The new site layout is cleaner and more airy. I loved the original look and feel, but this one should be more sustainable. It’s got better search features and (I hope) a more engaging home page.

If you’re new, here’s what you’ll find on this site: 

• News about my books, in-progress work, and events. 
• Updates on The Xenthian Cycle.
• Resources I continue to use in my book research.
• Links to my social media profiles. I’m most active on TikTok, GoodReads, and Instagram. I’ve mothballed my Twitter and Facebook accounts for the most part. My presences remain there to prevent squatting.
• Book recommendations for other authors whose work I’ve read and loved. 

The best way to stay in touch is to subscribe to my mailing list. I respect your time and inbox: I only reach out when I’ve got news to share. 

This site also complies with Canada’s anti-spam legislation. If you subscribe, your email address will not be shared with anyone.  

While I wish pen names were ironclad, the reality is doing anything image-based in 2022 means my writing life and my professional life must inevitably sit side-by-side. So, if you’re looking for me in my work-life/start-up context, you can find me here. 

I’m proud to have redesigned emwilliams.ca. Web overhauls are a lot of work, and I’m grateful to the designers who worked with me.

It’s fantastic to welcome you back after so many months of preparation. Thanks for visiting!

The post I’ve redesigned emwilliams.ca appeared first on E.M. Williams - Fantasy Author.

TORONTO (June 27, 2022) — E. M. Williams has published Chaos Calling: Book I of The Xenthian Cycle on Amazon as a paperback.

Set in contemporary Toronto, the series juxtaposes modern-day careers and parenthood demands with the dynamic action of a superhero film. In keeping with that choice, Chaos Calling‘s diverse cast also features adults in their mid-30s with superhero-like powers.

“I’m a long-time fan of superhero stories,” says Williams. “Toronto is a popular place to film all kinds of movies and TV shows. But, few fantasy and science fiction stories are set here. I was excited to tell a story where Toronto could be itself.”

Chaos Calling features many recognizable Toronto locations, including the SkyDome, Queen’s Park, the Stockyards, MaRS Discovery District, and Montecito Restaurant.

“My characters’ careers reflect my experiences working in healthcare and startups,” says Williams. “I’ve lived in Toronto all of my adult life, and it was important to me to create a cast of characters who reflect the wonderful people I’ve met here.”

Chaos Calling‘s paperback edition named a #1 Hot New Release

Like the Chaos Calling ebook edition, the paperback edition also charted on Amazon’s Hot New Release list. It held the #1 position in Contemporary Fantasy on June 29 and 30, 2022. The book continues to rank strongly in the category.

Chaos Calling’s paperback edition also climbed the bestseller list in contemporary fantasy, achieving a #12 ranking alongside genre classics such as Harry Potter and newer releases, such as Holly Black’s Book of Night, Naomi Novik’s Scholomance Series, and Olivie Blake’s The Atlas Six.

“I’ve been reading authors like Naomi Novik, N. K. Jemisin and Margaret Atwood for years,” says Williams. “It’s a thrill to see my book listed alongside work of theirs and other peers in this genre every time it happens.”

Read more about the novel’s early sales success.

Balancing work and writing life

Beginning in 2014, Williams wrote three drafts of Chaos Calling using the Wattpad app while riding the TTC. She finished the novel during the Covid-19 pandemic. Across the project, she worked with 26 beta readers, two sensitivity readers, an editor, a copywriter, and a proofreader.

Williams also collaborated with several Toronto designers to create a strong reading experience. For example, she worked with illustrator Helen He to visualize the series villains. Designer Wesley Lyn used He’s sketches to create the book cover for Chaos Calling and design the series brand.

“So many people encouraged me along this journey,” says Williams. “I’m excited to share this novel and help it find readers while I work on the sequels.”

The post E. M. Williams publishes Chaos Calling paperback appeared first on E.M. Williams - Fantasy Author.

Here’s what you’ll find on this site: 

• News about my books, in-progress work, and events. 
• Updates on The Xenthian Cycle: Here’s what I can tell you about Book 2.
• Resources I used and continue to use in my book research.
• Links to my social media profiles. I’m most active on TikTok, Twitter and Instagram. 
• Book recommendations for other authors whose work I’ve read and loved. 

The best way to stay in touch is to subscribe to my mailing list. I respect your time and inbox: I only reach out when I’ve got news to share. 

This site also complies with Canada’s anti-spam legislation. Your email address will not be shared with anyone.  

If you’re a self-published author looking to level-up your book marketing, let me be the first to tell you about GrowClass. I love this amazing community for the inclusion and support offered in the class Slack channel, which you will join for life. The problem solving, feedback and troubleshooting is literally THE BEST. Sarah Stockdale and her team also offer payment plans for both Canada and U.S. residents. 

While I wish pen names were ironclad, the reality is doing anything image-based in 2022 means my writing life and my professional life must inevitably sit side-by-side. So, if you’re looking for me in my work-life/start-up context, you can find me here. 

Again, it’s fantastic to welcome you to emwilliams.ca after so many months of preparation. Thank you so much for visiting!

We’ll talk soon,

emw

The post Welcome to emwilliams.ca. It’s Great To See You! appeared first on E.M. Williams - Fantasy Author.