I wanted to touch base with all of you and let you know what is happening behind the scenes at Hadley Rille Books.
Those of you who are in touch with HRB through other channels have probably heard by now that our editor-in-chief, Eric T. Reynolds, has taken very ill. We're hopeful and confident that he will recover, but it's going to take time, patience, and a lot of support.
For a press as small as HRB, the loss of one person is a big blow. The loss of the MAIN person is like a crater shot through the moon. The hole left is so big sometimes you can't see around it, only through it.
Questions are starting to trickle in with respect to the short-term future of HRB. Terri-Lynne DeFino, who is now acting editor-in-chief, will be posting a formal announcement in the coming days as to where HRB will remain active and where it will suspend activities until Eric's return. Not to steal her thunder, but I can say, for example, that HRB will move forward with audio editions of several of its titles, including Eolyn. Also, the Ruins Anthology is still a go, with the deadline for submissions set for February 28th.
Most relevant for visitors to this blog is the future of High Maga. It's been a little touch and go the last couple of weeks as we have been sorting out what has been done, and what is left to do, to meet the release date. Just a week ago, I wasn't sure what was going to happen, but now I can say with confidence that the Kindle edition will be released, as planned, on April 4th. The paperback edition will be available on or around the same date.
I have a lot of people to thank for this. Most especially, Terri-Lynne DeFino who has stepped up in an amazing way to organize the press in the wake of Eric's illness. Heather McDougal will be working with Thomas Vandenberg to finalize the cover design. Eric's wife Nancy has assisted us with accessing crucial files on his computer. But most of all, I am so very grateful to Eric, who really had everything pretty much ready to go, leaving us with very little to worry about as we start the final stretch toward the publication date.
I miss Eric. I miss him a lot. I hope he recovers soon, and that he will be able to enjoy the roll out of High Maga with the rest of us. In the mean time, we are working in his spirit, giving everything we can to bring you high quality electronic and print editions of HRB's next great title. As always, we appreciate your patience and enthusiastic support, and on this occasion, we also ask for your positive thoughts and prayers toward Eric's recovery. I will keep you posted as things develop.
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In other news, it's been a while since I've pointed you over to Heroines of Fantasy. We've been having very lively discussions there this past month or so. Also, the blog has started a Wednesday book review series. Please stop by to join the fun when you have a chance.
Hadley Rille Books is sponsoring a Goodreads Giveaway, which you can join by clicking the "Enter to Win" button on the right hand bar. Win a FREE signed copy of Eolyn for you or for a friend. The Eolyn giveaway ends on March 4, and soon after that we'll start a new giveaway for High Maga.
This Friday, we'll continue the countdown to High Maga with character bios for Eolyn's closest allies and friends: Adiana, Maga Renate, and Sir Borten. See you then!
