header © Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

December 31, 2007

2007 has been a big year for the fantasy genre.

The seventh and supposedly last Harry Potter was published. Along with Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter helped bring fantasy into the mainstream. The books have sold so well, it will be interesting to see who fills the void left behind (or if there might be new Harry Potter books after all).

Speaking of Lord of the Rings, this year also saw the posthumous publication of Tolkien's CHILDREN OF HURIN, another fantasy bestseller. Thus, the two biggest fantasy franchises sang their swan songs this year.

Robert Jordan passed away this year, leaving THE WHEEL OF TIME unfinished, to be completed by another author.

Fantasy movies were popular this year, as well. Bridge to Terabithia, Beowulf, and the Golden Compass were released, and several fantasy movies are in the making for next year. Fantasy movies are becoming more and more popular since Peter Jackson proved they can do so well.

Finally, 2007 saw the release of my first fantasy novel, FIREFLY ISLAND (published by Thomson Gale). That, of course, was the biggest news in the genre--for me at least. ;)

What do you think? What were your big events for the fantasy genre this year? Let me know.

Daniel

December 22, 2007

Chapters/Indigo, Canada's largest chain of bookshops, is now selling my fantasy novel Firefly Island.

You can order the book directly off their website here, or get it at any Chapters/Indigo branch. Most locations aren't stocking the book yet, but they'd order it for you.

Until now, Chapters/Indigo only sold Firefly Island in one location (where it's sold a dozen hardcovers so far). Now the book will be available all over Canada.

In other Canadian news, several Canadian libraries have ordered copies of Firefly Island; they're on their way. If you're in the Toronto area, most branches of the Toronto Public Library should have their copies soon. In the States, Firefly Island is already available in hundreds of libraries; if you're south of the border, I hope you check it out.

You can read some reviews for Firefly Island here.

Daniel

November 27, 2007

Huge news today.

Publishers Weekly has reviewed my fantasy novel FIREFLY ISLAND. The novel has now been reviewed by all of the "big three" review publications: Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly.

Publishers Weekly said that "those who enjoy such traditional fantasy devices as love at first sight and princes raised as commoners will be rewarded."

When FIREFLY ISLAND was released in August, I thought I'd be very lucky if just one of the "big three" reviewed the novel. All three--nice.

You can read all the reviews here.

Daniel

November 26, 2007

Hi everyone,

I want to thank Michael A. Heald, who read my fantasy novel FIREFLY ISLAND and posted a review of the book on his website.

From his review:

"Mr. Arenson has a sparkling gift for words that make his scenes come alive. His characters shine with unique voices, no small achievement in a book that balances the lives of four main characters from four nations (as well as several minor characters) – all acting out their stories amidst battles, betrayal, redemption, and sacrifice... I liked the characters, and I wanted to know what happened to them – the proof of a good story."

You can find Michael's website at www.MichaelAHeald.com.

Daniel

November 19, 2007

DanielArenson.com is a Top Ten website!

This website participated in a contest at FictionAddiction.NET to find the best author website. We were voted one of the top ten from the finalists.

DanielArenson.com won free advertising on FictionAddiction.NET. Thanks to everyone who voted! (A special thanks to Mary, who voted every day.)

It's great to know that people have enjoyed the free stories, poems, writing tips, and other stuff on this website. The site has been online since February, and I plan to keep adding new stories and writing tips.

Thanks again, everyone,

Daniel

November 7, 2007

Another email from a reader:

"Wow! I just read the first chapter of Firefly Island and I am wowed! Totally hooked and am looking forward to buying the book as soon as I can afford it. Definitely sign me up to the mailing list!! I’d love to get the next two chapters if at all possible. I’m on the edge of my seat!

"I look forward to reading it! I definitely plan on owning the book, so I will be buying it. It is just amazing!"

-- Heather

November 5, 2007

Letter from a reader:

I'm about 2/3 of the way through FIREFLY ISLAND. I have to say, while I enjoyed the first chapters you sent back in the summer, and expected to like the rest of the book well enough, I didn't expect to really get hooked, as this is not the genre I usually go for...I prefer biographies, or books about art, artists, etc.

I was reading the chapters with the first battle scenes, mid-way through the book, before bed the other night and literally went to bed with that pit-in-your-stomach type of feeling...while the passages and chapters depicting battles are certainly not gory or especially disturbing, they were unsettling, especially for bedtime reading. The kind of thing that you read and then lay awake, feeling not quite right. After that, I was pretty much hooked, and have even put aside other reading to finish Firefly Island first. So...good job! It's interesting to dissect your writing a bit; some passages are really spot on and put the book in a league with much more seasoned writers' works.

"Looking forward to whatever comes next!"

-- A reader, Indiana

October 2, 2007

Hi all,

This website, DanielArenson.com, is currently in a contest for the best writer's website. Please vote for me here:

http://fictionaddiction.net/vote.html

Over the past few months, I've added a bunch of free stories and writing tips, so it would be great to win such a contest.

You can vote once a day, so remember to come back and vote again and again. :) Thanks!

Daniel

September 28, 2007

Hello, everyone,

Just a quick note to those of you in or near Toronto, Ontario: This Sunday, I'll be signing books at Word on the Street, a book fair downtown. You can learn more about it here:

http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/toronto/home.asp

I hope to see some of you there. :)

Daniel

August 28, 2007

Once again, Firefly Island is on SALE at Amazon for 34% off. This discount won't last forever, but hopefully it'll last for a long time. :)

Take a look.

Daniel

August 27, 2007

Amazon.com is now stocking Firefly Island! No more need for preorders; the book now ships within 24 hours. The shipping is FREE.

So far, Firefly Island has some great Amazon reviews; take a look here.

Daniel

August 23, 2007

Romance Reviews Today has reviewed my fantasy novel Firefly Island. Here's a choice quote I like: "Mr. Arenson does a spectacular job writing battle scenes... Firefly Island tells a tale of the contrast between personal happiness and security, and honor and duty."

Daniel

August 19, 2007

Want to win some artwork?

Click here for a cool little contest I added to the website.

Meanwhile, a note about Firefly Island on Amazon: Amazon currently says "ships within 4 weeks". It should actually be much faster. Since the book was just printed a few days ago, it hasn't yet arrived at Amazon, and they automatically post the "ships within 4-6 weeks" message. In actuality, Amazon would probably ship the book in just a few days.

Daniel

August 15, 2007

Library Journal reviewed Firefly Island today. I'm very excited about this, since Library Journal is such a prestigious publication with a circulation of 100,000. It was fantastic to see my name listed beside such authors as Ben Bova, Larry Niven, Anne McCaffrey, Charles de Lint, Mike Resnick, and Bruce Sterling. Wow.

Here's what Library Journal had to say:

"The author... brings a crispness and directness to his storytelling that propels his novel to its inevitable, though at times unexpected, conclusion. Intriguing characterizations of both heroes and villains make this a good choice for most fantasy collections."

You can see some other reviews here.

In other news, the bookshop Chapters (Bayview Village branch) kicked off sales of Firefly Island today. They're the first bookshop to sell it, and the book is on the way to other bookshops. Amazon should have it soon. If you've already preordered your Amazon copy, they'll probably have the book in a few days.

Okay, time to get working on the next novel.

Daniel

August 11, 2007

I added a new article to my "writing tips" section today. This month, I write my thoughts about character motivations. See it here.

Coming later this week: Firefly Island's official release, and a contest on this website.

Daniel

August 7, 2007

Some good news: The public library at Brampton, Ontario has ordered copies of Firefly Island for their various branches. I'm hoping that more Canadian libraries will soon join Brampton. Some American libraries have already ordered their copies. If your library hasn't ordered Firefly Island, just ask them; most will be happy to order the book.

Firefly Island's official release is only a week away. The first copies have already been printed. Next week, we're going to kick things off at the bookshop Chapters (Bayview Village branch) in Toronto. All books sold at Chapters will be signed by me (I won't be doing an actual signing on location; books will be sold already signed). They will be giving out free Firefly Island bookmarks, so it should be fun. As always, you can also order your copy at Amazon.com.

On another topic, I realize that it's been a while since I've added new stories or writing tips to this website. More freebies are coming soon.

Thanks for reading,

Daniel

August 1, 2007

Dru Pagliassotti reviewed Firefly Island today for the webzine The Harrow. Dru wrote:

"Firefly Island is a promising first novel, juggling multiple characters and a complicated political plot against themes of love, duty, and sacrifice. Arenson shows a talent for strong characterization and battlefield imagery that will serve him well as he continues to write and publish."

You can find more reviews for Firefly Island here.

Firefly Island's official release is only two weeks away. Earlier this week, the Austin Public Library in Texas preordered their copies. Borderlands Books, a fantasy & science fiction bookshop in San Francisco, also ordered copies. In my hometown Toronto, the bookshop Chapters (at Bayview Village) will be selling the book.

Of course, you can also get the book at Amazon.com and other online stores--or ask your library to order a copy. :)

Daniel

July 22, 2007

So, with FIREFLY ISLAND’s release only three weeks away, I figured it’s time for an update.

As some of you already know, I began writing my fantasy novel FIREFLY ISLAND ten years ago. It took a couple years to plan and outline. Then it took a couple years to write. Then it took a couple years to rewrite and revise. Then it took a couple years to sell. Then it spent over a year at Thomson Gale, my publisher, waiting for its turn at the printers. Ten years is a nice round number, and D-Day is just around the corner.

It wasn’t easy finding the right publisher for FIREFLY ISLAND. As some of you already know, two publishers before Thomson Gale offered me contracts for the book. Both publishers were too small and I didn’t like the way they were run. I stuck things out, knowing that someday I’d find a proper home for FIREFLY ISLAND.

So far, Five Star (the imprint at Thomson Gale which is publishing my novel) has been fantastic. They got the book reviewed at some great places (such as Booklist), and they’re already selling preorders to libraries. Just the other day, I learned that the Seattle Public Library ordered copies of FIREFLY ISLAND for at least four of its branches.

If your local library hasn’t already ordered FIREFLY ISLAND, please ask them to. Most libraries have an order form you can fill out. (Most are also used to ordering books from Thomson Gale. As far as I know, Gale is actually the largest supplier of hardcovers to American libraries.)

And hey, if you’d like to buy your own copy of FIREFLY ISLAND, you can preorder it today at various online stores. It’s currently on sale at Amazon.com for 34% off (a limited time offer, so if you DO want to buy FIREFLY ISLAND, now’s a good time to get it for cheap).

You can also buy FIREFLY ISLAND at physical “brick and mortar” bookshops. Borders has it listed in their system. If the branch you visit doesn’t have FIREFLY ISLAND available, just ask them to order a copy. They’ll do it. :)

Daniel

July 10, 2007

New writing tips! In my fifth "writing tips" entry, I give my thoughts on writing engaging scenes. Read more here.

In other news, Sentry Box, one of the largest SF/Fantasy bookshops in Canada, has preordered copies of my fantasy novel Firefly Island. If you are in the Calgary area, don't forget to pay Sentry Box a visit!

Remember, Firefly Island's release is just a month away. You can preorder your copy today here.

Daniel

June 30, 2007

The blog Book Reviews by Crystal reviewed my fantasy novel Firefly Island today. Crystal wrote, "I did not want this story of romance, war, and friendship to end. There is a little something for every reader in Firefly Island. I kept hoping for the best while reading this story and I can assure you I was not disappointed one bit by the story telling Mr. Arenson delivers. I award 5 hearts to Daniel Arenson’s story Firefly Island."

Firefly Island is currently available for preorder at Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Noble, and various other stores. It will be printed in August. You can also ask your local bookshop/library to preorder your copy.

Daniel

June 21, 2007

Barnes and Noble is now selling my book online. If you are a member, you can save $5. Click here for details.

At the Barnes and Noble website, you can find a new review for Firefly Island by Harriet Klausner, who is best known for being Amazon's #1 rated reviewer. Harriet was nice enough to call Firefly Island "Superb... a fascinating and enthralling story."

Daniel

June 13, 2007

Booklist reviewed Firefly Island today, saying that the book "is filled with interesting details and cultures". They very kindly added that I am "an author to watch".

I'm excited about this news, since Booklist is such a major publication, read by many librarians and booksellers. This might be the biggest news I've had about Firefly Island since selling it. The full review will be printed in the July issue of Booklist. It joins reviews such as one from ReaderViews.com, where the reviewer said, "This is the most excited I have ever been about a science fiction/fantasy book."

Meanwhile, Firefly Island is still available for 34% off at Amazon.com, which I'm also happy about. I hope the book remains on sale for a long time.

Thank you all for reading and supporting Firefly Island.

Daniel

June 1, 2007

ReaderViews.com, a website devoted to book reviews, gave Firefly Island a glowing review today.

Here is some of what Kelley Anderson, the reviewer, had to say about Firefly Island:

"Daniel Arenson has an amazing gift of bringing his characters off the pages. As I read the book, I had a clear picture of each of the characters and loved the way each character tied to another. At the beginning of the book, there were several characters with several stories and their storylines intertwined beautifully to come to a final conclusion together.

"I think this book is for anyone who likes a good story. The story is made up of part battle, journey, romance and family and just the right balance of each. I would highly recommend the book to anyone.

"This is the most excited I have ever been about a science fiction/fantasy book. I loved the characters, loved the events, and would love to see a sequel to Firefly Island."

You can read the entire review here. To order your copy of Firefly Island (now 34% off at Amazon), click here.

Daniel

May 27, 2007

Big news today. Firefly Island is now on SALE for 34% off at Amazon.com! Thomson Gale, the publisher, prints beautiful hardcovers with great cover art, dust jackets, and high quality binding. Normally these books cost $26. Now, for a limited time, Firefly Island costs $17--a great deal for a new hardcover. I'm very happy about it.

Firefly Island is already grabbing the attention of fellow writers and artists in the fantasy genre. Janrae Frank, author of the fantasy series Dark Brothers of the Light, says, "Daniel Arenson writes with a natural grace to bring us into the lives of characters we come to care deeply about. I love his work." Jon Baxley, author of the fantasy novel The Blackgloom Bounty, says that Firefly Island deserves great success, and fantasy painter Uwe Jarling calls Firefly Island a "must read".

Click HERE to preorder today with a 34% discount.

Want to read the first chapter first, for FREE? Click here.

As always, thank you for reading,

Daniel

May 20, 2007

New writing tips are here! This time, I write about how to create great characters. Read the article here.

Daniel

May 17, 2007

My new fantasy story, "Return to Ravenworld", is now forthcoming from "Things Are Not What They Seem" anthology, edited by Janrae Frank. It will be published as an ebook. I hope you all enjoy it!

Here is a quick excerpt:

May 11, 2007

New writing tips are here! Check them out. In the new article, I explain how to outline novels.

As well, we have a new feature here at www.DanielArenson.com -- our own chatroom. At the Hideout, you can kick off your shoes, have a drink, and chat with Daniel and friends about books, writing, and anything you like. Hope to see you there.

Daniel

April 29, 2007

Firefly Island is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com!

The book will be printed in August, but you can secure your copy today. Click here for the details.

You can read the first chapter of Firefly Island here.

(If you'd like to receive these updates via email, let me know.)

Thanks for reading,

Daniel

April 16, 2007

New story!

My children's story "Bluebell and the Giant" is now available in the magazine Beyond Centauri. Check it out here.

Go here to read FREE stories by me.

You can also read the first chapter of my fantasy novel FIREFLY ISLAND here.

And remember, if you'd like to receive my updates via email, let me know.

Thanks!

Daniel

April 1, 2007

New writing tips are here.  Today I write my thoughts on movies vs. novels.  More essays will be coming soon, so please return to visit.

Also, please sign up to my mailing list.  You'll receive writing tips, new stories, news, and more via email.

Thanks for reading!

Daniel

March 22, 2007

A new trailer for Firefly Island is here.  Feel free to send the link around!

March 17, 2007

Thorsten Grambow, who painted the cover art for Firefly Island, is now featuring a large version of the painting on his website.  Visit www.ThorstenGrambow.com to see the original Firefly artwork (without the texts) and some other great artwork Thorsten has created over the years.

Meanwhile, a video "trailer" for Firefly Island is in the works, and should appear on this website soon.  Be sure to come back and check it out.  New writing tips are coming soon, too.

Daniel

March 3, 2007

The Firefly Island website now has a new section:  Writing Tips.  Check it out!

February 25, 2007

The Firefly Island website received a new look today.  Throughout the site, you'll find new colors, layouts, and header images featuring illustrations created specifically for Firefly Island.  Please browse around the site.  I hope you enjoy.  And remember to check out the Firefly Island myspace.

I'll continue to update this site regularly.  Expect to see new artwork, a book trailer, and more coming soon.

Daniel

February 20, 2007

The Firefly Island website is launched!

Firefly Island is my first fantasy novel, to be published in August by Five Star (an imprint of Thomson Gale).  On this site, you can learn about the book and its author.  You can also read FREE STORIES.

Thanks for visiting, and keep coming back, as I'll be updating the site continuously.  And remember, once the novel is released, this site will include a contest where you can WIN PRIZES.

If you'd like to be notified whenever this site is updated, just let me know here.

Thanks for reading,

Daniel