Hello everyone!!
I know it's been quite a while since you've heard from me. Finding time to write and do writing related activities continues to be a challenge, but I'm still here and still plugging away, slowly but surely.
By way of an update, here's what's happening:
Unavowed - a new anthology from Grim Oak Press, with a short story that's my first foray into the world of a Paternus prequel series I plan to write.
The status of Kraken Rider Z 3, and what comes next...
UNAVOWED
"Unavowed is the exciting new anthology from Grim Oak Press, the award-winning publisher of Unfettered and Unbound, featuring short stories and novellas by many of today's best indie authors."
Trade Hardcover, signed by editor Shawn Speakman.
Available with and without a slipcase, and in eBook.
Limited Edition, includes slipcase.
Signed by all authors and numbered, limited to 500 copies.
I'm very excited about this anthology for a number of reasons.
For one, it includes my very first putting of words to my idea of writing a series of shorter UF novels set in the world of Paternus, with the story taking place approximately 20 years priors to the beginning of Paternus: Rise of Gods. The story is called "Rival of Ghosts." I'd love to hear what you think of it!
Think something like Jack Reacher meets The Dresden Files, starring a character who made a relatively brief but profound appearance in the final book of the Paternus Trilogy, War of Gods.
This series will be designed so it can be read before or after the original trilogy, 4 to 6 books, 80K to 110K words each, packed with action and intrigue, with appearances by some of your favorite Paternus characters.
My hope is to write at least 3 if not all of them prior to release, then release one every 3 or 6 months (I haven't decided yet which).
From the book description:
Following the creation of ebook technology and the flexibility it offered, a group of independent writers broke free of traditional constraints and ventured into publishing on their own terms, bucking trends and reshaping perceptions. With that, they have released some of the best science fiction and fantasy series of the last two decades. To celebrate them and introduce more readers to their work, Unavowed was imagined, featuring twenty-two new SF&F stories.
Fight alongside those who would see their city kept safe from dragonriders and invaders alike with Ryan Cahill. Discover the lengths a mage will go to against his rival as witnessed by J. A. Andrews. Learn the terrible secrets of a shipwreck brought to the shores by a storm as observed by Michael J. Sullivan. Unlock the secrets of ghosts and who makes them by Dyrk Ashton. Find a buried body under the moon and catch a killer with Kevin Hearne. Hear the hush of bodies turned to crystal beside Sarah Chorn. Unravel the nefarious plot to steal King Arthur’s shield from Shawn Speakman. And many more stories by some of the most important indie authors working in SF&F today.
Table of Contents:
• The Touch of the Eternal by J. A. Andrews
• The Last Ride of Kanashimi by Zack Argyle
• Rival of Ghosts by Dyrk Ashton
• The Old Lie by Ryan Cahill
• My Soul Has Teeth by Sarah Chorn
• The Wanderer by A. C. Cobble
• Lord of Vengeance by Michael R. Fletcher
• The Last Sentinel by Rob J. Hayes
• Sinner's Grave by Kevin Hearne
• Curse These Metal Hands by Ben Galley
• Hild the Humble by Michael R. Miller
• A Mother's Love by Andy Peloquin
• The Power of Perception by J. Zachary Pike
• Fragile Gods by J. D. L. Rosell
• The Unavowed Light-Weaver by Shawn Speakman
• A Darker Talent by M. L. Spencer
• Sails at Dusk by Patrick Swenson
• The Storm by Michael J. Sullivan
• The Darkdancer by Ramon Terrell
• The Parable of the Silk Weaver by R. R. Virdi
• How the Dragons Became Extinct by M. L. Wang
• The Brotherhood of Shadows by Jeff Wheeler
KRAKEN RIDER Z 3
Yes, progress has been slow, and my sincere apologies for that. But KRZ3 is progressing—and so are Zee and Jessup and the rest of the Flying Pigs!
I'm currently about half way through a decent first draft, with the entire story roughed out. I wish I could get it to you sooner, but we're looking at a mid 2027 release for print and ebook, and hopefully late 2027 for the audiobook, depending on narrator Tim Gerard Reynold's schedule.
I'm extremely happy with the story so far, and hope you will be too. We haven't finalized the title yet, but the front-runners at this point are Zhera's Promise, Kraken Sorcerer, and Kragon's Bane. If you have a preference, let me know!
WHAT’S NEXT?
We all know what they say about plans—we make them, and the gods laugh. That may certainly be true for me, since mine have been reliably upended on a regular basis, but here's what I'd like to do after KRZ3 is complete and out in the world. Whether these will really happen, and in what order, is your guess as well as mine.
Do a 10 year anniversary Deluxe Edition Paternus Omnibus on Kickstarter.
Begin work on a graphic novel adaptation of the Paternus Trilogy.
Write the 4 to 6 book Paternus prequel series.
Write a sequel to Paternus, taking place 15 or 16 years after the end of the original trilogy, featuring main characters from the trilogy (those who survived, anyway), but focusing on Fi and Zeke's twins, Nan and Zeke Jr., plus the secret daughter of Ganesh and physically handicapped son of Anubis and Sekhmet. I've thought most of it through, but won't know if it will be a single novel, a duology, or a full trilogy until, if, and when, I get started.
If you have any thoughts on the above, I'd love to hear them :)
That's it for now! Thank you for your patience and support. I love you all, and hope you are well.
All the very best,
Dyrk