I admit, I am somewhat relieved to see 2013 drawing to a close. This has been a tough year in a lot of ways -- ways I'm not inclined to talk about in any detail on the internet. But it has left me weary, and a little wary of what the new year will bring. I've been reminded, in a rather grueling fashion, how difficult it is to let go, how quickly time slips through our fingers, and how some things will go wrong no matter how hard we try to make them right.
At the same time, 2013 has been a year of unexpected gifts and truly joyous moments. As I look forward to 2014, I see a mix of stormy seas and calm waters. Intense challenges coupled with reasons for celebration; sadness and happiness all melded into one.
If nothing else, 2014 will be an interesting year.
Here are some of the good things we have to look forward to:
High Maga will be released on April 4th. Words cannot capture how excited I am to at last be approaching the final stretch on bringing this novel to press. When I come back in January, we will start the formal countdown with a cover reveal. From there forward, every post leading up to April will be related to some aspect of the novel and its release. You'll see previews and excerpts, meet many of the most important characters, and learn about the world in which they live. We'll have giveaways and other special events as well, so I hope you will be here to join the fun.
Heroines of Fantasy is expanding its activities to include new contributors as well as a book review section. Stop by the blog to check out our new look and participate in our weekly discussions and critiques.
Eolyn will be released in an audio edition. Hadley Rille Books has now signed the contract with a wonderful reader, Darla Middlebrook. Exact date for the audio book release has not been set, but it's looking like late spring. So, we'll be able to listen to Eolyn around the same time that we get to read the full adventure of High Maga. Won't that be fun?
The first week of the new year, I will be in Las Cruces Biological Station. I've written extensively about this beautiful forest in the mountains of southern Costa Rica. It's been a year and a half since I've returned, and I cannot imagine a better place to spend winter break and recharge for the new year. If everything works out as planned, I will be doing field research there again during the months of June and July. Another adventure to look forward to, and you can follow it here on my blog.
Time to wrap up my last post for 2013. I hope all of you who celebrate Christmas had a wonderful holiday with friends and family. For everyone, I wish you the best in the New Year.
Please check back in early January as we start our countdown to the release of High Maga. The adventure and the magic won't be complete without you!
