PUBLISHING NEWS

by Mickey Mikkelson

 
 

Say What? How is this even Possible?
 
USA Today Bestselling Author DC Gomez to give away one million copies of Award-Winning e-book from April 2025 to April 2026
 
Nash, Texas,
 
USA Today Best-selling author DC Gomez is on a mission to help readers and her fans alike by gifting in the next year one million copies in e-book format of her debut Award-Winning fantasy novel, Death’s Intern. Death’s Intern, which kicked off the Intern Diaries series is the first book in the five-book series and also includes a critically acclaimed novella. The book has received positive feedback from over 300 Amazon reviews including critical acclaim from positive sources such as Top 100 Amazon book reviewer, Grady Harp and reputable North American blogger, Anthony Avina.
 
Message from DC Gomez:

In this climate full of uncertainties and fears, I would like to add a piece of joy to people’s life. Books have always been my escape and place of peace. When I wrote Death’s Intern, I was in a very dark place in my career. I found myself depressed, unfulfilled and hating everything I was doing. This group of characters changed my life and brought so much joy to my days. My goal is to share it with the world.
A talking cat, a boy genius, missing people, and an untrained Intern for Death. What could possibly go wrong?
 
 There’s no way Death offered me a job. I’m a musician that makes her living as a waitress, with absolutely no training in the supernatural world. This is all a very bad dream.
 
But Bob has been kidnapped, and I can’t possibly lose the only friend I have.
 
Bob, you’d better be alive. Because if I just gave my soul to Death for nothing, I will personally kill you. Not to mention, it seems Death’s Interns have fairly short life expectancies.
 
God, don’t let me die.

 
Death’s Intern is book one in the humorous Urban Fantasy Series The Intern Diaries. Isis Black is thrown into a supernatural world she didn’t know existed, and learns the hard way the Horsemen are real. Her world will never be the same. If you love quirky characters and action-packed adventure with lots of sass, dive in now!
 
About D.C.
 
D. C. Gomez is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and coach. Born in the Dominican Republic, she grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. D. C. studied film and television at New York University. After college she joined the US Army and proudly served for four years.
 
D. C. has a Master’s Degree in Science Administration from the Central Michigan University, as well as a Master in Adult Education from Texas A&M- Texarkana University. She is a certified John Maxwell Team speaker and coach, and a certified meditation instructor from the Chopra Centre.
 
One of D. C. passions is helping those around her overcome their self-limiting beliefs. She writes both non-fiction and fiction books, ranging from Urban Fantasy to Children’s Books. To learn more about her books and her passion, you can find her at www.dcgomez-author.com.
Dr Katherine Hayes, critically acclaimed writer, and now multiple Book Award Winner
 
 
Critically acclaimed and Award-Winning writer, Dr Katherine Hayes has been acknowledged as a multiple award winner in several categories at the 2025 CAN Excellence in Marketing Awards. This prestigious event is sponsored and held by the Christian Author Network. Katherine’s critically acclaimed novel, A Fifth of the Story received First -place finishes in the Mystery/Suspense category as well as Outstanding Web Prescence. In addition to that, Katherine also received a second-place finish in the Devotional category.
 
This multiple recognition is a first for this up-and-coming writer and is the latest highlight in several accomplishments including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021).
 

 
 


First Place: Mystery / Suspense Category
First Place: Outstanding Web Presence
Second Place: Devotional
Marketing Award - Christian Authors Network

 
 
About the CAN Excellence in Marketing Awards:
 
The awards celebrate excellence in Christian media and marketing by authors. 
 
Purpose of the CAN Excellence in Marketing Awards: To recognise, educate, and encourage superior marketing and promotional skills of Christian authors.

 
About Dr Katherine Hayes:
 
Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor—Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines.
 
She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Colour), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organisation Submersion 14 and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organisation Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel.

 
The Tunnels of Buda
A Soul Catcher Novel
 
The second instalment of Don Sawyer’s critically acclaimed Soul Catcher series continues in mystery and magical form
 
The book is available worldwide in print and digital format by Castle Bridge Media
 
 
 
The Mester is dead or maimed and the black stone used to control his network of gem makers is in Barbara and Zoltan’s hands. But as Zoltan discovered in the ruin bars of Budapest from a former associate, who turned up beheaded and his hands cut off, the Mester was just a small part of a much larger cabal, an ancient Order dating back to Aristotle and beyond. The Order has one goal: to convince the populace that there are masters divinely intended to rule and slaves meant only to obey.

Using magic and sorcery, both ancient and modern, they will stop at nothing to protect the rule of the aristoi.



 
But this time the ‘slaves’ are fighting back, drawing on the knowledge and skills from many traditions and backgrounds, including magic of their own, to battle this shadowy cabal and its message of fear, division and hopelessness.
 
In The Tunnels of Buda Zoltan, the 110-year-old gem maker and Barbara, empath and gem wielder, veer in new and terrifying directions, facing evil on an unimagined scale. They are drawn to the lair of the Justin, so powerful he controls the minds of all around him and who commands the Company, a hidden underground futuristic complex that serves as the hub of the Order’s monstrous conspiracy to enact the darkest of Nietzsche’s Weltanschauung.


Barbara and Zoltan find new allies and diabolical enemies as they fight for their lives in the mines and ancient tunnels deep below Buda Castle in Budapest.
 
The Tunnels of Buda (Soul Catcher Book 2) - Kindle edition by Sawyer, Don. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
 
Home | Castle Bridge Media
 
In this beautifully crafted page turner set in an imaginary world just beneath our feet, Don Sawyer has given us a deeply entertaining story of magic, ancient evil and the ability of love, courage and hope to overcome it. He reminds us of the power of imagination and fantasy to probe deeper questions of justice, sustainability, and belonging_ Frye Gaillard, author of The Cradle of Freedom, winner of the Lillian Smith Book Award, A Hard Rain, named an NPR Great Read of 2018; and The Southernization of America, an NPR Best Book of 2022
 
 
The Tunnels of Buda is a real gripper. The plot races along with many a twist and turn, following the Tolkien strategy of suspense/refuge/suspense/refuge, which works so well. No question that if the stars aligned, this could be a movie bigger than The Matrix _ Tom Wayman, author of The Road to Appledore and winner of the George Woodcock Award for Lifetime Achievement in the literary arts.
More In the Soul Catcher Series:
 
 
The Burning Gem spins from the chance meeting of a woman ready for adventure after years in a loveless marriage and a mysterious artisan who will show her another world. Barbara has always had an uncanny ability to read others, but her full empathic skills emerge only after a part of her soul is crystalised into a flaming red gem. Desperate to escape her soul crushing suburban life and to reconnect with the mysterious man who made her gem, she makes her way on foot through the terrifying NY subway tunnels to find an abandoned station. Zoltan is a gem maker who lives an existence of opulent bitterness. Along with a network of other agents, his job is to catch souls and form them into magnificent jewels. He works with referrals only, and how his clients—rising CEOs, ambitious politicians, vainglorious religious leaders—are selected is of no concern to him. He is 110 years old. While Zoltan’s contract with the hideous Mester—who may or may not be human—promises him wealth and extended life, it also prohibits him from touching another person, or even sharing his true name Zoltan’s life is changed dramatically when Barbara bursts into it. She breaks the spell he has been under, and he risks everything—including his life—to discover the true nature of the sinister cabal he has unwittingly been part of. Their base of operations is a long-forgotten 1873 subway terminal, now transformed into the Market, a hidden community of seers, shapeshifters, artisans with extraordinary skills, keepers of ancient knowledge. From here Barbara and Zoltan follow leads that take them to the ruin bars and dark alleys of Budapest in a desperate race to find the truth and neutralise the Mester before he kills them.
 
The Burning Gem: Sawyer, Don: 9798989593439: Books - Amazon.ca
The Burning Gem: Sawyer, Don: 9798989593439: Amazon.com: Books
 
 
‘This exciting fantasy adventure, which plays out just beneath our feet, has already garnered praise for its characters and fast-paced plot: In The Burning Gem, accomplished storyteller and author Don Sawyer gives us a meticulously crafted, richly imagined, complexly plotted, deep and magical allegory creating a world that mirrors the dark forces at work on our planet today. Entertaining and compelling, I enjoyed inhabiting its realm.’Charlie Price, Edgar Award-winning author of The Interrogation of Gabriel James
 
‘Richly engaging, the Soul Catcher series mixes thrilling adventure, mysticism, and heartwarming redemption—an epic world, not to be missed!’Claire Ashgrove, Award -winning author of The Curse of the Templars series

 
About Don Sawyer:
 
From a rural outport in Newfoundland and a First Nations community in British Columbia to West Africa and Jamaica, I have worked with youth and adults from many cultural backgrounds and locales. Inevitably, these experiences have made their way into my writing. I have authored over 12 books in several genres, including two Canadian bestsellers.
 
A writer and educator, Don Sawyer grew up in Michigan and moved to Canada in the 1960s.

He has worked with youth and adults from many cultural backgrounds and in a variety of locales, including teaching high school in a small Newfoundland outport, training community development workers in West Africa, teaching First Nations adults in British Columbia and designing a climate change action course for Jamaican youth.
 
Inevitably, these experiences made their way into his writing: Don has authored more than 12 books—including two Canadian bestsellers—in a variety of genres. His articles and op-eds have appeared in many journals and most of Canada’s major dailies.
 
He currently lives in St Catharine’s, Ontario, with his wife of 54 years and more information can be found at: Don Sawyer, Author & Educator - WELCOME

 

The Calling of the Grull
 
A new series and direction for critically acclaimed
author, Jonni Jordyn
 
This book will be available worldwide in digital format by Jordyn at Large Books
 
The Grull are an ancient clan of people that lived 10,000 years ago. They must find a new homeland when their village is destroyed by a flood. They also have the option of seeking the home of their ancestors and living there, but the journey is perilous and exposes them to the dangers of nature and the dangers of other human tribes.
 
The Calling of the Grull: Book 1 - Kindle edition by Jordyn, Jonni. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
 

 

More Books by Jonni Jordyn:
 

 
 
The Lost Art of Magic by Jonni Jordyn is a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the importance of authenticity in a world where genuine connections are rare. Through Jordyn’s reflective prose, readers are invited to rediscover the ‘magic’ within themselves—the childlike wonder and openness many lose over time. This book balances introspective exercises with poignant anecdotes, encouraging readers to rekindle their inner curiosity and face life’s challenges with courage and compassion. It's a short but impactful read, perfect for those looking to reconnect with themselves and add a bit of wonder back into everyday life _ Venise, Amazon Reviewer
 
The Lost Art of Magic: Tome I takes readers on a captivating adventure where Destiny, a young girl, uncovers hidden powers and faces ancient dangers. The high-stakes narrative makes every page feel urgent, drawing readers deep into mystical kingdoms and thrilling encounters.

The story’s swamp-like setting adds an eerie, immersive touch, enhancing the suspense and mystery. Destiny’s journey isn’t just about magic—it’s about self-discovery, courage, and growth, making it relatable beyond the fantasy elements. Fans of coming-of-age stories will appreciate this layered narrative.
 
This book isn’t just for lovers of fantasy; it also offers a heartfelt exploration of inner strength and resilience. It reminds readers to embrace their authentic selves while delivering an exciting, magical adventure that leaves them eager for more_ GM Reads

 
About Jonni:

Jonni Jordyn was born in Oakland, California in 1957. She started writing at an early age, writing music, poetry, short stories, radio, film, and stage scripts. She didn’t start writing novels until later in life, after she retired from playing music, and found herself travelling away from home for extended periods.

She currently lives in Denver, Colorado.
The fifth and final instalment in the powerhouse science fiction & fantasy anthology series Shapers of Worlds, featuring award-winning and bestselling authors, releases March 25!

Shadowpaw Press in Regina, Saskatchewan, is thrilled to announce the release on March 25 of Shapers of Worlds Volume V, the final instalment in a powerhouse anthology series that has featured some of today’s top writers of science fiction and fantasy, including major award-winners and international bestsellers, all of whom were guests on editor Edward Willett’s Aurora Award-winning podcast, The Worldshapers.

‘Kick-starting and editing the Shapers of Worlds anthology series has been one of the greatest thrills of my career,’ says Willett, himself an award-winning author, as well as publisher of Shadowpaw Press. ‘It has been a joy working with all the amazing authors who have been featured in the five volumes—106 in total, including Hugo, Nebula, and Aurora Award winners and major bestsellers, as well as newer authors just beginning to make their mark. I can’t wait for readers to enjoy this latest crop of outstanding stories. My love of science fiction began with reading short stories, and it’s gratifying to be able to carry on in the tradition of some of the anthologies I read as a much younger reader. I’m also excited that, for the second time, the anthology is illustrated. Every story features a fabulous black-and-white illustration by talented Calgary artist Wendi Nordell.’

He adds, ‘While The Worldshapers podcast continues, it has now broadened its scope to authors outside of science fiction and fantasy, so this seems an opportune time to bring this particular series to an end.’

Shapers of Worlds Volume V features stories by Brad C. Anderson, Edo van Belkom, J. G. Gardner, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, Chadwick Ginther, Evan Graham, M. C. A. Hogarth, M. J. Kuhn, L. Jagi Lamplighter, Kevin Moore, Robin Stevens Payes, James S. Peet, Omari Richards, Lawrence M. Schoen, Alex Shvartsman, Alan Smale, Richard Sparks, P. L. Stuart, Brad R. Torgersen, Hayden Trenholm, Brian Trent, Eli K. P. William, Edward Willett, and Natalie Wright.

More about Shapers of Worlds Volume V

The fifth and final instalment in a series of powerhouse anthologies featuring some of today’s top authors of science fiction and fantasy

From outer space to inner space, from realms of the never-were to those of the here-and-now and the soon-to-be, the twenty-four authors in this fifth and final collection of science fiction and fantasy by writers featured on the Aurora Award-winning podcast The Worldshapers plunge readers into fantastic worlds filled with unforgettable characters.

Teenagers are disappearing in a mysterious grove, and no one knows why—not even those who escape it. The god of love finds magical arrows just don’t cut it in the modern world of digital matchmaking. A prisoner discovers he has been stripped of thirty-five years of memories as punishment for a crime he cannot remember. Far from being a refuge from humdrum reality, dreams become a trap for one young man when he encounters those who dwell there. A man who hunts angels for a living has the tables turned on him by the last angel he corners. Talking beasts from the island of a certain infamous doctor arrive in London to make their way in the world of men, only to be caught up in the ongoing Martian invasion ...

Travel into the past, the present, and the future in stories set in our world, in deep space, in the land of dreams, and in worlds of pure imagination, shaped by an outstanding roster of authors featuring many bestsellers and award-winners. All you have to do is turn the page ...
 
 
Praise for the previous Shapers of Worlds anthology
‘One of the most overall enjoyable anthologies I have had the pleasure of reading ... I think that the editor says it best in his introduction: this collection is like a grand feast, made of many varied splendid ingredients, and you are quite sure to leave happy and satisfied when you are done.’—Tangent Online.
More about the editor
Edward Willett is the award-winning author (under his own name and as E.C. Blake and Lee Arthur Chane) of more than sixty books of science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction for readers of all ages, including twelve novels for DAW Books, the most recent of which is The Tangled Stars, a humorous far-future space-opera heist adventure featuring an AI-uplifted talking cat who becomes a starship captain. Ed won Canada’s top science fiction award, the Aurora Award, for his second novel for DAW, Marseguro, and has been shortlisted several times since, including for his most recent young adult science fiction novel, Star Song. Ed has also won an Aurora Award for his podcast, The Worldshapers. In 2018, Ed founded Shadowpaw Press, publisher of the Shapers of Worlds anthologies among many other books, not only science fiction and fantasy but also literary fiction, poetry, historical fiction, children’s books, and nonfiction. In addition to writing, Ed is a professional actor and singer. He lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, with his wife. They have a grown daughter and a much younger black Siberian cat named, of course, Shadowpaw.

About the illustrator
Wendi Nordell has been drawing for as long as she could hold a pencil. It has always been a favourite pastime and eventually became an occasional job. While her three children were growing up, she painted many murals, including in the pediatrics wing of a hospital, in a school entrance, and in many homes. She also attended festivals and craft shows, selling hand-drawn gift cards, bookmarks, and illustrations. Now that her children are grown, she has pursued an illustration career, illustrating a dozen books in the last five years, mostly for children, but also including Edward Willett’s science fiction and fantasy poetry collection I Tumble Through the Diamond Dust and the science fiction and fantasy anthologies Shapers of Worlds Volume IV and Volume V. Recently, Wendi decided to improve her artistic skills and abilities by returning to the Alberta University of the Arts, pursuing a degree in illustration. Wendi has almost always picked up books based on their cover art, and if there are illustrations inside the book, she thinks that’s even better. She truly hopes that her illustrations enhance readers’ experience with books—including this one!

About Shadowpaw Press

Shadowpaw Press, located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, was founded in 2018 by award-winning author Edward Willett. Shadowpaw Press is a member of Literary Press Group (Canada) and the Association of Canadian Publishers and publishes an eclectic selection of books by both new and established authors, including adult fiction, young adult fiction, children’s books, nonfiction, and anthologies.


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