Post three: 23th Dec (ACDT)
CLICK HERE for the book blog schedule and updates
#3: A Fey Tale Book Blog Tour
the musings of karen carlisle - writer, artist, gardener, chocoholic and tea lover.
Official (Online) book launch of A Fey Tale (eBook) 18th December, from 10.30am to 12.30am ACDT.
CLICK HERE for the book blog schedule and updates
Read my Interview by Lynne Lumsden Green on her blog, Cogpunk Steamscribe.
CLICK HERE for the book blog schedule and updates.
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.
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.
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.
Keep checking back for updates.
LINKS
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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
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.
On the day (TIMES ARE APPROX):
Book Blog Tour:
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.
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
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/
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
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.
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.
Kobo / Amazon/ and other online stores.
You can find the first Deadsteam anthology here.
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
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[#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.]
I’ve had confirmation of panel times for Conquest since making this video.
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.
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:
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.
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.
(This post was posted earlier for Patreon supporters, and newsletter subscribers)
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.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=1527110197648944&ref=watch_permalink
My interview is recorded. Thanks for those who sent in questions.
The event schedule is now up at: https://2022.ausdwcon.org/lost-con/schedule/
For other guests: https://2022.ausdwcon.org/lost-con/the-lost-con-guest-list/
For info and tickets: https://2022.ausdwcon.org/lost-con/
Los
t 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).
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.
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.)
Contact Conquest to find out how to attend the online events –