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From the Desk of the Author - September 2025

Welcome back

Dear Reader,

I love sitting down each month to share what’s new in my writing journey with you. As we step into a busy fall season, there’s plenty to catch up on.

In this edition, you’ll find updates on my fall event schedule, the cover reveal information and ARC sign-up for Book Three, a peek at Book Four, and even the answer to a question I get often: “What's Willow Wraith Press?”

There’s a lot to explore this month. Let’s dive in together.

Your complimentary short story for being an insider

As I promised each of you when you signed up (in the event you didn't receive the download link after your confirmation, here's your BookFunnel gateway to the free short story, The Last Honor of Iosefa Fatu.

There's no better time to read this than right now. This is the segue between the first and second novels in my The Fates of Aten series. It's not a deal breaker if you choose to read it first, but it will make more sense after reading Book I.

Link to BookFunnel: Download The Last Honor of Iosefa Fatu​

Update: On August 30th, I sat an breathed new life into this short story. The download link will take you to the 2nd edition. Though no major plot points have changed, it is more up-to-date with my writing skill where I'm at now.

Update #1: The Serpent and the Shattered Sword (Book III)

Status

I'm both proud and pleased to say that Book III has been sent to the wonderful, Yoanna Stefanova (IG:@bookish.with.yo), meaning it's entered the final editing stage prior to proofreading and find formatting. It should be back to me on or around October 1st.

I also want to give my sincerest thanks, and a major shoutout to Marie (Instagram:@woodsy.reading), and Audrie (Instagram:@audrie.reads.and.edits), who were Beta Readers, and did an absolutely fantastic job.

Cover, Book Blurb, and Trailer Reveal

The cover for Book III is complete. You'll be the first to see the completed version on the October 1st edition of the newsletter. Make sure that email doesn't end up somewhere other than your inbox. Once again, as the re-covers were, Book III's cover was created by fabulous artist J.N. Ignacio (IG:@_sushinori_).

Reminder: ARC Team Sign up

There's still plenty of space to sign up for this ARC team. I have 14 spots filled out of 80, and haven't truly begun the big push. There's still plenty of time to get yourself through Books 1 and 2, if you haven't yet got to them yet.

ARCs are anticipated to go out on October 15th, with requested reviews by November 20th, in advance of the November 26th release date.

ARC Team Exclusive Schmivaway

As always, there will be an exclusive ARC team "you know what" if you leave your review before release day. Since I just did new paperback covers, anyone on the team who follows through will be entered in to win a signed set of Books I to III. It pays to be on this ARC team, so sign up below.

Update #2: The Call of the Silver Spire (Book IV)

As mentioned, Book III is currently in Yoanna's more-than-capable hands for the next month, so I've turned my attention back to the first draft of Book IV. I've made solid progress, and am currently sitting around the 25-30% mark (140 pages) of what I have planned out. It's not due to release until Fall 2026, although I'm not opposed to a summer release once I gauge my timeline after the first draft.

My early estimate is that it should come in around the size of Book II, if not slightly longer in length. There's a lot packed in, as this is the setup for Book V. To be honest, part of me doesn't want to finish it, because it means it's coming to an end.

That being said, I owe it to myself, to you, and to Alira, Zahra, Emile, Teora, and Flynn, to finish their story. So, that's what I'm going to do.

Update #3: Fall/Winter Events Schedule

If you're wondering where to find me this fall, it seems I'll be all over the Edmonton, AB area. So, if you're local, or feel like making the day trip to the city, here's where you'll find me this Fall/Winter:

• Tales and Trinkets Book Fair - Spruce Grove, AB - Sept. 13th, 1100-1800
• Voices and Visions - Gibbons, AB - Sept. 27th, 1230-1630
• "Booked" Culture Day - Fort Saskatchewan, AB - Sept. 28th, 1200-1615
• MFRC Christmas Market - Lancaster Park, AB - Nov. 22nd, 1400-1700
• Interview: Realm Runners Podcast - Nov. 24/25th (TBC) - 1900 EST
• Morinville Christmas Market - Morinville, AB - Dec. 7th, 1000-1600
• St. Albert Christmas Market - St. Albert, AB - Dec. 14th, 1000-1700

I'm going to look at getting myself into an Indigo or two in October, but for now, this is a pretty busy fall/winter schedule. I'll be ready for a break come December 15th.

Update #4: Willow Wraith Press

Your last update for this month, and we dive into the question of what exactly is Willow Wraith Press. You've seen the branding on a few of my posts, or maybe even took part in our recently giveaway, and you may have wondered what my affiliation is with the group.

I'll preface by saying that my own brand, Legend Forge Press, isn't going anywhere. My works will still continue to be published under my own business name. Willow Wraith Press is a collective of indie authors from across the world (Canada, USA, UK, South Africa, and many more), who support one another with our collective audience.

Willow Wraith Press does book reviews, runs the ongoing podcasts, A Schmudgeon of Curmudgeon with Bill Adams and Dewey Conway, and, Realm Runners, Pete Barnable's live, bi-weekly interview segment.

Our support isn't limited to our own author collective, but rather supporting indie authors and publishing writ large. If you'd like to know more about Willow Wraith Press, and each of the authors and reviewers who make up our group, click to follow the link below:

There's more exciting news to come

But for now, that's all I have for you for this newsletter and my September updates. There's lots of great things to come next month, so ensure my updates don't go to your junk/spam folder, so you can be the first to see the cover for Book III.

If you're in the area, stop by one of my fall/winter events and say hello. I'd love to meet you. In the event we've already met once before, I'd love to see you again.

Until next time, my friend. Happy reading,

Nick "N.A." Betts

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