Things what I learnt in the last year about myself, publishing, writing and maybe even life. Plus other things what bear repeating. I started a Patreon. I don't believe my patrons actually read it - I think they're just supporting me because they're nice people. First instance of imposter syndrome. Finishing a trilogy is terrifying … Continue reading 2019 in review (writing stuff)
Category: Novels
I'm over the moon to say that Bloodchild has received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Getting one of those stars is a sign an author has done a good job, so naturally I couldn't be happier that Bloodchild gets one to match the one worn by her sister, Darksoul. The review reads as follows: … Continue reading Publishers’ Weekly gives Bloodchild a starred review!
What can I say? The day has arrived and my debut trilogy is now published. Cue the Frodo Baggins in Mount Doom "it's done, it's over" speech. Three books, when just seeing one in print had been my goal and dream for all of my adult life and probably longer. 400,000 words published, give or … Continue reading The end of the beginning
I'm absolutely over the moon by the below review from the Fantasy Hive about Bloodchild, the third book in my Godblind trilogy. It seems that all the points I was trying to hit were, indeed, hit - either that or the reviewer in question, Mike, can somehow see into my brain. I wouldn't actually put … Continue reading BLOODCHILD by Anna Stephens (Book Review) | The Fantasy Hive
If you're looking to discover great fiction by people of colour, you could do worse than check out this awesome list by Stewart Hotston. via The alternative (to you) writers list
This is just a very short post to let you know that Godblind has reached another milestone in its evolution. Yesterday, a fabulous Serbian artist by the name of Dejan Delic sent me a tweet attaching the image he'd created from the Godblind universe. I absolutely love it, and you can check out more of … Continue reading Godblind gets fan art!
Phew! That has been an INTENSE six weeks, but the first major draft is now done and with agent and editor. A lot of plot and structural changes happened, the big reveal at the end became a big reveal at the start, with a DIFFERENT big reveal at the end, and in general it is a … Continue reading Darksoul edits are done! (for now)
I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Rob and Philip over at the excellent Grim Tidings podcast back in September. After, I suspect, much heavy editing to make me (or arguably all three of us) sound clever and comprehensible, you can now listen to it on their website, podbean or iTunes. Here's a handy … Continue reading The Grim Tidings Podcast interview
Harper Voyager made the somewhat dubious decision to invite me to attend this year's Gothenburg book fair. Having never been to Sweden, and keen to do everything possible to promote Godblind and generally be a 'good author', I of course said yes. It was ridiculously exciting to be invited, and they graciously allowed me to … Continue reading Gothenburg book fair – 28-30 September 2017
It's been a busy few weeks, first with my mammoth week of events, conventions and panels (Grim Gathering, Gothenburg Book Fair and Fantasycon), and then with a couple of excellent promotions for Godblind and its first award nomination in the Booknest Fantasy Awards! Promotions first, to tantalise your taste buds and delight your bank balance: … Continue reading Godblind promotions, and my book baby’s first award nomination
