Literary Golden Book Award for Smuggler's Guilt

Smuggler's Guilt followed up its 5-star Literary Titan review with a Golden Book Award!.  Super excited!!!

Smuggler's Guilt Audiobook Release

 Everyone, the audiobook for Smuggler's Guilt is now available on Amazon, Audible and ITunes.  The talented Anthony LeRoy Lovato reprises his role as narrator for this new story and I can't see anyone else bring Reese Daniels' character to life better than him.

Literary Titan Gives Smuggler's Guilt 5 stars

 I am excited to announce that Smuggler's Guilt received a 5-star review from Literary Titan!  Here is the review:

T. D. Wilson’s Smuggler’s Guilt is an enthralling addition to the sci-fi adventure genre, seamlessly continuing the journey of Reese Daniels, the protagonist first introduced in Smuggler’s Valor. As a smuggler turned ally to the Marines in their battle against aliens, Daniels now finds himself in a precarious alliance with the authorities. His mission: to apprehend a group of smugglers who have brazenly pilfered from a headquarters. His reward is freedom, but he will risk his life to gain it.

Wilson’s narrative style remains as compelling as ever, masterfully balancing the pacing of the story with vivid descriptions of settings and action sequences. The blend of action and rich detail draws the reader deeper into the story. Wilson immerses readers fully in the unfolding events, creating another installment fans will find difficult to put down.

The character development in Smuggler’s Guilt is particularly noteworthy. Wilson crafts characters that are intricate and full of unexpected layers. The narrative skillfully reveals these layers, maintaining a sense of familiarity with the characters while allowing for new aspects of their personalities to emerge. The plot moves swiftly, adeptly exploring the complexities of human emotion, decision-making, and the myriad of circumstances that the characters encounter. The book’s conclusion is both satisfying and tantalizing, hinting at the potential for further exploration in the series, particularly with regard to the enigmatic Greywalkers. This effective setup paves the way for future installments, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating what comes next for Reese Daniels.

I highly recommend Smuggler’s Guilt to those who have a penchant for fast-paced, richly woven sci-fi adventures. For a more comprehensive understanding of the characters and storyline, it is advisable to read Smuggler’s Valor before delving into this sequel. Smuggler’s Guilt stands out as an exemplary read in its genre, offering a fulfilling experience that will leave readers both delighted and intrigued.

Literary Titan Silver Book Award

 The reviews and awards for Smuggler's Valor keep rolling in.  Today, I was informed Smuggler's Valor received Literary Titan's Silver Book Award!

Smuggler's Guilt Release Day!

Smuggler's Guilt is officially released on Amazon!  It is available for purchase and via Kindle Unlimited.  An audiobook version is coming soon on Audible..

Trapped between Earth Defense Force Security and a criminal cartel is a recipe for disaster. Good thing I can't cook.

Awarded Honorable Mention in the recent second quarter Volume 40 of L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future contest.

Reese Daniels has rules for smuggling and when he follows them everything clicks. Coerced into helping Earth Defense Force Security take down a criminal cartel, Reese has to violate his code to protect his family, his life, and humanity. With everything at stake, he must find unlikely allies to accomplish his mission.

Interview with Nebula/Locus/Ignyte Award Finalist Ai Jiang

This is my second year as a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) and last year was my first opportunity to nominate and vote for different works in the Nebula Awards. I wanted to start a new series of interviews with sci-fi/fantasy award winners and finalists to promote their accomplishments. The most notable awards today include the Nebulas, Clarke, Locus, Ignyte, and Hugo awards.

My guest today is Ai Jiang.  Ai is a Canadian-Chinese writer, and an immigrant from Fujian. she has been a finalist for her writing in the Nebula, Locus and Ignyte awards. She is a member of HWA, SFWA, and Codex. Her work can be found in F&SF, The Dark, Uncanny, The Masters Review, Prairie Fire, among others. She is the recipient of Odyssey Workshop’s 2022 Fresh Voices Scholarship and the author of Linghun and I AM AI. Find her on Twitter (@AiJiang_) and online (http://aijiang.ca).  Let's get to the interview

T.D. Wilson: In a few paragraphs, describe your writing journey and how many stories/books you have written.

Ai Jiang: My writing journey has been wild and chaotic to say the least. I began diving into short story craft and writing/submitting short stories in late 2020 and have sent out 1500+ submissions with 150+ publications since then (a mix of short stories, poems, and nonfiction piece). But before that, I wrote a bit in middle school and high school that were inspired by my favourite books back then. Since then, I’ve had pieces translated into different languages—Chinese, Spanish, Japanese—and had them taught at/included as part of courses at MIT, the University of Washington, among others. It’s wild to have the honour of saying that one of these stories had made it onto the Nebula and Locus Award finalist list.

I had written my first novella (LINGHUN) in 2022, along with my first novelette (I AM AI), put together a mini collection (SMOL TALES) as well as a full collection that’s on submission with my literary and film agents, and finished my first novel recently. There was a novella I’d written back in 2020/2021, though it was not completed, and I intend to take it apart and placing pieces of it into my other works-in-progresses.

T.D. Wilson: You have a few new releases this year. What are they and what inspired them?

Ai Jiang: My debut novella LINGHUN (April 4th, 2023—Dark Matter INK) is inspired by a flash fiction piece with the same title: “Welcome Home”, which was published in Ghostlore: An Audio Fiction Anthology. I thought it would be interesting to explore the idea of ghosts and grief through a different lens, where the humans are the ones doing the haunting rather than the ghosts.

My first novelette I AM AI (June 20th, 2023—Shortwave Publishing) is a bit of a meta cyberpunk piece that I’d been thinking about writing for a while, and rather than the recent AI developments, it was more so inspired by my past as a ghost writer and the toxic productivity that the role had promoted—the more you write, the more you get paid—along with how this same toxic productivity is encouraged in numerous industries.

My mini collection SMOL TALES FROM BETWEEN WORLDS (March 2nd, 2023—Tales From Between) is made up of my earlier works of short fiction to explore my journey as a writer and the stories that have brought me to this point in my career.

T.D. Wilson: Do you enjoy writing novel length or short fiction? Why?

Ai Jiang: I think they both hold quite different appeals for me in that I often finish short stories in one sitting (the writing part of it and not the thinking/brewing that leads up to it), whereas novels/novellas/novelettes take far longer and don’t offer the same immediate dopamine. But I find that short stories are great for when I want to experiment with something craft-related, whether it’s a particular structure, unconventional perspective, or other unusual storytelling formats, and also as a way to explore an idea I might want to later expand it. Short stories allow me to zoom in on a vast world and focus more so on the minuscule while hinting at the broader world around it. Though with novels, I enjoy the flexibility in its length for when I want to include more subplots, characters, and explore more aspects of a world I’ve been brewing on for a very long time.

T.D. Wilson: Do you have any unusual writing habits?

Ai Jiang: I suppose I have an odd ritual of procrastinating before I write—in that I procrastinate for a long time, trying to get it out of my system, before I go into a hyper-focus mode. Though this often means my writing is sporadic with long stretches of no words and mostly thinking and rabbit-hole research before a sudden burst of thousands within days. That, and I tend to drink a lot of bubble tea while I’m actively writing.

T.D. Wilson: What authors, or books have influenced you?

Ai Jiang: Too many to count! But I would say my main influences would by Kazuo Ishiguro, Toni Morrison, Don DeLillo, Ursula K. LeGuin, Ted Chiang, Khaled Hosseini, Junot Díaz, George Orwell, Octavia Butler. As for book: Never Let Me Go, Beloved, White Noise, Kite Runner, Haunting of Hill House, Flowers for Algernon, Lilith’s Brood trilogy.

T.D. Wilson: What are you working on now?

Ai Jiang: I’m picking at my first novel—it’s gone through two revisions now—but I’ve been working on research for a few of my new projects and will be starting my horror romantic tragedy soon as well as the novelized version of my short story “Give Me English” and book two of the novella duology I’d sold to Titan—Natural Engines.

T.D. Wilson: What was your reaction to being nominated for Nebula/Locus awards? Did you attend the ceremonies?

Ai Jiang: Both surprised and ecstatic, I’d say, because there were many people who had reached out to tell me how much the story had resonated with them, but I’d never expected that it would gain enough votes to make it onto the final ballot. I attended both ceremonies, the Nebula Conference in person and the Locus Awards online.

T.D. Wilson: What are you reading now?

Ai Jiang: I’ve been trying to read a ton of indie/small press releases recently, but I’ve also been trying to balance it with the research I need to be doing and catch up on reading more Asian SFF as I’ve discovered that my current library of the mind is lacking in that sense.

T.D. Wilson: What is your next project?

Ai Jiang: Outside of what I’m working on now, I’m also planning on an epic fantasy duology/trilogy. I’m not quite sure about the logistics yet, and I might end up writing other books in between as my “procrastination”, so we shall see!

T.D. Wilson: What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

Ai Jiang: Write for yourself; edit for the readers. I think after getting into the weeds of the publishing industry, it’s difficult not to think of our work as products rather than the fruit of our love and passion for writing, and this line of advice was one that helped me pushed past the mindset of thinking about what readers would want to read while writing my first drafts and focusing on what I really want to write and say instead.

T.D. Wilson: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy when you’re not writing?

Ai Jiang: I love learning new things—histories, cultures, the roots of languages—and though my efforts are rather scatter-shotted, it keeps my attention and interest from waning. Recently I’ve taken an interest in ancient Chinese calligraphy and art as well as the art of tea brewing. I used to train and compete competitively in badminton but have taken a step back from that this year and play more recreationally now. I’m thinking about taking up archery again—something I ended up putting down when I got into badminton in high school. Visual arts are something I’ve always loved since I was a child, so I’m thinking about picking that up again as well by watching some video lessons on using tools like Procreate.

T.D. Wilson: Lasty, imagine you’re going to be stranded on a desert island and you’re allowed 3-4 books to take with you. What would they be?

Ai Jiang: Beloved, Never Let Me Go, Kite Runner, and Lord of the Flies. The last of the list particularly fitting I think—a reminder of what the desperation of survival might result in.

That's all we have time for today.  I really want to thank Ai for her time and inspiring answers. Today's current list of Nebula Award Suggested reads is available here: https://www.sfwa.org/forum/reading/.  Ai's LINGHUN is listed in the novella section.  Her novelette I AM AI and my novelette Smuggler's Valor are in the novelette section.  Please take a look at the all the great works listed there and give them a read.  I hope to post a new interview soon.

Smuggler's Guilt Reader's Favorite Review

Smuggler's Guilt, the second story in the Reese Daniels Smuggler series, has just picked up a 5-star review from Reader's Favorite!

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

All Reese Daniels ever wanted was to protect and provide for his aunt and his sister Gracie. His job as a space smuggler helps him fulfill his duties, but it does come with dangers that he has managed to handle until now. His latest mission to one of Uranus’ moons lands him in a gruesome alien invasion that he and a group of Marine cadets barely escape. Unfortunately, his troubles are not over because the Earth Defense Force Security blackmails him into a new mission to infiltrate and take down a criminal cartel. Reese knows this is a suicide mission because he has enemies in the cartel who want him dead. Will he ever get out alive? Get a copy of Smuggler's Guilt by T.D. Wilson to find out.

Smuggler’s Guilt is the sequel to Smuggler's Valor and is book two in the Reese Daniels Smuggler Series by T.D. Wilson. The series brings you space action, romance, and adventure and introduces readers to intriguing characters. Reese Daniels is a witty and charming character that I could not help but root for. He knows how to read people, and this comes in handy and helps him in dire situations. The other characters in the cast are both formidable and mysterious. This kept me curious and glued to the story. Each person has the potential to be a star in their own book, and I cannot wait to read about them in future installments. The book is easy to read and understand because it is conversational and fast-paced. The dialogue was realistic, and the chemistry between the characters was natural. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves reading science fiction adventure novels.

Smuggler's Guilt Cover Reveal

Everyone, the wait is over and it's time to reveal the cover for the next Reese Daniels Smugger story.  The title is Smuggler's Guilt.

Trapped between Earth Defense Force Security and a criminal cartel is a recipe for disaster. Good thing I can't cook.

Awarded Honorable Mention in the recent second quarter Volume 40 of L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future contest.

Reese Daniels has rules for smuggling and when he follows them everything clicks. Coerced into helping Earth Defense Force Security take down a criminal cartel, Reese has to violate his code to protect his family, his life, and humanity. With everything at stake, he must find unlikely allies to accomplish his mission.

As part of the Smuggler's Guilt cover reveal, I posted a giveaway of 3 Smuggler's Valor audiobooks to my newsletter subscribers.  The winners are:   Margaret Killeen, David Beardain, and Paul Harlow.  Congratulations!  I will send out Audible codes this week.  Everyone be on the lookout for more giveaways on Twitter, my blog, website, and Facebook.

Smuggler's Valor 5-star Review from Reader's Favorite

 Reader's Favorite just released a brand new review for Smuggler's Valor.  A wonderful 5-star rating!

Here is their press release!

Smuggler's Valor Audiobook Giveaway

 Everyone, in preparation for the cover reveal of the next Reese Daniels Smuggler story, Smuggler's Guilt, I am giving away not 1, not 2, but 3 audiobook copies of Smuggler's Valor.

To enter, sign up for my quarterly newsletter.  Here is the link: https://tdwilsonbooks.com/#newsletter

Winners will be announced along with the cover reveal on August 30th, 2023.

Smuggler's Valor Audiobook

Smuggler's Valor is now available as an Audiobook!

Here is the latest press release!

Springfield, Ohio

Ohio Sci-fi Author’s Award-winning Release Now An Audiobook

Smuggler’s Valor, T.D. Wilson’s award-winning science fiction action-adventure story about a transport pilot/smuggler who is shot down on a remote moon during an alien invasion, is now available as an audiobook on Amazon, Audible, and ITunes. The new audiobook was produced and narrated by Anthony LeRoy Lovato, whose portfolio ranges from multiple audiobooks, video game voices, theater, and on-screen acting.

Smuggler’s Valor, released on Amazon on June 26, 2023, was also awarded Silver Honorable Mention in the recent first quarter Volume 40 of L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future contest. It is also on the current Nebula Reading List for Novelettes published in 2023: https://www.sfwa.org/forum/reading/3-novelette/

Smuggling precious cargo to a remote colony was supposed to be easy. I was dead wrong.
Smuggling is a dangerous business and Reese Daniels has the score of a lifetime within his grasp; however, getting shot down on one of Uranus' moons wasn't in his plan. Stranded and on the run in the middle of an alien invasion, Reese must work with a group of Marine cadets to escape a grisly fate.

Smuggler’s Valor
Audiobook @ $6.99 
Amazon Audible ITunes
Ebook @$0.99 ASIN B0C6FGKN86
63 pages
Smuggler’s Valor was released on Amazon on June 26, 2023 and is available for Kindle Unlimited. 

Smuggler's Valor

Smuggling precious cargo to a remote colony was supposed to be easy. I was dead wrong.

Smuggler's Valor is the start of a brand new Sci-Fi Action Adventure Series about pilot/smuggler, Reese Daniels. The series is set an prequel to my current novel series, The Epherium Chronicles. Here is the book blurb:

Smuggling is a dangerous business and Reese Daniels has the score of a lifetime within his grasp; however, getting shot down on one of Uranus' moons wasn't in his plan. Stranded and on the run in the middle of an alien invasion, Reese must work with a group of Marine cadets to escape a grisly fate.

Smuggler’s Valor, released on Amazon on June 26, 2023, was awarded Silver Honorable Mention in the first quarter Volume 40 of L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future contest. It is also on the current Nebula Reading List for Novelettes published in 2023: https://www.sfwa.org/forum/reading/3-novelette/

Smuggler's Valor is available for purchase on Amazon and via Kindle Unlimited.

Here is a new list of social media links as well:

Social Media:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tdwilson3

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TDWilsonbooks

Goodreads Author Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6560368.T_D_Wilson

Amazon Author Profile: https://www.amazon.com/stores/T.D.-Wilson/author/B009MA018U

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsontd4655/

Review of Dragons of Deceit

 

As a big RPG gamer growing up, the World of Krynn was so exciting to experience.  After years of waiting, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman have brought us back to the Inn of the Last Home and many of the characters we have enjoyed.  Dragons of Deceit involves Lady Destina Rosethorn's quest to find a way to travel back in time to the battle of the High Clerist's tower in the War of the Lance and save her father.  How? She needs to find the Device of Time Journeying and learn how it work from one of the last people know to use it, Tasslehoff Burrfoot.  Getting a kender involved in anything is set for trouble and a good laugh.  I can't wait for the next book, Dragons of Fate coming August 2023.

Review of Robert Tetter Chronicles: New World

 

New World is the first book in Robert Tetter Chronicles, a sci-fi dystopian series by Randall Andrews.  It's a fast paced book about survival in a world ravaged by a pandemic that has decimated the world's population, filled with government and rebellious element intrigue.  I like the character, Koko, a housekeeper/bodyguard assigned to protect Robert Tetter and his family. She can cook, clean, maintains order in the home, and is a ninja assassin.  There are six books in the series thus far and I hope to start book 2 soon.

Beheadings Are On Wednesdays

There are few characters I eagerly await in a series.  Worf's entrance in Picard Season 3 was worth the wait. 

"Beheadings Are On Wednesdays"

This slogan is going on my wall.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Trailer

 The trailer for the much anticipated Last Kingdom Netflix movie, Seven Kings Must Die, has been released.  As anticipated, the trailer speaks of King Edward's death and the succession struggle for Aethelstan.  So who are the other 6 kings who must die?  Historically, Aelfweard, Aethelstan's younger half-brother assumes the throne for a very short time.  After his demise, Aethelstan takes over in Wessex and Merica.  I think the other Kings come from Northumbria, Wales and Scotland.  King Guthred was put on the throne in Cumberland in Northumbria.  While Uhtred isn't a king in Bebbanburgh, his father was originally believed to be one of three kings in Northumbria when the Danes invaded.  There is a king in Wales after the last one died in season 4 at the hand of Brida and Sigtryggr.  King Constantine still reigns in Scotland after his failed attack at Bebbanburgh in final two episodes of the series.

So we have a large cast of Kings, but what will Aethelstan rule?  Based on historical record, he will take over England and Wales, but claim to Scotland won't be truly made until late 1100s early 1200s with King Edward I.

Here is the trailer.  I cannot wait for April 14th!

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Poster

 No trailer yet, but....who's ready?

"Destiny is all!"