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I write young adult fantasy fiction. Visit my author page at www.cindachima.com
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Shadowcaster may be my most stunning cover ever! If you'd like to see it on 6.20.16, a full week before its official reveal on 6.27.16, subscribe to my newsletter here
No salesman will call!
The tour for Flamecaster is over, Shadowcaster is basically done, and I'm working hard on Stormcaster, book 3 in the series. But I will be out and about, meeting readers, starting THIS WEEKEND!
Jackson, OHFriday, Jun 10, 6-8 pm
Author Appearance and Signing
Jackson City Library21 Broadway St.
Jackson, OH 45640
Pickerington, OHSat. Jun. 11, 2016, 10 am to 5 pm
Pickerington Teen Book FestPickerington North High School
7800 Refugee Rd,
Pickerington, OH 43147
Akron, OHGeekfest Mini Comic-ConSaturday, August 6, 2016, noon to 4 pm
Akron-Summit County Library
| 60 S High St, Akron, Ohio 44326 |
 | Atlanta, GA
Sep 2-5, 2016
DragonCon, details to follow
Dragoncon.org |
Books By the Banks
Saturday, Oct 15, 2016, 10-4 pm
Duke Energy Center
Cincinnati, OH
www.booksbythebanks.org
Buckeye Book FairWooster, OHSaturday, Nov 5, 2016 9:30-4 pm
Fisher Auditorium
http://www.buckeyebookfair.com Yallfest 2016Charleston, SCFriday and Saturday Nov 11-12, 2016
Scads of YA authors, panels and more
More info coming soon!
http://yallfest.org
Well, my tour for #Flamecaster is winding down, but I wanted to make sure you knew about some upcoming events. Then I'll be staying home writing STORMCASTER for a while...
Chicago Area
Thurs, April 28, 2016, 7:00 PM
Anderson's Bookshop Naperville
123 W Jefferson Ave,
Naperville, IL 60540
630-355-2665
Join me at this event!
Chicago Area
Apr. 29-May 1, 2016
Wild, Wild Midwest Conference
Chicago Marriott Naperville
1801 N Naper Blvd
Naperville IL 60561
I’ll be teaching intensives and breakouts at this regional SCBWI conference.
Cary, NC
Monday, May 9, 2016 7-8:30 PM
Author Appearance and Signing
Barnes & Noble, Cary Commons
760 SE Maynard Cary, NC 27511
919-467-3866
Perry, OH
Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 8:30 am - 3 pm
YA Litcon 2016
Author panels, breakouts, autographing.
Perry High School
1 Success Blvd
Perry, OH 44081
Jackson, OH
Friday, Jun 10, 6-8 pm
Author Appearance and Signing
Jackson City Library
21 Broadway St.
Jackson, OH 45640
Pickerington, OH
Sat. Jun. 11, 2016, 10 am to 5 pm
Pickerington Teen Book Fest
Pickerington North High School
7800 Refugee Rd,
Pickerington, OH 43147
http://pickeringtonlibrary.org/teen-book-fest-2016/
Cary, NC
Monday, May 9, 2016 7-8:30 PM
Author Appearance and Signing
Barnes&Noble, Cary Commons
760 SE Maynard Cary, NC 27511
919-467-3866
I'll be in North Carolina for a family event, and I thought, why not hang out with readers? I'll be signing Flamecaster and all my other novels. Hope to see you there!
UK, have I ever told you what an Anglophile/Caledoniphile/Cambrophile/Hibernophile I am? I am English, I am a Scot, I am Irish, I am Welsh--the majority of my ancestors came from those places in the scepter'd isles very early on -- most likely in chains. My ancestors were the kind of people that realms wanted to get rid of, apparently.
Yet I can't help but feel that my roots, and my history, is there. I took an English literature through England when I was in college, and it absolutely changed my life. I am still mining those experiences today.
So, in honor of that connection, and in collaboration with Harper360, publisher of the international edition of Flamecaster, I am announcing a UK-ONLY PREORDER GIVEAWAY!
Anyone who preorders #Flamecaster from a UK bookseller (brick and mortar, on line, wherever books are sold in the UK) is eligible to enter to win a signed PAPERBACK set of the UK edition of the Seven Realms series, plus a limited edition pen, temporary tattoo, Epic Reads bookmark and Epic Reads poster. Since the Shattered Realms series is a stand-alone spinoff of the Seven Realms series, it will give you the chance to build a complete collection.
DO NOTE:
Giveaway open to residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland
Must be ordered from a UK retailer.
Entries must be received by 4 May 2016
Books will be signed using bookplates
Need a link to a UK retailer? Here's Amazon UK to start with
amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/1WhoRgqHere's how to enter:
1. PLEASE follow these directions. I'm not very good at following directions, either, but I need your help in order to get you properly entered because I don't have minions.
2. Send an email to cwchimapromo at gmail dot com. In the subject line, put UK PREORDER GIVEAWAY ENTRY
3. In the body of your email, include your name and snail mail address and how/if you would like your books to be personalized.
4. If you would like to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark, etc include your snail mail address.
5. Make sure I have the best email to contact you
6. THIS IS IMPORTANT: Attach an image of proof of purchase for your preordered book, whether it's an online receipt, a receipt from a store, an email confirmation of an order, a notarized statement from your local bookseller--whatever way you can show me you've placed a preorder
7. Questions? Email me at that same address with the header PREORDER GIVEAWAY QUESTION
The incorrect address was listed for the Mysterious Galaxy event this Saturday in San Diego. Here is the correct information:
Mysterious Galaxy
Author Reading and Signing
Saturday, April 9, 2016 - 4:00pm 5943 Balboa Ave Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92111 The correct address is listed on the MG website here
I've had a super response to this giveaway -- thank you so much for joining in! We have randomly selected two winners!
The winner of the Seven Realms Hardback (US edition) signed set is BRENDA GRAY of FT WORTH, TX!
The winner of the Seven Realms UK edition signed set is KAELA ESHENBRENNER of Henderson, NV!
Congratulations, Brenda and Kaela. If you didn't win, don't despair. Every single one of you will receive a swag pack including a signed bookplate, bookmarks, and temporary tattoos. All of these prizes are winging their way to you as I write this.
I hope you will ALL enjoy Flamecaster. And, whatever you do, keep reading!
P.D. James once said that "All fiction is autobiographical" ("and much autobiography is, of course, fiction.”
I think that's true. Where else do we get unique material but from our own lives--the people we meet, the experiences we have, the places we've been--and the stories handed down through family.
Many people believe that fantasy writers draw on some (drug or psychosis-fueled?) inner well of make believe in order to create fantastical stories. I've had more than one talented writer tell me, "I could never write fantasy." Sometimes this is accompanied by a kind of shudder that tells me that the tagline is, "and I would never want to."
I find that certain elements of my own story worm their way into my fiction again and again. It's not an intentional thing. Stories suffer when writers set out to teach a lesson or prove a point or make readers feel this way or that way. I never set out with an agenda. But when I'm staring at a blank screen with a deadline in front of me, I tend to gravitate toward certain kinds of characters and certain themes.
 |
| My grandfather is third from left |
For instance, transformation stories have always given me hope. I'm the daughter of a truck driver, the granddaughter of a coal miner turned factory worker, and the great-great granddaughter of a man who worked in the iron furnaces of Appalachian Ohio. My ancestors were scrappy people who worked hard, lived hard, and died young. They also told stories.
Like how my grandmother's sisters owned a honky-tonk bar by the roadside and played banjo and fiddle in a hillbilly band. Or Uncle Vinnie Nash who used to steal his wife's shoes so he could go out and dance with other women. Like how my great-grandfather got drunk and went to the barn and was kicked by a horse, and he died. Or my great uncle who got drunk and set fire to himself and he died. Or my great-uncle Claude who was killed in a slate fall when he was forty-one years old.
The women were strong -- they had to be! Like my several times removed cousin who filed a paternity suit in 1871 against her employer's brother. Despite being called into court, where she was quizzed about relations with other men and forced to describe every time they "did" it, she won her suit. Strong women populate my stories--women of whom little is expected, who accomplish much.
Some people are born to privilege, and squander that opportunity. Others are born to fail, and find a way to succeed. I'm intrigued by how some people change and survive, while others don't. In my Seven Realms series, the streetlord Han Alister finds ways to repurpose the skills he learned on the mean streets of the Fellsmarch slums to survive among enemies in a ruthless court.
Readers of my fantasy stories might notice that coal mines and miners show up repeatedly. In the Heir Chronicles, set in contemporary Ohio, one of the characters is trying to protect her Appalachian mountain home from a mining company that wants to "mountain-top" it in order to access the veins of coal underneath. In Flamecaster, the first novel in my Shattered Realms series, one of the characters is a blaster in a coal mine who uses those skills as a saboteur fighting against the oppressive Ardenine empire.
I'm a first generation college graduate. I've never stopped transforming myself. I've worked hard, I've been lucky, and I've done better than I ever could have imagined. And yet I've never lost my inbred mistrust of "the man" and the feeling that I'm just a slate-fall away from disaster. Those are the kind of characters I write about. Those are the kinds of stories I tell. Welcome to a world where survival and transformation stories have an overlay of magic.
Welcome to the Shattered Realms.
Wanna meet Adrian sul'Han, a main character in #Flamecaster ? Head on over to Dark Faerie Tales for an excerpt from the book and an "interview" with Adrian.
Email from an Heir Chronicles fan awaiting publication of the Seven Realms: I just know there's going to be a MAP in the front of the book.
Like that's a bad thing. I must admit, maps are the hallmark of high fantasy. I mean, I could put a map of Ohio in the front of my Heir Chronicles books for all the left and right coast people who don't know where it is.
But generally it's assumed that interested people can find a map of Ohio if they need to.
When I began writing The Seven Realms, I started plotting places on a crude hand-drawn map so I could remember where I put things. I am not making this up. If you mess up on these things, you will get emails.
Full disclosure: cartography is not in my genetic blueprint. I've always had trouble with spatial relationships. Give me WORDS, dammit! I kept drawing it and redrawing it -- I even asked my son to redraw it in case I actually found a publisher. I figured they might change their mind if they saw my map.
Anyway, here's how my map ended up:
All the erasing makes it look like parchment, don't you think?
So when I DID find a publisher, fortunately, they hired a cartographer to redraw the map. Here is the result:
Now much of the action in the first volume of the Shattered Realms takes place at Oden's Ford and the Ardenine Empire (which by now is pretty much everything outside of the Fells.) But toward the end of the book, a character arrives from overseas--from the fabled pirate hangout of Carthis. Some of the action in later books would happen there. More mapmaking ensued! Only now there was technology:
And, eventually, of course, the final map!
Hi, everyone! There have been some additions and changes to my Flamecaster tour schedule since it was originally posted. I've updated that posting and you can check it out here
When you preorder a book...it's like a gift you give your future self, right? Well, here in the Realms, we're all about gifting. Now that Flamecaster is just a month away, it's time to roll out the gifts and prizes.
So here ya go:
Everyone (US and Canada) who pre-orders FLAMECASTER from ANY retailer–local, chain, online, hardcopy, digital–is eligible to win your choice of two epic prize packs:
- A signed first edition hardcover set of the Seven Realms quartet (now out of print.)
- A signed first edition set of the Seven Realms quartet (UK edition.) You choose either 3 hardbacks and a paperback of Crimson Crown (the UK edition wasn't published in hardcover) or four paperbacks if you like books that match.
- Grand prize winners will also receive other swag, including a signed bookplate for your shiny bright copy of Flamecaster, signed bookmarks, a limited edition Flamecaster keychain/purse charm, and temporary tattoos.
- The first 150 entries will receive a signed bookplate and other swag--just for entering--if you include your mailing address with your entry.
- This offer good only in the US and Canada. I'll be working with my publisher in the UK on a giveaway for those of you across the pond.
Here's how to enter:
1. PLEASE follow these directions. I'm not very good at following directions, either, but I need your help in order to get you properly entered because I don't have minions.
2. Send an email to cwchimapromo at gmail dot com. In the subject line, put PREORDER GIVEAWAY ENTRY
3. In the body of your email, include your name and snail mail address; which prize pack you prefer, and how/if you would like your books to be personalized.
4. If you would like to receive a signed bookplate, bookmark, etc include your snail mail address.
5. Make sure I have the best email to contact you
6. THIS IS IMPORTANT: Attach an image of proof of purchase for your preordered book, whether it's an online receipt, a receipt from a store, an email confirmation of an order, a notarized statement from your local bookseller--whatever way you can show me you've placed a preorder
7. Questions? Email me at that same address with the header PREORDER GIVEAWAY QUESTION
Flamecaster is just a month away! If you would like to pre-order a signed copy of FLAMECASTER (in fact, any of my books,) you can order from my local bookshop, The Learned Owl, here If you would like the book personalized, let them know that in the comments of an online order or on the phone. I'll be throwing in some juicy swag along with.
You can probably also pre-order a signed copy of FLAMECASTER from any of the bookshops I'll be visiting on tour. My tour schedule is here Contact your choice of store and see what's involved in placing an order.
Anyone preordering Flamecaster from ANY retailer will be eligible to enter my Flamecaster Grand Prize Giveaway. What's that, you say? Stay tuned tomorrow.
All right, then! You'll find it here
Pirates, dragons, and wizards behaving badly--all inhabit the world of the Shattered Realms. The first novel in the new series, Flamecaster, comes your way April 5, 2016 from HarperTeen.
The action takes place about twenty-five years after the Seven Realms quartet. The series could be called a new generation of magic, since many of the characters are the children of characters you met in the original series.
Adrian sul'Han, known as Ash, is a healer with a powerful gift of magic—and a thirst for revenge. The son of the queen of the Fells, Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos.
Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told that the mysterious magemark on the back of her neck would one day make her a target. But when she learns that the King of Arden's blackbird guard is hunting her, she assumes it has to do with her role as a saboteur in the Delphian underground. The truth is even more terrifying.
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Set in the familiar world of the Seven Realms, this is a thrilling story of dark magic, chilling threats, and two unforgettable characters walking a knife-sharp line between life and death.
To celebrate the new series, I'm giving away a prize package including an ARC of Flamecaster plus rare UK editions of the first books in my two previous series, The Warrior Heir and Demon King. I'm throwing in a Flamecaster light pen (all your friends will be jealous!) bookmarks, and a Flamecaster keychain/purse charm. Don't miss out! See below for how to enter and win. Contest runs from February 15 to the ides of March (March 15) Sorry -- US and Canada only!!
I'll be posting a fantastic giveaway in this space on Monday. It's open to everyone in the continental US. So stay tuned.
But -- want to put the odds EVEN MORE in your favor? Newsletter subscribers be eligible for their own PRIVATE giveaway. Instructions for entry will be included in the next newsletter, which comes out next Tuesday, February 16. This newsletter will also include appearances this spring through fall after the release of Flamecaster.
So...if you want to get in on your own private giveaway, sign up for my newsletter
here before Tuesday!
Coming 4.05.16 from HarperTeen
APRIL 2016 EVENTS
If you don't see your city listed, all is not lost! You can pre-order signed copies from most of the bookstores listed below. Please support the stores that support authors! I'll be scheduling other appearances, too, so consider signing up for my newsletter, Twitter & Instagram @cindachima to keep up with the latest. Hudson, OH
Tuesday, April 5th, 5:00 PM
Learned Owl Bookshop
204 N. Main Street
Hudson, OH 44236
330-653-2252
Dayton, OH
Wednesday, April 6th, 7:00 PM
Books & Co
The Greene Shopping Center
4453 Walnut Street
Dayton, OH 45440
937-429-2169
Littleton, CO
Thursday, April 7th, 7:00 PM
Tattered Cover, Aspen Grove
7301 S. Santa Fe Drive
Littleton, CO 80120
303-470-7050
Salt Lake City, UT
Friday, April 8th, 7:00 PM
King’s English
1511 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
801-484-9100
San Diego, CA
Saturday, April 9th, 4:00 PM
Mysterious Galaxy
7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. #202
San Diego, Ca 92111
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858-268-4747
Phoenix, AZ
Monday, April 11th, 7:00 PM
Barnes & Noble #2039
21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85050
480- 538-8520
Albuquerque, NM
Tuesday, April 12th, 6:00 PM
Bookworks
4022 Rio Grande Blvd. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
505-344-8139
Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, April 16, 2016
RT Booklovers Convention
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
Giant Book Fair (650 authors)
10:30 AM-2 PM, Pavilion Ballroom
YA Family Feud 4-4:45 pm Palma A
Bowling Green, KY
Sat, April 23, 2016, 9 am to 3 pm
Southern Kentucky Book Fest
Knicely Conference Center
2355 Nashville Road
Bowling Green, KY
Chicago Area
Wild, Wild Midwest Conference
Apr 29-May 1, 2016
Chicago Marriott Naperville
1801 N Naper Blvd
Naperville IL
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I’ll be teaching intensives and breakouts at this regional SCBWI conference
Kent, OHSix District Educational CompactReading and Writing FestivalThursday, May 5, 2016Kent State University Student Centerhttp://www.smfpl.org/teen_services/reading_and_writing_festival
Perry, OHYA Litcon 2016Tuesday, May 17, 2016, 8:30 am-3 PMAuthor panels, breakouts, autographing.Perry High SchoolOne Success BlvdPerry, OH 44081http://www.oelma.org/
Pickerington, OHPickerington Teen Book Fest Sat Jun 11, 2016, 10 am to 5 pmPickerington North High School
Books are a delightful way to brighten the deep midwinter. You can pre-order an autographed copy of Flamecaster (release date 5 April 2016) or order signed copies of any of my other books, hardcover or paperback, through my local independent bookstore, The Learned Owl Bookstore . Just indicate in the comments how you would like the book to be personalized or signed. Call the store if you have questions about your order.
If you're ordering for holiday giving, get your order in as soon as possible so we can make that magic happen in time.
I'll be at Rodman Library this Saturday 2-4 pm for my last event of 2015. Giveaways, signing, books for sale! Winter is coming!
Details rodmanlibrary.com
November 5-8, 2015
Saratoga Springs City Center
522 Broadway Saratoga Springs NY 12866
Will you be at WFC2015? Hope to see you at one of these events!
Panel: The Rogue
Thursday, November 5, 2015
4 pm, City Center 2A
With Ellen Kushner, Alistair Kimble, Cinda Williams Chima, James Alan Gardner, Ryk E. Spoor
Reading from FLAMECASTER
Friday, November 6, 2015
3 pm, Broadway 2
Cinda Williams Chima
Autographing/Giveaways
Friday, November 6, 2015
8:30 pm, City Center 2A and City Center 2B
All WFC authors in a mass event!
Bring your own books!
Check the dealer’s room!
I will have a few books on hand
Saturday, October 24, 2015, 1-4 pm
Erlanger Branch of Kenton County Public Library
401 Kenton Lands Road
Erlanger, KY 41018
859-962-4000
http://www.kentonlibrary.org/teens/nk-ya-fest
OK, I know I'm not on the list on the website, but I AM on the tee shirt and I WILL be there.
View Next 25 Posts
By: Cinda Williams Chima,
on 6/14/2016
To celebrate the new series, I'm giving away a prize package including an ARC of Flamecaster plus rare UK editions of the first books in my two previous series, The Warrior Heir and Demon King. I'm throwing in a Flamecaster light pen (all your friends will be jealous!) bookmarks, and a Flamecaster keychain/purse charm. 
