the dragon of ynys

How It Started

With almost $3000 on the counter (which would be a magical number to push us forward in the algorithms and general perception!), we’ve got a new update from narrator Ryan H. Reid where he is getting started on the audiobook. Ever wondered what the absolute essentials are to create an audiobook? Discover it in the new video!

At the time I write this, there are 64 hours left to preorder your The Dragon of Ynys audiobook on a “pay what you can” basis, starting from $1. And yes, offering just $1 is absolutely a legit option that helps us forward! We can’t express our thanks enough to everyone who is making this project possible and who helps us move towards the best possible quality.

The Countdown Dragons (or afteldraakjes) have all gotten their own micro-poem by E.D.E. Bell – you can see the whole thread of dragon drawings and poetry here on Twitter.

This was the latest little dragon, with 3 days to go:

Dragon Three

If you want to know what the Dragon of Two will look like, check the thread or my Instagram this evening (European time). Feel free to show them, and of course our Kickstarter, to all your friends!

Wishing you a very nice day with delicious tea (if you like tea),

Minerva

the dragon of ynys

A Project We Love – Fully Funded!

Things are moving so fast I can’t even keep up blogging about them – and I can only be very grateful for that!

We have (already!) reached the point where we can proudly say that the audiobook of The Dragon of Ynys will definitely be made. This is absolutely amazing! A big thank you to all the wonderful people who want to support us and our project. And to Kickstarter, for making us a “Project We Love” and featuring us on the main page as a “Fresh Favorite”.

Project We Love Kickstarter

Now what’s next? Well, for starters, you can still pledge to grab your own copy of the audiobook (and perhaps the ebook, paperback, or limited edition hardcover!) on the same Kickstarter page, with audiobooks starting at $1, in the next 8 days. You can even see yourself in a story in the universe of Ynys, if you select the Rainbow Catcher, or get a new story written especially for you if you select the Wish Fairy level. Moving beyond our funding goal allows us to improve the quality of the hardcover, increase the amount of new material, and of course supports Atthis Arts, which has been going through a rough time as a small publishing business – and believe me, they deserve a boost. As there are so many improvements that could be done, we don’t have any set stretch goals as yet, but of course, if we really go way beyond the goal, who knows what we’ll come up with…

For now, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I think I speak for almost every writer when I say that getting an audiobook made of your work is a dream come true. It’s so magical to know that people who wouldn’t get to read the book in its current form will get access to it.

If you’d like to see something silly but fun, I’m making countdown dragons on Instagram: number-shaped dragons who will guide us through the Kickstarter campaign.

Again, thank you, and please keep sharing the news about the audiobook to everyone you think might be interested!

Hugs,

Minerva

the dragon of ynys

What an Actual Dragon Sounds Like

Everyone!!! Our Kickstarter is live!!!

I am SO excited that everyone is finally getting to hear Ryan’s introduction video. And of course, that’s only the beginning! Hearing this, can you imagine how awesome the finished product will be?!

So… It’s real now. In the next 10 days, you can help the Kickstarter reach its minimum goal and make our The Dragon of Ynys audiobook see the light of day. Yes, the campaign is only on for ten days – so don’t wait too long! If money is tight, you can get yourself the audiobook and ebook for as little as $1. This Kickstarter works on a “pay what you can” basis. Of course, if possible, you are most welcome to give more, with recommended prices being indicated in the Pledge descriptions on the right of the page. There will also be a limited edition, one-run-only, hardcover edition of The Dragon of Ynys! This reward level starts at $100 and the hardcover edition will include exclusive content – unseen material which, in turn, you can also get as a digital add-on starting from $5. So… We think there’s something for everyone who likes to spend a little time in Ynys. Please do spread the word about this to all of your friends (and foes – they can probably use a little extra message of acceptance, or they wouldn’t be your foes, right?). I really, really hope we’ll make it – I can’t wait to listen to more of Ryan’s narration!

Click here to open the Kickstarter!

Did you never hear about my queer fairy tale novella The Dragon of Ynys before? Read more info about it here!

Thank you so much for your support!

Lots of love,

Minerva

 

the dragon of ynys

Is that a Dragon I hear?

No, not yet.

But it may be, soon.

With your help.

That’s right… The Dragon of Ynys will be made into an audiobook!!!

I can’t describe how exciting this is. Not only will we be able to hear the characters talk, but this also means that the book becomes more widely accessible. I can’t wait to see this happen!

Ryan H. Reid will be narrating the book. I’ve heard some voice samples and it’s going to sound absolutely amazing. Fellow fans of draconic voices, rejoice!

But to get to that point, Atthis Arts, Ryan, and I will need your help. Making an audiobook isn’t cheap, and as we all know, the past couple of years haven’t been kind to the publishing industry. So I would like to ask you to go to this Kickstarter page and click the green button saying “Notify me on launch”. Even if you’re not sure if you’ll end up supporting the Kickstarter itself, this will help us to make the campaign more visible.

The campaign will launch on December 5. Thank you so much for your support!

(No but. Listen. An actual audiobook!!! Of my story!!! Eep!)

Love,

Minerva

The Dragon of Ynys book and ebook preview

the dragon of ynys

Dragon Biscuits!

Hello!

I have a feeling Snap will approve of this post’s title… Happy Publishiversary, Snap & co.!

That’s right – it’s already been a whole year since The Dragon of Ynys came out with Atthis Arts. If you’re new to my blog: welcome! You can read all about my queer fairy tale novella via this link!

Buy links: Publisher’s websiteSmashwordsAmazon.comAmazon.deiBooksBarnes & NobleKoboBookshopVrolijk.nu (NL) – Kartonnen Dozen (Belgium)

Add the book to your shelves: The StoryGraphGoodreads

To celebrate the anniversary, I made real The Dragon of Ynys biscuits! I used a gingerbread recipe and Rainbow Crate’s rolling pin (which you can still find here). As it was the first time I made patterned biscuits, I still have some experimenting to do before every single sword, cupcake, and little dragon will be visible on the dough, but I already learned a lot as I went!

Dragon biscuit - unbaked.
An unbaked biscuit with the Dragon of Ynys-pattern rolled into it.

Baked biscuits, the rolling pin, and a copy of "The Dragon of Ynys".
Baked biscuits, the rolling pin, and a copy of “The Dragon of Ynys”.

As you can see, my biscuits even include the spiders’ forest! (Yes, that is Minerva-speak for: “Look, there is a little tree!”)

And while you’re enjoying a biscuit, remember that the Dragoniversary story Lost in Ynys, by Ava Kelly and me, is still out there for the party.

Cheers, and thank you for being here!

Minerva

the dragon of ynys

Time for the Tour!

And we’re off!

The Dragon of Ynys - Book Tour and Giveaway 6/14-7/14 - Silver Dagger Book Tours

The Silver Dagger Book Tour for The Dragon of Ynys has kicked off today with an excerpt from the book and an interview with me (including a baking recipe!) on the Silver Dagger website, and will keep moving to one or two new blogs every day until July 14. I’m very excited to see what will happen!

This is the full book tour schedule below! (Mind that Silver Dagger selected these blogs – I am not aware whether all of them only post content suitable for all ages all the time, so please tread carefully if necessary.)

Jun 14
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
A Pinch of Bookdust

Jun 15
Sadie’s Spotlight
4covert2overt ☼ A Place In The Spotlight ☼

Jun 16
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog
❧Defining Ways❧

Jun 17
Lady Hawkeye
ⒾⓃⓉⓇⓄⓈⓅⒺⒸⓉⒾⓋⒺ ⓅⓇⒺⓈⓈ

Jun 18
Writing Dreams
Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Jun 20
Don’t Judge, Read – GUEST POST

Jun 21
Girl with Pen
Inside the Insanity – GUEST POST

Jun 22
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’

Jun 23
Sylv.net

Jun 24
Craving Lovely Books

Jun 25
Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

Jun 28
Midnight Book Reader

Jun 29
Cover Love Book Blog

Jun 30
Scrupulous Dreams

Jul 1
eBook Addicts

Jul 2
The Bookshelf Fairy

Jul 3
A Wonderful World of Words – GUEST POST

Jul 4
Westveil Publishing – REVIEW

Jul 5
The Book Dragon

Jul 6
Insane Books

Jul 7
Bayou Book Junkie
The Sexy Nerd ‘Revue’

Jul 8
Liliyana Shadowlyn – REVIEW
Musings From An Addicted Reader

Jul 9
Bedazzled By Books
Book Corner News and Reviews

Jul 10
Chapters through life

Jul 12
Books all things paranormal and romance
Twisted Book Ramblings

Jul 13
Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author
The Faerie Review

Jul 14
Never Hollowed By The Stare
Teatime and Books

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Have fun!

Teaser image of "The Dragon of Ynys" ebook

the dragon of ynys

An Invitation to Join the Book Tour

Hello!

Last month, IQARUS Book Con had a very fun Scavenger Hunt where I managed to win the first prize: a book tour with Silver Dagger Book Tours! That means my book will be touring from blog to blog, whether it be in the shape of reviews, spotlights, guest posts, or author interviews. This will take place from June 14 until July 14, 2021. During that time, there will also be a giveaway of an Amazon gift card via Silver Dagger.

Would you like your blog to be one of the stops of this book tour? You’d be most welcome! You can sign up to become part of the tour via this link. Thank you for supporting the dragon on his long flight!

The Dragon of Ynys - Book Tour and Giveaway 6/14-7/14 - Silver Dagger Book Tours

When going on an adventure like this, I am always ready to follow baker Juniper’s advice and bring my rolling pin. Especially now that there is an actual Dragon of Ynys rolling pin! This was an item in the Rainbow Crate Book Box for April. I still can’t believe my book has a fandom item! And even better: I got my own rolling pin in the mail, so now I can make The Dragon of Ynys biscuits!

Photo of Minerva holding up the rolling pin

To see the rolling pin among the other items from the April box, check out this post from Rainbow Crate on Instagram.

I’ll be back with more exciting news soon! For now, it’s time to go prepare the tour.

Love, dragons, cupcakes, and swords,

Minerva

Projects by Friends

More awesome dragons from Atthis Arts!

Hello!

Another cute dragon project from The Dragon of Ynys publisher Atthis Arts is approaching with an impressive beating of wings! Check out a sample of the beautiful art that will be found inside the illustrated book Alia Terra – Stories from the Dragon Realm on this Kickstarter page! The stories (in English and Romanian) are written by my good friend Ava Kelly, illustrated by the incredibly talented Matthew Spencer, and edited by the wonderful E.D.E. Bell. More info about all of them can be found under the “Our Team” banner on the Kickstarter page.

What else you’ll find there? A clip where you can hear Ava talking with subtitles in 13 languages (yes, there’s also Dutch – you may want to put it on full screen to see all the languages in the subtitle menu), info on the book and on the rewards that you can add to your own dragon hoard, and of course a chance to actually make this magical project happen by pre-ordering your own copy. Please check it out and consider supporting them! And if you can’t, it would be appreciated very much if you spread the word.

Love,

Minerva

the dragon of ynys

New review!

Hi!

The Dragon of Ynys got a new review, of which I was alerted in an email, and then I realised I hadn’t blogged since the start of the year and therefore hadn’t linked to the previous review yet either!

So here’s the new review on The Queer Bookish: click!

And here’s the review on Ancillary Review of Books: click!

It is such an honour to know that people are not only reading the book but also enjoying it. And that those readers even agree that it’s important for queer youth to have a fairy tale like this! I could only speak for myself when I said this was something we needed, of course, but to see my feelings on the matter reflected gives me hope. And of course I like being right. 😉

In other news, I signed a contract to have another short story co-written with L.S. Reinholt published sometime this year, but I can’t say much more about that yet.

Until the next time I remember to blog! 😛

Minerva

The Dragon of Ynys
the dragon of ynys

Interviewed by Jennifer Lee Rossman!

Hello!

I hope you’re all well. The world is once again looking a little scarier, but at least stories are always there to give us a relaxing means of escape.

It’s been a month and a week since my story The Dragon of Ynys came out, so of course I’ll be talking a little more about it in this blog post. I was interviewed about it by the one and only Jennifer Lee Rossman, who’s an awesome author herself and the co-editor of anthologies Love & Bubbles and Space Opera Libretti. You can read the interview here (and see a cute photo of The Dragon of Ynys with some dragon friends!).

I also saw a wonderful review accompanied by a beautiful photo on theboyandhisbookshelf’s Instagram yesterday, which I’d love to share: you can see it here. And while you’re wandering around on Instagram, you can also check out some of my baking, inspired by Ynys’ baker Juniper: for example the cinnamon rolls Sir Violet is so fond of. (They make a great breakfast indeed!)

If that made you hungry for more but you’re not able to buy the book right now, I’d like to inform you that I’m currently doing a giveaway, to celebrate one month since the release as well as the upcoming Ace Week.

Ace Week, formerly Asexual Awareness Week, is an event that will take place from October 25 until October 31, all over the world. It celebrates the asexual community and the progress we see in the awareness that asexuality exists, both in society and in media representation. You can read more about it on the Ace Week website and the organisation is also present on social media.

Sir Violet, like myself, is asexual as well as aromantic, so I felt that starting giveaways on three platforms and announcing the winners on the last day of Ace Week (October 31) would be a good way of participating in the celebrations. If you’d like to enter the contest, these are the links: TwitterTumblrPillowfort.

You simply retweet or reblog the post until October 30, 2020 at 23:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly on October 31; one winner per platform. That means you have one chance per platform; 3 chances if you reblog all three! (On every platform, only your first reblog will count as an entry, so while you are most welcome to keep spreading the word afterwards, this will not increase your chances.) You can also share the posts without entering the competition; simply leave a line like “not entering the giveaway but signal boosting”.

If you’re interested in the book but would rather bypass the competition altogether, these are the buy links:

Publisher’s websiteSmashwordsAmazon.comAmazon.deiBooksBarnes & NobleKoboBookshopVrolijk.nu (NL)

Add the book to your shelves: GoodreadsThe StoryGraph

And one more thing I’d like to call attention to: my publisher, Atthis Arts, is currently doing a Kickstarter for a project called In This Moment. I am not directly involved with this, but they have put together a mindblowing team of people who’ll be working on this collection of short works, both fiction and non-fiction, documenting this moment that will be described in history books as the time of the Black Lives Matter movement and the global pandemic. As they focus on important marginalised voices, I think it’s incredibly important that this book can be made – but the Kickstarter still has quite a way to go before the funding will be complete. Take a look at it here if you can find the time, and please consider contributing.

That’s all for now!

I hope you’ll have a great Ace Week, and please stay safe!

Love,

Minerva