Updates & Transparency

So I know it’s been a very long time since I’ve updated this blog, but I’ve decided to make a quick update to offer some transparency on the current status of Ashwood and my writing, in general.

Ashwood was originally published by indie publisher Distinguished Press in September 2015. Like many small, indie pub houses, DP closed shop soon after Ashwood’s publication. It was then picked up by another indie publisher, FantasyWorks, and re-published under them in September 2016. Sadly, they too fell on hard times and had to close shop. This is the unfortunate fate of many small publishers. The publishing industry isn’t doing very well right now, even for the largest publishers so you can imagine how hard it is for newly budding indie houses. I knew the risks going into it when I first signed on with an indie house, and while it’s certainly disappointing it’s not unexpected.

As of the time of this posting, you can still get a copy of Ashwood here for the time being:

Amazon
CreateSpace
Kinokuniya NYC

As FantasyWorks phases out though, the supplies will dwindle so I’m going to look into self-publishing Ashwood in the future, and am still planning for a sequel, which will likely also be self-published. As much as I would like to avoid the self-publishing route, at this point I feel it’s the best option to keep Ashwood out there and accessible.

Lately my focus has been on producing game design content for tabletop and digital game companies. These freelance opportunities have been filling up my schedule since I made it into the Final Four of Paizo’s RPG SuperStar contest. Between this and working a full time job, I haven’t had a chance to keep up with this blog nor produce much fiction in the MG/YA literary arena. Please note, that I still absolutely love writing kids lit and plan to continue to do so, but I also very much enjoy game design writing and eagerly accept exciting contracts when they pop up. And luckily for me, they’ve been popping up quite a bit.

I currently have several freelance game design projects I’m committed to, but I plan to get started on the Ashwood sequel soon, as well as launch Ashwood as a self-published product. That said, I doubt I will continue to use this blog much, so if you’re looking for updates on Ashwood or any other of my works, please follow me on Twitter (@CJMalarsky) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCJMalarsky/) – both of which I update much more frequently than here. Twitter and Facebook is simply easier for me to maintain than a blog.

Thanks for reading!

Event Report: Halloween Book Signing for Ashwood

This past weekend I got to have my first ever book signing. And what a rush it was! This is an event myself, Distinguished Press, and Kinokuniya Book Store have been discussing over the past month. Kinokuniya has long since been one of my favorite book stores in Manhattan. With it's stock catering to alternative fashion enthusiasts and geeks alike, it's a store where I always feel at home.

Me at Kinokuniya Book Store NYC

Suffice to say I was thrilled when Kinokuniya responded to my request to host my book signing. There is nowhere else I would want to have my debut book release event. It was a dream come true. Of course, dreams led to waking reality, and I realized that this meant I would have to face the bane of most writers - speaking in public! I turned to my friend and cover designer, Nancy Ramos, and asked her if she could do me the favor of moderating the talk before the signing began. To my relief, she agreed and I could finally breath again knowing that I would have her at my side for the event.

Nancy Ramos MCing the discussion with me before the signing

Cover designer, Nancy Ramos and author, C.J. Malarsky

 Like most writers, I am very much an introvert and I prefer to express myself through my writing. Though I have many years worth of experience and academic background in theater, getting up in front of people still terrifies me. It's one thing to be on stage pretending to be someone else, but another thing entirely when you have to address people as yourself.

A packed house

Patrons lining up to get their book signed

The big day finally came, and on Halloween, none the less! But with it also came the marathon of butterflies swarming inside my stomach. Luckily, I had friends and family on hand to keep me calm. Nancy was a brilliant MC and Kinokuniya, a very generous host. I spoke for about 40-45 minutes with Nancy asking me a number of prompt questions about Ashwood and other literary questions. The time flew by in a whirlwind for me. I couldn't recall what I had even said afterwards, though a number of people assured me it was an engaging and eloquent talk. So whatever jitters I had, I somehow managed to mask it.

Signing copies of Ashwood

We had a great turn out, from friends and family, to complete strangers. And what's more - Kinokuniya sold out of their stock! A huge thank you to everyone who came out to show their support, and also to Kinokuniya Book Store who took a chance on a new, indie author. I can easily say that this was the best Halloween I've ever had. Thanks to all who participated!

Me with Kinokuniya's event coordinator, John Fuller - Thank you Kinokuniya!

Ashwood is Live!

That's right! Ashwood has been released a few days early. It is live and ready to be purchased, just in time for Halloween. So how about celebrating the season with a spooky read. Here's all the places where you can get your own copy:

Amazon (for Kindle & Paperback) 

Smashwords (for digital)

Barnes & Nobles (for Nook & Paperback)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Ashwood Updates and Cover Reveal

I know I've been blogging a lot lately about other people's book and not my own. So here is my update on my upcoming debut novel, Ashwood, complete with cover reveal!

Look at that beautiful cover! It's courtesy of designer Nancy Ramos. This was exactly the vision I had in my head, so I'm thrilled with the result. Nancy delivered a dream come true.

Ashwood is a YA horror and officially launches on October 31st. What better way to celebrate Halloween, right? Here's a quick blurb:

"When sixteen-year-old Willow goes urban exploring in an abandoned asylum she expects the dark halls and creepy atmosphere. But she doesn’t expect it to follow her home. After the trip, Willow becomes haunted by nightmares in which she never left Ashwood Asylum. Nightmares where she is pursued by grotesque, mind-infesting horrors called the mora who feed off the fear of mortals. Unfortunately for squeamish Willow, they are hungry. And she is their perfect meal. 

Upon waking, Willow recalls only fleeting memories of dead butterflies, hollow eyes and discordant whispers. But soon the boundary between dreams and reality disintegrates, trapping Willow in a living nightmare. Can she escape before she becomes Ashwood’s next permanent resident?"

Ashwood delves into the world of Slavic folklore and tackles themes regarding fear, loneliness and the struggle to overcome both. It will be available for e-readers such as Kindle and Nook, as well as paperback prints.

If you are in the Metro New York area, I will be hosting a talk and book signing for the release at Kinokuniya Bookstore in Manhattan on Saturday, Oct. 31st starting at 2pm EST. There will be candy and raffles prizes. Costumes are encouraged, and Kinokuniya is having a 15% discount for all costumed guests. Hope to see you there! 

Top 5 MG & YA Halloween Reads

Looking for something spooky to read to get you in the mood for the Halloween season? Well, look no further! Here is a list of my top five favorite spooky Middle Grade and Young Adult books, in no particular order.

Top 5 MG & YA Halloween Reads

Rabbit in Red by Joe Chianakas; photo courtesy of Goodreads

1.  Rabbit in Red by Joe Chianakas

If you are in any way a fan of the horror genre (especially slasher movie classics), then this is the book for you. This YA is dark and bloody, but not without humor too and not to mention FUN. It is Cabin in the Woods meets Ready Player One. In it, teenager Bill Wise wins a trip to the studio of his favorite director to compete in a contest that tests his love for the horror genre and win an internship with the studio. But is this contest really as it seems? I'm not telling - you'll have to find out for yourself. And I strongly recommend you do.

2. The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

Set during the time of the Potato Famine era, this middle grade book tells the story of two Irish children who have journeyed to England to find work in a remote manor house. They quickly discover that they have found themselves in a house haunted by a mysterious figure called “the night man” who plagues the family who lives there. The children must uncover the secrets of this phantom before it is too late. This is pure classic gothic horror at its finest, and underneath the creepy atmosphere there is a beautifully sincere heart resting in the core. 

3.  Doll Bones by Holly Black

This is one of my favorite books of all time. It is a middle grade mystery and tells the story of three friends who go on an impromptu adventure to bury a doll which they believe is haunted by the ghost of a dead girl. But it is so much more than that. It is simultaneously creepy and sentimental, haunting and tender. At it's heart, this is a coming-of-age story laced with gentle brushes of paranormal horror. It is eerie, it is touching, it is brilliant. 

4.  The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls by Claire Legrand

Another fun and creepy middle grade horror, The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls is delightfully quirky and unsettling. Young Victoria doesn't like nonsense so when her friend Lawrence disappears and things go topsy-turvy, she launches a quest to restore order to her perfectly manicured life. This investigation leads her to the sinister title orphanage where Victoria finds herself in over her head with the malevolent mistress who oversees its operations. It's very reminiscent of Neil Gaiman's "Coraline", but unique enough to stand on its own creepy, crawly legs.  

5.  Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Lovers of J-horror flicks, rejoice. This is the perfect book to get your ghostly fix. While Joe Chianakas' Rabbit in Red veers more toward the slasher genre, Anna Dressed in Blood goes the route of the supernatural. It is a dark YA about Cas Lowood, a teenage ghost hunter who ends up getting tangled in the story of a tragic phantom known as Anna Dressed in Blood. It is utterly frightening and heartfelt at the same time, and it truly exemplifies the YA Horror genre. It's a must read for any horror enthusiast.