.Once again, it's been far too long since we posted an update.
First of all: Lexa has a new book out this year. Colony Zero is scheduled for release this coming August (2020). Pre-orders will be available towards the end of June for those interested.
This could prove an interesting exercise as we were using Createspace for our paperback printing. When Createspace went out of business, our books were kicked over to Kindle Direct Publishing, which is how paperback versions continue to be available over Amazon (.com, .ca, .uk, .eu). Colony Zero will be the first book published in print through KDP, so we shall see how this goes. As much as we like print on demand, we will be, in the future, looking for a way to bring our printing home. We just aren't yet sure when or how that will happen.
​In the last couple years, Lexa and I have had short stories published in anthologies available from Lit 'n' Laughter. These are available by following the link provided. (Also, there are some very good books published by the authors of Lit 'n' Laughter.)
Lastly, we will be participating in Camp Nanowrimo once again. More information on that can be found at nanowrimo.org

So far, for 2018, we have 2 new novels coming out:
Torn Apart by Alexandra A. Cheshire is already out and available for sale in both print and ebook
The Queen of la Grotte by Alexandra A. Cheshire will be available to pre-order on June 25th and officially released August 6th

Sometime in late November or early December, the pre-order will go up for a novel tentatively titled Colony Zero

Also, in 2018, we're hoping to get the And More shop properly up and running. (Along with a book store on our site) More information will be posted as available.

For the month of December, due to holidays and things, we will only be dealing with pre-orders for Torn Apart by Alexandra A. Cheshire and book sales. We will get back to anything else in the new year.
Also, Howling Wolf Books will be closed on the following dates:
December 21, 24, 25, 26, & 31
January 1

Wishing everyone a safe and happy December :)

Saturday, November 11, 2017 is Remembrance Day here in Canada and marks 99 years since the end of World War I. Out of respect, we will not be conducting any business on that day.

This is what Lexa tells people when they ask why she writes. Apparently people look at her funny, but it isn't really that much different than the responses other writers give. Ask any writer why they write and they will have a different response... if they've ever actually stopped to think about why at all. For some of us, writing is kind of like breathing. We do it and we don't necessarily stop to think about why.
While so many people out there have thought about writing a book, they may never set pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. Just having a story in their head isn't sufficient motivation to actually write it out and share it with the world. There needs to be a deeper why, whether they can articulate it or not.

Proofreading is a truly important step and should not be skipped no matter what is being published or posted anywhere. While it is possible to read a piece/post full of errors, it is also a pain. And it leaves the reader frustrated by the lack of care taken by the author of what they are reading.
And do NOT entrust this process to a computer spelling or grammar check. A spell check picks up spelling errors, not usage errors and typos. A grammar check is only as good as whoever programmed it and often makes no allowance for grammatical grey areas and unique voice expression.
Our favourite proofreading trick is to read the piece out loud, preferably to someone capable of providing feedback on what they're hearing. While time consuming, reading out loud will highlight all the typos and misused words/phrases. You'll also suddenly hear all the awkward passages and unnatural sounding dialogue and numerous other things which slip under the radar otherwise.
We guarantee the time taken to read out loud will be worth it in the improved quality of work.

These days public libraries are so much more than books on shelves. Maybe that's what people think of when they hear the word library, but most libraries are so much more.
Yes, the average library does have shelves full of books... on every subject under (and including) the sun, as well as magazines, movies and music (in varying formats), graphic novels and manga, foreign language materials, and (at least our local library) video games for various gaming consoles. Some also, by way of their websites or computer systems, provide access to ebooks and other online materials.
And yes, most libraries have computer terminals and internet for public use. Printing anything may cost a small fee per page.
Yes, you will likely need a library card, although some provide guest passes to access some services, but library cards are generally free.
Libraries also have librarians who can be wonderfully helpful people. (Treating them with respect helps. A lot.) It's their job to answer questions or help you find the answers. Also to help locate materials in library or help with placing holds on materials or putting in requests for inter-library loans.
Most libraries will also (we love this) purchase recently released books at patrons' request. So if you don't feel you can afford the cover price of a book, request your library get it. You can read it without a hit to your own wallet. Even better, the book is now on the library shelves for others to discover and enjoy.
Libraries also frequently offer programs and events of all kinds, from storytimes for children to public lectures to reading clubs and writers groups.
Seriously, look up your local public library today. If you aren't taking advantage of it, you could be missing something really great.

Goodreads.com is, hands down, our favourite site for anything book or author related. And for good reason.
Want to know what else your newest favourite author has written? You can search by author name.
Want to know what other readers think of a book? Every book has a page including reader ratings and reviews.
Curious if the book is part of a set or series? Search by title or ISBN number and look beside the title on the book page. Clicking on the series title will bring up a list of the rest of the series.
Have a question about a book or for the author? You can post it and receive an answer.
Goodreads provides the reader with a wealth of information on authors, books, series, upcoming and new releases. They host book giveaways for books both upcoming and released within the previous six months. There are options to join groups, find your friends and family, see what other people are reading, challenge yourself to read more books each year. There is the option to follow your favourite authors and see what they are reading.
Goodreads also has an author program and provides a whole host of tools to help authors spread the word about their work and connect with fans.
Yes, you will need to create an account (if you don't already have one), but it's free for both authors and readers to join.

For those who don't know, an ARC or Advance Reading Copy is a copy of a book sent out ahead of the release date for the purpose of gathering reviews. These are often books still in the proofing stages and may or may not contain finalized text.
As was recently posted on Facebook, we're considering offer ARCs to those who are willing to read and review soon to be released books.
Due to our current printer, we cannot offer printed ARCs. So these would be ebooks in pdf, which would be free in exchange for a review posted online and sent out at the time the book is listed to preorder.
As of right now (and subject to change in the future), we would be looking to see the reviews posted on any or all of the following: Goodreads, Smashwords, or Amazon (.com, .ca, .uk, .eu). Failure to post a review would result in the reader not being sent future ARCs.
If you are interested, please leave us a comment.