Monthly Wrap Up
January Happenings and the Future
It’s been interesting settling into a new pace where I can always find something to do, but the pressure is off. I spent the last two years working hard on publishing my trilogy and added a coaching certification to last year. Now that it has all culminated in January and things are calming into a new norm, I realize some things took a back burner. There is only so much I can handle in a day and some days far less than others. Would I change the past couple of years? Nah. It’s been fun and I learned a lot.
One thing that slipped was taking the time to connect with readers and have more fun here. I want to get back into a regular sharing of books I am reading and what fellow authors are sharing. I have a lot of fun reading ahead for two book launches. One of them is next week!
So let’s get to all the fun!
A Hearty Welcome
There are many new faces here who joined in the King Sumo Winter Wonderland give away. I enjoyed being part of it and it led to more books for me to read from my fellow friends and authors. I hope you all found books to help fill the long winter nights and congrats to the winners.
I’ve sent out the info for the ebook winners to grab their copies after I fixed an issue I had with my epub copies. A computer glitch a year ago proved the copy on Amazon was not backed up correctly in my files. Since I wanted to update the title page and the about page for the series, it worked out that I got it all rectified before book three launched on January 28th. The paperback will be mailed on Saturday. Sorry for the delay of supplying the rewards to the winners. I did not forget you.
I also want to do a little recap of what to expect here at Tales of Karnum and Beyond.
First, I have a Monthly Wrap Up email, which this is. It shares info about books I read, reviews I have done, and what is going on behind the scenes. It is also a post on the blog. I will share what is going on with my writing life, book release notes for myself and other authors, books I’m reading, and links to any book reviews I completed in the month.
Second, I am starting a new sci-fi serial fiction tomorrow and that will appear in your email every Friday. I’ll share more information about that in a moment.
Third, not all posts on Tales of Karnum will go out as emails. My book reviews and any special behind-the-scenes sharing are posted individually. They gain a short blurb and a link in the monthly newsletter so you can choose what you prefer to check out. You can always look around anytime at talesofkarnum.substack.com or by clicking at the clicking on the post title at the top of any email to reach the site.
If you have questions or things you wish to share with me, email me at althea@altheadamgaard.com or reply to this newsletter.
Cyborg Claude
I’ve talked about this serial sci-fi idea a few times over several months. I had hoped to roll it out last year, but with the combo of writing Council of Light and jumping into a coaching certification with one of my writing organizations, I didn’t have the time to do it right.
Well, now I have had the time. The first episode will arrive in your email tomorrow. I have yet to decide to keep it a novel length serial or to come up with a way to give it seasons more like a TV show. It is linked via my Stories and Shorts on the menu and will replace Cataclysm on the front page of Tales of Karnum once I have three posts.
The following is the blurb shared on the main page for Cyborg Claude.
What happens when you realize you have become the very thing you fought against?
Claude knows he should be dead, but Min orchestrated a way to keep him alive. Instead of asking, he’s stuck to daring spy adventures in the field rather than accept his rightful place in a command position of their private agency. If he stops too long, the truth will catch up to him.
The Space Association has developed a biotech called Mind Sweep that can read and alter memories. Stealing this information puts a target on Claude’s back. An injury and the need to escape from Goeken rises questions from Salindra, a fellow agent, who must flee with him.
Both sides have illegal biotech, but who will lose when the information is revealed?
This is far different from my fantasy trilogy, but all of my stories strive to share concerns of humanity via relatable characters and engaging stories. I look forward to hearing your reactions to this story. Comment or reply to the emails of each episode, or just like if that is more comfortable for you. I love to learn more about my readers and how you think while reading books.
New Releases and Books I Am Reading
Falcon Dagger
Falcon Dagger is the riveting final novel of the Falcon Chronicles series written by Azalea Dabill. This concluding book released in January. I know the author via a group of indie authors that work to help each other share their books with the world. This series is on my TBR list.
Check out this Historical Fantasy series
Sanctified
Sanctified is the third book in the Legacy Chapters. I’m currently reading the advanced copy for this one, hoping to have it read in time for a review on release day. It’s only five days away on February 11th. I better get reading. Also, grab this series now because the first two books are on sale for 99 cents with the launch.
Check out books by V Romas Burton
Illusions Reign
This is the second book in the series, but is actually a prequel to Song of the Selkies by Sara Pennington. I finished it earlier in January, but need to write up my review in the coming week. I loved the Celtic cultural tones with the intriguing mix of religious faith and magic of her world. I still have to read Song of the Selkies, which has the acclaim of being the 2024 book of the year for RealmMakers, a Christian speculative fiction creators organization.
A cursed princess must remove the curse in time or let an imposter permanently take her place. She gains help in unlikely places, including a gruff miller apprentice and selkies while having to play the part of the castle’s goose girl.
Check out both books of this series
Council of Light
My third book, Council of Light, released on January 28th to complete my Light Series. It’s a mix of elation, relief and sudden ‘what do I do now’ feeling. After being so busy, I am happy with how this series came to life. Not only did the characters grow through each book, but so did my writing per my editors and beta readers. My team is so encouraging and not scared to tell me the good, the bad, and the ugly through the production of each story.
The best gift you can give to any author is a short review of what made you read the book and why others should do the same. I actually read reviews for books when I’m on the fence with too many choices for my TBR pile. Help a fellow reader find another book to read.
Conclusion
This newsletter proved a little longer than usual, but a lot has come out of 2024 and culminated in January. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your feedback.