Hi and welcome to my October newsletter.

Life seems to be moving in slow motion at the moment. Perhaps it's because summer feels over. At least there are stories to lose ourselves in - right? Like news about my latest dog in training, and some new fantasy authors to discover.   

Thank you for being part of my publishing life ❤️

With best wishes

Frances

My writing life

The day job, for now....?

If you've come across my Author Bio you will know that I train guide dogs for the blind. This month I’d like to introduce you to another stellar guide dog in training.  

This beautiful girl is three-quarter German Shepherd en one-quarter Golden Retriever. I have trained two Shepherd crosses before, and I have to say that they are my absolute favourite types of dogs to train. So I was very, very excited to get this beauty in training. And even better: I also get to deliver her to her future client. But we’re not there yet. She’s only halfway through her guide dog training, which was a real struggle in the beginning. At the start, she had nooo clue what she was supposed to do. She also got distracted by everything. And I mean eeeeeverything. Every sound, soft or loud, or the movement of a single leaf like 50 yards away. And her nose…. Everything she smelled she needed to know where it came from. To get her to walk in a straight line on the pavement was a challenge in itself.
 

Honestly, I don’t know how we’ve reached the point she’s at right now. Where she still registers everything going on, but she’s learnt how to filter what is important and what isn’t. She’s found her version of focus and her love for the work. It’s always a beautiful moment when it all just clicks. I can’t wait to start looking for a client for her. That will also be a challenge because not everyone is a fan of the Shepherd-type. And they really need to be a fan, or they won’t be able to handle the typical Shepherd-quirks. But we have a long waiting list. I’m sure there’s a perfect match hidden there somewhere!
 

Do you recognise the famous Amsterdam building in the background? Yes, it's the Rijksmuseum, our national museum, home of Rembrandt's masterpieces, amongst many other amazing works of art. 

Discover new fantasy reads

To find new readers for my books I work with fellow authors to widen our readership by promoting our books to each other's email list. We offer an e-copy of a book, novella or custom short story for free on sign-up to our newsletter, to help the reader decide if they want to keep following us. 
Interested? Just click on the images or links below.

The Stone & Sky: Prelude Stories is where you can first get to know the seven main characters from the epic fantasy world of Stone & Sky.
"Stone & Sky" is just a continuous thrill. From the plot twists to the introduction of fantastic creatures which are truly spectacular additions to the fantasy world, and especially in the dialogue—this book just keeps giving."

Get your free book here.

 

In this prequel to The Enthronement, a romantasy series, a Princess seeks a partner to save her people and struggling nation.
"Kept me intrigued and captivated with the twists and turns. The deception and intrigue are great, as well as the main character always having the strength to make her own decisions."
Get your free short story here.




 

You are receiving this email because you signed up for my newsletter