The Children of Gods and Fighting Men - Forum discussion

This week is my final week of proofreading. Then that's it.
The Words of Kings and Prophets is off to the printers.

I'm always a little anxious when handing over my books for the last time. No more fixing, no more tinkering - it's done - and then of course I must wait to see how people like it.

The waiting time - between handing the book in and people reading it - is always a nervous time, however, I'm also excited that this stage is nearly done.

Because of course, I'm writing away on book 3 - which has to be handed in to my publisher to Head of Zeus by the end of June. This is very much keeping me focused and the anxiety at bay. I never would have believed that one day I'd have a completed trilogy out in the world!

Shauna wrote: "This week is my final week of proofreading. Then that's it.
The Words of Kings and Prophets is off to the printers.

I'm always a little anxious when handing over my books for the last time. No mor..."

*Pats in the back* I'm sure you did great! Come on, you deserve a treat! I can't wait to have the book in my hands and read it and then bother my friends with all the fantastic scenes and characters (no spoilers) in the hopes that one of them at least knows someone at some publishing house here that might be interested.

Kelly wrote: "I can imagine it's absolutely nerve wracking! Do they have publication date for the next book?"

Yes - it is September 14th 2023 for the UK & Commonwealth regions and 3rd October 2023 for North America.

I think with book 1 I had a 'nothing to lose' mentality. This time it feels a little bit like I do have something to lose if it doesn't land. However, beta feedback has been good - so I'm hopeful everyone will love it!

Paula wrote: "Shauna wrote: "This week is my final week of proofreading. Then that's it.
The Words of Kings and Prophets is off to the printers.

I'm always a little anxious when handing over my books for the la..."

Keep pestering!! lol!! I would love some foreign translations for sure.

I'm going caravanning next week - so that's my treat!! A bit of time off before I get stuck into finishing up book 3!

I’ve been quiet this week because I was away on holiday - but also because I was finishing up the edits for The Words of Kings and Prophets - which means I’ve no officially handed in that book and can no longer change it!!

Excited and nervous!!

Shauna wrote: "I’ve been quiet this week because I was away on holiday - but also because I was finishing up the edits for The Words of Kings and Prophets - which means I’ve no officially handed in that book and ..."

Crossing all my fingers for you!!! Your editor will be more than pleased with the book, I know it

Fingers crossed. It’s already gone through the structural and copy edits - so this was a last pass to find typos! I hope I got them all!!!

Just to let everyone in the U.K. know - The Words of Kings and Prophets is on Netgalley if you are a reviewer or blogger!!

Shauna wrote: "Just to let everyone in the U.K. know - The Words of Kings and Prophets is on Netgalley if you are a reviewer or blogger!!"

It's also available for the rest of the world :D I sent a request and keeping my fingers crossed for someone to hit the approval button :D

Just letting anyone here know that I’m doing a newsletter subscriber giveaway this evening!

In terms of other writing updates, I’m about 1/3 through editing book 3 - which has to be handed in at the end of June. It’s all going really well so far!

Shauna wrote: "Just letting anyone here know that I’m doing a newsletter subscriber giveaway this evening!

In terms of other writing updates, I’m about 1/3 through editing book 3 - which has to be handed in at ..."

That's great news 🤗

Shauna wrote: "Just letting anyone here know that I’m doing a newsletter subscriber giveaway this evening!

In terms of other writing updates, I’m about 1/3 through editing book 3 - which has to be handed in at ..."

By the end of June is my birthday... we can celebrate both things :)

Hi everyone - just updating you all now.


I handed in book 3 in the series at the start of August - and then took the rest of August off.

Now the kids are all back to school, I'm starting into my second novella in this series. I'm hoping to have publication details about novella 1 soon!

Should also add that The Words of Kings and Prophets is out on Thursday!!! I've been busy with promo for that - and am very exciting that it's nearly out there for everyone!!

The Words of Kings and Prophets is out today!!

Unfortunately, the audiobook has been delayed by one week (production delays) - hopefully that won't be too awful for the audiobookers here.

Thanks for all your support here and everywhere else!!

I'll be starting the book later today and I just can't wait!

We'll patiently wait for next week. I'll probably squeeze one more audiobook in the meantime. Very excited to get back into the story in only a few days!

Hi everyone - so lots of news is coming this week.

I wrote an article which is coming out tomorrow - which talks about the future of the series

And then I have a cover reveal for book 3 coming out on Thursday. If any of you are about on social media, do give these posts some likes/retweets/shares etc. and help spread the word!

I'm also going to add as an exclusive here - that my first Gael Song novella comes out in March 2024!

Yay, great news, Shauna! Super excited there will be more Gael Song material!

That are amazing news! When can I pre-order the Novella?
I'm so excited and can't wait to read it!

Kelly wrote: "I can imagine it's absolutely nerve wracking! Do they have publication date for the next book?"

It's going to be 12th September 2023 for UK and we think the 17th September for the USA

Heike wrote: "That are amazing news! When can I pre-order the Novella?
I'm so excited and can't wait to read it!"

I think we are waiting until after Christmas to do the promo! And of course as soon as their are preorder links up, I'll let you know!

Hi Everyone,

I also just wanted to update you all on Book 3 - the cover reveal was yesterday on social media

It's called The Land of the Living and the Dead - and I cannot wait for you all to read it!

Hi Everyone - just to let you know - The Land of the Living and the Dead is now on Goodreads - just if you want to add it to your TBRs!

Shauna wrote: "Hi Everyone - just to let you know - The Land of the Living and the Dead is now on Goodreads - just if you want to add it to your TBRs!"

On my wishlist! Happy Christmas Shauna (& family) and everyone in this forum!

Paula wrote: "Shauna wrote: "Hi Everyone - just to let you know - The Land of the Living and the Dead is now on Goodreads - just if you want to add it to your TBRs!"

On my wishlist! Happy Christmas Shauna (& fa..."

Happy Christmas to you too! I hope you get lots of books!!
(And lots of other presents too!!)

Hi everyone - just in case anyone missed my newsletter - my novella will be out in March and it's called Dreams of Fire.

Expect to see some promo on social media soon!

Hi everyone,

Just letting you know that Dreams of Fire (my prequel novella) is out today!
If you haven't started the main series yet, you can read this and see if you like the world I have created. It's only about 90 pages, but hopefully full of magic and intrigue.

It's also 99p/$1.99 atm - so if you're interested, grab it while it's cheap!

Shauna wrote: "Hi everyone,

Just letting you know that Dreams of Fire (my prequel novella) is out today!
If you haven't started the main series yet, you can read this and see if you like the world I have created..."

€ 1,99 for the Eurozone

Got mine on kobo! Can't wait to dive in

Thanks everyone! I hope you enjoy it!