Legend of the Sword is almost ready! I hope to complete the first draft in the next couple of weeks, and have the eBook versions (Kindle, Mobipocket reader, etc.) available by February 2010, and the print version by March.
In the meantime, here’s a sample of the first two chapters. This is just a rough draft, so there are still probably some bloopers in it, but hopefully it will whet your appetite a bit…
Just on a lark – and since it was my birthday yesterday! – I decided to drop the price on In Her Name (Omnibus Edition) and In Her Name: Empire for the rest of the month for readers who might like to check them out but need a little extra enticement (or are just a big short of cash right now, as – alas – many folks are).
For those who’d like to read the print version of In Her Name: Empire, the first novel in the trilogy, here’s a special discount code for a full 20% off the title’s list price: UKMQE547 – just enter that when you check out when it asks you for a promotional code.
Enjoy!
I wanted to tip you off to an interview series at Temple Library Reviews about The Book Smugglers, Ana Grilo and Thea James.
The interview was cool because of a couple of things. First, Ana and Thea have a really great book review site, and they get into all kinds of things. And they also happen to be very nice people, which always helps!
The other reason I wanted to point out this interview is what they say in their answer to question 19 about the growing self-publishing movement. I’ll give you a hint: they mention In Her Name, and it’s good!
So check it out and enjoy!
Okay, if you’ll forgive a bit of horn-tooting, I’m happy to report that In Her Name (Omnibus) jumped up to the number 6 spot in Mobipocket’s science fiction category! Well, at least for today – books can bounce up and down the ratings like ping-pong balls, but it’s nice when they pop up there (and better when they stay)!
Even if you’re not a sci-fi or fantasy fan – maybe you like romance or adventure, even political thrillers – remember that you can check out a sample of the book (free!) on your Amazon Kindle, Mobipocket Reader, and a PDF for those who might be interested in the print version.
Best of all, the omnibus edition contains the full text of the first three novels: Empire, Confederation, and Final Battle. How can you go wrong with that?
After a lot of contemplation and recommendations from several reviewers, I’ve decided to split In Her Name up into a trilogy. There are a number of reasons for that – not least of all that the original novel is simply huge! – but the strategy here is that the original novel will become an omnibus edition, and each of the three books it contains will be split out into their own releases. The first novel – In Her Name: Empire – will be released roughly on 1 May 2009 in print, Amazon Kindle, and Mobipocket formats.
Just for fun, here’s the cover art concept:
I have to admit that it’s always a good day when I get feedback from readers. Today was particularly nice, because In Her Name received not just one, but two new reader reviews on Amazon: both of them five stars:
Five Star Book That You Will Want to Read More Than Once, March 15, 2009
By Theresa K. Read “TK”OK, for me a great book is one that I will read more than once, and Michael R. Hicks, In Her Name is one of those very few. I hate it when reviews are spoilers so rather than get specific, let me just say once you start this book you will not put it down and may even crie a tear or two before it’s over. I did and that’s another litmus test for whether a book is just a beach read, or a keeper.
This book is original, and has something to appeal to readers of all genres. It has action and fighting for you military types, devotion and undying love for the romance enthusiast and a very real alternative universe for you sci fi fantasy nerds like me.
Hicks’ writing is up there with the best of them and stunningly, he is self published! Support this writer so he can get to the business of finishing number two and satisfying his fans and new readers a like.
And the second:
Fantastic Work, March 15, 2009
By David LevineThe book hooked me in fairly quickly and kept me hooked until the end.
The writing style is excellent and the blend of sci-fi and epic fantasy works quite well. My only complaint is the lack of a sequel!
Thank you both (and the other folks who have enjoyed In Her Name thus far)! Now I just have to get cracking on the next book!!
Tales and Musings
