Publishing Headaches and Excitements

I’m excited for Changing the Prophecy to reach my readers and hope that it will give children a wild adventure and give everyone a few laughs. We need a few laughs right about now.

My publication journey has been interesting. I tried to do everything myself and almost did just that. I enlisted the aid of a colleague who has a publishing house at the very end to help with some formatting. And of course I had Anjelica (who is a professional artist) do the cover image. Now that the book is circulating, I’m dismayed to discover that the printer has produced many copies that have a defective cover image and I can’t seem to get them to fix the problem. They sent me a digital version to view and approve before putting the book into distribution and everything looked good on that version. But some of the copies people are receiving have the front or back cover off-center and/or cover art wrapping slightly onto the spine. Unprofessional. The book is being produced print-on-demand (POD) so every copy is individually printed. But still, right? Every copy should be correct. I have learned a lot to help me do this next time. And there will be a next time, my friends. I plan to publish my eco speculative fiction novel for adults next year. I hope that what I have learned will help me improve on the process.

In the meantime, cover images notwithstanding, I look forward to sharing my story with you if you choose to jump in and read. Dare I call it a “long-awaited sequel to The Call to Shakabaz”? I hope it is and I hope it satisfies. Let me know what you think after you read it. You can order Changing the Prophecy from all the usual places, including your local bookstore. (Contact me directly if you want a copy of The Call to Shakabaz because I have some in my garage.)

Announcing the Debut of Changing the Prophecy

I am delighted to announce the publication of Changing the Prophecy.

More than fifteen years ago, I published The Call to Shakabaz and now I offer you a sequel. The new book takes the four protagonists back to Faracadar for more adventures, with an expanded cast of characters. Changing the Prophecy is available in print format only from all the usual places that books are sold (bookstores and online). Please note that if you want copies of The Call to Shakabaz, the best place to obtain it is from me. Email or message me to purchase a copy.

The beautiful cover image for Changing the Prophecy was designed by Anjelica Colliard. If you choose to enter the pages of Changing the Prophecy, I hope, as ever, you enjoy the journey.

Here’s a Little More About Changing the Prophecy:

The Four return to Faracadar in this sequel to The Call to Shakabaz that charts their adventures through a siege of Big House City, the dungeons of the Final Fortress, Compost’s garbage labyrinth, an alien-run prison camp, an attack of flying tacos, a voyage to the bottom of a dying ocean, and more. They apply their ingenuity to the task of overturning an ancient prophecy and preventing the environmental destruction of the land by mysterious creatures in cahoots with Sissrath as he lays his evil plans. Revisiting beloved characters and introducing the Prophet of the Khoum, a reformed geebaching who struggles to keep a straight face, and a resourceful Latina friend, this year’s return to Faracadar finds the Four choosing to take action rather than accepting defeat as a foregone conclusion. While the danger of environmental destruction in Faracadar threatens to undermine hope, the heroes and heroines of Changing the Prophecy refuse to allow the doomsayers the last word.