‘I swear to the gods, if I have to spend one more second pretending to give a damn about ugly high-end leather goods or electronic currency I think I might punch someone.’
— Karasu Crow | Kat Vancil, “A Second Chance with You”
Well hello there, Story Quester. It’s Wednesday, which means I’ve got something new to share with you!
Work in Progress
Boys Love Collections
I’ve been working on these short story collections as quickly as I can to finish them before the festival. However, if I’m completely honest, Story Quester, these last few weeks were some of the hardest I’ve had all year.
On top of everything related to my mom’s health, we also had our ancient heater ripped out (no joke the thing hasn’t worked since 2009). And there was a mix-up with the early morning delivery of our new bed. Twice. And when it finally arrived they delivered the wrong size so my husband had to take it back to the store and exchange it. 🤦🏻♀️
Basically, Story Quester, this is a long way of saying, that due to the universe conspiring against me, it looks like the short story collections probably won’t be making an appearance at the festival this year. Realistically they’ll likely be releasing closer to the end of September.
That being said, I am pleased with the stories and am very excited to share them with you.
Project Word Count
Walk Me Home 27,216 words
The Little Shrine at the Edge of the Road 18,108 words
My Weekly Book Recommendations
This week is special because I have a book release and 2 cover reveals to feature!
Adventures in Coloring
Surprise! While finishing up my own work for the upcoming festival I’ve also been compiling my husband’s creative work for his two newest adventure coloring books, D is for Dragon 4 & Q is for Quest. (I used to work as a book designer back in the day).
These are both in a series of adventure-themed coloring books he does. The “Color Your Own Adventure” series features dragon-themed adult coloring books based on the yearly Smaugust prompts. While his “Naghatan Fisk Adventure” series are adult coloring books that also come with a map, and playable story elements to accompany the colorable full-page illustration.
D is for Dragon 4 and Q is for Quest are now available in Amazon stores worldwide.
The Witch and His Crow
by Ben Alderson
I have the pleasure of revealing this beautiful cover of The Witch and His Crow by Ben Alderson. This is the first book in an M/M Paranormal Romance which will be releasing March 4th, 2025 in Kindle, KU, paperback & hardback and it’s available for pre-ordered now.
Cover art by @selkkiedesigns (the crow cover)
Hardcase art by @spookgeist (characters cover)
Win. Become Grand High. Rule them all.
My name is Hector Briar, and I live for revenge. It’s been eighteen years since Witch Hunters murdered my parents, and still the night haunts me. A part of me died that night, when six-year-old me was forced to listen to their brutal murder. Since then, I’ve gone from prey to predator. I spend my nights stalking Oxford’s streets for those who’d see me slaughtered for being what I am. A witch. And more than that, the son of the last Grand High.
I’ve spent the last years hidden in the shadows, not only from Witch Hunters but also my own kind. But one fateful night lands me directly in the hands of the people I’ve been evading my entire life—the Coven. Whereas the Witch Hunters want to destroy me, the Coven wants me for a darker fate. For my blood. It’s the key to starting the Witch Trials—a contest to find the next Grand High, a contest where witches battle to the death, or madness.
Thrown into the middle of the very contest my mother died trying to prevent, I must make allies with my enemies if I wish to survive the first night. Not so bad when my ally so happens to be an attractive blue-eyed, 6ft-something, tattooed from neck to navel, bloodthirsty rival—Arwyn Morgan.
But I soon discover that not is all as it seems. There are dark forces lingering in the shadows and the truth is a hard pill to swallow. The Witch Hunters seek a Champion of their own. Enemies and allies lose all meaning when a wolf invades the flock.
Surviving the Witch Trials quickly becomes the least of my worries when ancient forces reveal their true natures. Something dark stirs within me, waiting for its inevitable freedom. I’m the key to keeping it locked away, or freeing it.
Ask yourself are you ready to join The Witch Trials and find out who will win?
Features: Gay male main characters
Genres & Tropes: Paranormal Romance, witches, Charmed meets Hunger Games, rivals to lovers, slow burn, Dark Fantasy, spice
KINDLE | PAPERBACK | HARDCOVER
Well,
I better get back to working on these short story collections, Story Quester. Until next time, this is your friendly neighborhood storytelling Kat signing off.
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