My latest novel, If Dreams Can Die, launched just last month, but I’m already elbow-deep in The Big Shiny New.
No, that’s not the name of a new book, but an umbrella term for the myriad projects and events currently on my plate. I’ll go into more detail in the months ahead, but for now, here’s an overview of what’s coming next from yours truly.
(Note to self: consider the title The Big Shiny New for a future work.)
Projects
Magic’s Daughter
Who: For fans of sword-and-sorcery fantasy, especially folks who enjoyed The Renegade Chronicles, with a possible skewing toward a female demographic.
What: A novel set in Altaerra before and during The Renegade War starring Selena Nelesti, a young noblewoman who proves knowledge is both power and peril.
When: Magic’s Daughter will be released as a serial (i.e. chapter by chapter) via the Radish app starting in Fall 2019 and as a paperback and e-book in 2020.
Where: https://radishfiction.com
Why: Partly because I want to explore a new revenue stream and partly because the story and intended audience lends itself to the medium.
‘Sir Larpsalot’
Who: For YA readers, especially males age 13-15.
What: A humorous adventure about teen larpers (live-action roleplayers) who must work together to rescue their friend from an all-too-real fantasy realm. Think Galaxy Quest meets D&D.
When: I hope to have my outline done this fall and complete a first draft by the end of the year. Release date could be as early as 2020 but more likely 2021.
Where: the paperback and e-book will be available at Amazon.com.
Why: Sir Larpsalot started as an idea for a comic book character, but over time, the concept evolved into a book with a full-fledged cast of characters (including Elvish Presley and Tom Foolery). I’m looking forward to writing a book my kids can read and enjoy.
New Website
Who: For present and future fans of my fiction.
What: A complete overhaul of this website, courtesy of BrownBoots Interactive (where I work as a content specialist).
When: Sometime later this year.
Where: david-michael-williams.com
Why: My current site is 7 years old, which is equivalent to 97 in website years. I need more functionality than an out-of-the-box, WordPress-hosted website offers—and can’t wait to be rid of the stupid ads that pop up everywhere!
Events
Downtown Fond du Lac Farmers Market
Who: Fond du Lac members of the Allied Authors of Wisconsin: Mark J. Engels, Thomas P. Ramirez, Christopher Whitmore, and I.
What: We’ll be selling and signing our books at the local farmers market.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 15.
Where: In front of the Gallery & Frame Shop, 94 S. Main St., Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Why: The Downtown Fond du Lac Farmers Market is very well attended. Hopefully some of the marketgoers appreciate good books.
Books Books Books Books (Books)
Who: Friends, family, neighbors, and anyone else who loves books!
What: Instead of a traditional book release event, I’m combining the celebration of my new novel with a rummage sale featuring hundreds of used books, fiction and nonfiction, across a variety of genres—all for 25 cents apiece. Earnings support my future writing and publishing endeavors.
When: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22.
Where: Outside my home, 1122 Carriage Circle, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Why: Cover art, Library of Congress registrations, barcodes, ISBNs, proof copies, miscellaneous marketing efforts—these things cost money, which means I must sell more books.
I’m booked for a few more gigs farther out. The new website will have a page devoted to events, but for now, you can find details on Facebook.
Busy is good. Although I feel fully booked right now, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few more events appeared on my agenda before year’s end.
The writing is on the wall.
