Jeff Wheeler's Blog, page 2

Tales from Kingfountain, Muirwood, and Beyond

The very first short story I published for Deep Magic was in the June 2002 issue. Because that issue also included an excerpt from my fantasy novel LANDMOOR, I decided to publish the short story under the pen-name JT Slane. That story “Wizard Auditions” is now almost 20 years old and was unavailable until…now.

Today is Pub Day for my short story and novella collection, Tales from Kingfountain, Muirwood, and Beyond: The Worlds of Jeff Wheeler. These 13 stories are now available in this collection in print and e-book format and also on Audible, with the inestimable Kate Rudd narrating them with little snippets (from yours truly) explaining at the end of each story the context of when I wrote it. I’m grateful to have partnered with Podium Audio on this project – they were amazing to work with. I especially love how we agreed on the cover art, which is the original artwork that Eamon O’Donoghue did for Wretched of Muirwood but wasn’t accepted by my publisher. I still think it’s awesome.

In this collection you’ll find a treasure trove of stories from worlds you know and love to new worlds you’ve never explored. And some of them, you get to explore on a spaceship. Or a Tesla launched into space.

I hope you enjoy the series! I’m especially thrilled that the collection includes my published work, The Wishing Lantern.

Meanwhile, I’m hard at work doing edits on the new Dawning of Muirwood series. Book one comes out May 1, 2022. I also am working on a new book deal with 47North which I’m super excited to share with you at a future date. I’m so grateful that my publisher encourages and pushes me to take risks and step outside my comfort zone. It’s my goal to give you my best work, every time. And I can only do that if I keep challenging myself.

In January, you’ll get to read the final chapter of Ransom’s story in Fate’s Ransom. Thanks for being patient. It’ll be worth it!

Until next time

-Jeff

Book Club for Lady’s Ransom

This is the first time I’ve done a book club for one of my new releases, so I’m pretty excited about it. BingeBooks reached out and asked if they could host a special Zoom chat for my fans and theirs to discuss the latest book in the First Argentines series.

Here are the details:

For our next Chat With the Author event, the BingeBooks Book Club is excited to have bestselling fantasy author Jeff Wheeler as our guest! He’ll be joining us for a lively online conversation on Sept. 28, 2021, a Tuesday, at 3 pm Eastern.

To register: https://bingebooks.com/pages/live-author-chat-with-jeff-wheeler

We will be giving away signed copies of the first three books of the series to three lucky attendees. You must come to the book club in order to be chosen. It’s free to join, so come on and give it a try!

Hope to see you there! (virtually anyway)

Cover Reveals – Story Collection & Book 1 of Dawning of Muirwood

Here’s a first – I’m doing two cover reveals at the same time! As I announced previously, I have a collection of all my short stories and novellas coming out soon. This includes stories set in the world of Kingfountain (Poisoner’s Revenge), Muirwood (The Lost Abbey, Sorieul’s Eyes), Mirrowen (a tale about Tyrus’ sister), as well as all the stories I published in Deep Magic.

This collection of stories will come out November 9th and will be available on Kindle, as a print book, and through Audible, narrated by Kate Rudd. There are 13 stories in the collection and I’m so excited for it to come out. The cover art is from Eamon O’Donoghue, who created the artwork for the original Legends of Muirwood series.

Next, we have Book 1 of the The Dawning of Muirwood. Here is the cover art for The Druid. If you click on the cover, it will also take you to the pre-order page. If you don’t want any hints about the plot, then don’t read the book description. No spoilers, really, but some readers don’t want to know anything. You’ve been warned! This is the story of the founding of Muirwood Abbey.

This artwork is by Kirk DuPonce. I’m excited about the look and feel of it and hope you are too. This new series comes out in May 2022.

-Jeff

My new series – what’s next?

Last night, my wife stayed up very late (for her) because she couldn’t put something down. What was it you may ask? Her Kindle. What was on her kindle? A secret copy of what I’m working on right now.

I’m ready to let you all in on the secret , and that secret is what I’ve been working on since I finished Ransom’s story. You didn’t think I’d taken a break, did you? No! For you, I’ve been hard at work.

I’m so pleased to announce my next series, The Dawning of Muirwood trilogy, coming in 2022. As the title implies, this is the story of the founding of Muirwood abbey, its first Aldermaston, and of course, some wretcheds who will come to live there who I think you’re going to fall for. This series begins generations before Lia, Sowe, and Pasqua. There will be familiar elements, to be sure, relating to the magic of the Medium, Leerings, etc, but the politics back then were different and you’ll be joining the world just as things are about to change forever.

There were several ideas churning in my mind about what to write next, including a follow-on series to The Grave Kingdom, another adventure set in the Harbinger era, but it was this series based in the world of Muirwood that I was the most excited to write about. The spark of the story started at a Piano Guys concert actually, with an image of a lonely castle in a vast lake.  This was before Covid turned all our lives crazy. That idea germinated, blossomed, and when I realized that it could have happened in Muirwood, I was so pumped to start writing it.

The first book will be coming next year, a few months after Fate’s Ransom. It also happens to be the 10-year anniversary of the publication of the original Legends of Muirwood trilogy. So in discussing this fact with my editor, we’ve got some neat surprises coming that should be interesting. And don’t worry, I’ve asked that Kate Rudd narrate this new story.

When the cover art is available and the pre-order page is up and ready, I’ll be sure to post an announcement about both, hopefully soon, which will give you some teasers about the plot. Read these at your own risk. Until then, keep enjoying Ransom’s story. Book 3 comes out in September!

-Jeff

P.S. There will be another announcement soon of something special coming before the end of the year. Stay tuned!

 

Cover Reveal – First Argentines Book 4 (Fate’s Ransom)

I’m so in love with the book covers that Shasti does. Now that it’s live on Amazon, I wanted to share it with all of you. This is the cover of book 4 (the final book) of the First Argentine’s Series.

Behold – Fate’s Ransom! (don’t click on the picture unless you want spoilers!)

 

I’m also working on a new series, which I’ll be announcing next month…ish. I don’t want to take away from Ransom’s spotlight. Book 2 comes out May 18th.

-Jeff

In the Arena

Have you seen the meme from Gladiator where Russell Crowe, in the middle of a combat arena, shouts to the crowd “are you not entertained?”

The image of a Roman arena—full of noise, blood, threat, and spectacle—is an interesting one and a rather personal one now to me as a full-time author. When I entered an arena of sorts, the arena of publishing, I came across one of my all-time favorite quotes. This quote was given by Brené Brown in a 99U talk in December 2013, a video which I saw right around the time my fifth novel (Dryad-Born) was published by 47North. The quote comes from Theodore Roosevelt and is dubbed “the man in the arena” speech:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;…who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

First of all, plenty of women are in the arena too. Many of my author friends are women and they have to put up with a lot of crap that I don’t. Just wanted to make that point. For me, Brené’s talk couldn’t have come at a better time in my life and it’s helped me for years since.

When I heard that speech, I was a new guy in the arena. Now, I feel a little more like Russell Crowe’s character. I’m a bit more bruised, weary, and jaded by the experience of being a full-time author. I know things now I didn’t know then. I always want to help others who are coming into the arena for the first time themselves. To give another perspective of what it’s like and what to expect. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned so far:

It is a tough mental game. I used to think that writing was just a craft, like laying tile or building a cabinet. But it is not just the skills of sword and shield, or the exhaustion of physical training. It is the relentless mental worrying about how readers are going to react, how some fellow authors are going to treat you, how long people will keep reading before giving up on you. I’ve always read my reviews. Most are so generous and kind. A few are total zingers that go for the jugular (this one is so harsh it’s one of my favorites: “If you enjoy sliding knives into your guts or piercing your eyes with poison needles you will love this book…killing your favorite puppy might be more fun than reading this book”). Some are just critical and dismissive. It takes a lot of mental resilience to keep going in the face of the roar of the crowd, some good, some bad, some indifferent. And then there’s the nagging worry that your best story is already behind you and that it’s only downhill from here on. That’s called Imposter Syndrome. We all have it.It takes a toll on family life. This is probably the one that scares me the most. I’ve always loved reading biographies since I like to learn from the experiences of others. I’m motivated by those who have accomplished incredible things. But there’s a downside to researching about successful authors. So many of the ones I’ve admired didn’t have so great of a home life. Most of my favorite authors have all been divorced. I don’t know all the reasons why but biographies offer clues. There is a primal need for attention inside everyone. And maybe movie stars, musicians, writers, and others who entertain us have a stronger need than others. I don’t know. Or maybe when the praise comes from outside the home more than inside, it creates a false impression that the grass is greener on the other side. I told my wife recently that if I had to pick between my family and my writing, I’d choose them.Worrying about supporting a family. When I left the consistency of my career at Intel, I knew I was taking a risk to live my dream. Expenses like healthcare doubled overnight. The inconsistency of royalty payments also became a new normal. I’m a spreadsheet guy because of Intel, so I track my sales and forecast what I think my royalties are going to be one to two months out. I’m grateful my publisher provides us with real-time sales info. That’s rare in this industry. But 1-2 months out is all the visibility that I have. It’s stressful. When Covid struck in 2020, I watched my royalties drop in half. With so many people who lost their jobs, their health, I really can’t complain. Few writers can make this a full-time gig like I’ve been blessed with. I’ve watched many need to get other jobs to keep food on the table or pay bills.Writing for passion or writing for money. Wow, this is another lesson I’ve come face to face with in the years following my debut. I’ve witnessed other authors I admire keep cranking the handle on their familiar series, even though the readers keep dropping off the farther on it goes. I’ve always wanted to write in a variety of worlds, but the quantity of sales in those different series are very different. For example, I loved writing The Grave Kingdom series, but it hasn’t done as well as some of my others. Do I go back and finish it because I left a door open to tell more? I still love that world even though I’m disappointed it didn’t do as well. Or do I build onto an established world? Or take a risk and try something else new? I am so grateful that my publisher encourages risk taking, that they urge me to keep trying new things. And no, I’m not going to write more Landmoor novels. Sorry.Remembering why you’re in the arena in the first place. It’s been 10 years since I self-published the Muirwood trilogy and stepped into the arena as an indy author. I couldn’t have foreseen that 47North would seek me out and sign me up. But it helps me remember why I’m doing this to begin with. Writing has always been a desire to share something, to tell a story that makes people feel I want to inspire people. To provide a source of light in a world that can really feel dark sometimes. Back when I had an audience of only a few, knowing that I was making a difference to them helped motivate me to sacrifice the time and squeeze writing into very busy weeks. Having you folks cheering me on now is so wonderful. Thank you.

 

I felt like sharing this part of myself, although I’m a pretty private person. I’m ready to buckle on my shield, grip my sword, and keep swinging even though it’s not always easy. The words of encouragement that come help me keep going. I try to remember Brené’s warning about the critics who don’t matter and to not let the barbs about killing pets hurt too much. I’ve made so many new friends being in this arena. So I’m going to keep trying to write the best books I’m capable of, ones I’m excited and passionate about, and if hardly anyone is left in the stands to clap, that’s ok. I love telling stories. I am incredibly blessed to even be in the arena. I have the best wife in the world and my kids, when they’re not driving us nuts, are pretty fun to hang out with too and to be there for them when they need us. I don’t know when my life has ever been so busy, so complicated, so discouraging, and so hopeful all at the same time. I’ve no idea what’s coming next or how long this run will last. But I’m going to swing with all my might and take strength from God to stand in the arena for as long as I am able to stay on my feet.

 

-Jeff

 

“ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

 

Link:

Brené Brown (Why Your Critics Aren’t The Ones Who Count): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-JXOnFOXQk  

 

Some of my all-time favorite comments from fans:

“I will simply state that there is a scene near the end of this book set on a beach, that may just be the most moving thing I have ever read in a fantasy novel, and that’s saying something given the 1000+ books I’ve read. Thank you Jeff, for a fantastic tale, lovable heroes (and heroines) and a story that delivers in every way imaginable” -Dave

 

“Whatever trials you went through as you were writing these books, I pray they all feel worth it as you share such a uniquely creative and passionate message to your readers. Never, never, never give up.” -Jessica

 

“My grandfather owned a small beach library in Madras, India. I grew up with the classics – Dickens, Shakespeare… Now, in my own house at 47 years old, I have over 3,000 books. I am an avid reader to say the least and I read everything – the good, the bad, the ugly! BUT… What you created is magic. And I do not think that (yet) people know. But when they do, be ready for the deluge. I hope you stay yourself.” -Nandini

 

“I just wanted you to know that my house is covered in unfolded laundry and I hold you responsible. I have done nothing this past 48 hours but devour the Muirwood Trilogy. I can’t seem to get Lia out of my head!… There was a point last night as I was finishing the Scourge of Muirwood where Lia believes Colvin is dying in prison of the blight. I couldn’t believe that you were going to end the story in that manner. I had to fight the urge to stomp across the court and ask what you were thinking when you wrote that! Thank goodness it all resolved in so satisfactory a manner! Thanks for one of the most enjoyable reads I have had lately.” -Shannon (when a fan happens to also be your neighbor)

 

“I’m surrounded by forest fire. My favorite places to explore the forests are aflame. I finished Blight and read the acknowledgements and almost started to cry- you mentioned Rancho San Antonio park- I hiked there almost every third week this winter and spring training to climb Mt Whitney. I love looking down on the climb down from Black Mountain to see Maryknoll.  Your account, your story and the concept of religion you use in the series is something I found as a comfort this week – I needed it. The despair of the fires, the pandemic and a hurricane with my name was becoming a lot. Muirwood brought me comfort amongst the unknown. The concept of the Medium is also an idea that brings me comfort among all of this. Anyway. This is an incredibly long winded way of saying THANK YOU. I could see the vision of the world in my mind and it is a salve for my anxiety. I thank you and the Medium for letting me not read this series until this week when I needed it most.” – Laura

 

Cover Reveal – First Argentines Book 3 (Lady’s Ransom)

This is a strange occurrence, I know, but here’s another cover reveal for The First Argentines series.

Here it is:

I’ve already finished writing the 4th and final book of this series, so there hopefully won’t be a long wait between them. I recommend not reading the book descriptions on-line to avoid any potential spoilers. However, please enjoy the amazing artwork of book 3!

 

Announcing BingeBooks

I know that many readers of my books are binge-readers. You know, the ‘just one more chapter and I’ll put it down’. But then you have to start the next book because the sun hasn’t actually come up yet. I love you all! For almost a year now, I’ve been part of a start-up that I hope will more than satisfy your appetite for books. It’s a new website called BingeBooks and it has launched. As one of over a hundred founding authors, I’m excited to tell you a little bit about it.

With Bingebooks, you’ll be able to try out bestselling authors from every genre and subgenre imaginable. Most will come with samples, which include the audiobook samples if you prefer listening to reading. New releases will be highlighted, discounts, and different genres to browse and explore.

It’s also a social media site, dedicated to readers so you’ll have the chance to interact with me as well as other fans. I hope you’ll take a look at BingeBooks and ‘follow’ me through my author page here. I also hope you’ll sign up for their newsletters, which you will customize to feature the genres that you care about and be notified when there are special deals. If you already subscribe to Kindle Unlimited–good news! Most of the founding authors are part of that program, so you can test out their titles as part of it.

Whenever one of my books goes on sale, you can find out about it through BingeBooks with links to purchase through Amazon. I’ve met so many talented authors through this experience and made some new friends. I hope you’ll do the same as you give it a try.

Cover Reveal – First Argentines Book 2 (Warrior’s Ransom)

I know this is still months away from happening, but the final cover art for book 2 of The First Argentines is done and going live on Amazon, so I wanted to do a cover reveal as I normally do. Again, excellent work from Shasti O’Leary-Soudant who had done many of my covers over the years. You’ll see, in the center, the image of the raven. Fans of the series know that the raven has special significance in this world.

Here it is:

I love the coloring of this news series! Wow! Here is the pre-order page: https://amzn.to/33tB1Ms

I also got some good news recently. My favorite author, Terry Brooks, read Knight’s Ransom and did a pull quote for the release.

 

“Jeff Wheeler has always been one of our more dependable storytellers.  KNIGHT’S RANSOM adds to his reputation.  A fine page-turner.” – Terry Brooks

 

I’m so thrilled that he was willing to do it. It was a dream come true.

I’m hoping to have more news about the Kingfountain TV show soon. We’ve been hiring the team that will make the show happen and I couldn’t be more giddy about who is going to be involved. I’m sworn to secrecy now, but hopefully very soon I’ll be able to provide another update.

 

Kingfountain coming to TV

I’ve shared a few press releases recently about this news, but I wanted to follow it up with more detail that I’m sure you’ll be curious about. Several months ago, a screenwriter approached me to ask if I’d be interested in making a TV show out of my books. He introduced me to Bruno Zarka, the CEO of a new studio called Nucleus Media Rights. For the last few months, Bruno and I have been discussing doing a live-action TV series based on the books of the Kingfountain series.

As you can imagine, I’ve been very hesitant and cautious about tying up the rights to my books unless I’m confident that they will be family-friendly productions. That is incredibly important to me. I want my kids and nieces and nephews to be able to read anything or watch anything that has my name on it. I also would never want to disappoint my fans, all of you!

So why did I choose Nucleus? Well, after many, many discussions with Bruno (and after he read The Queen’s Poisoner), he convinced me that he would respect my vision of the series. He believes strongly that there needs to be more shows that families can watch together. That he wanted me to be a full partner in the production of the show, and that I’d be able to help choose the people brought in to breathe life into the story. In other words, I get full creative control.

I’m the first to admit that I know very little about creating TV shows. Nucleus is providing talented individuals who will help me make this happen. We’ve already begun discussing possible script writers, directors, concept artists, and I’ve made plenty of suggestions of my own (like asking/begging for Richard Armitage to play Severn). There is still a lot of work to be done, but we’re hoping to put the lead team together within the next couple of months. Before we cast the roles, we need to assemble the creative team.

Another question you probably have is where you’ll be able to watch the Kingfountain TV show. I don’t have an answer for you yet, because we don’t have that locked down, but Bruno and I are in strong agreement as to our #1 choice of who that would be. But before we can pitch the show to them, we need to have the team assembled, scripts written, artwork created, and the right chemistry to increase the odds of success. If all goes well, we’d be able to start filming next year, 2021. The plan is for Season 1 to be based on The Queen’s Poisoner.

I’m also very grateful to have an excellent entertainment attorney, Matt Sugarman. He represents Patrick Rothfuss, Naomi Novik, Brandon Sanderson and many other fantasy authors, so I’m in good hands. In fact, because Matt works with Brandon, he knows my desire to keep it PG or PG-13 rated, and we’ve even built that into the contract.

This is very new territory for me, but it feels strangely familiar. Years ago, I was approached by a brand new publisher, 47North, looking for new fantasy authors. It’s turned into a long-term partnership which has changed my life. Nucleus isn’t well known right now. Just you wait…(nods to Hamilton).

I’m sure you have other questions that I probably can’t answer right now because it’s too early into the process. I just wanted to share this amazing news with you because many of you have been there for me the whole time. And Bruno has assured me, multiple times, that he wants to create a show that won’t disappoint you, the true fans. No, he wants you to be amazed. And so do I.

As the pieces begin to come together, I’ll keep you informed here on my blog as well as sharing pictures on my Instagram account (@muirwoodwheeler).

Now, if we can only find a little boy who can play Owen Kiskaddon…