N.E. White's Blog

Lots going on today, so my apologies in advance for the long post and email. Here’s the news in a nutshell:

1st year anniversary of Mapmaker! Yay!Winner of the Mapmaker Review Raffle is… (drumroll, please) …Love2Read! (You know who you are. More details below.)“Official” launch of my second series, The Legend of Damndrake starts today. It’s on sale for $2.99. Get your copy while the price is low! (Don’t worry, ya got plenty of time.)That’s about it.

Still here? Nice! Thank you. You are in for a long ramble, so settle in.

Not by design (because I hate added stress), but two major things are happening today (reversing the order, because why not?):

The “book launch” for The Legend of Damndrake through Written Word Media‘s New In Books promotion, andOne year ago, I self-published Mapmaker–Book 1.

More on the book launch later, but first let’s review how my Mapmaker Trilogy has done for itself during the first year.

It seems a little surreal and anti-climatic to review how the book, and the entire trilogy, has done for the past three hundred and sixty five days. I mean, the numbers I offer to measure its “success” (whatever that is) will feel insignificant to anything other than best seller.

So, why post this? Why embarrass myself? Will showing my numbers offer any wisdom?

No.

But still… here I am. If only to mark the occasion, let’s get this over with! (Allow me to gird my loins…)

In the past year, give or take a few copies, I’ve sold over 750 copies of Mapmaker.

That includes all book formats (eBook, paperback, large-print paperback) and the entire trilogy across all selling venues (i.e., Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.). Not an outstanding number, but it’s better than the handful I thought I’d get from friends and family. To tell the truth, I’m surprised it has sold that many. I’m not particularly good at social media, I have no idea where my target audience hangs out, and the books aren’t that great. (They’re okay but nothing earth-shattering.)

So, really, all-in-all, not too shabby for a self-published hack!

Any lessons learned?

Yes.

Before self-publishing, learn how to sell a book.

Based on this past year’s effort, I have no idea how to do that, so I can’t offer any advice. If I did know how to convince folks to buy my books, my Mapmaker Trilogy might’ve found a readership in its first year. As it is, folks will have to blindly stumble upon it in an ocean of very similar books.

Some other milestones:

All three books featured on Reedsy Discovery (here, here, and here).Look ma! I’m on YouTube! (My interview with AuthorAlly earlier this year. I haven’t watched it, too cringe. But you can!)Broke into the Top 100 in the surprising category of Greek & Roman Myth & Legend on Amazon.com (proof to the right & below).

Each milestone isn’t particularly noteworthy, but they’re special to me!

So, what does that mean to me as a writer?

Not much. I never seriously entertained earning a living from my stories. I’ve always considered being a professional author the purview of more talented folk. But my not-too-terrible record of sales illuminates the following:

Based on some initial feedback, the verdict is in: I can almost write a good story. My writing skills are on the cusp of… not greatness, but betterness. I like to think my storytelling is improving.I enjoy doing that–storytelling. I’m not gonna stop.I will continue to improve my craft and self-publish as long as I can afford it.

Ah, there’s the clincher–if I can afford it.

I did incur some costs–significant amounts, in fact. Think, thousands of dollars. Editors, graphic artists, and adverts don’t come cheap! Okay, it has cost me over six thousand and five hundred dollars (that’s not a typo) to produce and promote the Mapmaker Trilogy.

(That doesn’t include the years it took to write the beast.)

And 750 books? With a profit of about $1 or less for each sale?

You can do the math. That doesn’t begin to cover the costs. So, that’s the only thing that would stop me from pursuing my self-publishing hobby–the lack of funds. But as long as I can support it, I’ll continue to produce stories. Because even through the (few) ups and (many) downs of self-publishing fiction, I’ve found joy and a sense of accomplishment from creating and presenting my stories to the world.

Until next time, if you haven’t already, check out my book! And if you’ve read and liked it, please consider leaving a rating or review on Amazon or Goodreads.

Now! It’s time to announcing the winner winner, chicken dinner!

For those of you who have entered my First Year Book Anniversary Review Raffle (FYBARR), I listed all my precious (forever grateful to you all) reviewers in a spreadsheet, gave ya random numbers, then used a random number generator to pick a name.

And the winner is…

Love2Read

Yay! Thank you so much for reviewing Mapmaker. It’s reviews like yours that help readers find the books they love. Please get in touch with me via email (nilaewhite (at symbol) gmail (dot) com) and provide your physical or mailing address (via email, not in the comments section). I’ll send the signed, special edition hardback, some bookmarks, and stickers to you as soon as possible.

Now… for the exciting part! Or the expensive part. As stated above, I’m apparently quite happy to spend all my savings on my writing habit…

Anyway, I purchased a “book launch” package from Written Words Media and their campaign to get The Legend of Damndrake into the hands and Kindle devices of readers is underway. Essentially, that means you might see an ad like the one below for my book out in the wild. If you do, let me know on BlueSky, Facebook, or Instagram.

As always, if you read The Legend of Damndrake, please consider leaving a rating or review. It helps other readers find books they may like.

I think that’s it for announcements.

Little writing update: The first draft of The Rescue of Damndrake, the second book in the Draghi Chronicles (because I can’t write a stand alone book), is about half done. I plan to release that no later than June 2026. If I can manage it, the last in the series, The Failure of Damndrake, will be published late in 2026 or early 2027. Then after that, I’ll either concentrate on my Ghost Stories series (urban fantasy) or World Breaker (another epic fantasy with globe-shattering magic).

Phew! Again, my apologies for the long post/email, but thanks for taking this journey with me. I couldn’t have done this without all your support.

Humbly,

Nila

I see that a lot on Facebook or BookTok or Bookstagram or BookReddit (is that a thing?). Folks asking about what they should read next. I’m always like, well, don’t you know which one you want to read next? LOL

But of course, if they did know, they wouldn’t be asking. Or they just want to post nifty pictures like this one.

Yes, I threw my newest book in there just for grins! Is it not pretty?

Anyway, at the moment, I’m reading A Dream of Fire by J.R. Rasmussen (indie author!). I’m just about done with it and I do plan to review the story. I’ll probably post the review on Goodreads. Maybe here, too. However, it hasn’t been the best read, but at the same time, it is a good read.

Next on the list is Godkiller by Hannah Kaner. I’ve been meaning to read this one for some time. So, that’s definitely next. And then I’ll read The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones. I’m looking forward to this one. I hope it lives up to the hype.

So, if I have those three books in my to-be-read pile, what about the ones in the picture above? Watership Down by Richard Adams and The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón?

Well, those are the two I plan to do a “read-along” on this here blog next year, similar to how I did The Road by Cormac McCarthy way back in 2014. My aim with those two titles above is to read them chapter by chapter and delve more deeply into how the novels are constructed with a blog post for each chapter. If you’d like to read with me, I plan to start Watership Down in January. I’ll warn ya all.

Watership Down has fifty (50!) chapters so I’ll probably combine a few. The Prince of Mist was actually written as a young adult novella. It only have eighteen chapters with a very short epilogue. And because the chapters are so short, I’ll likely combine some of those, too. I’ll create a schedule. If you want to join in, let me know and I’ll post a calendar.

You might be asking, why on earth would Nila want to do this? It sounds like work! And even a tad bit annoying.

One way to become a better writer is to read. Read a lot, across many genres, yes, but also Read (with a capital R). And by that I mean, read critically. And by that I don’t mean try to find fault with a text. No. But rather, find what works in a text.

Why do we become enamored of characters? Why do we want to join their struggle?

Both Richard Adams and Carlos Ruiz Zafón are both excellent authors that I really enjoy and admire. I hope to learn a thing or two by re-reading their work carefully.

So, no, I don’t need your reading recommendations, sorry about the click bait.

But I am curious. What have you read recently that you think I should add to my (ever growing) to-be-read pile?

Until next time, Read like a writer.

Have you read my stories?

If you’ve had a chance to read Mapmaker or The Legend of Damndrake, I would love it if you could share your thoughts. Reviews on sites like Amazon and Goodreads will help future readers know if my stories are a good fit for them.

Wow, folks. I did it again.

A story I’ve been working on for the past ten years is finally out there! (swoon)

After twenty-four years surviving the brutal White Wastes, Damndrake has stopped searching for her parents. She has Blaze now—her fierce adopted sister—and trying to build a stable life in human-dragon society is challenging enough.

When Damndrake loses a coveted Drakengard job and is banished from yet another city, finding a home seems impossible, until she’s unexpectedly recruited to the Draghi Firegard in the city of Qar. Things finally fall into place—new purpose, new home, maybe even the spark of something more—until Smoke returns. The same dragon who tried to steal Blaze a decade ago is back, and this time, he’s not leaving empty-clawed.

To protect Blaze, Damndrake must confront not only Smoke, but the darker parts of herself she’s tried to hide. Because if she doesn’t, Blaze won’t survive.

If you like stories about unlikely heroines, found family, and shapeshifting dragons, then you’ll like The Legend of Damndrake. Our plucky hero has to navigate a new world she’s uncomfortable in while trying to get a job to support her adopted sister. Along the way, Damndrake finds a little love (a closed-door romance subplot).

Buy now on Amazon:

eBookPaperback

(Large-print coming soon!)

If you want to read it for FREE and provide a review, it is available on BookSpouts and BookSirens. If you just want to rate it to support my work, it’s also on Goodreads, too.

All my gratitude to everyone who has helped bring this book to fruition. You are the best.

Humbly,

Nila

The first year anniversary of the start of my trilogy, Mapmaker, is coming soon. As a matter of celestial fact, in one month on November 25th. To mark the occasion, I’m holding a First Year Book Anniversary Review Raffle (FYBARR).

What is that exactly? Read on, my friend, and find out!

Mapmaker’s FYBARR

Well, as you probably already guessed, I’m raffling a special-edition hardback of Mapmaker–Book 1!

Yay! Get excited! That’s what you always wanted! Right? Right?!

Okay, this one time, I’ll concede–probably not. Sorry.

But, I promise, it’d look pretty spiffy on your bookshelf. If not, you can send it back for a full refund. (Ha!).

Raffle PrizesA signed, special-edition hardback of Mapmaker–Book 1 (that’s the good bit!)Map-oriented bookmarks (these will be useful)One-of-a-kind Mapmaker stickers (you can pawn these off your nieces and nephews)How to Enter

You’ll be automatically entered if you’ve reviewed (not just rated) any of the books in the Mapmaker Trilogy either on Amazon or GoodReads. Easy-peasy. Done.

If you’ve read the books, but haven’t reviewed them, do so now on Amazon or GoodReads! I’ll include anyone in the drawing who’s submitted a review up until midday of the anniversary date (a month from today).

If you haven’t read the books, but kept meaning to, now’s the time! A few readers said they tore through each book in about two days each. So, technically, you can finish all three books in a week. Come on, put some effort into it. Even if you don’t review it by the raffle due date (a month from today), you’ll be happy you finally got it off your to-be-read pile.

Now for the technical details…

This raffle is open to United States, Canada, or United Kingdom residents only. Upon notification, you must provide a valid shipping address to win. The raffle closes on November 24th, 2025 at 12 PM PST. This raffle is not affiliated with any social media platform.

The winner will be announced on this website ONLY by me.

This raffle is “free” to enter, and there is no purchase required other than the eBook or paperback edition used to read and provide a review.

Until next month, my friends, read like you might win a prize.

As history has proven, one side invariably suffers after first contact with a new species. Alright, let’s be honest. The strongest often wipes out the weaker, because really, if you’re traveling to a new place, it ain’t because you want to see the local fashion. You’re after resources. And maybe even, a new home.

This begs the question, does an alien invasion always mean the death of one species for the benefit of another?

Before we answer, let’s get the standard introduction out of the way. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the publication of Ecotones: Ecological Stories from the Border Between Fantasy and Science Fiction, I’m reviewing all fourteen (14) short stories. Start here to read all mini-reviews.

This is the fourteenth–and last!–story in this ecology-related short story collection.

Paolo, Friend Paolo by Kurt Hunt

As suggested in my opening, this short, transformative story is a first contact tale. One in which a very powerful creature makes an accidental landfall onto our planet. But that’s about the last resemblance to a first contact telling. The author takes us on an otherworldly and terrifying adventure right here on our planet.

What I really enjoyed about this story is how the author imbued a lyrical, haunting timelessness quality to his sentences. As we read about Paolo and Friend Paolo–the two main characters–we are thrust into a modern world. But the sea and circumstances quickly strip that all away, leaving pocket or bubble of time where anything can happen.

With that said, there were times the story took a huge leap in logic. I know, I know, this is not only speculative fiction but science fiction, too. I should be able to tamp down my disbelief and run with it, but… I couldn’t. It gnawed on me, like a monster with their last bone.

With that said, this last story embraces the much wider implications of ecotones and–changes. Not only in ecology, but in our world and universe. While I wasn’t entire onboard with the plot, the Paolo, Friend Paolo vivid descriptions will spear your heart and drag it into the sea.

Until next time, enjoy a short story.

What is Ecotones?

ECOTONES is an anthology of speculative fiction featuring fourteen tales from best-sellers, award-winners and nominees, established talents, and up-coming authors.

Ecotones exist wherever different ecosystems make contact. Where forest meets field… where the land meets the sea… where swamp gives way to jungle… where the surface descends beneath the ground… these are borders across which different ways of life come into conflict, and sometimes cooperation.

But in speculative fiction we might envision other borders: where the mundane meets the fantastical. Where countries clash and cultures mix. Where technology is joined to flesh. Where the known meets the unknown. These are ecotones of the imagination — where anything could happen.

Featuring the work of Ken Liu, Lauren Beukes and Tobias S. Buckell, as well as eleven stories from members of SFFWorld.com’s writing community, ECOTONES is a collection like no other — a point of contact between fantasy and science fiction with a timely environmental theme.

If you’d like to follow along, Ecotones is available for free in Kindle Unlimited. Check it out.

Thus ends my mini-reviews of all fourteen stories in the Ecotones anthology. Next year, I’ll do You Are Here–Tales of Cartographic Wonders.

Until then, all the best,

Nila

There’s always two sides to a story, isn’t there? While I don’t agree with the underlying premise of today’s story, an anthology about impending ecological change can’t be complete without giving voice to the other side, right?

Before we answer that question, let’s get the standard introduction out of the way. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the publication of Ecotones: Ecological Stories from the Border Between Fantasy and Science Fiction, I’m reviewing all fourteen (14) short stories. Start here to read all mini-reviews.

This is the thirteenth story in this ecology-related short story collection.

The Grass is Greener on the Other Side by Igor Ljubuncic (award-nominated author)

I’m a fan of Mr. Ljubuncic’s short stories. They are always witty, funny, and heartfelt. But… he also presents an opinion I don’t often agree with. With that said, this military romance (yes, its a thing) with role-reversals and instant love, will make you go awwww at the end.

The details the author includes are very specific, creating a gritty vividness that makes it feel like you’re watching the story of a soldier learning that his world might be much bigger than he initially thought rather than reading it. I really enjoy this writing style. I also laughed-out-loud (lol) at his doctors’ advice and the silly prescriptions. As we follow along with Raun, our young, idealist combatant, we soon learn how some of our current, popular beliefs might play out in the future.

The author employs the use of flash-forwards. Or, if you’d rather, the story is told in flashbacks within a framework of the story “now.” While Mr. Ljubuncic executes this style flawlessly, I felt like it interrupted the action and connection with the characters. When we were thrust into a different time and place, I had to keep recalibrating my attention to the story. I would have preferred a more straight forward presentation.

With that said, by the end of this tale, you’ll probably have a tender smile on your face. In the end, love conquers all–if you can ignore the meta-jibe the author takes at his audience.

Until next time, enjoy a short, romantic story.

What is Ecotones?

ECOTONES is an anthology of speculative fiction featuring fourteen tales from best-sellers, award-winners and nominees, established talents, and up-coming authors.

Ecotones exist wherever different ecosystems make contact. Where forest meets field… where the land meets the sea… where swamp gives way to jungle… where the surface descends beneath the ground… these are borders across which different ways of life come into conflict, and sometimes cooperation.

But in speculative fiction we might envision other borders: where the mundane meets the fantastical. Where countries clash and cultures mix. Where technology is joined to flesh. Where the known meets the unknown. These are ecotones of the imagination — where anything could happen.

Featuring the work of Ken Liu, Lauren Beukes and Tobias S. Buckell, as well as eleven stories from members of SFFWorld.com’s writing community, ECOTONES is a collection like no other — a point of contact between fantasy and science fiction with a timely environmental theme.

If you’d like to follow along, Ecotones is available for free in Kindle Unlimited. Check it out.

All the best,

Nila

Today, I’m delighted to introduce you to a long-time writing friend of mine: Robert Garbin. He’s working on a board game. Yes! A board game! He’s designing and inventing it himself.

It’s rather exciting, but I’ll get out the way and let him tell you about his project–that you can help with!

Hello, I am Robert Garbin and I am creating a board game: The Blind Lands.

It will be a simple one, possibly a two player co-operative with a monster battling board game set in the wild and wooly world of my mind. The artwork is hand drawn by me with color added digitally like an inked comic page.

This is a dream project that allows me to create to my hearts content, injecting my sense of art, humor, and writing into one project. I am hoping to create a game that feels like D&D without the need for a DM or extensive stat sheets. A game that is fun and short like a phone game, never being the same. Monsters will be generated by a shuffled monster deck depending on your location in the world. Battles will be determined by six-sided die for turn based hits and blocks. Damage is based on the number of the same six-sided die that you and your opponent can wield. Monsters always drop a treasure that is handled by other card decks. My goal it to make enough interesting monster and treasure designs to keep the play fresh and entertaining.

I could use the help of some adventurous souls to see this through. The game is designed for those of us who feel like we never fit in; maybe the sort of person with a monster or two sitting on our shoulders.

Let your inner monster out and join me.

There you have it from the creator himself. If you’re into board games and monsters, check out Robert’s Patreon page where you can support him at several levels.

Enter The Blind Lands

Until next time, let your inner monster loose.

Recently, I joined the Bookfox Academy.

I know. You’re about to say, “Nila! How could you have wasted your hard-earned dollars on useless online courses? His writing theories and tips can be gleaned from all over the internet!”

You’re right. Maybe.

Much of his advice isn’t rocket science. And I could probably buy a whole host of writing craft books to come to many of his same conclusions. Heck, he offers a lot of free writing advice on his YouTube channel. And someone even told me: “He looks funny.”

Please, people. Let’s not be shallow.

The truth is, I’ve been watching his posted videos, and all his begging to buy his courses finally got to me. And you know what? I’m glad I did!

Only two-thirds through the first course I chose to take, Splendid Sentences, and it is, well, splendid. I’m learning a ton. His mini-lessons help me see my writing in a refreshing and objective light. I can now recognize the nuts and bolts of my stories, and–here’s the good bit–notice where I can make them better.

Okay, okay, after completing his courses, I’m not saying I’m gonna be the best novelist ever. Not at all. But I’ll be a more conscientious and deliberate writer.

No, I’m not trying to convince you take the plunge. If you’re not open to it, don’t waste your time with online writing courses. But if you’re struggling or feeling like you’re in a rut, perhaps consider putting yourself in a position to deliberately learn. Even old, grizzled writers can learn a thing or two (or a dozen, in my case). Don’t feel obligated to check out Bookfox. Or any other online gimmick. Explore the offerings from your local community college. Or find a critique group (Scribophile can be a great investment for serious feedback).

Whatever you do, remember, we never stop growing and expanding our craft.

Until next time, learn something new.

Could flowers be the spark of insurrection? The delicate petals fuel for a fire that will change everything?

Perhaps, but before we answer those burning questions, let’s get the standard introduction out of the way. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the publication of Ecotones: Ecological Stories from the Border Between Fantasy and Science Fiction, I’m reviewing all fourteen (14) short stories. Start here to read all mini-reviews.

This is the twelfth story in this ecology-related short story collection.

The Theft of Flowers by Stephen Palmer

I have to admit, after reading this story twice, I have no idea what it’s about. But it’s cool!

Best line:

A mixture of dog-eat-dog and callous exploitation; human greed dissolved into silicon lies.

This very short story follows Djeneba as she struggles to survive in the Ouagadougou Market; but this is unlike any market you or I might visit on a pleasant, sunny afternoon. This is an information market.

And that’s pretty much all I could figure out. The setting is surreal; a mixture of African savanna and something akin to the digital world of Blade Runner. But the stakes are high–it’s either life or death for Djeneba and the market. In the end, she might survive by giving her compatriots up, but at what cost? Was it too high?

While I didn’t like that I was confused for much of the story, the words had a natural rhythm that spurred one to keep reading. And there’s a lot of repetition, but you welcome it, because you know it’s a clue. The knowledge we seek is just beyond our reach. Very much like reality is at the cusp understanding for the characters, but they’ll never quite get there.

It’s the sort of story that will keep you up at night thinking about how we give up control in the blind hope of securing it.

Until next time, enjoy a perplexing short story.

What is Ecotones?

ECOTONES is an anthology of speculative fiction featuring fourteen tales from best-sellers, award-winners and nominees, established talents, and up-coming authors.

Ecotones exist wherever different ecosystems make contact. Where forest meets field… where the land meets the sea… where swamp gives way to jungle… where the surface descends beneath the ground… these are borders across which different ways of life come into conflict, and sometimes cooperation.

But in speculative fiction we might envision other borders: where the mundane meets the fantastical. Where countries clash and cultures mix. Where technology is joined to flesh. Where the known meets the unknown. These are ecotones of the imagination — where anything could happen.

Featuring the work of Ken Liu, Lauren Beukes and Tobias S. Buckell, as well as eleven stories from members of SFFWorld.com’s writing community, ECOTONES is a collection like no other — a point of contact between fantasy and science fiction with a timely environmental theme.

If you’d like to follow along, Ecotones is available for free in Kindle Unlimited. Check it out.

All the best,

Nila

Heh–I know, the title suggests I was gonna give you an update first and then reveal the cover, but we all know it’s all about the cover!

So there it is. In all it’s glory. I’m happy with it. I hope you like it, too.

Natalia Junqueira, over on Reedsy.com, again delivered the goods. She does an excellent job of integrating the cover art I chose, picking the right font, and assembling it all into something I hope will entice adult readers.

I know, the art suggests a young adult or even middle grade genre, but I’m hoping the blurb will keep it firmly in the adult category. It’s not that a kid couldn’t read the story. They could. It’s just not geared for them. But there is a kid in the story that features large so this cover art seemed especially fitting.

By the way, the image is created using paper cuts, arranged just so, and then back lit. Cool, huh? I discovered the image on DeviantArt (yes, real, non-AI artists still hang out there). Here’s the artist’s link: https://www.deviantart.com/gs-papercut

Do consider supporting his art on Twitch! Also, just so you all know, here’s the original image.

The Girl and the Dragon; Original art by Marcus Wachter

So… if I’m revealing the cover for The Legend of Damndrake, I must be finished, right?

Well, sort of.

In January of this year, I had hoped to have the first book of the Draghi Chronicles wrapped up and in your eBook readers by now, but I had to rewrite the darn thing. So, everything is a bit behind.

However, I can confidently assure you all that The Legend of Damndrake is finished! Yay! It is currently going through a final round of critique, and is due to my editor by September 15th, 2025. If everything goes to plan, I’m anticipating a mid-November release date.

That may seem like a long time from now, but it’s not! There are so many tasks, big and small, that go into creating a book, particularly one that is part of a series. But I’m very proud of what I have created with my team of writing partners (you know who you are), artists, and editor. And I sincerely hope you enjoy The Legend of Damndrake.

Without further ado…

After twenty four years surviving the brutal White Wastes, Damndrake has stopped searching for her parents. She has Blaze now—her fierce, fire-breathing adopted sister—and trying to build a stable life in human-dragon society is challenge enough.

When Damndrake loses a coveted Drakengard job, even that fragile stability begins to crack, until she’s unexpectedly recruited to the Draghi Firegard in the city of Qar. Things finally fall into place—new purpose, new home, maybe even the spark of something more—until Smoke returns. The same dragon who tried to steal Blaze a decade ago is back, and this time, he’s not leaving empty-clawed.

To protect Blaze, Damndrake must confront not only Smoke, but the darker parts of herself she’s tried to bury. Because if she doesn’t, Blaze won’t survive.

Soon to be published at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and many other venues (large-print, too!).

Humble bow,

Nila

By the way, if you’re looking for a cozy, late-summer read, the entire Mapmaker Trilogy is available for under twelve three dollars. It’s a steal! Get it on Amazon here or Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other venues here.