Saturday, November 8, 2014

Brightwill Is Now Available In EBook Form!

I had a great time writing this book, and I can't wait to share it with everyone. The short novel was an experiment in writing that I can say I enjoyed from beginning to end, and I hope you agree.

Here's the synopsis!

Brightwill, a land razed by war, on the verge of utter destruction.
There are few strongholds left, and few leaders who have the
vision and the power to protect their people.

Naze Kinu, the Great Wizard provides a bastion for the most
talented young and old people in the lands. The Amber Refuge is
his life’s work, a central stronghold built by his comrades, his
power and his reputation.

That is why, when he tells his long time aide, Doril, that he intends to
tell all about his secret sibling, Riv, his intentions are met with
alarm. Naze’s twin was his best kept secret for good reason.
Riv, known in legend as the Slasher Gremlin, the Prince
Slayer, and the thief of the Enduring Light.

Despite the damage his revelation could do to his reputation,
Naze is set on telling the true story of his brother, of the days
that inspired the legend. Most of those close to him are left
to wonder why, and to listen as their leader regales them with
the tale of his misadventures with his brother and Oroza, the
dragonling.

This is the story of Naze and the brother he can no longer deny
this is the story of Brightwill in times of drastic change.

---

The printed version is on the way, due later this month, but the EBook edition was released on November 7, and it is now available for free anywhere quality Ebooks are sold.

Here are the vendors I'm aware of so far:

Amazon

iBookstore (Apple)

Smashwords

KOBO

Barnes & Noble

Free samples should be available at all these stores as well, so you can try before you buy. I hope you enjoy it!

RL

Saturday, November 1, 2014

EBook Preorders Are Now Open For Brightwill!

As if writing the book wasn't enough fun on it's own, I get to share it with everyone with a taste for fantasy fiction. I dreamt of writing this short novel for over four years, and the writing portion of the journey was fantastic. With my cousin, Luke Alberon, staying at my place for this summer, he got to read the pages as I completed them, and I got nearly instantaneous feedback from someone who is fairly choosy with his entertainment.

Then the editing chain began, and everyone involved with that seemed pleased, with surprisingly few notes to offer, so the writing of this book has gone so well. Now I can't wait to get it in front of you.

Even though my distribution partners advise that I should put this up for Pre-Order for six weeks, I'm not going to delay, because the book is finished, after all, and you should be able to read it as soon as everyone has started listing it. That's going to be in about seven days.

So, you can preorder as soon as the EBook is available at your favourite seller until November the 7th, when the book should be available pretty much everywhere. You can also read previews of the novel wherever it's being sold. Here are the links:

AMAZON KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P2Q5RFK

US APPLE iBOOKSTORE: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/brightwill/id935771816?mt=11

CANADIAN APPLE iBOOKSTORE: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/brightwill/id935771816?mt=11



Thank you so much for your interest in my work and your support so far. This is one of those ideas out of a dream that became a novel projects, and I had so much fun writing it. I hope you enjoy it half as much!

RL

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Brightwill Release Dates and Preorders

Brightwill has been such a pleasure to work on. It was an experiment in which I used a singular character as the narrator, and he tells a story in the space of one day. That story, and how it is told is detailed in this book, which stands on its own without the need for a sequel or series.

The result is a short novel that has test-read very well so far, and I'm so excited to put it out into the world so you can read it.

The release date for the Ebook edition of Brightwill is November 7, 2014. It'll include three pencil illustrations from Marcus Froment in black and white. It should be available through all the major online sellers such as Amazon (Kindle), the iBookstore, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords as well as several other smaller sellers.

The print version of Brightwill includes several more illustrations as well as sketches by Marcus Froment. Content that will never be offered electronically.

The unsigned print version will be available on November 21 through Amazon and Createspace.

If you want a signed edition they'll be available on the same day, but you can preorder now: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/171515338241?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Here's the information for the print book and the synopsis.

ISBN: 978-0-9937398-3-5 
Pages: 196
Format: 6" x 9" Trade Paperback 
Ship Date: November 21, 2014 

 Brightwill is a stand alone short fantasy novel in which Naze, a great wizard, finally tells his students and fellows about exploits with his long lost brother, Riv. Riv, the slasher, the Thief of the Enduring Light, and the King Killer, is an unexpected sibling to Naze the Wizard. Naze, the holder of the High Seat of the Amber Enclave - a grand order of wizardry and schooling - risks his reputation and position by admitting his kinship, even though his brother has been missing for over half a century. Nevertheless, on the day chronicled in Brightwill, he has decided to reveal that Riv was indeed his brother, and that his story should be told. No one will look a the Great Wizard the same way, and the few who ask the most important question about his story telling will be rewarded.

---

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it!

RL

Thursday, October 9, 2014

The Last Week of the 2014 Book Auction (3 of 3)

Well, it has been a surprisingly successful and exciting endeavour so far, so let's get on with the final event.
LOT 7 - BRIGHTWILL PRE-RELEASE MANUSCRIPT

For the second and last time, a manuscript of Brightwill is up for auction. This is a fantasy novel by Randolph Lalonde. It will come signed by Randolph Lalonde and one of his editors, Sylvie Lafontaine. The picture is a clever mock-up of what you'll be receiving, since the finished product does not exist yet.

The manuscript will come with a special cover page, an interior signed page exactly like the one above, and will ship after October 14, 2014 but at least two weeks before release. Only three of these manuscripts will be made.

This, like every other unique item auction, will come with a one-of-a-kind letter thanking you, and telling you about the item you've won. In the case of this item, I'll talk about where the ideas for Brightwill came from, and about my experience writing it.

Here's the link: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/171493840768?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 LOT 8 - SPINWARD FRINGE BROADCAST 1 & 2 SIGNED PROOF
Up for auction is my original proof copy of Spinward Fringe Broadcast 1 & 2: Resurrection and Awakening. Proof copies are ordered from printing companies to ensure all the elements of the design and formatting of a book are correct before the go-ahead for larger production and regular printing is given. This is the proof copy that I ordered before the longest running version of this book went to print and was available through Amazon for over two years, making it a unique piece.

The regular production of this book is out of print  since a new edit will be released in 2015. It has lived quietly on my personal shelf since it arrived, mostly unread, and in great condition. I've signed it for you, and I'll write a unique letter to accompany your book once you've won.

Here's the link: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/171493882719?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 LOT 9 - COMPLETE SET OF VERSION 1 OF THE SPINWARD FRINGE SERIES
This is a one of a kind set of (mostly) Proof copies from my shelf. These have been in my possession since original publication. As a bonus I’ve included a misprint of Spinward Fringe Broadcast 5: Fracture in the set (1 of 14). All but Broadcast 5 and 6 are out of print. Some of these books have major shelf wear, there are detailed photos on the EBay listing page so you can see for yourself. I've signed these for you, and bagged them individually in acid free plastic.

What is a proof copy?
Proof copies are ordered from printing companies to ensure all the elements of the design and formatting of a book are correct before the go-ahead for larger production and regular printing is given. These proof versions represent the correct versions of the books that went into regular production for years.

The books included in this set are:
 First Light Chronicles: Freeground (1 of 7 printed),
 First Light Chronicles: Limbo (Proof),
 First Light Chronicles: Starfree Port (Proof),
 Spinward Fringe Broadcast 1: Resurrection (Proof),
 Spinward Fringe Broadcast 2: Awakening (Proof),
 Spinward Fringe Broadcast 3: Triton (Proof),
 Spinward Fringe Broadcast 4: Frontline,
 Spinward Fringe Broadcast 5: Fracture (Proof), and misprint version proof,
Spinward Fringe Broadcast 6: Fragments (Proof).

When you win I'll write a unique letter congratulating you. I'll also write about the Spinward Fringe series as well, something that has been a passion of mine for years now. The contents of the letter are yours to keep a secret, or to share with other readers. I won't be reprinting the contents.

From my shelf to yours, good luck.

Here's the link: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/171493957673?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Here's a link to the schedule and terms and conditions.


Thank you so much for participating, and for spectating. You've really helped me raise funds for a move that may happen much sooner than I'd like, and this auction has been an exciting event.

RL

Thursday, October 2, 2014

The 2014 Book Auction Continues (Week 2 of 3)

The auction weekends continue, this time I go to the very beginning of my personal shelf and put up my earliest efforts at publishing. After completing a few horror, fantasy and one modern mystery novel, I decided to write for publication.

What resulted is a book called Fate Cycle: Sins of the Past, an ambitious effort in high fantasy. Fate Cycle: Dead of Winter is the prequel novella. Neither of which are particularly good, in my opinion, but people have still sought copies out in used book stores, and asked me for a reprinting from time to time.

I won't be producing more copies of either book, I'm moving on to better ideas in Spinward Fringe and Brightwill instead. There were 100 copies of Sins of the Past made, and only 7 of Dead of Winter. The set I'm offering are signed by me and the cover artist. Click on the auction link for more details: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Fate-Cycle-Dead-of-Winter-and-Sins-of-the-Past-Out-of-Print-Lot-6-/171484261208?pt=US_Fiction_Books&hash=item27ed422b58








The next item up for auction is a manuscript of Brightwill, a fantasy novel by Randolph Lalonde. It will come signed by Randolph Lalonde and one of his editors, Sylvie Lafontaine. The picture is a clever mock-up of what you'll be receiving, since the finished product does not exist yet. The manuscript will come with a special cover page, an interior signed page exactly like the one above, and will ship after October 14, 2014 but at least two weeks before release. Only three of these manuscripts will be made.

This, like every other unique item auction, will come with a one-of-a-kind letter thanking you, and telling you about the item you've won. In the case of this item, I'll talk about where the ideas for Brightwill came from, and about my experience writing it.


Here's the link: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Brightwill-Pre-Release-Signed-Manuscript-Lot-5-/171484096307?pt=US_Fiction_Books&hash=item27ed3fa733


And the last bit up for auction is my copy of the limited edition version of Spinward Fringe Broadcast 6: Fragments. I call it the "Shiny Vacsuit Edition" or "Sci-Fi Booty Edition" because the rear cover features a 3D rendered character (Ayan), from a scene that was cut from the book. I had 14 of these made then discontinued production, opting for a more neutral 3D rendered futuristic city scape as the final back cover. 13 out of the 14 copies were signed and sold, and this is my own copy.

I've signed it for you, and this, like every other auction item, will come with a unique letter of thanks that will also talk about the item you've won.

Here's the link: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Spinward-Fringe-Broadcast-6-Fragments-Shiny-Vacsuit-Cover-/171483922352?pt=US_Fiction_Books&hash=item27ed3cffb0





Thank you so much for spectating and participating, good luck!

From my bookshelf to yours.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

The 2014 Spinward Fringe Auction - Week 1 of 3

As I began packing for another move, I realised that my personal shelf of books was becoming more worn every time I cart my belongings from one end of the city to another. Not only that, but people want these copies on their shelves much more than I do.

I'll be honest, I could use the extra money to help cover the expenses of the upcoming move, which will the second this year. The home I'm in now will be sold by the landlords any time. I understand why this is happening, and don't blame them, but I still didn't see it coming, and it's going to cost me.

Back to the happy occasion of this auction...

This is an event auction that will last for three weekends. Each weekend, starting this Friday (September 26, 2014), a selection of books from my personal shelf will be put up for auction. These are the first versions of these books, meaning that they have not been re-edited like the upcoming re-releases in 2015. Many of these books are out of print, so this auction is your last chance to get your hands on copies. 

Every book will be signed. Every book has lived on my personal shelf with me since they were initially released, so they have shelf wear, it is very noticeable on the older books, so I took some very clear pictures so you know what you'll be bidding on. Every winning auction will arrive at your door with a signed letter from yours truly. I'll be using EBay for each auction.

There will be a draw when all the auctions are over, but the items you can win in the draw are not as interesting or desirable as what you'll find in the auction.

The first auction starts on Friday, September 26, 2014, here are the items up for bid.

The First Light Chronicles - (First Amazon Printing)

A full set of First Light Chronicles novellas from the original Amazon printing. These have been out of circulation for years. These books in particular have been on my shelf since they became available, and there were only 7 copies of this version (the Olive Green Cover Version) printed. All these books are signed. Out of print.

Spinward Fringe Broadcast 1: Resurrection (Amazon Printing)

This is an early printing of Spinward Fringe Broadcast 1: Resurrection. The new version of this book is due out in 2015, and there will be significant differences in the text. I read through this personal copy several times over the years, but made sure it remained in the best condition possible.

Out of print.





Spinward Fringe Broadcast 5: Fracture & Braoadcast 6: Fragments SET

This set is signed, and spent years on my personal shelf, and I have to admit to looking at them often while I was writing Broadcast 7: Framework for encouragement. 

These books will still be in print until minor revisions are made to both and they are re-released sometime in the future, so they are not rare.

These copies have been signed and are from my personal library, that's what makes these special. The winner of this item will also receive a signed letter addressed to them personally.












[AUCTION LINK]

I'd like to thank everyone who participates in this auction in advance, good luck!

Monday, August 11, 2014

Brightwill Release Date and Other Details!

The final release date for Brightwill is set for November 7. It's five weeks later than I would have liked, but it's the release date I can guarantee, as opposed to one that may become a struggle to meet.

A printed version will be available through Amazon on the same day if there are no printing issues on their end. It will include 4-5 illustrations inside the book by Marcus Froment.

A month or less later, a signed 8.5" x 11" version that will include over twenty illustrations will be made available through my site. I'm still figuring shipping to UK out, but I'll have something set up by then, even if it isn't ideal.

The illustrations that will be included are black and white, in a style reminiscent of adventure novels released around the 1900's. Many adventure novels had an illustration at the front, and a few in the middle depicting key scenes, characters and locations. A few even had a "farewell drawing" at the end, often featuring the comedy relief character or the belle of the book.

The picture I'm sharing with you today is of my deks with some of the images waiting in line to be scanned.

I'm really looking forward to sharing this with everyone, and I'll have the cover ready soon!

RL

Monday, July 28, 2014

The First Broadcast 8: Renegades Signed Special Editions Have Been Sent!

At long last, the first batch of Spinward Fringe Broadcast 8: Renegades signed special edition packages have been sent, and are on their way to all points across the world. Seventeen people put orders in, that's a personal record for signed copies, so thank you so much to everyone who ordered.I think the books and special features turned out quite well, and I hope everyone enjoys them!

If you live in the US or Canada, you can still order a special edition signed copy HERE

If you want an unsigned copy (it's much cheaper and it ships from Amazon), you can order one HERE.

If you'd prefer to order form Amazon, here are the two main links.

The book may also be available through Amazon in other countries. 

Thank you again for your orders, you should see them on your doorstep (or post office), in 10 business days.

RL

[Next up on the blog: More podcasts, more information about Brightwill, and a visit to Toronto Fan Expo!]

Friday, July 25, 2014

Spinward Fringe Podcast Broadcast 28! The One With The Furry Co-Host

It’s been a long time, but I’ve returned with two co-hosts! Luke Alberton joins me for a special episode of The Spinward Fringe Podcast where we discuss the most recent book, Broadcast 8: Renegades, the future of the series, and what I’m writing right now, Brightwill. We are temporarily joined by Aurelius, my roommate’s dog. He pops up a couple times, then lets out what sounds like a short death-squeal when Luke motions for the pup to go back upstairs. The dramatic dog ended his appearance and pouted for the rest of the podcast. 

Also discussed are other podcasts including An Axe To Grind, more Spinward Fringe / Brightwill podcasts, and Thumbscrew Cinema, a feature podcast coming soon. 

Thank you for joining us, please leave a comment or two!


Saturday, June 14, 2014

Spinward Fringe Broadcast 8: Renegades Signed Special Edition Taking Orders

The response to Spinward Fringe Broadcast 8: Renegades has been overwhelmingly good. So many people have purchased and enjoyed the Ebook edition, it's well past time that a really good printed version was released.

On July 28, 2014, I'll start shipping signed copies of Spinward Fringe Broadcast 8: Renegades with a USB key that contains all the special edition content from the Ebook version. There was a huge delay on this because I moved across town and don't have the extra space I used to. I don't even have an office anymore.

I'm really looking forward to getting a printed copy out there, since so many people want them, and I'm so proud of the work in this book. Other books will be available sometime this year, as I'm trying to edit older Spinward Fringe books so they're ready for the print presses.

The package that will be available will include:
A 6"x 9" Trade Paperback copy of Spinward Fringe Broadcast 8
A USB storage drive (compatible with Mac / PC), which will contain...
An Ebook versions of the novel for all devices.
The Triton-Con Cup (5min narrated slideshow).
A Brief History Of The Spinward Fringe Universe In Covers (25min narrated slideshow).
A 90 minute commentary track featuring the Author and the Editor.
Several Wallpaper images for cellular phones, tablets and computers.
A sneak peak at Brightwill, the next novel from Randolph Lalonde.

You can order your copy now, and pay no extra shipping for the package. Your copy will be amongst the first shipped on July 28. The price for all of the above is $39.99 USD (shipping to US and UK included).



Thank you so much for your support, I hope you enjoy this package. I loved writing this novel, even though it took over a year, and I've been fortunate that it, and the special edition content, have both received positive reviews.

[Important note: Thanks to increased shipping costs, I can no longer ship signed books overseas. I can only afford to ship to North America. I'm working on a solution for this. If you want an unsigned copy, you can purchase one though Amazon.co.uk All previous orders will be honoured.]

RL

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Spinward Fringe Broadcast 8: Renegades Special Edition, Amazon, and Smashwords versions are available!

That's right, Spinward Fringe Broadcast 8: Renegades is rolling out. The full Ebook is available through Amazon and Smashwords right now. Other retailers (iBookstore, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Diesel, and others), will be listing the book sometime on or shortly after the 21st of March.

There is also a Special Edition for this release. Inside you'll find the Kindle and EPub (epub is compatible with the iBookstore, Nook, Sony EReader, Kobo, and most other devices), versions of the EBook as well as a bunch of goodies.

Here's a list:

- The Triton-Con Cup (5min narrated slideshow)
- A Brief History Of The Spinward Fringe Universe In Covers (25min narrated slideshow)
- A 90 minute commentary track featuring the Author and the Editor.
- Several wallpaper images for cellular phones, tablets and computers.


The special edition is only available through Gumroad, and costs the same as the regular EBook. 

Here are those links again:



Barnes & Noble

Thank you so much for your support, and for reading. This book took a long time to finish, and I hope everyone enjoys it!

RL

About Gumroad and the Special Edition:
I recommend you download the Special Edition File with a computer, unzip the archive, and then send the .mp3's, videos, and Ebooks to the devices you want to use them on. If you have any problems with downloading, please contact support@gumroad.com - their customer service is excellent. So far, the Special Edition has been a fantastic success.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Spinward Fringe Broadcast 8: Renegades Release Date!


I just finished writing the end of Spinward Fringe Broadcast 8: Renegades. It's not the ending I expected when I started writing the book, but I think it's so much better. No spoilers here except to say that I'm very pleased.

Now that I know I'm happy with the ending and I've spoken to everyone else involved with the production of this book, I can make another announcement.

The book is still in need of another edit, and I'll be working on that with Sylvie as well as another editing partner. Then it will be sent off to one formatter for Ebook distribution, and another for print. The distributors will have to approve it after that. They will point out technical issues (if there are any), and we'll fix 'em then be ready.

After adding some wiggle room for schedule snafus, I'm setting the release date of the Ebook version of Renegades for Friday, March 21, 2014 for $4.99 through Amazon, Smashwords, the iBookstore (Apple), Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sony Reader Store, Diesel, Page Foundry, Flipkart, Scribd, and Oyster.

Sadly, there will be no freebie codes or preview editions.

There will also be a special release through my own website that will include exclusive digital bonuses and a version of the Ebook for all readers. The Special Release will cost exactly the same as the normal Ebook version of Renegades, but it will only be available through www.spinwardfringe.com.

There will be a signed print edition available in April as well, and that will include the same content as the Special Release on a USB key that will ship with the signed printed book.

So, again, Renegades will be released on Friday, March 21, 2014 in Ebook form and in print sometime in April.

Thank you so much for buying my books and supporting me, I hope this book isn't surpassed by it's hype. It's something I'm proud of and I hope you all enjoy it!

RL