Xchyler Publishing...Dare To Dream...What A Ride!

I received a notice today that royalties from Xchyler Publishing were sent out.

What a ride!

I hope I don't imply the small publisher is gone or non-existent. As far as I know, you can still order their books. You can go to their website: HERE. I also just checked on Amazon--they're good. But, things have changed. In the past, I've written dozens of blog posts about Xchyler, their books, and their authors and even though none of us will get rich from those royalties, and I'll put Xchyler's stories and covers up against anyone's any day.

I can't fully express how important this imprint has been on my literary career. Without Xchyler Publishing, I don't know if I'd ever publish a novel, or get involved in writing conventions, or been an assistant program director at the Salt Lake FanX Comics Convention.

And this doesn't include all the amazing people I've met along the way.

Xchyler published my first short story in anthology titled, Mechanized Masterpieces; A Steampunk Anthology. They published two more of my short stories. Because of this, I was considered a published author--even though my contribution to the writing community was small. This opened doors for me that may never have opened. This led to meeting other authors and being on panels and allowing me fantastic experiences.

I may never have  another thing published--I hope this isn't the case, but as an author you never know what the future will bring. I'd like to personally thank those at Xchyler, especially Scott Tarbet and Penny Freeman. Scott sent out today's royalties--it's truly a labor of love.

Xchyler Publishing--they created so much more than stories.

Dare to dream.

"Grifty Shades Of Fey"...A New Project

Everything big once was small. The mighty oak came from an acorn. A Great Dane grew from an adorable puppy. A Monster Truck began life as a Smart Car.

Okay, that last part probably isn't true, but you get the idea. If you never start small, you'll never grow big.

A friend reached out to see if I would help spread the word about a new project. It's a small press publisher project and it will be titled, Grifty Shades of Fey, cautionary tales uncovering the darker side of the Fair Folk. The project is from FV Press. You can access their Kickstarter site by clicking: HERE.

What's Grifty Shades of Fey about? Good question.

From their website:

In spite of all of the ethereal opposition thrown our way by lawn gnomes, the FV Press team is excited to present Grifty Shades of Fey: Cautionary Tales Uncovering the Darker Side of the Fair Folk*. 

Most likely we are stepping into a mountain of curses, ensuring a plentitude of ingrown toenails, curdled milk, lost pets, and other tricksy pixie mischief, but we are willing to endure it all if we can provide the world fantastic fiction! 

*Despite any coincidental similarities in title to a certain book, Grifty Shades of Fey will not contain mature content--sure there are naughty fairies, but not that kind of naughty fairies.

I love projects that give those who love a particular genre a chance to have their work live, breath, and entertain. If you think this is a project worth supporting, click on the website and help them out. It means the world to them knowing there are people out there who care about the same things they do. And, after all, doesn't the world need more stories of grifty fairies?

Yes it does.

Hanging Out...With My Immortal Works Family

  

Last night I, along with a couple dozen other people, gathered at a home in Provo, Utah and we discussed the world of publishing. At least, our little corner of it. The Publisher: Immortal Works. The fact that I'm involved, albeit in a small roll, is an honor.

The purpose of the gathering was to celebrate Aften Brook Szymanski's book, Cheat Code. I haven't read it yet--one of the ones I have on my list. Seeing the book and listening to the author are testaments to the hard work and determination of several people at Immortal Works, most notably Jason King, James Wymore, Holli Anderson, and many others who are working hard to do all they can to make this new publishing concern a success.

I have experience with small press publishers. I had several short stories chosen by Xchyler Publishing. It's hard for me to express just how grateful I am to Penny Freeman and everyone at Xchyler who took chances--not just with my stories--but with taking on the world of publishing in general. They're the reason I almost jumped out of my skin when I found out the first short story I ever submitted was chosen for publication. That's a moment I hope to never forget.

Immortal Works is almost two years old. They've already published almost a dozen books with several in the pipeline. Listening to Aften talk, I heard in her voice and her words that excitement and amazement you get when someone believes in something you've created, so much so, they put in time and resources to create a way for others to experience the art, too.

A few of us spoke about Immortal Work's future. No one knows what is to come. Everyone in that room hopes the company has a long and healthy life, but if it doesn't, Immortal Works has given me and several other authors a feeling of pure joy knowing that our words, our stories, our worlds and characters will live on, from our minds and become part of our readers. Last night I got to hang out with those people. It was an honor.