What’s New
Believe it or not, this is my 50th Overlords Newsletter! My first issue came out way back on April 5, 2003 and in it I explained what The Overlords were, my forays into finding an agent, and acknowledgments of close friends that helped me get to that point in my writing career. Though it has only been five years since my first newsletter, so much has changed since then. I have two books published, spoken at middle schools and high schools, lectured at the University of Rhode Island, and visited book clubs. I’ve met scores of wonderful people, attended countless book signing events, and have done my best to promote creativity in our children’s minds. I’ve truly enjoyed this experience and I hope that I’ve been able to ignite a spark in those people who want to follow their dreams, just like me. I’m not quitting any time soon -- issue #100 will be here before you know it!
Back in April, I sent a copy of Legend of the Treasure to Harriet Klausner, the #1 ranked reviewer on Amazon.com. She gave my book 5 stars out of 5 with the following review:
5 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 starsengaging quest fantasy , April 23, 2008
Over a millennium ago, the Overlords simply vanished. Throughout the lands of Gammoria, Arcadia, and Ontarian Territory as well as disputed area, smaller semi independent states and unclaimed deserted patches, this powerful civilization left behind metal plates allegedly with clues to a hidden bounty that over the centuries has become known more as the legend of the TREASURE OF THE LAND concealed in the Seven Rooms.
In Aegeus, Arcadia off the Serpent Sea, Harrison Cross persuades some of his friends that they can find the mythical treasure and bring it home so their town can prosper. Even as they follow the clues of the plates along the way, the trek proves dangerous as the Scynthian race wants all humans dead so they attack them without mercy. At the same time the ruthless Governor of neighboring Concur Lord Nigel Hammer and his malevolent horde want the treasure for selfish reasons and killing a few rivals is no problem for them.
This engaging quest fantasy reads like a cross between the game Dungeons & Dragons and the cult movie Fillard Millmore. Findings from a dead ancient civilization are marveled over as if they were once magical and still are if you can figure out how to use them; sort of like a caveman seeing electricity. Although the villains are two dimensional either as ruthless and or Lady Macbeth ambitious, readers will fully enjoy traveling with heroic fully developed Harrison and his companions as they face danger every step of the way, but courageously continue on their mission in a land vividly described by J. Michael Squatrito, Jr. so it seems real.
Harriet Klausner
Not bad, huh! I have always said that The Overlords will make it big some day, hopefully sooner than later!
Finally, many of you that bought a copy of Legend of the Treasure still need to pick up the sequel, The Talisman of Unification. Check out my event schedule below and make a point to see me at one of the showings, or email me and I’ll get that copy to you. Remember, if you take one of my books to the beach, be sure to make it very visible so those around you can wonder what you’re reading!
Book Three Update
Progress continues on Book 3. I just started chapter 9, bringing my page total to just about 150. I’ll need to write about 650 pages in order to be around the same page total as my other two books. A page a day and I’ll be just fine …
Upcoming Events
With summer getting into full swing, I’ve been busy adding events to my schedule, with three set for July alone:
· Saturday, July 12th -- A Novel Idea Bookstore, 450 Hope Street, Bristol, RI from 12:00 to 3:00. I will be there with my good friend, Pat Hastings, who will be selling copies of her book, Simply a Woman of Faith.
· Friday, July 19th -- NECON 28, Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI. This is my annual pilgrimage to the four-day Horror convention where I meet published authors and literary people. And you wonder why the Scynthians are so evil …
· Saturday, July 26th -- Only in Rhode Island, The Shops at Long Wharf, Newport, RI from 12:00 - 3:00.
Hope to see you at one of these events!
Contact Information
Send all correspondences to the-overlords@cox.net. I have accumulated many email addresses over the years, and have used them to create my mailing list. Please pass this newsletter along to anyone you feel might be interested in my project. The more contacts I make, the better the chances of having all my hard work pay off!
If you wish me to use a different address or to be removed from my mailing list, please send me an email and I will handle your request. Please feel free to visit my website at www.the-overlords.com. There you will find character biographies, more details on my books, and links to other sites. Be sure to visit them too.