Susan Krinard

Val Cache Courier

Issue #23
Autumn 2004

Dear Friends and Readers,

This will be a short newsletter, since (as usual) I’m on a tight deadline and have had many pleasant "interruptions" in the later part of summer. First my two younger sisters and my two little nephews came to visit; then I attended the World Science Fiction Convention, Noreascon, in Boston, and then my Mother and Grandmother flew out from California. Haven’t done a lick of writing in over two weeks, so now it’s back to work!

I really enjoyed Noreascon. I was on five panels, two of which were directly related to paranormal romance or "crossover" books–subjects that wouldn’t have been touched a few years ago, but now are growing "respectable." I had to correct one fellow panelist who referred to romance novels as "bodice rippers," but in general I found the convention more "friendly" to romance, and romantic crossover, than it has been in years past.

I’ll be attending my first World Fantasy Convention in Tempe, Arizona in October, which should also be fun, especially since my first fantasy book will be available! Southern Arizona is very nice in the fall, and I’ll be ready for another break by then ... if I can get enough done in the next six weeks!

Current and Future Projects

The big news, of course, is that Shield of the Sky will be released at the end of this month (September) or the very beginning of next. The cover came out nicely, the book has a great feel and is just the right size. I hope you’ll give it a try even if "straight" fantasy isn’t your usual cup of tea; every book in the series will contain at least one ongoing romance. View the cover on my website at Shield of the Sky.

Also in October, my short story "Murder Entailed" will appear in the Warner anthology Murder by Magic. You’ll find an excerpt and cover art on my website.

My May 2004 romance, To Tame a Wolf, has been accepted by my editor at HQN and is still on the schedule for May 2005. Unfortunately, it may be my only book out next year (though I’ve been writing two a year) because of changes in Luna’s scheduling. Hammer of the Earth, which I’m currently working on (the sequel to Shield of the Sky) may not see print until February 2006. I’m hoping that will change, but for now it’s a real possibility.

Shield of the Sky Contest

I’m holding a new contest for my October book, Shield of the Sky.

There will be three prizes: A signed copy of the book and a panther charm on an 18" silver chain for each of the winners.

To enter, send an e-mail to answering the following question, which can be found at http://www.susankrinard.com/shield.htm

What is the name of Rhenna’s horse in Chapter One?

The deadline for this context is October 15. Please write "Shield Contest" in the subject line of the e-mail. Include the answer to the question, your name, address and e-mail address in the body of the e-mail. Names of those with correct answers will be randomly drawn, and prizes awarded in November.

Reader Feature

This month I wasn’t able to get a reader in time, so it’ll be back in the winter newsletter, coming in December. If you'd like to be the featured reader in a future interview, please contact me at

Happy Fall!

Sincerely,