Our Native Bees by Paige Embry. If you also follow my blog, Wyrmflight, I wrote last week about participating in citizen science projects focused on native bees. You can read that post here.

I mention there that some of my yard’s bee populations have shifted over time. Looking for ways to address this, I re-read Our Native Bees, which I previously read in 2018. I really had forgotten how much this book influenced me. Both of the citizen science initiatives I participate in are recommended there.

Fiction, nonfiction, or in between — you never truly know how much any book you read may affect you.

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky.

Woman at Work, July 2026

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What’s Happening? I started my summer break with a five-day jaunt to Colorado. We hiked around Mesa Verde National Park, got lost a few times, and had emotional battles with the rental car. We are glad we went, and equally glad to be home. In addition, Queen Titania’s Court has just wrapped up. It was another fantastic year.

Also! Smashwords is hosting their Summer/Winter Sale again this year. From July 1st to 31st, all my ebooks will be on sale for 50% off. If you’re interested in something but have been hesitating, this will be your chance to score a bargain. My catalog is here.

What I’m Working On. A new short story, or perhaps a novella, centered on Mistress Henbane (from the two Standing Stones books). This time the PoV is Edward Pierce, who came on like a boor and a creep in “The Guardian Stones.” This time we get to see the world through Pierce’s eyes.

What’s Next? The second draft of my latest novel is cued up as soon as I complete the first draft of that story I was just talking about.

Where I’ll be. Currently I have no plans for an in-person appearance until September.

Fun and Games. In addition to my perennial favorite, Animal Crossing, I’m doing another play through of Dragon Age Origins. That arch-demon is going down! I’m reading The Path of Wicca for a bit of research with a spiritual turn. Next up will be Project Hail Mary.

Wishing you a lot of R & R and not too much heat this summer!

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky.

Adventure!

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An ancient building of weathered stone looms above. Detail of Cliff House. Photo by Deby Fredericks 2026
Detail of Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde National Park. Photo by Deby Fredericks, June 2026.

I’m just returned from an adventure! My husband and I went to Mesa Verde National Park right after the end of the school year. If you aren’t familiar, Mesa Verde is the site of the ancestral pueblos and cliff dwellings. It’s an incredible experience to see their ancient homes, and how much the ancestors were able to build with only rocks, water and soil. We fantasy writers can take a lesson from it, that even a supposedly primitive culture can build remarkable things.

The trip was not without its challenges. Mesa Verde is at a high altitude, in arid conditions, with narrow stairways and ladders to reach the cliff dwellings. Let’s say we aren’t as young as we used to be, so I signed us up for the shortest possible ranger-led hike. It was still almost too much for us.

Also, our rental car was a complete prima donna. I will never, ever buy that brand of car.

Queen Titania’s Court continues on my blog, Wyrmflight. It’s great month of fantastic stories. Don’t miss it!

And don’t forget! Smashwords is hosting their Summer/Winter Sale again this year. From July 1st to 31st, all my ebooks will be on sale for 50% off. If you’re interested in something but have been hesitating, this will be your chance to score a bargain. Watch this space for the appropriate links.

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky.

New Things Coming

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Smashwords is hosting their Summer/Winter Sale again this year. From July 1st to 31st, all my ebooks will be on sale for 50% off. If you’re interested in something but have been hesitating, this will be your chance to score a bargain. Watch this space for the appropriate links.

Until the end of June, Queen Titania’s Court continues on my blog, Wyrmflight. One of my own books was already featured: Standing Stones & Eldritch Tomes. Check it out!

Summer break has begun for my school district. I’m looking forward to having a bit more time for myself, and carrying on with my latest short story.

That’s all for this week. I hope your writing and reading are going well!

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky.

Marching On

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Queen Titania’s Court is in full swing, with the latest post being Joyce Reynolds-Ward’s Vision of Alliance. If you like epic fantasy, it’s worth a glance.

Work continues on that short story of mine. The literal last week of school is a very slow time, so I’ve been able to make good progress. Today, though, was our local Pride festival and parade. I joined my union, WEA, in marching. The parade started at noon, but our position was like fourth from last, so we didn’t start moving until 12:45. This required a long wait in the sun. Although, the one time I went to sit on the grass in the shade, some sprinklers came on! (It actually felt good.)

Pride parade is always very colorful and everyone was in a great mood. It was fun once we actually got started.

Happy Pride to everyone!

Have you read one of my books? Then it would be great for you to leave a review! Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about me and my work, check out my blog, Wyrmflight, or follow me on Bluesky.