Reviews ZOMG
Library Journal just gave The Clockwork Dagger a starred review and declared it Debut of the Month.
“…The action is pretty much nonstop in this debut steampunk fantasy. The attraction between Octavia and Alonzo is sparked right away, but it’s hard for the former to know whom to trust as her talents have made her a pawn between two political powers. Although readers will enjoy the satisfying climax of this adventure, there is plenty to the plot for a sequel from promising novelist Cato.”
This follows up two solid reviews courtesy of RT Book Reviews and Publishers Weekly.
RT Book Reviews: Four stars! “…Steampunk fans should take note of this exciting new novel filled with airships, magic and political intrigue. Not only does Cato create an intriguing universe, but she also develops a one-of-a-kind, kickass heroine who is determined to forge her own path. Adventure, magic, unexpected romance and heart- breaking betrayal all combine for a thrilling tale.”
Publishers Weekly: Octavia is described as possessing “charming Victorian sensibilities, staunch determination, courage, and outspoken independence… Ample action and a delectably delayed romance propel the story toward a riveting finale, marking Cato as an author to watch.”
I’m having a Sally Field moment. They like my book, they really like it!
Cover Flats and Interviews and More
My editor sent me a seriously cool surprise this week… cover flats!
This is my first time seeing what the whole wrap-around cover is like. It doesn’t come across well in the pic, but the cover is in matte finish but the title is glossy so it has a really classy contrast. I already have Michael’s Crafts at work to make a custom frame for my precioooussss. I’ll post pics in a few weeks when it’s all done.
Lots of interviews and other posts elsewhere, too!
I’m at Reb Kreyling’s blog to discuss worldbuilding, revisions, even the music I listened to as I wrote my sequel.
I can also be found at Fanboy Comics. My good friend Jodi Scaife interviewed me about my path to publication, my influences, and the challenges of writing cross-genre.
The first Tuesday of the month is my anointed day at the Holy Taco Church. For August, I shared a recipe for Chili Spice Chocolate Brownies. These amped-up brownies use chocolates infused with chipotle and chili. It adds some pleasant heat, but not in a mouth-scorching way (trust me on this, I’m allergic to the hot stuff).
The Clockwork Dagger is included in a feature at Library Journal on A Multiplicity of Realms: SF/Fantasy Genre Spotlight.
I also have a guest post as part of Josh Vogt’s Write Strong series, all about authors who utilize fitness and good eating as part of their writerly routine. I talk about my summertime hikes in the desert near my house. ‘Cause I’m a little crazy like that.
Probably going crazier over the next few weeks, too.
Read MoreHello, August
It’s August. That means I can now say my book is coming out next month.
[Gif dedicated to my friend Sara.]
Last weekend we did a family trip to visit my in-laws in Arkansas. Good times were had. Possum Pie was eaten. There was frolicking in Little Rock and Eureka Springs. Critter was inducted into the world of Geo-caching. I made a little progress on my sequel revisions, and fully dived into work upon our return home. Have I mentioned recently how much I love this book? Well, I love this book. The Clockwork Crown is fun to read and it’s fun to edit.
In short story news, “Degrees of Starvation” was published at Every Day Fiction. The FAE anthology is also now available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well as directly from World Weaver Press.
With a month and a half until The Clockwork Dagger‘s book release, expect a lot more talk on that subject. Blog tours and giveaways and glee beyond human comprehension, and CAKE! That’s right, September’s Bready or Not features will be all about cake.
I’m just a wee bit excited, and not just about cake.
Mind Meld: Magical Items
This week I took part in an SF Signal Mind Meld on the subject of favorite magical items. I get all sentimental about Final Fantasy IV and long bows. It’s a very fun discussion, so drop by and check it out!
Free ebook sampler from Harper Voyager
Harper Voyager has released a sampler of their new books coming out these next few months. It includes authors like Kim Harrison, Nick Cole, Richard Kadrey… and ME. The first two chapters of The Clockwork Dagger are included! And there was much rejoicing!
The really cool thing… it’s FREE and available from most every electronic book purveyor.
Grab it for your Kindle via Amazon.
Or as a freebie Nook book at Barnes & Noble.
Kobo has it, too!
Heck, it’s even at Google Play.
No matter where you get it, it’s free and totally yours. I’m rather excited to read all the samples, too–though I’ve already read Nick Cole’s whole book Soda Pop Soldier and can vouch for its awesomeness.
Thursday Updates
– My poem “Suddenly, a Unicorn” is up at Grievous Angel. Scroll down to find it.
– It’s always a bit intimidating when a friend reads your book. Will they like it?! Fortunately, my friend Sara Dobie Bauer did enjoy The Clockwork Dagger and wrote an amazing review. She also interviewed me a few days ago.
– I’ve been pestering my writer-friends about where they bought their book plates or how they handled the whole issue. See, book plates are a nifty way to sign books at a distance. Instead of shipping the entire book, I sign an adhesive label, mail it, and the person can stick it inside their copy of the book. I decided to buy a customized stamp from Tiny Prints so I could use it for book plates, in-person signings, and most anything else. My pretty stamp arrived today!
I’ll post about book plates again after the novel comes out so that any interested folks can send me their address.
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