24 March 2019

15,000 Stars

I first published The Silence of Medair and Stained Glass Monsters in December of 2010.  Since I had a backlog of written books, I've published more than one a year since then.  [Things sure have slowed down once I got back to first drafts, though!]

In 2012 I celebrated reaching 1,000 Stars on Goodreads, and 2014 marked 5,000 Stars.  Now, in 2019, we've reached 15,000 individual ratings on Goodreads (note: not all of these indicate read books - Goodreads lets people rate books that aren't even out yet, and there's a small percentage of everyone's ratings which are empty ratings like that).

To celebrate 15,000 stars, I'll offer a few options:
  • A signed copy of any one of my books.
  • Three unsigned copies of any of my books (actually cheaper for me, heh).
  • A chance to read one of the partials listed on the 5,000 Stars post.  [Sure to be frustrating to the reader.]
  • A chance to read the first chapter of Tangleways.
  • A copy of each of the Touchstone audiobooks when they're released (this will take some considerable time, as there's a couple of months of production involved in each).
Anyway, it's been a ride.  I'm sure I could have more stars if I had a faster writing schedule, and actually did some promo, but this relaxed writing stories and sharing them when they're done is pretty ideal for me.  Glad for all of you coming along with me!

To enter, just comment below.  [Competition closes end of April.]

45 comments:

  1. I can't wait for the audio books! Ive read every one of your novels but have really wanted to share the touchstone series with my husband who uses audible strictly while he commutes. Thanks for all of these wonderful worlds and the characters that live in them❤

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    1. Wow, we’re practically twins! My first thought about the audiobook was to show my husband how great it is by listening to the audiobook while we do a long drive.

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  2. Best wishes Andrea. Your stories have brought me so much pleasure and lifted me out of some pretty glum periods of my life and I’m so very pleased to have found your stories. its a long and boring story but tl;dr version is that I rank you above Jane Austen, Lois McMaster Bujold and Nick Earls as my favourite author.

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  3. If I were independently wealthy, I would gift you an independent income and a room of your own. This would be a purely selfish move intended to enable more writing, more stories and books. Thank you for the many hours I (and my reading buddies) have spent in your books.

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  4. Thank you so much for writing and sharing your stories - I always look forward to them 😊

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  5. You are by far my favorite author! Thank you so much for sharing your stories. I truly enjoy getting lost in your books.

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  6. Tangleways is something I'm rally looking forward to. The Pyramids of London was a great book.

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  7. I know you didn't ask us to heap praises on you, ha, but you're going to get them anyway! The first book (of yours) that I read was Stained Glass Monsters. It is one of my all-time favorite books. I told everyone I know to read it. Later, I stumbled across Stray. I was absolutely enthralled. As I was telling my sister about this great book I was reading, I realized the author was the same person and freaked out. It was all over after that. I have been a devoted fan ever since. Congrats on 15,000 stars!

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  8. Also, still my favourite author :) Rhank you for your fantastic stories!

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  9. Ah congrats! Coincidentally, I was just thinking about doing a Touchstone re-read :-)

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  10. Just did a Touchstone re-read last month. My favorite series of all time! Favorite stand alone book is Hunting. I wish I knew more readers, I'd recommend you all the time.

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  11. Congratulations! That's a really great milestone to celebrate.

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  12. 15,000 stars is amazing! I look forward to seeing what you do next.

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  13. Congratulations! I'm so glad that Goodreads recommended Stray to me (I kinda wish i remember why). But since then i've gone back and read everything else!

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  14. Congrats on reaching this milestone! I'm glad that you've found a relaxed rhythm that suits you. On to the next 15k haha

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  15. Congratulations on your achievement! I had surgery last week, and I have been rereading your books during my recovery. I have found them to be even richer on the second (or third or fourth) time around. Thank you for sharing your amazing worlds and characters with us.

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  16. Ahh I can't believe its been that long! I think I picked up CHAMPION OF THE ROSE and STRAY first, back in...2011, so its been 8 years of reading, enjoying, pushing, anticipating and loving your books! :D I'm so happy to be part of your journey!

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  17. Congrats and well deserved! The Touchstone series are the books I re-read when I need an escape. The worlds you create are awe inspiring. I look forward to future new reads and more re-reads.

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  18. Wow, congratulations! So happy for you, I adore your stories and enjoy your writing very much, would love to participate!

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  19. The first book of yours I read was Stained Glass Monsters. I had been trying to find new authors to read and failing miserably. Then tried looking at the bookshelves of Goodreads reviewers who liked the same books I did. One of my favourite books is The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia McKillip which Jacob Profitt had reviewed and enjoyed. I don’t know Jacob, but I’m very grateful to him as through his reviews I discovered your books, and have now read all of them (I think!). Do hope you keep writing!

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  20. Congratulations! Especially congratulations on selling enough books to get that many reviews.

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  21. That's awesome, congratulations! I absolutely love the Touchstone trilogy.

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  22. Congrats!! I love your books — I’ve reread many of them more times than I can count. Wish you all the happiness, and here’s to 15,000 more!!

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  23. Congrats!

    Actually re-reading the Touchstone books right now & looking forward to the audiobooks.

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  24. I see so much praise of the Touchstone series in this thread. Yet it is not at all my favorite. I so much prefer Pyramids, with its interestingly ambiguous heroine. And Sleeping Life, with conflicted heroine.

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  25. I actually have read all of the Touchstone series multiple times. Even though I am much older than most fans of Ms. Host I find something compelling about Cass and her psychic space ninjas. The story is one of my most favorite reads, and I would love to see a few years down the road follow up just to see what happens to everyone especially Lira,with Gidds and Laura a close second. Please do consider this😀 I and my niece would by two copies as soon as they hit the store. Thank you for a entertaining vacation from reality. Virginia Daugherty

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  26. Well deserved, and congratulations. You’re one of the very few automatic one-click authors I have on a short list. I’m curious as to why 3 books unsigned is cheaper for you to offer than 1 signed book?

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    1. Because I have to ship them to Australia, sign them, and then ship them to whoever. Unsigned, I can just ship them direct.

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    2. Because I have to ship them to Australia, sign them, and then ship them to whoever. Unsigned, I can just ship them direct.

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  27. I just finished reading book 1 of the Singularity Game. I'm dying for book 2! Thank you for your sharing your fantastic writing with us :)

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  28. I have the understanding that reading books is the best way to develop empathy. I believe your books are the type of books that do that. I always try to find more books, where the main character is realistic and believable (not idealized), while still being relatable (kind and smart). This way i can have empathy-inducing books for recommendation to my friends what ever their taste in fantasy might be. Although, being a sensitive person myself, i can not read any books that are depressing, scary or too sad, so my range of recommendations might be slightly limited. Your books are just perfect though.

    TLDR: You are one of my top 10 favorite authors. First and second are Pratchett and Sanderson, so you know you are in good company :D

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  29. Best wishes and congratulations! I could wish that your income from your books was sufficient to enable you to do full-time writing, but how can I argue if you are happiest with the relaxed writing style. I’ve read all your books, and currently favorites are _In Arcadia_ (esp. Areziath and the Sel Notra Base) & _And All the Stars_. Very much looking forward to _Tangleways_ - even if the concepts in the Trifold Age take a bit of effort to grasp. I’m not interested in audiobooks personally, although I know the audience is there. Thanks for your novels, novellas, and all! - Martin

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  30. I commented on Goodreads, but it just occurred to me that since that is a reflection of your posts here, I might need to respond here instead!

    Every time I read or reread one of your books, I am grateful all over again that I live in an time when authors have the option of direct publishing. Thank you for all the amazing work you do!

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  31. The touchstone series has easily become my favorite series. I re-read them every year and talk them up to all the readers of sff I know. Thank you so much for giving us an amazing world to immerse ourselves in.

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  32. Just finished the Touchstone series. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT I'M JUST NOW DISCOVERING THESE! Oh My! You have more books for me to read! I'm thrilled! I'm gushing...Ok, I have to stop, I have reading to do. :)

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  33. Love just about everything you write, thx

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  34. Congrats on your galaxy of stars!!

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  35. Congrats and well deserved! I love all your books, and the one I like best seems to depend on my mood so... I like them all the best.

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  36. I love all your books. I have averaged reading 2 books a week for 40 years, so maybe 4000 books in my life time. Yours are in my top 20 books. Keep writing please! Love everything you write.

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  37. Are the lovely new Touchstone trilogy paperbacks/covers included as an option in the prize? Because if so that's totally what I'm wishing for.
    -Laura

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    1. The covers from The Book Smugglers aren't available, no, as they're no longer published.

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  38. I adore the Touchstone trilogy and would love the chance to read more of your work!!

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  39. I am so excited for Tangleways! The Pyramids of London was one of my favorite of your books (which puts it high in the running for favorite worldwide)

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