February Update and Book 2!
Happy February, everyone!
Since the last update here, I have finalized the title for book 2 and had its cover designed. Book 2 is titled Raleigh: Rise of Redeemers, and if all goes according to plan, it should be published midsummer! I will close this letter with the cover, and the description for the book. If you read book 1, you won’t want to miss this sequel! Also, I will need one more round of beta readers and ARC readers before publication. So if you would like to help with the last stages of feedback, or would like to read and review book 2 early, be on the look out to sign-up!
If you haven’t read Anthemia: Kingdom of Heroes, you have a great opportunity to do so. I am participating in a group ebook sale on February 28th! On that date only, the ebook version will be free to download. If you’re looking for more fantasy novels while you’re at it, over 300 fantasy novel will be available during the sale!
I am working through another round of smaller revisions and the first real round of editing on book 2. While I’m focusing on that, the poetry and sci-fi projects I mentioned last time, have taken the back seat again. I’m itching to return to them soon. Once book 2 is with test readers again, and when I’m in the non-writing stages of publishing, I’ll be able to work on those projects more.
If you are local, or willing for a quick trip, I have an in-person event scheduled for May 24th. On that day, I will be at my first vendor’s market at 32nd Street Mercantile in Camphill, PA. It will be a great to time to get books signed, get some exclusive Anthemian themed merch, let us as reader and author speak face-to-face. I loved the signing I had at a local bookstore in the fall, so I’m excited for this next opportunity.
On a more personal note, teaching is going well and I’ll be with my postion until the end of the year. However, looking ahead to the fall, I’m looking into a likely career switch. While I love teaching, it is a tough profession to juggle with writing. As I know more, I will share it, but for now, I know whatever I move on to will allow me more flexiblilty for my writing endeavors, especially in-person events and marketing.
Stay involved, whether that is reading book 1, staying tuned to test read newest draft of book 2, or marking your calendar to come with my vendor’s stand on May 24th! You can see the cover for Raleigh: Rise of Redeemers, and read its blurb below the salutation. It’s great to have each of you along for the journey!
God bless, the best is yet to come,
Stephen Ritchie
Anthony Alderson embarked on a life-changing quest just two months ago. He and his friends have finally secured the relic they set out for, the Prosperagem. Their original quest was to return it to their king, but in their absence their kingdom has fallen into great peril. For now, they train in Anthemia awaiting safe passage through a war zone.
Back in Raleigh, King Richard has fallen ill, and the kingdom is plagued by drought. Richard’s adviser Diotrophes has taken control as vice regent, and declared war against Kriteria. What began as a straightforward quest, has left Anthony and his friends needing to return home to thwart a usurpation and win a battle in which Raleigh is hopelessly outmatched. The heroes must overcome their own inner demons and grief to turn back the tides of loss and ruin.
If you want to get Anthemia: Kingdom of Heroes on February 28th, you can follow this link!
