The Return to Full-time Other-work

Well, I've been at a new job for a year and a half, and it's definitely cutting into my writing and appearance time. It's nice to see libraries still ordering my books and to hear from readers now and then!

I still hope to return to finish my open series', but I am sorry that changes in my circumstances meant I ended up pivoting into a salary job.

I will be taking down my books for international sites over the next week or so, but you can still order from my website from anywhere in the world.

Thanks for stopping by.

I'll be at the Games Fair this weekend

I'll be selling and signing and LOVING tabletop games this weekend, at the Cancer Society Games Fair | 9am-5pm Sat + Sun 

 

Ages of Pages | Sat 27 Apr

I will be selling and signing at Ages of Pages --

A Free Book Event
​Where Readers and Authors Connect
 

​Sat 27 Apr 2024 

9:30am - 4:00pm

​Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton
 

FREE ENTRY

Armageddon Spring + Some Changes Around Here

I ducked down to Auckland to sign and sell at the Armageddon Expo again this Spring. Here I am, displaying some of my snacks of choice for fellow alleycat, CC Davie, who caught me shoveling in cereal in my booth and snapped this shot.

This year, we had our own, bannered Authors Alley, and I enjoyed the company of 14 other writers for Labour Weekend. Check out our class photo!

Left to Right, Back Row: Gareth Ward, Darian Smith, SJ Pratt, CC Davie, Angela Armstrong (me), Nikky Lee, Madeline Te Whiu

Middle Row: James Russell, Russell Meek, Matt J Pike

Front Row: Kate Haley, Jamie Sands, Janna Ruth, Anna Klein, Gillian St Kevern

While the authors were a treat to be around, the readers were a joy! It was so encouraging (and motivating) to talk with readers returning to demand sequels. 

And write them I will.

But...here's where I dovetail this post into a general update. I took a job. I'll be managing Mangawhai Museum from next week (I've been shadowing the current manager this month). I'm excited about this opportunity, but I am saddened by the inevitable brakes this will pump on my writing hours. If you live in or visit the area, please visit and experience the other storytelling venture I'm a part of -- I'd love to meet you -- and if you're waiting on more books, please be patient with me, while I learn to balance this career pivot with my author pursuits. 

Thank you for your support!

Upcoming Author Event: Armageddon Winter | Auckland

 

I'll be attending Armageddon Winter (Auckland) 

King's Birthday Weekend (3-5 June) 

with new titles to sign and sell. 

Looking forward to meeting with readers, writers, and con-attendees. I always love this event.

New Book Cover Reveal!

 I have a new book!

When my editor finished her read-through of this one, she said, "You know I love Ash. I really love it. But I think this might be your best work."

Available for purchase now, if you'd like to find out if you agree.

Shadow Chaser

“Before I tell you a story most adults won’t, there’s something I must confess:
I’m homeless…”

Faye Delaney and her parents stay in other people’s houses all over the South Island of New Zealand while they save money for their own home. Faye doesn’t mind – she’s home-schooled, and each new house-sit comes with bonuses: pets or farm animals, gardens or forests, and always a fresh piece of Aotearoa to explore.

While the Delaneys tour the South Island, so do rumours. People report seeing large, slinking shadows while out for a walk, riding their bike, or sipping a cup of tea – feline shadows that fade before anyone can get a second look. As a veteran house-sitter, Faye knows animals. And she hears the ring of truth in these rumours. Armed with a backpack, a notebook, and a great sense of direction, she’s going to get to the bottom of this possibly ancient mystery.

LET THE CHASE BEGIN.

Available from this site  |  Wheelers  |   Amazon   

Author Signing at the Cancer Society Games Fair (Auckland)

 

I'll be selling and signing books at the Cancer Society Games Fair this weekend, at The Cloud, Auckland (89 Quay St). It's such a great event -- every purchase is helping raise money for the Cancer Society, and there are so many cool creatives and retailers to see, along with a great chance to try board games before you buy (let alone if you're into playing in tabletop competitions). I hope to meet some of you there!

A New Middle Grade Book!

 

Book 1 in a new series featuring a home-schooler heroine, for home-schoolers and schoolers alike. 

A magical realism mystery.

A rabbit disappears on Holly's street. Naturally,
she launches an investigation.
Her prime suspect:
Bad boy Beno.
But is Holly ready for all she'll discover?

Paperback | eBook

New Classes for Young Writers | Terms 2 and 3

Angela offers weekly writing classes for young writers. 

These classes are for aspiring writers aged 10-16 years of age, at Kaiwaka Memorial Hall, Thursdays at 11am. 

The class is an extension opportunity for young people to connect with other writers, get support crafting their writing, and learn about traditional and independent publishing processes.

Learn more about the Young Writers Guild here.

To sign-up, email angelaarmstrongauthor@gmail.com

I'll be at Wellington Armageddon | DEC 3+4

 

I'll be at Wellington Armageddon December 3rd and 4th in Artist Alley -- I'd love to see you there!

 

I'm repped again!

Here I thought when you cut my veins I bled Indie. But I met an agent who flipped me. Can't wait to see what happens next on my publishing journey with this ally in my corner. How's that for a mixed metaphor?!

I'm now represented by Amy Collins of Talcott Notch Literary.

Here's her announcement:

Sign up for my (very sporadic, occasional) newsletter / update emails if you want to hear early when Amy finds a home for my books.

Another Author Signing Event: The Cancer Society Games Fair

 

I'll be selling and signing at the Games Fair this weekend. If you're in the city, I'd love to see you and have you join me supporting the Cancer Society.

A New Interview on The Book Is Lit

 

I talk writing routine, authors that inspire me, and upcoming projects on This Book is Lit.

 

Podcast Episode: Angela & The Unflinching Ash

 Angela is a guest on the latest episode of This Book Is Lit blog's podcast.

You can listen here.

Two Free Books in Celebration of Matariki

Today, Matariki is honoured as an official holiday for the first time in post-colonial Aotearoa! I have always had a fascination with the Pleiades constellation, and hoped this occasion would be honoured and eventually enduring as a unifying and universal celebration, transcending religions and cultures. 

IN FACT, in my dystopian series, set in a distant future, I reimagined Matariki merged with an introduced Spirit Festival, to represent the melting pot of future Xinland. The Pleiades star cluster even features on the cover of Unnatural (and the book opens with a poem written about it).

In celebration of today and for five days, Unnatural and The Gen2K Omnibus (a companion set of shorts set in the same world) are all FREE. Just head over to Amazon and send them to your kindle for $0.00. Remember you don't have to have a Kindle to read eBooks, just grab the app for free.

Snuggle up and enjoy, or save them for another rainy day. 

 

Storylines Children's Writers and Illustrators' National Hui 2022

 

Writers, Illustrators -- this ones for you!

Have you booked to attend the upcoming Storylines Children's Writers and Illustrators' National Hui 2022?

The Hui is being held from the 15 - 17 July 2022 in Auckland.

The weekend features keynote speakers and workshop leaders from around the country. They'll also have publishers available for pitch slams. You can learn from the experts and take the opportunity to pitch your work to editors and agents.

I'll be there. I'd love to see you there!

Book your spot and find details about the programme here. 

Armageddon = Success

I had a bodacious time at Armageddon and hope to be back at the October event (the venue is currently not confirmed and things are a little in limbo for the organisers!). I will confirm I'll be there, here on the website, when I know!  I'm next appearing at the Cancer Society Games Fair (end of July). If you missed me this month, maybe next!