August 2010 – From the Editor

Welcome to the August 2010 issue of the Musings of the Othar.  As usual, a busy summer has gone by much too fast, but I hope everyone has found time to squeeze in a vacation and catch up on their reading.  This month’s Feature Article will be examining Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.  Winner of the 2005 Hugo Award, Clarke’s novel may not appeal to all readers, but without a doubt, this lengthy novel will keep you occupied for a few weeks. More on this can be found in the Feature Article.

The Fayersae Histories continue this month, and our scene shifts back to Bran and Oltcynn as they battle a winter storm at the Jent Pass.  For those who may have missed an episode or two, the previous month’s installments can always be found online in the Full Fayersae Histories Archive.

I am pleased to announce that I have added two new columns this month.

The first will be Clarice Publishing Update, where I will provide updates pertaining to my publishing and marketing efforts.  I also hope to summarize some of the technical details that may be of interest to other independent publishers who are trying to find their way through the maze of information out there.

The second new column will be one that I hope does not prove to be too ambitious.  I have titled it Short Review, and my goal is to provide a space to highlight independent authors who may need a little more exposure.  As this increases my reading and review commitment, I’m not sure I will be able to do a monthly installment, but I will do my best.  The first Short Review will be taking a look at Nicola Rhodes’ SCI’ON – The Shadow Worlds, an entertaining and page-turning story that was the perfect compliment to a sunny weekend spent outdoors.

I’d like to remind everyone again that the web site for Animus of Hauden, book two in the Harmony of the Othar Saga is up; please visit Animus of Hauden if you haven’t had the chance yet.

Also, I would like to remind everyone that print and eBook versions of Animus of Hauden are available from all the major online retailers.  As always, look for any announcements via my Facebook page or check the web site for periodical updates.  If you haven’t had a chance to read the first in the series, Heart of Hauden, free eBook downloads can be found at Smashwords.

I was very pleased with the progress I made on book three, Tongue of Hauden, this month.  While it always seems like the days just fly by, I have been working very hard to stay disciplined.  The hardest part has been finding more lengthy uninterrupted blocks of time to write.  Utilizing a free half hour here and there, while productive and fine for edits, often is a little too disjointed to lay down new material.  Also, taking a weekend day for a mental break after a long week is often necessary, but does shorten an already full schedule even more.

Anyway, this summarizes a very busy month.  I hope you enjoy this month’s installment of the Musing of the Othar, and if your summer reading list isn’t already too long, please check out book two in the Harmony of the Othar Saga, Animus of Hauden.

Yours Truly

P.A. Seasholtz, Editor