(This is a mirror site of my webpage karenjcarlisle.com)

Friday, December 24, 2021

#3: A Fey Tale Book Blog Tour





Post three: 23th Dec (ACDT)


A bit about Aunt Enid, a bit about me, a bit about writing, and things that inspire me.



Thank you to Jane Routley for sharing her webspace with me.


CLICK HERE for the book blog schedule and updates












#3: A Fey Tale Book Blog Tour

Happy Jolabokaflod


Books and chocolate. What else do you need? (except maybe a cup of tea?) Our family adopted the Icelandic tradition several years ago. Best thing ever!











Happy Jolabokaflod

Monday, December 20, 2021

#2: A Fey Tale Book Blog Tour

Official (Online) book launch of A Fey Tale (eBook) 18th December, from 10.30am to 12.30am ACDT.


Post two: 20th Dec (ACDT)

Read my Interview by Lynne Lumsden Green on her blog, Cogpunk Steamscribe.


CLICK HERE for the book blog schedule and updates.











#2: A Fey Tale Book Blog Tour

Sunday, December 19, 2021

And it begins...

Official (Online) book launch of A Fey Tale (eBook)

18th December, from 10.30am to 12.30am ACDT.


Day one: 18th Dec (PST)/ 19th Dec (ACDT)

A Book Tour with Karen J. Carlisle: A Fey Tale – I answer some questions about A Fey Tale on Stephanie Kato’s blog Looking Towards the Future.











And it begins...

Saturday, December 18, 2021

Announcing eBook launch winners


Thanks to those who joined me on youTube, FB, and Instagram for the launch of A Fey Tale eBook.


It’s time to announce the winners of the giveaways:



eBooks: Alison Brown and Amanda Joy Kroker



Music: Alison Brown



Please email me asap to find out how to collect your goodies.



 



And don’t forget to follow the book blog tour 18th Dec to 4th Jan. INFO HERE











Announcing eBook launch winners

Join the eBook launch for a chance to win

Comment on book launch event  posts (on FB event page) for chance to get an eBook copy of A Fey Tale, and a digital original song download. Winners announced 3pm today ACDT. (Adelaide time) here and on the FB event page.



And don’t forget to follow the book blog tour 18th Dec to 4th Jan.


 










Join the eBook launch for a chance to win

Friday, December 17, 2021

A Fey Tale Book Blog Tour Schedule 18thDec - 4th Jan

It’s December, and A Fey Tale is now out as paperback and ebook, so it’s time for another book blog tour!


Read about Aunt Enid, her friends, their latest adventure, and more about Arthur Conan Doyle’s visit to Adelaide in 1920, what is a Protector, and more. Get your copy 50% off during the book blog tour – read the posts for information.


CLICK HERE for details on the Official (Online) book launch of A Fey Tale (eBook)

18th December, from 10.30am to 12.30am ACDT.


Book Blog Schedule:


Keep checking back for updates.



LINKS


Follow/Support/Buy books:



Social Media:



A Fey Tale Merch:



BIO


Karen J Carlisle is a writer and illustrator of steampunk, Victorian mysteries and fantasy. She was short-listed in Australian Literature Review’s 2013 Murder/Mystery Short Story Competition. She is currently writing the second book in her cosy fantasy mystery series, set in Adelaide. Her short stories have featured in the 2016 Adelaide Fringe exhibition, ‘A Trail of Tales’, ‘Where’s Holmes?’ and ‘Deadsteam’ anthologies.

Karen lives in Adelaide with her family and the ghost of her ancient Devon Rex cat.

She’s always loved dark chocolate and rarely refuses a cup of tea.


Book blog Hashtags: #A Fey Tale, # Aunt Enid Mysteries, #KarenJCarilsle


 


 










A Fey Tale Book Blog Tour Schedule 18thDec - 4th Jan

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Official (Online) book launch of A Fey Tale (eBook) INFORMATION & SCHEDULE

A Fey Tale is the second book in The Aunt Enid Mysteries.

The original book launch was hosted by Tea Tree Gully Library (South Australia) on 8th December. Due to border and international restrictions, I decided to do an online launch to celebrate publication of the eBook as many of you could not attend from interstate (even within Adelaide), and overseas.



The event will have FB and Instagram posts, livestreams, video premieres and replays – via youTube and FB formats – and eBook giveaways.


Links:


Schedules:

On the day (TIMES ARE APPROX):



  • 10.30am – YouTube livestream welcome (link also on FB event and author page)

  • 10.45 am – YouTube Premiere – replay of book launch talk at TTG Library (link also on FB event and author page)

  • 11.15 am –FB post on event page and a chance to get an eBook of ‘A Fey Tale’

  • 11.30AM – VIDEO BOOK TRAILER LINK – https://youtu.be/UKuBDVrmexY (also linked to FB event page)

  • 11.40 AM – FB post on event page and a chance to get an eBook of ‘A Fey Tale’

  • 11.55 AM – BOOK PITCH VIDEO https://youtu.be/v5S3Dfl3V6M (also linked to FB event page)

  • 12.05 PM – POST FB on event page and a chance to get an eBook of ‘A Fey Tale’

  • 12.20 PM – BOOK UNBOXING https://youtu.be/80R7hKV0k-M (also linked to FB event page)

  • 12.30 PM – FB POST on event page and a chance to get an eBook of ‘A Fey Tale’

  • 12.45 PM – FB POST on event page and a chance to get an eBook of ‘A Fey Tale’ –

  • 12.50 PM – FB POST on event page  – Other books by Karen J Carlisle

    Thank you, where to buy my books and announcement of eBook ‘winners’


Book Blog Tour:



Where to buy your copy:


 


 










Official (Online) book launch of A Fey Tale (eBook) INFORMATION & SCHEDULE

Monday, December 13, 2021

Virtual Hogswatch Greeting


Happy Hogswatch!






Thank you to City of Small Gods Terry Pratchett Fanc Club

and Ausdwcon for inviting me to participate in the 2021 ‘Virtual Hogswatch’ event.




You can support me at: www.patreon.com/KarenJCarlisle

or buy me a cup of tea at: https://ko-fi.com/karenjcarlisle

You can buy A Fey Tale direct from the author at: https://karenjcarlisle.com/product/a-

(Personalised card available with books bought via website, before 18th Dec, 2021.)

www.karenjcarlisle.com/shop – for info on where to buy my other books.










Virtual Hogswatch Greeting

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Online A Fey Tale book launch (eBook)


18th December, 2021


Official (online) book launch of A Fey Tale (eBook). For upcoming details check my events page. (times to be announced)



The live online event will be on FB (event page) and youTube and Instagram. Watch this space for more details and how to join the live Zooms.


There will be eBook give-aways.


A Fey Tale is now available online or direct from me.



 




Online A Fey Tale book launch (eBook)

Monday, November 29, 2021

A Fey Tale - Official Book Launch 8th December

I’m gearing up for my book launch in a week and a half – restrictions willing…

Find out how Arthur Conan Doyle’s visit to Adelaide, and Adelaide’s mysterious fairy doors inspired A Fey Tale.


Aunt Enid’s back… but something’s different.

BOOK LAUNCH 8th December, 2021 Tea Tree Gully Library, Adelaide, South Australia.  BOOK NOW! Free event.

eventbrite.com.au/e/a-fey-tale-book-launch-tickets-208385244877  


Limited numbers due to current health restrictions.

(Alternative online launch organised in case increased Covid restrictions.)



Buy direct from me (postage within Australia)  HERE


Watch the TAF2021 book pitch HERE










A Fey Tale - Official Book Launch 8th December

Friday, November 26, 2021

Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival this weekend

Join me this weekend at this year’s Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival online event, CSI: TASMANIA – DIGITAL | INTERNATIONAL CRIME AND MYSTERY FESTIVAL – (info at https://www.terroraustralisfestival.com/)


I’m pitching my new book, A Fey Tale, at the cosy afternoon tea.

And get your copy of A Fey Tale at special event prices. Book launches on the 8th December. https://karenjcarlisle.com/product/a-fey-tale/




Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival this weekend

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

TAF 2021 online event - attendee swag unboxing


A Fey Tale An Aunt Enid Mystery CSI: Tasmania – Digital/International Crime and Mystery Festival. 27-28th November. Info at: www.terroraustralisfestival.com/ —— Official book launch 8th December, 2021 Tea Tree Gully Library Tickets via Eventbrite (free)https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-fey-tale-book-launch-tickets-208385244877










TAF 2021 online event - attendee swag unboxing

Monday, November 15, 2021

Upcoming events - Supanova Dec 2021

Adelaide Supanova has been rescheduled to 11-12th December.


I’ll be in Artist Alley again this year, with copies of my latest book, for the first time at any event – A Fey Tale.


I’ll also have all my books, new tees, mugs, and crocheted kraken’s as well.


 


 



 



Upcoming events - Supanova Dec 2021

Official Book Launch Date for 'A Fey Tale'


It’s official!

A Fey Tale is being launched at the Tea Tree Gully Library on 8th December at 2.00pm.



I’ll also be talking about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s visit to Adelaide in 1920, and the fairy doors hidden around the city.



I’ll have paperback copies for sale (and also copies of my other books). They make great Christmas present



There’ll be tea and bikkies as well.





For overseas/interstate: – (tech willing) there will be a livestream (message me if you want to know more about this).



Feel free to share!



.



[#imageDescription: A fairy seen under a microscope, surrounded by blue, red, and green fairies. Background is blue, surrounded by an Art Deco border with geometric corners.



Text: A Fey Tale



Book Launch: 8th Dec @2pm, Tea Tree Gully Library – https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-fey-tale-book-launch-tickets-208385244877 Aunt Enids’s back. But something’s changed. A deal with fairies… to solve a mystery, and prevent a war. www.karenjcarlisle.com/shop ]







 











Official Book Launch Date for 'A Fey Tale'

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Deadsteam II

There’s a new anthology out today, just in time for Halloween. Deadsteam II is the second dreadpunk/steampunk anthology by Grimmer & Grimmer Books, with thirteen more dark stories.


I was asked to join the ranks of fellow returning authors, James Dorr, Bryce Raffle, Ross Smeltzer, C.C. Adams, E. Seneca, and Rob Francis, and David Lee Summers, as well as welcoming new authors to the fold. This time, I have a longer short story; , following Doctor Jack/ James Findlay (The Adventures of Viola Stewart) after he boarded that ship to Australia. (Haven’t read it, check it out here: eBook/ Paperback



Just when you thought the nightmare was over, what was dead comes crawling back from the beyond. We warned you not to open that fateful tome. But you just couldn’t resist, could you?

Back with more chilling tales of the dark and supernatural, the anthology of dreadpunk, gaslamp, and dark steampunk returns to haunt you with mummies, witches, vampires, gorgons, ghosts. The second installment in the DeadSteam series from Grimmer & Grimmer Books, DeadSteam II promises an even darker, grimmer gothic than the first offering.

DeadSteam II includes stories by DeadSteam alumni David Lee Summers (Owl Dance, The Brazen Shark), Karen J Carlisle (The Adventures of Viola Stewart), Bryce Raffle, Ross Smeltzer, C.C. Adams, E. Seneca, and Rob Francis, while also introducing newcomers to the DeadSteam series.

If you should sense someone lurking down by the river, some thing creeping through the forest, a sound from the attic, a strange pattern in the wallpaper that shouldn’t be there, a cold gust of wind on your neck…don’t look back. Just run. Run as far as you can

But know this…we’re still here.


Where to buy your copy:


Kobo / Amazon/ and other online stores.

You can find the first Deadsteam anthology here.










Deadsteam II

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Write Now! Salisbury Writers Festival Video

Last month was busy – here’s the first video, from Salisbury’s ‘Write Now!’ writing festival (one day this year – and one the few live events I attended this year.) I got to catch up with @tara_jenkinsonauthor



.

[#imageDescription: An electronic notice board (with blue background) shows the talks at Salisbury Write Now!, I September. The board is at the top of stairs I the mezzanine if Salisbury Library.]



Write Now! Salisbury Writers Festival Video

Conquest - Brisbane SFF convention - Next weekend





Dates and panel info for 2021 Conquest, Brisbane (online + live event)


I’ve had confirmation of panel times for Conquest since making this video.



  • Sat 23rd Oct – 1.15 pm (Brisbane time) – Guest Author Talk

  • Sun 24th Oct – 1.15 pm (Brisbane time) – I’m on the Doctor Who Panel




















Conquest - Brisbane SFF convention - Next weekend

Saturday, October 16, 2021

October Patreon Shout Out

Thank you to my amazing Patreon supporters, especially Kellie Kininmont William J Jackson @railroadcity Marion Anderson and Joanne Van Raaphorst @jo_vr_pics

Join us at:

https://www.patreon.com/KarenJCarlisle

Stay safe.











October Patreon Shout Out

You can now buy me a cup of tea on Ko-fi

I know you love supporting indie authors and creators – who doesn’t?



But, you’re not keen on committing monthly to Patreon?

Now you can buy me a cup of tea (or some chocolate) by tipping me on Ko-fi. Just follow this link:







or fill in the blanks below:










You can now buy me a cup of tea on Ko-fi

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Foiled Again! An apology, and an explanation.

I haven’t posted much here over the past months. But I’m back… for a quick post before disappearing down a rabbit hole again.


The past year (plus) has been a rough ride; first Covid-19 hit, with lockdowns, restrictions, and anxiety. Lots of anxiety.  You know. You were there too. It’s been hard on all of us. For many creatives, it’s been hard to concentrate. To be honest, 2020 was a complete write off (pardon the pun)  for me, and my book.


As 2020 progressed, my health crumbled – first with my existing chronic pain, then recurring breathing issues, and utter exhaustion. I put on a lot (and I mean A LOT) of weight (partly due to health issues, partly due to stress and comfort eating). My breathing issues got worse  –  culminating in the need for assistance at night (via a CPAP machine.)


The new year approached. The pain got worse. I ended up in hospital with yet another scare (most likely a panic attack… but…) Something had to give.


I’ve been working hard since then. I’m eating healthier. Getting some exercise. I’ve lost 25 kg. My breathing has improved (at least during the day).  I rescheduled the tentative publication date for my current WIP novel, A Fey Tale, and  hunkered down to finish it. A mammoth task. The first draft ballooned out to almost 100,000 words (book 1 was 65,000), so I have to cut at least 20,000 words. I kept going, and finally it seemed I was winning. Even then, this book will be longer than book one. I’ll have to rethink the RRP – more pages, means increased print and post cost. Those who’ve already pre-ordered got a good deal.


But, when was it ever that easy?


Just over a month ago, it all started to fall apart. Again. First, bad news about a family member. (Cancer sucks!) Emotional hell. My iron levels fell. More exhaustion. Drop in concentration. The writing slowed to a trickle.  Next, pains in my chest (how does one tell what’s ‘usual’ with floating chronic pain, stabbing and muscle cramps), and a weird thrumming pain in my chest muscles. Trip number 2 to the hospital, a doctor’s referral, and I’m at the cardiologist.


And now I’m off for more tests and a 24-hour heart monitor. Something about atrial fibrillation… Needs checking. Is my anaemia contributing? Is the breathing machine adding to the issue?

Cue even more anxiety. LOTS of anxiety. All the tea and chocolate in the world won’t help this one.


So that’s where I’m at now. I have appointments every day this week. More next week. Second Covid vaccination on Saturday. A necessity if the diagnosis holds true.  (Some background on Covid and atrial fibrillation) (Feckin’ Covid. Please wear a mask!)



And why am I posting all this?

Because you all deserve an explanation. I feel I’ve let my readers down. I’m struggling to work through rewrites of A Fey Tale. I am getting there. Slowly. Very slowly.

I’d hoped to have paperbacks ready for September’s Adelaide Steampunk Festival but, in reality (and especially if the test results aren’t good), it doesn’t look likely at this point. I’ve posted updates to my Patreon supporters, and those who pre-ordered the book. I’ll try, but there’s only so many (non-exhausted) hours in the day.


So there it is. My life at the moment.

I can’t apologise enough. I hope you’ll forgive me.











Foiled Again! An apology, and an explanation.

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Research Oops... A Fey Tale Update


One of the things I do during the first, major developmental rewrite of my books is to follow up on my ‘TK’ (notation to do later) notes and research. Usually I’ll have done some initial research (enough to write the first draft). Sometimes I’ll have just jotted something down with a note to ‘TK check this later and rewrite if needed‘.



I’m currently writing the ‘ball’ scene of chapter (now) twelve – just before the final ‘major characters missing each other’ before the final confrontation scene. It’s a Thursday night, the day before Sir Arthur Conan Doyle leaves by train, to continue his lecture tour in Melbourne. Thursday nights at the Palais Royal were traditionally ‘Fancy Dress Carnival’ night, each with different themes.



I’d umm-ed and ahh-ed about the fancy dress theme I to use for the dance. ‘Famous couples‘ was the on-the-fly idea, and the first draft was written with that in mind.



Today I decided to sift through Trove (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/2720792) concentrating on The Register and The Advertiser Adelaide newspapers. The photos below are some of the references I found to The Palais Royal (circled), showing the week’s theme was ‘Baby Week‘. Oh, dear. Why didn’t I look this up earlier?




Now, I could just ignore the newspapers and go with the ‘Famous Couples’ theme, or rejig the chapter to reflect the historical one. Yes, I know it’s a fantasy cosy mystery but, my brain keeps screaming at me to at least try to give a nod to the facts… (I’m just that kind of person.)

I’ve also highlighted the newspaper advert reminding me that Doyle’s last lecture was on the afternoon before the dance/ball. That’s a simple task of a few sentences to fix in the previous chapter…



All in all, not a biggie but I’ve got some thinking to do today.





(This post was originally posted for my Patreon supporters on 17th July, 2021. Higher level  Patreons will see a sneak peek of this scene as part of their short story reward)

To support me on Patreon, follow this link:



Research Oops... A Fey Tale Update

Sunday, July 18, 2021

A Fey Tale Pre-order & signings Update


You’ve all been very patient with the shifting release schedule for A Fey Tale.

First there was Covid…

Now, due to unforeseen family/personal reasons (on which I will post at a later date when my head comes to terms with it), A Fey Tale will be rescheduled to late August release at the earliest. The first event paperbacks will be available at is September’s Adelaide Steampunk Festival.


As a reward for my very patient readers, I’ve decided to try something new.

I’ll be Zooming live to have a short chat with those who have pre-ordered A Fey Tale, and will sign (and number) their books and bookplates. This is the first time I’ve done this, so I’m wrapping my head around the logistics and technology. I’ve also extended Australian pre-orders to 30 July, 2021. You can order here: website bookshop.


Zoom details will be sent later, to those who have pre-ordered.




Patrons of the Adventurer Extraordinaire tier and above will also be invited to a personal Zoom and signing. 



For the Adventurer Extraordinaire tier  – who get an eBook –  will receive a signed ‘A Fey Tale’ postcard in the mail, as well as your digital reward. Patrons of Time Traveller tier and above will receive the signed paperback.




A Fey Tale Pre-order & signings Update

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

World Chocolate Day - Wed 7th July.

This month is all about chocolate – Wed 7th being World Chocolate Day! And I’m off to Haighs.


As you know,  I’ve been in research mode as I knuckle down with  A Fey Tales rewrites. I’ve just finished revisiting previous chocolate history research. It all started in 2016, when researching for Doctor Jack. The question was ”Would Henry really eat chocolate cake? Was it available in 1889??‘ You can find the answer here:



This time round, I could extend my recipe research to 1920. I already had a hardcover facsimile of The Common-sense Cookery Book (Australia,  1914) –  for the original recipes for ‘crispies’ (Anazc biscuits),  and a paperback reprint of Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management, for the Devils Food Cake recipe (1902).



I’ve ordered a copy of Mrs. Rorer’s New Cook Book: A Manual of Housekeeping by Sarah Tyson Rorer. (early 1900s) for more contemporary chocolate cake recipes.


Here’s some recipe videos I prepared earlier….



(This post was posted earlier for Patreon supporters, and newsletter subscribers)



World Chocolate Day - Wed 7th July.

Sunday, July 4, 2021

Conquest meeting Live NO

4th July: AUSFW One-day online Discoworld Con. I’m joining the Streamyard Conquest meeting – chatting about the upcoming Conquest con in October, and the online content.


Live now 


https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=1527110197648944&ref=watch_permalink










Conquest meeting Live NO

Friday, June 25, 2021

Going to Raiders of the Lost Con in July?

Lost Con is a virtual event, running on Saturday 3rd July. 4pm until midnight, Sydney time (AEST).  It is open (and free) to all attending and supporting members of Nullus Anxietas 7a, (2022 convention).


I’ve been asked to be a guest author, and judge for the virtual Maskerade. To celebrate, Lost Con attendees who buy paperback books from my website over the weekend of the con (3-5th July) will also get a SIGNED and NUMBERED limited edition Lost Con book plate. Just mention the secret ‘code word’ from my interview premiering during the convention, when you order (in the instructions/message).


You can find my books at www.karenjcarlisle.com/shop


The first ten people to buy a paperback from my web store, between 3rd and 4th July, will also get an A Fey Tale sticker with their order.



Not booked yet?


If you don’t have a supporting membership yet for Nullus Anxietas 7a yet, you can buy your’s here (this is also your deposit for attending membership at the non-virtual Discworld convention in Sydney next year, 8th to 10th April, 2022.)


 




Going to Raiders of the Lost Con in July?