King of Starcast Skies HAS A COVER!! (And ITC #3 has a Title!)

Published on October 22, 2024 by Hannah Greentree1 Comment

A love worth saving. A curse to break. One night to die.

The highly anticipated cover for “King of Star-Cast Skies” is finally here!

While we wait in agony for closure after that ending of Kaitlyn Carter-Brown’s “Queen of Shifting Sands”, we are happy to announce the sequel officially has a cover! And it features our one and only Elerek!

The beautiful cover art was once again painted by the legendary Salome Totladze (@morgana0anagrom on Instagram). And now that the pair is complete, Elerek and Lystra can finally be united on your shelf!

Keep scrolling to see how gorgeous they are together!

If you haven’t caught up on the adventure, grab your copy here or read on Kindle Unlimited!

If you’re bursting (hopefully not from the curse!) for the next edition, preorders are officially open here! Only the FIRST 45 PREORDERS will receive these exclusive goodies! So be quick! And in case you needed a final push, here’s the blurb of the adventure we’re about to embark back on:

Lystra swore never to mourn a king again, her heart shattered by loss as her desert kingdom of Instanolde fights for survival. As its queen, she intended to save her people, and in forging a marriage alliance with its prince-heir, she vowed to save him from the deadly curse as well. But she never meant to fall in love again. Now, with Instanolde under attack and the curse growing more monstrous by the day, Lystra, along with Elerek and Rahzar, find themselves captives on an impossible journey across the desert. A journey to break the curse, one that comes with a steep cost, a cost Lystra isn’t sure her heart can pay.

Elerek never intended to survive, only to save his kingdom for his queen to reign in glory. But after watching Instanolde fall into ruin and a host of secrets and lies swarm the shadows, his numbered days may be the key to ensuring they survive. His curse, once a personal death sentence, has become a source of incredible power, one he intends to unleash upon his enemies. But, still reeling from a bitter betrayal by those he trusted most, Elerek finds himself wondering who the true threats to his kingdom are.

Razhar’s world has spiraled out of control. His comfortable life in the palace with a king had allowed him to keep his secrets deeply buried, but with Elerek’s curse becoming more deadly, and the kingdom on its knees before the invaders, one calculated risk brought his dark truths into the light. Leveraging the power of his own abilities while fending off the demons of his past, Razhar is forced to walk a fine line between saving those he loves––or saving only himself.

It’s a race against time to either save the kingdom or break the curse. When every choice carries a cost and each moment counts, the story that began in Queen of Shifting Sands meets its epic conclusion in King of Star-Cast Skies, where forgiveness, sacrifice, and a love to hold up the skies set the stage across this sweeping desert adventure.

While we’re making announcements…

Into the Churn #3’s title is…. 🥁🥁🥁

Photo Credit to our amazing rep, @cassandrahammwrites!

INTO THE ABYSS!

This epic trilogy from Hayley Reese-Chow is coming to an epic conclusion, with an epic title to match. If you want to catch up on this racing (both in hearts and in spaceships) series, check them out here!

Oh, and speaking of ITC…

Don’t forget about the novella, A Churn in the Dark, which is still available for preorder! This short story features our favorite Royaler manager Sylvia and while it’s not required reading before Into the Abyss, we strongly recommend it! You can still snag your copy early HERE (which also gets you the exclusive postcard shown below!) You’re also welcome to preorder from Amazon, but you will not receive the bonus preorder incentives unless you order from our website!

Thank you, our readers, for always being amazing! We appreciate your love for these characters and these stories. While these adventures might be drawing to a close, ours has just begun!

XOXO,
Micheline

Abstract high tech background in blue tones

Introducing A Churn in the Dark – An All New Into the Churn Story!

Published on August 13, 2024 by Hannah GreentreeLeave a comment

A Churn in the Dark

Love and murder stir between the stars.

Four months after the Belethea Race Royale team’s narrow escape from Otho and Casolla’s dark syndicates, Sylvia Long, Grady/Guns, and Belethea’s newest doubles team arrive on Crion for its inaugural New Year Race. But with Sterling/Hart enjoying their own holiday back home, Sylvia struggles to balance her ever-growing duties as both team coach and manager.

Meanwhile, Agent Shiro Tanaka—Sylvia’s boyfriend and the Belethea royalers’ one-man security team—is determined to use this working holiday to propose to Sylvia under Crion’s aurora-bathed skies. But when the race takes a dark turn, all their plans go out the airlock as Shiro and Sylvia rush to save their royalers.

The bad blood is still thick in Casolla, and someone isn’t about to let Belethea forget it.

This Into the Churn novella will be released on November 19th, 2024.

The first 40 preorders from our website will come with a complimentary art print postcard and signed bookplate from the author. (Kindle ebook version is available via Amazon)

Indie Author Feature

It’s also time for our next indie author feature! We’re honored to introduce you to:

Kristen J. Dawson, author of The Unchosen trilogy!

Kristin loves chocolate, researching (rabbit holes), English movies, and reading science fiction and fantasy novels (like Raye Wagner, Jeff Wheeler, Melissa Caruso, Brandon Sanderson, Suzanne Collins, and … a thousand other great stories with fun characters and lots of tension!).

Kristin was born in L.A., grew up in Utah, spent a short stint in Bristol, England, and ended up in the Pacific Northwest. She loves the forest and has learned that when Oregonians say, “I live in the country,” they’re not talking about living near barns or cows. They’re talking about the woods. The woods! (Right? It’s not like the farmer stories she grew up with, either.)

We asked Kristin a few questions and here’s what she had to say!

Whimsical: What is the best advice you have received as a writer?
Kristin: Some of the best advice I received was to read strategically. We often hear the advice to “read, read, read,” which is true . . . to a point. Here is an example of where writers run into trouble: if you read traditionally published women’s literature while writing your sci-fi novel that you plan to indie publish, you’re missing out on research opportunities. Don’t clip your wings; read and study your genre and know it inside and out!

Whimsical: What is the most meaningful feedback you’ve ever received from a reader?
Kristin: The most meaningful response I receive from readers is when they dress up as my characters for events. That’s so much effort, so it’s a huge honor! Most of the readers who dress up as my characters are kids who loved my epic fantasy “Unchosen” trilogy, and they generally choose the protagonist. But my cute niece dressed up as the protagonist’s direwolf for Halloween, and I loved it!

Whimsical: How do you hope your work will impact your readers?
Kristin: Of course, I hope the story will settle in their hearts forever. haha!

With “impact” we can relate that to “theme.” I generally let my books choose their own theme as I am writing the first or second draft. They’re feral. ha! However, I’ve purposefully pivoted the themes and tones since The Global Shutdown That Shall Not Be Named. My debut series, the “Unchosen” trilogy, started publishing in 2019. This series has a lot of depth and an overarching commentary on “power.” In more recent years, I have focused on lighter stories that readers can fall into. We have enough struggle IRL, so with Elven House of Ivy, I’ve worked hard to bring lighter, more humorous tales to readers.

Whimsical: What book(s) inspired you the most?
Kristin: I’ve read and enjoyed so many stories over the years. Most of the books I’ve read have soaked into my blood and sinews and come out a little bit here and a little bit there in all my writing.

However, some books have inspired my writing more directly. For “Unchosen,” I wanted a studious…character to be the protagonist + I loved the Russian vibes of Shadow and Bone [Bardugo]. I ended up with a great “coming of age” story inspired by ancient Dacian history. More recently with Elven House of Ivy, I was inspired by the exciting fae political intrigue stories coming out of late (like Kay L. Moody’s “Bitterthorn” series) + classic fantasy (with rotating POV’s and lots of action) + elves from Lord of the Rings (my orcs couldn’t be more different!).

Whimsical: Can you share any upcoming projects or plans for future books?
Kristin: I plan to be in the Alysatraee world for the next two years. Book 1, Elven House of Ivy, will be published on August 20, 2024, and the second book in the duology will be published in early 2025. I hope to have two duologies set in Alysatraee, though the magic system and world are deep… I could expand to a third trilogy if readers want more 😉

I’ve also been asked to write a short story for an anthology, which I’m very excited about. I love the short story form. The anthology will be announced soon!

Whimsical: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
Kristin: While my upcoming novels have a lot of slow-burn romance, I don’t write spice. It’s not my thing! Some of my writing doesn’t even include romance (specifically in my short stories). I love writing adventure quests, puzzles, fight scenes, complicated familial relationships, and romance… I just don’t include all of these elements in every story.

A misfit band of allies
A threat of twisted magic
Their secrets could destroy them… if their enemies don’t get them first.

Dive into the world of Trinth if you love rotating POVs, portals through realms, elven councils, fae courts, wounded love interests, and enemies to swe

et romance!

Be sure to follow Kristin on Instagram and Facebook for updates!

Reminders

Indie Author Database

Don’t forget we have a page on our website dedicated to supporting indie authors! Find your next great read or if you are an indie author, fill out the form to be added to the site! We’d love to have you!

Each month, we will also feature an artist from our database in our newsletter. We support human artists who do not use AI. Feel free to browse the list or if you are an artist that doesn’t use AI and would like to join the list, you’re welcome to submit your information to be added!

Is there an indie author you’d like us to interview next? Let us know here! We are so grateful to you all for your continued support and love! We couldn’t do what we do without you, our wonderful whimsies!

XOXO,
Micheline

Celebrate Christmas in July with up to 30% off! And check out this 1920’s Peter Pan Retelling!

Published on July 10, 2024July 9, 2024 by Hannah GreentreeLeave a comment

We aren’t sure what part of the world you live in or what the weather’s like, but around here, it is HOT. So hot that we decided to cool off by having a little Christmas in July celebration… with a SALE!

Absolutely everything in the shop is on sale. And by everything, we mean everything*! Even our clearance section is discounted, so take advantage of our second biggest sale of the year.

Use the following codes to discount your entire cart! Coupons CAN be combined!

Get 15% off our exclusive editions with code EXCLUSIVE15
Use BOOKS30 for 30% off the rest of our books.
Code JULY25 will take 25% off everything* else in the shop!

But hurry! This sale ends July 16th!

The Fine Print
*Preorders are not discounted
+All orders will be shipped once the sale ends. Fine art prints are printed on demand and the turnaround time is listed in the item description.

Indie Author Feature

To continue our efforts to support indie authors, we’re going to feature one in our newsletter each month. But exclusively in our newsletter, so make sure you’re subscribed! For our first indie author feature…

Meet Courtney Millecam, author of The Otherworlds trilogy!

Courtney writes fantasy novels for young adults with atmospheric settings, magic, girls with swords, swoony love interests, and heart pounding adventure.

When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with family, enjoying the mountains near her home, or curled up reading with a Dr. Pepper in hand.

We sat down (digitally) with Courtney and asked her a few questions about her books and writing in general. Here’s what she had to say!

Whimsical: What is the most inspiring feedback you’ve ever received from a reader?

Courtney: Anytime a reader reaches out to tell me they loved my book or connected with one of my characters, I’m so thrilled. To me, that’s a huge compliment and it inspires me to keep writing.

Whimsical: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Courtney: My books are historical-fantasy and also retellings so there was a lot of world-building to make these elements all come together. I loved including Easter eggs from the original stories and having appearances from familiar characters, while also creating something completely new. I love history and including historically accurate details took a lot of time, but was important so readers felt like they were immersed in 1923 London. Everything from the type of bicycle Charlie rides and the items he stocks at Mr. Willoughby’s store to the types of hats and shoes Evie wears are authentic to that time.

Whimsical: What is the best advice you have received as a writer?

Courtney: The best advice I received as a writer is to know your why. Why do I write? Some days, writing is hard! Some days, I let comparison steal my joy. When that happens, I remind myself why I started writing in the first place. Writing was therapeutic for me when my kids were young and the only escape I got was the hour or two during naptime. I loved the process of creating a full novel from a blank page and found I loved telling the types of stories that I enjoyed reading. I’m so grateful I get to share these stories with others.

Whimsical: How do you hope your work will impact your readers?

Courtney: A couple of the themes I try to highlight are the ideas that our past does not define us and that strength comes in many forms. I hope others can see themselves in my characters and that these messages resonate with them.

Whimsical: Can you share any upcoming projects or plans for future books?

Courtney: Right now, I’m working through feedback from my editor on the final book in this trilogy. Publication is planned for early 2025. This is going to be an epic conclusion and I’m so excited to see everything come together.

Whimsical: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

Courtney: My books are available in all formats on Amazon and are part of Kindle Unlimited. Readers can connect with me on instagram @courtmillecam or via my newsletter. Sign up at courtneymillecam.com

The Never Heir is a 1920s Peter Pan retelling that explores what happens to the lost boys after they leave Neverland that is perfect for fans of fairytale retellings with dark twists, atmospheric settings, and slow burn romance that’s swoony, not spicy.

And check out this absolutely swoon-worthy artwork of Charlie and Evie, created by @damian.in.the.den

Reminders

Indie Author Database

Don’t forget our page dedicated to supporting indie authors! Find your next great read or if you are an indie author, fill out the form to be added to the site! We’d love to have you!

Finally, don’t forget we currently have two amazing preorders available!

We Will Be Heroes by Megan McCullough releases later this month on the 23rd.

Sense & Sensibility, the next novel in our Jane Austen collection, which releases September 10th.

XOXO,
Micheline

Charting Stars Has a BRAND NEW Cover! (and an old GIVEAWAY)

Published on June 7, 2024June 7, 2024 by Hannah GreentreeLeave a comment

Welcome to the Nine Realms!

We are delighted to announce that Charting Stars has been re-released!! Not only is there a brand new cover, but the story itself has been lightly revised (don’t fret if you loved the first edition – it just has an added chapter and been slightly tweaked).

To answer the big question? Why did we do this?

We won’t sugarcoat things. Charting Stars has had a pretty rough time. For those who may not know, it began as a graphic novel… but those are extremely labor-intensive to create and with her chronic illness, Micheline couldn’t continue with the illustrations required.

There were also some other challenges behind the scenes so, Charting Stars became a regular novel. Unfortunately, its worldwide debut in the midst of The Maiden Ship trilogy didn’t get it the undivided attention we feel it deserves.

So what to do? Well, at Whimsical, we don’t quit. We may postpone and reschedule and delay because life happens. But Micheline was determined for her feel-good fantasy story to have every opportunity to reach the right readers. And we hope that means you!

Charting Stars is available from our website in paperback, hardcover, or the exclusive dust jacketed edition! The dust jacket edition includes an exclusive design on the hardcase, interior illustrations, and a bonus chapter!

If you prefer eBook, you may also order the Kindle format from Amazon.

PLUS! The first 50 orders from the shop will receive the goodies pictured below (two art postcards and one double-sided bookmark) free with their order!

This is NOT a preorder! We have these books in hand ready to ship to you as soon as you order!

To celebrate this re-launch, we’re giving away a copy of the discontinued graphic novel that started it all, along with a stack of Charting Stars postcards! To enter, click HERE!

Some reminders before you go…

Jane Austen fans! The next installment of our collection is Sense and Sensibility! Preorders will begin in mid-June, so keep your eyes open for that announcement on our Instagram and in a newsletter!

We Will Be Heroes (Book 2 in the We Could Be Villains series) is still available for preorder but the preorder incentives are running low! So if you were waiting to grab your copy, don’t wait much longer!