books – robin maderich – write-brained scribbler and crafter-on-the-loose

Books, readers, life, joy

I can’t say enough about readers. I had another book signing yesterday (with Autumn Jordon) at the Barnes and Noble at the Lehigh Valley Mall. The people who came up to our table were entertaining, gracious, funny, interesting, respectful, just absolutely wonderful.

It has been the same everywhere we (or she or I–depending on whether we’ve been solo or together on a book signing) go. Book lovers, and even those who professed to not having read in a while, gave us their valuable time, not only conversing about our books on the table, but about so much of their lives. I am honored by their enthusiasm and trust.

Conundrum, anyone?

First off, I stand by my use of the word conundrum. Merriam Webster lists the meaning for this word as: (noun) an intricate and difficult problem. And, for me only perhaps, the following is just that.

As an author, it’s sometimes hard to gain credibility. To become known, seen, heard, even. Often, I see authors about which I know little, but who will identify themselves as best-selling author so and so. Or award-winning author. Or internationally published author. And I think, great for them! Really. Those are excellent and brag-worthy achievements.

And then I think–

I am all those things, too.

Review – River Bodies by Karen Katchur

(Note: I just realized I hadn’t finished this review. When I saw the date of the draft, I knew why. It was shortly after I began this review that my life changed following a frightening, horrible motor vehicle accident. However, more than five years later, I’m happy to get on with it–the review, I mean. After a long recovery, I did get on with my life, and am quite thankful I was able to.)

Today I finished reading Karen’s third book, River Bodies. This morning, as a matter of fact, when I should have been attending to so many other things.

The author sets many of her books (I think perhaps all?) in Pennsylvania, and it is clear she knows the area well. She also knows her characters equally as well, and pens a story rich in raw emotion and mystery.

Celebration!

July 14th is the third anniversary of the first book’s release in the Shadow Journey series. The Shadows We Make made its debut on that day. I can’t believe it’s been three years since this journey (no pun intended) began!

Since then, The Thrice-Gifted Child, The Sleeping Myth, and the fourth and final book, In Darkness We Break have been released. This YA series–although not only for the teen audience, which many can attest to–has been a source of excitement and joy for me. I LOVE these characters in ways I’ve never fallen for any of my characters in the past.

Many people have asked if there will be more books in the series. I’ve talked about doing a collection of back stories, but I’ve delayed, because honestly, I think they need a whole new quest in their lives.

Not right now, though. I have several other books I am working on. But I am, indeed, teetering on the edge of a return to the strange, alien world with ties to our own in which the Shadow Journey series is set. It’s calling me more strongly than I would ever have expected.

However, I’ve gotten off topic. I was talking about an anniversary celebration. There is, of course, another anniversary in the near future. The anniversary of the last book’s release. But that’s a discussion for another day. As far as this one, the covers for all the e-books in the series have been remade with illustrations by a talented young illustrator named Hampton Lamoureux. So, I am sharing them here with you all. The more I look at them, the more I think they are FABULOUS! 🙂

And if this post has inspired you to read the series, please let me know what you think of it! You can also find out more at my Jo Allen Ash website (joallenash.com).

The series finale! Final-ely

It’s been, if not a long time coming, at least longer than I had originally anticipated. But yes, the finale to the Shadow Journey series, In Darkness We Break, is finally releasing on October 15th! Twenty-twenty-four, in case you need clarification, because I actually could have meant next year. That’s what it felt like, anyway.

Challenge accepted!

Recently, my post regarding the interview with Karen Katchur was liked by, among others, an author named Elske Howeler. I went over and looked at some of her blogs and was quite intrigued by a task she had assigned herself, writing a blog a day using the letters of the alphabet, in order. I commented and told her I wished I’d thought of it myself. She responded with a suggestion I do one as well (not using her alphabetical topics, of course).

Well, Elske, the gauntlet has been thrown and I have picked it up! This should be a lot of fun. Thanks so much for the idea. I’ll begin with A in March. Fresh month, fresh start.

Unlike Elske’s posts, each of mine will not be confined to a writing related topic. I’m going to go for a broader scope, because I definitely don’t think I could stick to the writing topics the way she has. Check back to find out if I see this challenge through or fail in the attempt!