Kelly R. Michaels's Blog, page 3
July 2, 2016
Con Kasterborous 2k16
I haven't blogged in a while. Actually, truth be told, I haven't written a while either. I'm hoping to rectify that, even with a brief blog update. Currently in my station of life, I'm caught asunder betwixt adult responsibilities, working and schooling. Rarely time for any writing or trivial pursuits of happiness. Some minor movie-going. (Captain America: Civil War was beheld several times, admittedly. I think the only movie I've seen so many times--at least recently--was Episode 7 of Star Wars. And before that? Honestly, I cannot recall. Probably something with my mother, who shared my obsessive personality for things.
Aside from such annotated monotony, I was able to make my scheduled appearance as a vendor this past weekend! (I know, I'm rather late on actually updating the Blog, which should be thusly renamed to The Occasional-when-one-feels-like-it Blog).
The convention in question--Con Kasterborous, North Alabama's Doctor Who convention. It was my second time attending in its five years of nonprofit operation, starring renowned guests such as Colin Baker and Caitlin Blackwood. Even with an appearance by BB-8. But I digress.
Because of work responsibilities, there were a few bumps in the starting up of things, bumps that were quickly evened out, and I was able to enjoy the weekend meeting and talking with other fans, particularly fans interested in my creative work. Admittedly, I felt a bit awkward showing up at a Doctor Who convention that chiefly premieres all things science fiction (hence the BB-8) with books of the high fantasy genre. All the same, there seemed to be a number of those who enjoyed my appearance, and it was definitely a pleasure meeting Andrew Cartmel, even in passing.
Some other highlights--meeting the lovely couple who organize CONjuration (based in Atlanta) and being promptly invited to it as an author appearance, getting invited to other fan conventions, writer's panel, and of course, hanging out with the Best Friend I don't see often any more (who was lovely enough to accompany me after straight after working third shift).
I'm including a picture of us--the only semi-decent one really, taken by another vendor. Both of us weren't paying attention to the fact that someone was pointing a camera at us, and as such, we both had our eyes closed at the inopportune moment. Oh well. It's the only picture you're getting of the lovely table setup, but I'm definitely not so much a picture-taking person.
I'll be sure to update with others news that I hope will soon be developing.
Cheers.
-krm
Aside from such annotated monotony, I was able to make my scheduled appearance as a vendor this past weekend! (I know, I'm rather late on actually updating the Blog, which should be thusly renamed to The Occasional-when-one-feels-like-it Blog).
The convention in question--Con Kasterborous, North Alabama's Doctor Who convention. It was my second time attending in its five years of nonprofit operation, starring renowned guests such as Colin Baker and Caitlin Blackwood. Even with an appearance by BB-8. But I digress.
Because of work responsibilities, there were a few bumps in the starting up of things, bumps that were quickly evened out, and I was able to enjoy the weekend meeting and talking with other fans, particularly fans interested in my creative work. Admittedly, I felt a bit awkward showing up at a Doctor Who convention that chiefly premieres all things science fiction (hence the BB-8) with books of the high fantasy genre. All the same, there seemed to be a number of those who enjoyed my appearance, and it was definitely a pleasure meeting Andrew Cartmel, even in passing.
Some other highlights--meeting the lovely couple who organize CONjuration (based in Atlanta) and being promptly invited to it as an author appearance, getting invited to other fan conventions, writer's panel, and of course, hanging out with the Best Friend I don't see often any more (who was lovely enough to accompany me after straight after working third shift).
I'm including a picture of us--the only semi-decent one really, taken by another vendor. Both of us weren't paying attention to the fact that someone was pointing a camera at us, and as such, we both had our eyes closed at the inopportune moment. Oh well. It's the only picture you're getting of the lovely table setup, but I'm definitely not so much a picture-taking person.
I'll be sure to update with others news that I hope will soon be developing.
Cheers.
-krm
May 12, 2016
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day!
My own mother passed away December 11th, 2014. The tragedy was devastating for me and reflects in various facets of my second book PRINCE OF THE VALE, such as plot development and the dedication featured in the beginning of the book.
My mother was a lover of fantasy and stories. She read my book in a single day while waiting around with me for my college orientation. When I had returned with my dad from the campus tour, I remember how she had the finished book closed in her lap as she began wagging a disapproving finger in my face because of the arguable cliffhanger my first book ARCHER OF THE LAKE ended with. It was supportive and encouraging. She had expectations, and after enduring 24 hours of labor and missing the premiere of the X-Files series finale for my birth, I had better meet those expectations. She enjoyed my story and was excited about its characters.
However, although I had shared various working ideas for the sequel with her, she never had the experience of reading it. She passed away a few months after that, and the event was so devastating, so depressing that it took a while for me to get back to work on the next book. But, I finally finished and had it ready for publication for the year anniversary of her death, December 11th, 2015.
In honor of this holiday and the others I will no longer be able to share with her, I have placed PRINCE OF THE VALE on sale for $0.99 for an extended period of time. She was not able to enjoy this story, but I hope you do in her stead.
"In loving memory of
Lady Kimberly Michaels,
the Fairy Singer and this era's Tragedy.
I love you, Momma."
-krm
My own mother passed away December 11th, 2014. The tragedy was devastating for me and reflects in various facets of my second book PRINCE OF THE VALE, such as plot development and the dedication featured in the beginning of the book.
My mother was a lover of fantasy and stories. She read my book in a single day while waiting around with me for my college orientation. When I had returned with my dad from the campus tour, I remember how she had the finished book closed in her lap as she began wagging a disapproving finger in my face because of the arguable cliffhanger my first book ARCHER OF THE LAKE ended with. It was supportive and encouraging. She had expectations, and after enduring 24 hours of labor and missing the premiere of the X-Files series finale for my birth, I had better meet those expectations. She enjoyed my story and was excited about its characters.
However, although I had shared various working ideas for the sequel with her, she never had the experience of reading it. She passed away a few months after that, and the event was so devastating, so depressing that it took a while for me to get back to work on the next book. But, I finally finished and had it ready for publication for the year anniversary of her death, December 11th, 2015.
In honor of this holiday and the others I will no longer be able to share with her, I have placed PRINCE OF THE VALE on sale for $0.99 for an extended period of time. She was not able to enjoy this story, but I hope you do in her stead.
"In loving memory of
Lady Kimberly Michaels,
the Fairy Singer and this era's Tragedy.
I love you, Momma."
-krm
April 7, 2016
Lateness is Lateness
Hello, everyone!
It has been a while since my last blog post (December?! What is this mess?!). Not much has happened since then, so I didn't have much reason to post an update. I've mostly been swamped in schoolwork, teacher work, regular-making-money work. This year has been hectic, to say the least.
I have long since shipped off those five copies of Prince of the Vale for the winners of the Goodreads giveaway. In other news, Prince has received a little of attention:
Teri Polen has reviewed Prince of the Vale!
Pure Jonel has interviewed me!
And I have guest-posted on Pure Jonel's blog!
Meanwhile, I have around 20k words on the third book of the Silver Crown Chronicles (Queen of the Pyre). But I have mostly been focused on my lyrical narrative The Midwinter Fairytale. It'll be a much shorter project (hopefully) and I can't wait to share it with everyone!
-krm
It has been a while since my last blog post (December?! What is this mess?!). Not much has happened since then, so I didn't have much reason to post an update. I've mostly been swamped in schoolwork, teacher work, regular-making-money work. This year has been hectic, to say the least.
I have long since shipped off those five copies of Prince of the Vale for the winners of the Goodreads giveaway. In other news, Prince has received a little of attention:
Teri Polen has reviewed Prince of the Vale!
Pure Jonel has interviewed me!
And I have guest-posted on Pure Jonel's blog!
Meanwhile, I have around 20k words on the third book of the Silver Crown Chronicles (Queen of the Pyre). But I have mostly been focused on my lyrical narrative The Midwinter Fairytale. It'll be a much shorter project (hopefully) and I can't wait to share it with everyone!
-krm
December 17, 2015
Good news!
Hello, everyone!
Prince of the Vale has now been out for less than a week, and it is now available through many online retailers! Kindle, Nook, iBooks, GooglePlay, Smashwords, Kobo and many others!
Also, I've JUST approved the release for the paperback of Prince, which is currently available through CreateSpace and should appear on Amazon within a few days!
In other news, I was contacted by Meryl from The Book Machine, and Archer of the Lake i sbeing featured over there for today's Daily Deals! Also, it should be noted, that Archer is now available to be enjoyed PERMAFREE! Which is all very exciting.
I've got some book reviewers lined up for Prince as well as a Goodreads giveaway (for 5 copies) on the 19th, lasting until January 31st. Not much else is happening around here except enjoying some time off from the end of the semester and preparing to watch the new Star Wars tonight.
I've also updated the cover for Archer's audiobook to match the new covers and you should be able to see that change now (at least one Audible and Amazon. iTunes is taking a bit longer). And, as a final note, here is the full wrap cover for Prince of the Vale!
I should warn you. This book is pretty hefty. Much thicker than the first one. The glossary alone is 10 pages (more added content!). Warning: Can be used as a blunt force object.
I hope everyone enjoys their holidays!
-krm
Prince of the Vale has now been out for less than a week, and it is now available through many online retailers! Kindle, Nook, iBooks, GooglePlay, Smashwords, Kobo and many others!
Also, I've JUST approved the release for the paperback of Prince, which is currently available through CreateSpace and should appear on Amazon within a few days!
In other news, I was contacted by Meryl from The Book Machine, and Archer of the Lake i sbeing featured over there for today's Daily Deals! Also, it should be noted, that Archer is now available to be enjoyed PERMAFREE! Which is all very exciting.
I've got some book reviewers lined up for Prince as well as a Goodreads giveaway (for 5 copies) on the 19th, lasting until January 31st. Not much else is happening around here except enjoying some time off from the end of the semester and preparing to watch the new Star Wars tonight.
I've also updated the cover for Archer's audiobook to match the new covers and you should be able to see that change now (at least one Audible and Amazon. iTunes is taking a bit longer). And, as a final note, here is the full wrap cover for Prince of the Vale!
I should warn you. This book is pretty hefty. Much thicker than the first one. The glossary alone is 10 pages (more added content!). Warning: Can be used as a blunt force object.I hope everyone enjoys their holidays!
-krm
December 10, 2015
Prince Release
Tomorrow is the official release for Prince of the Vale ebook edition! (The paperback is underway and should be ready to purchase before the year is out!) To celebrate, I've been posting teaser quotes from Prince, and here is the full collection!
Also, I'm offering FREE digital ARC's to anyone who wants to read Prince and in return compose an honest review. So exciting!
Once the paperback is formatted and set up for purchase, I'll be hosting another Goodreads giveaway for Prince! I can't wait to share this story with you!
-krm
Also, I'm offering FREE digital ARC's to anyone who wants to read Prince and in return compose an honest review. So exciting!
Once the paperback is formatted and set up for purchase, I'll be hosting another Goodreads giveaway for Prince! I can't wait to share this story with you!
-krm
November 29, 2015
Preorder Prince!
Hello, everyone!
Just popping to announce that Prince of the Vale is now available for preorder on Amazon Kindle! That's right! The ebook for book #2 shall be released December 11th! And I am working diligently to have the paperback ready in time for Christmas. (I don't know how feasible this is yet, but I am doing my best!)
So Prince is $2.99 for Kindle, and will be an estimate of 100 pages longer than Archer! So exciting!
Preorder Prince of the Vale for Amazon Kindle
Just popping to announce that Prince of the Vale is now available for preorder on Amazon Kindle! That's right! The ebook for book #2 shall be released December 11th! And I am working diligently to have the paperback ready in time for Christmas. (I don't know how feasible this is yet, but I am doing my best!)
So Prince is $2.99 for Kindle, and will be an estimate of 100 pages longer than Archer! So exciting!
Preorder Prince of the Vale for Amazon Kindle
November 5, 2015
Fayetteville Public Library
This may be a little late, but I wanted to make this post.
The panel, reading, and signing at my local library--Fayetteville Lincoln County Public Library went swimmingly. I had a lot of fun talking about my writing and the publishing process and meeting new people. (And selling books of course).
And also! Meeting Victoria Buck, a new author of just SIXTEEN years of age! What's shes accomplished is just so inspiring, and though I have not completed reading her book THE OCEAN'S ACCOMPLICE, her talent definitely shows through, and I would recommend it to any fan of science fiction/fantasy, dystopia. It's full of action and hooks you right from the start.
Here's a picture of us with our books (where I have indeed gone 'red'):
As can be detected, my awkwardness knows no bounds!
And yes, that IS Mjolnir around my neck!
So I would just like to thank the library for having us and Dr. Hartman for the Creative Writing Workshop. I had a blast!
In other news, PRINCE is VERY near completion in the editing process. I can't wait until it's out for you.
And, it's National Novel Writing Month. While this month usually sends me on a writing-frenzied excitement, I admittedly have accomplished very little in honor of NaNo. Itried to devote time to Runewell, which while I do, I don't really have that much time this month to complete the necessary word counts (and also, Runewell is project that word count is rather subjective). Plus, I'm trying to prep Prince for publication, which is also demanding of my time. So good luck to my fellow writers with this year's Nano!
-krm
The panel, reading, and signing at my local library--Fayetteville Lincoln County Public Library went swimmingly. I had a lot of fun talking about my writing and the publishing process and meeting new people. (And selling books of course).
And also! Meeting Victoria Buck, a new author of just SIXTEEN years of age! What's shes accomplished is just so inspiring, and though I have not completed reading her book THE OCEAN'S ACCOMPLICE, her talent definitely shows through, and I would recommend it to any fan of science fiction/fantasy, dystopia. It's full of action and hooks you right from the start.
Here's a picture of us with our books (where I have indeed gone 'red'):
As can be detected, my awkwardness knows no bounds!And yes, that IS Mjolnir around my neck!
So I would just like to thank the library for having us and Dr. Hartman for the Creative Writing Workshop. I had a blast!
In other news, PRINCE is VERY near completion in the editing process. I can't wait until it's out for you.
And, it's National Novel Writing Month. While this month usually sends me on a writing-frenzied excitement, I admittedly have accomplished very little in honor of NaNo. Itried to devote time to Runewell, which while I do, I don't really have that much time this month to complete the necessary word counts (and also, Runewell is project that word count is rather subjective). Plus, I'm trying to prep Prince for publication, which is also demanding of my time. So good luck to my fellow writers with this year's Nano!
-krm
October 8, 2015
A Pinch of Updates
Hey, everyone!
Just popping in to give a few updates!
The Sparkman Festival was fun, and I'm grateful for everyone who came. I have a few more events listed on the events page. October 24th I will be at the local library for Meet the Author, part of Teen Read Week, along with other local author Victoria Buck ( The Ocean's Accomplice). Expect book signings, short readings, a panel, etc. Earlier that week we're also having a creative writing workshop, also at the library.
Furthermore, the "official" map of Ariang'ron is now ready! You may see it under the "Silver Crown Chronicles" tab. It was created by the wonderfully talented Arbor Winter Barrow! (Check out her Facebook page for her own books!)
The editing Prince is going along swimmingly. I'm hoping it will be ready before the end of the year! It'll definitely be worth the wait!
And last! But CERTAINLY not least! I happy HAPPY and EXCITED to announce that the latest and new version of Archer of the Lake is now available for paperback once more! Complete with brand new cover (the Amazon page might take a while to reflect that) AND the wonderful map created by Arbor!
-krm
Just popping in to give a few updates!
The Sparkman Festival was fun, and I'm grateful for everyone who came. I have a few more events listed on the events page. October 24th I will be at the local library for Meet the Author, part of Teen Read Week, along with other local author Victoria Buck ( The Ocean's Accomplice). Expect book signings, short readings, a panel, etc. Earlier that week we're also having a creative writing workshop, also at the library.
Furthermore, the "official" map of Ariang'ron is now ready! You may see it under the "Silver Crown Chronicles" tab. It was created by the wonderfully talented Arbor Winter Barrow! (Check out her Facebook page for her own books!)
The editing Prince is going along swimmingly. I'm hoping it will be ready before the end of the year! It'll definitely be worth the wait!
And last! But CERTAINLY not least! I happy HAPPY and EXCITED to announce that the latest and new version of Archer of the Lake is now available for paperback once more! Complete with brand new cover (the Amazon page might take a while to reflect that) AND the wonderful map created by Arbor!
-krm
August 31, 2015
A Muse
I listen to the Skye Boat Song (Outlander's opening credits theme) and I look at pictures of the Scottish Highlands, and I can't help but feel nostalgic, and, ultimately depressed.
The Scottish highland setting is a powerful force alone. Couple that with my mother, and you have something that knocks the wind out of you, at least for me.
You see, up until my mom passed away, I would visit her weekly on Tuesdays--her off days. And together, we would catch up on our favorite shows. Game of Thrones, for instance. The latest one was Outlander, a Starz show based on a book series sent in 18th Century Scotland. And the show was powerful, breathtaking. Momma and I--we gushed. I bought her the books. She read them while I was preoccupied with school assignments. And on Tuesdays, she would fill me in on the differences between the show and books. She frequently expressed her excitement for January, when the rest of season one would be aired. In preparation, I bought her an early Christmas gift. A square foot of land and a ladyship title in Scotland. She was officially Lady Kimberly of Scotland. She loved it.
Only there was no January premiere. No Christmas presentation of noble titles. She left December 11th.
And since then, I find it difficult to watch the episodes, flip through the books. Skye Boat brings tears to my eyes.
The land of Kanetalm in Prince of the Vale is based off the Scottish Highlands (at least in geography) for a reason. Keep that in mind.
Prince had also been my favorite thing to write, thus far.
If her spirit flew...
Here is where it went.
The Scottish highland setting is a powerful force alone. Couple that with my mother, and you have something that knocks the wind out of you, at least for me.
You see, up until my mom passed away, I would visit her weekly on Tuesdays--her off days. And together, we would catch up on our favorite shows. Game of Thrones, for instance. The latest one was Outlander, a Starz show based on a book series sent in 18th Century Scotland. And the show was powerful, breathtaking. Momma and I--we gushed. I bought her the books. She read them while I was preoccupied with school assignments. And on Tuesdays, she would fill me in on the differences between the show and books. She frequently expressed her excitement for January, when the rest of season one would be aired. In preparation, I bought her an early Christmas gift. A square foot of land and a ladyship title in Scotland. She was officially Lady Kimberly of Scotland. She loved it.
Only there was no January premiere. No Christmas presentation of noble titles. She left December 11th.
And since then, I find it difficult to watch the episodes, flip through the books. Skye Boat brings tears to my eyes.
The land of Kanetalm in Prince of the Vale is based off the Scottish Highlands (at least in geography) for a reason. Keep that in mind.
Prince had also been my favorite thing to write, thus far.
If her spirit flew...Here is where it went.
August 26, 2015
Sparkman Arts Festival
I'm doing my first appearance/event as an author!
Saturday, September 19th, I will be at Sparkman High School in Alabama for their first ever Arts Festival. The Festival lasts from 10 - 2, and I'll have my own table set up as a vendor to sell books (and possibly other merchandise).
So while the school semester has started, I am also busy away trying to prepare for the table. I'll be available to sign books (as well as releasing the new paperback version for Archer with a cool new cover! See below:)
I'm selling books for $10 a piece as well as bookmarks, and maybe some other nifties. I will also have a performance/speaking part that'll last about ten minutes. I'm not sure what I'll do yet... reading? Q & A? Discussion on writing? Who knows! It'll be a surprise to everyone!
So, while I'm doing the finishing touches for the new version of Archer, I hope--if you're near the area--you'll come out and support me and other local authors and artists! It's going to be great fun! Plus, you'll have an opportunity to meet one of Little Owl's editors, Kelly's boyfriend, and.... real-life Garvanna! (or at least the person she was based, however loosely, off of).
-krm
P. S. For more information on the Sparkman Arts Festival, visit their Facebook page!
Saturday, September 19th, I will be at Sparkman High School in Alabama for their first ever Arts Festival. The Festival lasts from 10 - 2, and I'll have my own table set up as a vendor to sell books (and possibly other merchandise).
So while the school semester has started, I am also busy away trying to prepare for the table. I'll be available to sign books (as well as releasing the new paperback version for Archer with a cool new cover! See below:)
I'm selling books for $10 a piece as well as bookmarks, and maybe some other nifties. I will also have a performance/speaking part that'll last about ten minutes. I'm not sure what I'll do yet... reading? Q & A? Discussion on writing? Who knows! It'll be a surprise to everyone!So, while I'm doing the finishing touches for the new version of Archer, I hope--if you're near the area--you'll come out and support me and other local authors and artists! It's going to be great fun! Plus, you'll have an opportunity to meet one of Little Owl's editors, Kelly's boyfriend, and.... real-life Garvanna! (or at least the person she was based, however loosely, off of).
-krm
P. S. For more information on the Sparkman Arts Festival, visit their Facebook page!
