I'm super-psyched about this. :)
My novel Children of Sun and Moon (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00749W3XW/?tag=kindleboards-20) is now available on Amazon Kindle, and should be up on B&N and other formats shortly.
For those interested in ebooks, you can download the free Kindle app (http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771) for your computer or other device even if you haven't yet bought an ereader. Kindle books can be previewed (that is you can download a sample of the book--in my case, it comes out to about 3 and half chapters).
Longterm members may remember when I was first brainstorming the novel, I posted a setting inspired by it called Eclipse. It's grown way beyond those original designs now, but the CBG helped me get the earliest feedback on it. Special thanks to Sparkletwist, my first beta reader, back when the consulting project was going on.
Thanks, all. :shy:
I will make sure to grab a copy soon!
oh my god
ed: no seriously, this is incredible! Congratulations on being a published authorial bigwig such as your talents and creativity mandate. Read the plot summary; sounds like a ton of fun.
I know what I'm doing next paycheck - getting kindle app and CoSoM (Heh, your first book's acronym rhymes with Awesome). Major congratulations - this is a huge accomplishment and I'm so glad to hear that you've achieved it!
Hey, thanks guys!
Quote from: XathanCoSoM (Heh, your first book's acronym rhymes with Awesome).
Whatever happened to that :rofl: smiley?
What Phoenix didn't mention was that I read the beta pretty much in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
I'm looking forward to diving into the revised final version. :D
As, for the trilogy bit, this is good news to me! If you want me to beta part 2 as well, consider me already volunteering. :yumm:
Did you self publish, or did you get a backer?
Quote from: Xeviat
Did you self publish, or did you get a backer?
It's self-published. Self publishing has become far more viable in the last year and half (speaking as someone who once went to publishing school, that's a scary thought--but an exciting one, too). I know you're a novelist, too, Xev, so PM if you want to discuss my reasons in more depth. There are definite advantages on either side of the fence.
Quote from: sparkletwist
As, for the trilogy bit, this is good news to me! If you want me to beta part 2 as well, consider me already volunteering. :yumm:
Glad to hear it ;) And yeah, you got your wish and it became a trilogy. Actually, all of the beta readers said this needs to be a trilogy. Work on book 2 is under way.
I posted a copy of the Skyfall Isles map on my blog (http://mattlarkin.net/?p=220). I figured I'd cross post here. I'm pleased with the work my graphic designer did (especially on the cover).
(http://mattlarkin.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/emap.jpg)
Wait... is this a story set in a "parallel universe" using South East Asia's map?
Quote from: Magnus Pym
Wait... is this a story set in a "parallel universe" using South East Asia's map?
If I understand the cosmology right, it's because the Earth is an unending cycle of being created, destroyed, and re-created again, and this was one of the "earlier iterations" of Earth, which happened to have the same layout and be inhabited by humans, but different cultures.
Yes. It's an alternate history, in a mythic past. Kind of like the Hyborean Age in Conan.
I was featured as a guest blogger on Wicked & Tricksy (http://www.wickedtricksy.com/?p=1718)! This is a great site run by four authors, two published, two aspiring. They talk about the craft of writing mainly, but also about books they like.
My post discusses how I moved from my early drafts of the first Eschaton novel to what became Children of Sun and Moon (originally called Eclipse).
If you're interested in books and writing, I encourage to check out the blog. It's one of my favorites. And if you're not into writing or books, you could always check it out since a CBGer is featured today :wink:
Quote from: From Amazon.com Product Description
She knows little of spying, but the blood of the Moon God running through her veins gives her powers mortals can't match, powers that let her slip into places she's not supposed to be. Of course, the more she uses her powers, the faster she becomes a lunatic.
That little passage was enough for me to click the buy button.
LUNATIC
Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English lunatik < Old French lunatique < Late Latin lūnāticus
moonstruck. See Luna, -atic
touche, good sir, touche.
:P
Thanks Stryker!
I had to finish the last 2 books of the Sage of Shadowdale trilogy before I could start Children of the Sun and Moon. I couldn't even put it down to go to bed at a sane time last night. I can't wait for Legacy of Moon and Fire!
Quote from: Stryker25B
I had to finish the last 2 books of the Sage of Shadowdale trilogy before I could start Children of the Sun and Moon. I couldn't even put it down to go to bed at a sane time last night. I can't wait for Legacy of Moon and Fire!
Stryker, thanks so much! Always good to hear people enjoy your work.
If you have the time, I encourage you to post a review at Amazon (or wherever you favor) for any book you really like. Word of mouth is very important for authors, especially new ones.
Awesome. I can't wait to pick it up. Thereafter I'll endeavor to review properly.
Quote from: Tangent_Jaerc
Awesome. I can't wait to pick it up. Thereafter I'll endeavor to review properly.
Thanks, Jaerc! Welcome back.
Are you going to get a limited print run of this or anything, Phoenix? I'd be really interested in picking it up, but I don't have an e-reader and I really just can't read long things sitting at my computer.
Thanks CBGers! You guys are great.
Quote from: TMGAre you going to get a limited print run of this or anything, Phoenix? I'd be really interested in picking it up, but I don't have an e-reader and I really just can't read long things sitting at my computer.
I'm in the process of getting Print-On-Demand available, but it may be a while before that's up. When it is, you'll be able to order a paperback copy through Amazon. Will cost more than the ebook, though, of course.
Funny you should mention this now, since the upcoming PoD was one of things I announced on a Facebook event (http://www.facebook.com/events/246975932057465/) yesterday. The event is basically trying to encourage anybody that's interested to grab a copy on Monday. Because of how Amazon's algorithms work, a bunch buys on a single day can actually boost rankings more than the same number of buys spread out. Higher rankings means higher listings, so other people can see and stumble over whatever the item in question is. At least it's worked for a few writer friends of mine.
So if anyone's been thinking about snagging the ebook version, Monday would be a great time for it.
(http://media.screened.com/uploads/0/4987/303690-good_news_everyone.jpg)
Children of Sun and Moon (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00749W3XW/?tag=kindleboards-20) is now available at a reduced price of $2.99 US.
CoSaM just receive a glowing review over at Pure Textuality (http://puretextuality.com/2012/03/21/review-by-ginnylurcock-children-of-the-sun-and-moon-by-matt-larkin/) (cross-posted on Amazon and Goodreads).
Quote from: Excerpt
This book unceremoniously ripped my heart of my chest, took a bit out of it, stomped on it, ran it through a blender, set it on fire, and then spit on the ashes... and I loved every second of it.
...
Now, where do I begin with a review of "Children of Sun and Moon?" Well, let me give you some facts. On March 1st Jena sent out an e-mail asking for reviewers. I read the blurb and replied "I'm in." On March 3rd she sent me the file. On March 19th I started reading. It took me 16 days to open the file. Once the file was opened, it took me less than 12 hours to read the entire thing. By 4% (the first time you see a Macan Gadungan in action, in case you were wondering) I was hopelessly hooked.
...
I want a 'like' button or a +1 for that review.
Quote from: LordVreeg
I want a 'like' button or a +1 for that review.
Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13490217-children-of-sun-and-moon) has a Like button
Pure Textuality is hosting a giveaway for CoSam (http://puretextuality.com/2012/03/23/giveaway-by-ginnylurcock-win-a-kindle-copy-of-children-of-the-sun-by-matt-larkin/). Winner will be chosen Saturday evening.
I now have a facebook author page (http://www.facebook.com/matt.a.larkin). Yay! :P
Pure Textuality is previewing (http://puretextuality.com/2012/04/02/randoms-legacy-of-moon-and-fire-skyfall-trilogy-2-cover-released/) the cover for book 2.
The Bookplex (http://www.thebookplex.com/giveaways.html) is doing a giveaway of a lot of books, including CoSaM. You can enter to win various books. Check it out.
Another nice review (http://redheadsread.com/2012/04/23/review-children-of-sun-and-moon-by-matt-larkin-skyfall-trilogy/)
It made me smile.
Quote from: excerptMaybe storyteller isn't descriptive enough. Maybe I should say that Larkin is a storyweaver. His universe is chaos and brilliance and honor and destruction and love in once amazing place. I was completely captivated by the world that he crafted with the Solars and Lunars and cannot wait for the next book!!
Yeah, when I finally get the paperback out, that's probably going on the back :yumm:
Congrats Matt! I'm looking forward to reading it!
Quote from: Ishmayl
Congrats Matt! I'm looking forward to reading it!
Thanks, man. I can't believe it's been this long since I posted here (I know I talked to you on Goodreads since then, at least). Running off to India impedes my CBG time.
Anyway, Open Book Society not only gave me a nice review (http://openbooksociety.com/article/children-of-the-sun-and-moon-skyfall-trilogy-matt-larkin-obs-book-review), they even interviewed me (http://openbooksociety.com/article/matt-larkin-author-of-children-of-the-sun-and-moon-exclusive-interview).
My new website (http://mattlarkin.net/)
Mailing List signup (http://mattlarkin.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9a37dad01867ed0f6686fc5e3&id=2602d08de4)
CoSaM is now in print (http://www.amazon.com/Children-Sun-Moon-Skyfall-Trilogy/dp/147833214X/?tag=mattlarkinnet-20)