adventure

Free Fiction Feature June 2021 | Legends of Lasniniar: The Wild Side

The Fey Wood. Iarion stares at the looming forest of ancient oaks and pines and tries not to feel nervous.

A few trees should not intimidate him. But the Wild Elves do not welcome strangers.

Even attractive ones, who search for answers to a thousand year-old problem.

…Unless Iarion can somehow convince them otherwise.

A stand-alone story from the World of Lasniniar series of Iarion’s past, “Legends of Lasniniar: The Wild Side” by award-winning author Jacquelyn Smith adds to the elf’s growing legend.

Now, you can read it online for free for one month only:

Start Reading Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Free Fiction Feature, 0 comments

Free Fiction Feature May 2021 | Legends of Lasniniar: Trial by Fire

Fire sorcerer. Abduction victim.

Traitor.

The Learnéd One Lysandir bears many titles, given to him by the people of Lasniniar. But only a unique and resourceful elf named Iarion dares to call him by the most powerful title of all…

Friend.

Lysandir can only hope it proves enough to save him.

A stand-alone story of mystery and adventure from Iarion’s past in the World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series by award-winning author, Jacquelyn Smith.

Now, you can read it online for free for one month only:

Start Reading Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Free Fiction Feature, 0 comments

Free Fiction Feature April 2021 | On the Card PLUS Making Waves

OK, so it’s been about a year since I launched the Free Fiction Feature, and I’ve decided to mix things up a bit. Instead of posting each story here, on my overall/multi-genre site, I’m breaking them out by genre onto my sub-sites going forward. I’ll continue to post a roundup here of the feature(s) for each month, as well as any other writing news.

What does this mean?

For fantasy:

A different short fantasy adventure will be posted each month on my fantasy-specific website, which will also be highlighted on this blog.

For mystery:

A different short mystery adventure will be posted for one month of each quarter on my mystery-specific website, which will also be highlighted on this blog. These posts will take place during the months of April, July, October, and January.

And yes, this means that during the months listed above, there will be two stories available to read for free–one fantasy and one mystery. This also means that those who enjoy fantasy will get a story in that genre each month, without a mystery story taking up a place in the rotation. For mystery readers, the scheduling is still roughly the same–if not a little more frequent–as it was when I was slotting my mystery stories on this site between my fantasy titles. (I have far fewer mystery shorts than fantasy at the moment, so the scheduling on that side is lighter.)

I hope this all makes sense… In the meantime, here are this month’s Free Fiction Features!

Legends of Lasniniar: Making Waves (Fantasy)

Legends of Lasniniar Making Waves coverDeep sapphire, flecked with silver. Iarion’s eyes mark him from any elf ever born.

A strange, physical anomaly? Or a sign of his unique condition? Even after thousands of years spent wandering the lands of Lasniniar, the answer continues to elude him.

…Now Iarion’s eyes sweep the harbor of the Sea Elves in the hopes that his ship might finally come in.

In the epic fantasy World of Lasniniar series by award-winning author Jacquelyn Smith, this stand-alone story explores an adventure from Iarion’s deep past, before he becomes a hero of legend.

Now, you can read it online for free for one month only:

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On the Card: A Kira Brightwell Short Story (Mystery)

On the Card Kira Brightwell coverKira Brightwell needs to pay.

A problem solver for hire and local hero in her own right, Kira never sought any acclaim for her actions. She only wants to track down the man who abducted her three years ago. And maybe celebrate her birthday with some ice cream cake.

But even an unintentional path to prominence comes with collateral damage.

…And some people can never forgive and forget.

A fast-paced, stand-alone story from the Kira Brightwell mystery series by award-winning author, Jacquelyn Smith.

Now, you can read it for free online for one month only:

Start Reading Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Free Fiction Feature, 0 comments

Free Fiction Feature February 2021 | Legends of Lasniniar: Shipwrecked

Feoandir fights to maintain control of his ship in the midst of a magical maelstrom. The lives of his fellow elf passengers and crew depend on him—a mishmash of the various tribes flung together under dire circumstances.

Striking and opinionated, Silvariel suffers no fools. She knows someone must take charge to keep the elves united. Someone willing to listen to her advice and ready to take the blame if things go from bad to worse. Feoandir seems like the perfect choice.

…If she can convince him to take responsibility for more than his battered ship.

A stand-alone, meet cute story from the elves’ past, “Legends of Lasniniar: Shipwrecked” explores the origins of the Lost Elves in the World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series by award-winning author, Jacquelyn Smith.

Now, you can read it for free on this site for one month only. This short story also comes in ebook and paperback format–both on its own, and as part of the Storm Rider Lasniniar Collection.

Get the ebook at:


Buy ebook direct from the author

Paperback available at:


 

Legends of Lasniniar: Shipwrecked

Jacquelyn Smith

This story will be available for free for one month only. If you missed this one, check out the current Free Fiction Feature here. Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Free Fiction Feature, 0 comments

New Release News and Promos: August 2020

I can’t believe it’s August… These past few months feel like some weird, alternate reality.

We’re coming onto the last two of the Kira Brightwell shorts I have planned for this run (August and September) before I’ll start formatting and releasing all the existing Kira novels and shorts as collections, with one new collection coming out each month for five months.

On the fantasy side, all of the Lasniniar collections are done (for the moment), and I’m focusing on Fatal Empire now, with the remaining three titles in the quartet planned to come out by the end of 2020. Plus, I’ve also written a fun bonus guide to the Dharakmeni Empire that’s available for free, which you can check out below!

August New Releases

Ring Girl: A Kira Brightwell Short Story

Enemies since high school… Kira and Trevor never expected to end up solving cases together.

Trevor knows that Kira does most of the solving, but he likes to think his raw charm and charisma count for something

And when the opportunity to prove himself as more than a stunningly handsome sidekick falls into his lap in the form of a beautiful client, how can he possibly refuse?

A short story misadventure of Kira and Trevor from the Kira Brightwell crime fiction series by award-winning author, Jacquelyn Smith.

Get your ebook ONE WEEK EARLY when you buy your pre-order direct from the author!

Retailer Links

Buy Direct from the Author

 

Yarden the Wanderer Presents: A Visitor’s Guide to the Dharakmeni Empire (A Fatal Empire Bonus Book)

Visitor's Guide to the Dharakmeni Empire cover

Assassins, danger, intrigue… The Dharakmeni Empire does not welcome the faint at heart. (Or anyone else, for that matter.)

But fear not, dear reader! The Shining Kingdom’s foremost adventurer, Yarden the Wanderer, knows all the ins (inns?) and outs of the continent’s most reclusive (and reviled) region.

Let Yarden guide you—as only he can—on a journey through the empire’s customs, caste system, and cuisine. Explore esoteric temples dedicated to the endless expressions of the goddess. Meander your way through a myriad of marketplaces. Impress the locals with your nebulous, newfound knowledge!

…Learn just enough to become an adventurer in your own right with this exclusive guide, funded by the Temple of the Keeper of Wonder, and recorded by award-winning scribe, Jacquelyn Smith.

Please note: Yarden the Wanderer and the Temple of the Keeper of Wonder in no way claim responsibility for any harm or mishap that befalls visitors of the Dharakmeni Empire before or after reading this guide—including, but not limited to death or enslavement.

This title is ONLY available as part of the Back Story Sampler Collection, which is FREE when you subscribe to my newsletter group.

Get this book for FREE!

 

Coming September 3rd (Available for pre-order)

Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Promotions, Publishing Updates, 0 comments

Welcome to the Dharakmeni Empire! (Writing Roundup, July 2020)

Important tomes in any adventurer’s library.

A few months ago, I had an idea. I wanted to create a freebie I could give away as a gift for subscribing to my newsletter group. But I also wanted it to include things that would appeal to both new and regular readers of my work, AND I wanted something that would provide an introduction to each of the series I write, across both the fantasy and crime fiction genres, to encourage people to dip their toes into each to see what they like.

This ended up morphing into the Back Story Sampler Collection.

The introductions to my World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series and Kira Brightwell crime fiction series were easy–I had introductory short stories that were already a perfect fit. And to provide something for existing readers, I added a bonus epilogue for each (that isn’t available anywhere else), as well as reading guides, and threw in some cool coupon codes for good measure.

But my Fatal Empire Quartet was a bit of a tricky one to figure out. I’ve only published the first volume in the fantasy series so far (Keeper of Secrets), but the others are coming out later this year, so I wanted to include some kind of representation of that world in the sampler (which will continue to grow as I sprawl out into new series).

Keeper of Secrets begins during Raziel’s childhood (the main character), so there really isn’t any room to fit in some kind of introductory short story for him. I could write one about his mother or foster-father (and I still might), but it would be difficult to pull off at this point without creating any spoilers for the forthcoming books in the series. Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Behind the Books, Writing Updates, 0 comments

Behind the Books | Legends of Lasniniar: Possession

Sometimes it feels like somebody’s watching me…

 

Several years ago, I decided to challenge myself to write and release one new short fiction piece a month for an entire year from my World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series. Up until this point, I had only written two or three shorts in the series that took place between the novels. But now I was back to working a day job at the local bookstore. I figured a bunch of shorts would be more manageable as I got my job/writing balance worked out again, while still giving me a push to get things out.

This ended up being a huge growth period for me. Lasniniar is a large place, and even at the time when I started this project of shorter pieces, the existing books spanned thousands of years of history. I had a TON of potential characters and places/events to explore, without the obligation of making a novel out of it. Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Behind the Books, 0 comments

Lockdown life continues…

…And so does the Smashwords Authors Give Back Sale! I’ve agreed to allow Smashwords to continue selling a selection of my fantasy and crime fiction titles at a 30-100% discount until the new, extended end date of May 31st. You can check out all the details in my last post.

In the meantime, I seem to have settled into a routine in this ‘new normal’ we’re all living in. Our feline warrior princess, Xena, has quickly become used to having all her humans at home to hang out with, and is even more of a sucky girl than usual. I’ve caught up on the newest season of Midsomer Murders, and watched all of My Life is Murder (with Lucy Lawless!), as well as Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, and the Miss Fisher movie, using my free trial of Acorn TV. And of course, I’m continuing to work my way through my reading pile.

I hope you’re managing to keep yourself safe and well-occupied too! Here’s some new release news that might help…

Now Available:

Clean Break: A Kira Brightwell Short Novel

Clean Break Kira Brightwell coverKira Brightwell needs a change of scenery.

A few weeks have passed since her latest case. (Assuming you can call it a case without being officially hired or paid…)

A nice, relaxing, solo trip to Toronto to visit her grandparents seems like a good idea—no nosy reporters, no criminals to take down with her MMA skills, and (most importantly) no self-appointed sidekick Trevor Wright.

But the moment Kira steps off the plane from California, she realizes nothing has gone according to plan.

A quirky, short crime novel for both new and regular readers of the Kira Brightwell series. This adventure takes place between Split Decision and Black and Blue.

Available in: Ebook, Paperback (select retailers)

Retailer Links Buy Direct from the Author

 

Kinslayer Lasniniar Collection

Kinslayer Lasniniar Collection coverTainted magic. Deception. Betrayal.

The elves thought they had outrun all three when they started over on Lasniniar. But the new continent brings new neighbors with unknown motives of their own—along with the hidden enemy that already lurks within.

This fast-paced, epic fantasy collection contains one novel and two short stories from the World of Lasniniar series: Kinslayer, Making Waves, and Adventure Takes a Holiday. Kinslayer is the second novel in the series. All adventures in this collection take place between Light Chasers and Soul Seeker.

Available in: Ebook, Paperback (select retailers)

Retailer Links Buy Direct from the Author

 

 

NEW! Available for Pre-order (Coming May 7th):

On the Card: A Kira Brightwell Short Story

On the Card Kira Brightwell coverKira Brightwell needs a change of scenery.

Kira Brightwell never expects much on her birthday.

But this year promises an even more low-key day than usual, with a sick boyfriend, one of her few friends working a double shift, and her family too busy to celebrate until the weekend.

Curling up with an ice cream cake to binge-watch some movies seems like the best way to salvage things. (And so what if she had to buy the cake herself?)

…Until an anonymous birthday card containing an immediate threat ends up crashing the party.

A quirky, crime short story for both new and regular readers of the Kira Brightwell series. This adventure takes place between Split Decision and Black and Blue.

Available in: Ebook (Paperback will be added by the release date, in addition to more retailer links and a direct purchase option.)

Retailer Links

 

Godmaker Lasniniar Collection

Godmaker Lasniniar Collection coverThere have never been gods in Lasniniar—until now.

But most of these so-called deities are more interested in power than peace. Meanwhile, the dark creatures that roam the land are multiplying in the growing chaos…

This fast-paced, epic fantasy collection contains one novel and two short stories from the World of Lasniniar series: Godmaker, By the Light of the Moon, and Lion’s Pride. Godmaker is the sixth novel in the series. All adventures in this collection take place between Wave Runners and Void Walker.

Available in: Ebook (Paperback will be added by the release date, in addition to more retailer links and a direct purchase option.)

Retailer Links

 

 

Introducing the Direct Purchase Option

I’ve recently added all my existing titles to my Payhip store, which means you now have the option to buy ebooks directly from me. Each purchase includes both the ePub and Kindle version of the book to give you a choice of platform options. All payments are securely processed by Paypal.

As I mentioned in my last post, I will continue to price-match the Smashwords Authors Give Back Sale discounts for my titles on my Payhip store–however long it ends up getting extended.

 

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Posted by Jacquelyn in Promotions, Publishing Updates, 0 comments

Lasniniar meets Die Hard?? (lol)

OK, maybe not really… But sweet click-bait title, right?

There is a story behind this, of course. It goes a little something like this:

Me: (Hands Mark the manuscript for Quicksilver.) Here’s the new Lasniniar story that’s coming out in December. Iarion and Barlo are in it. It’s about when they first meet Felara.

Mark: So it’s a Christmas story.

Me: Well… Not exactly. I mean, it takes place around Solstice, but it’s not a Solstice adventure, per se.

Mark: You mean like Die Hard.

Me: Um… yes? (Full confession: I’ve never actually seen Die Hard.)

So yeah. Quicksilver is an Iarion and Barlo, Solstice-adjacent adventure featuring Felara that might possibly be like Die Hard. (But probably isn’t. I forgot to ask Mark for a follow-up comparison after he finished reading it.) Decide for yourself! 😛

Legends of Lasniniar: Quicksilver is now available | Click here for retailer links

Legends of Lasniniar Quicksilver cover

Barlo isn’t a fan of Iarion’s new friend.

The strange, unnamed woman arrives from out of nowhere, and seems to know far too much about the legendary elf for Barlo’s taste.

Iarion is more intrigued than concerned. After all, Barlo’s suspicious, dwarven nature has been proved wrong before, and the woman seems friendly enough. But Barlo can’t help but wonder…

Who is she? What does she want?

…And why is she so interested in Iarion?

A fast-paced, fantasy adventure for both new and regular readers of the World of Lasniniar series by Writers’ Journal winning author, Jacquelyn Smith. This short story takes place between Wave Runners and GodmakerClick the link above to find this title at your preferred retailer.

NEW! Legends of Lasniniar: Goddess Almighty | Click here for retailer links

Coming January 16th

Legends of Lasniniar Goddess Almighty coverFelara is looking for followers.

…Worshipers, to be precise. She does want to become a goddess, after all.

And why shouldn’t she? All her other Unborn cousins and siblings are doing it. Besides, Felara has big plans, assuming her glimpses of the future are accurate.

All she needs is the right group of humans—and the right circumstances—to start a new religion.

A fast-paced, fantasy adventure for both new and regular readers of the World of Lasniniar series by Writers’ Journal winning author, Jacquelyn Smith. This short story takes place between Wave Runners and GodmakerClick the link above to find this title at your preferred retailer.

 

Coming December 25th-January 1st: Smashwords Year End Sale!

I’m going to be taking part in the Smashwords annual holiday sale, so if you’re missing any of these titles from your collection, this is your chance to get the ePub versions and save 50% with coupon code SEY50: Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Promotions, Publishing Updates, Writing Updates, 0 comments

How I fell ass-backward into writing

I’ll always have my backup career as an ice cream taster (aside from the whole lactose intolerance thing). [Photo by Brenda Smith.]

I never wanted to be a writer growing up.

I mean, I was always into reading. Like, really into reading. My parents are both big readers, and they did everything they could to encourage the same in me. There were bedtime stories (Noddy [affiliate link], complete with my dad’s off-key singing of the songs), library books (pretty sure my mom cleared out the then-paltry Young Adult section before starting to bring home adult fiction when I was in around fifth grade), book orders through my school classroom, and monthly visits to my local bookstore for the release of each new title in the Sweet Valley Twins [affiliate link] series. (Team Elizabeth 4 life! Lol.)

…And once I got into adult fantasy, I was unstoppable. Every summer, we would go to the cottage for a week, and I would go through at least one novel a day. I remember walking through the halls of my high school with a 700-page book under my arm and someone asking me what class I was reading it for. I got a blank stare when I explained I was just reading it for fun.

But yeah. I never thought about being a writer. Somehow, it was never on my radar. Continue reading →

Posted by Jacquelyn in Behind the Books, 0 comments