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C.S. Boyack has a New Release!

12/1/2021

39 Comments

 
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Hello blog friends! Today I'm pleased to host writer C.S. Boyack. Craig is a friend and fellow member of the writers group, Story Empire. If you've read one of his books, you know he's got a great sense of humor and an even greater imagination.

An Idahoan who loves nature, Craig writes whenever he's got a free moment. Busy though he is, he makes time for writing. It's one of his great loves, as is obvious by his long list of top-notch publications.  

I've read four of Craig's books, and all have earned 5-stars from me. As you might suspect, I'm really looking forward to reading his latest.

Rather than me saying more, let's invite Craig to tell us about his book. Craig, it's all yours . . . 


Thanks for having me back today. I’m here to talk about Wreck of the Lanternfish. This is the
conclusion of my trilogy, and I want to tell you how it became a trilogy in the first place.

I wanted to write a gunpowder fantasy. These are not medieval in nature, like most fantasies.
Time marched on and gunpowder is part of the mix. This led me through a couple of ideas, but
pirates kept floating to the surface, and Voyage of the Lanternfish was born.

I’m kind of known for stand alone stories. My inner circle kept prodding me to write a series, and
I always take them seriously. After the first volume came out, I got a lot of comments and
correspondence asking for more. One even asked for a story solely about root monsters.

I thought I left it all on the page. I truly expected to move on to something else. Requests for
more are powerful things, and I couldn’t ignore that. I went through the idea that a series just
involves more stories in the existing environment. The world of Lanternfish is quite rich in lore,
creatures, and even monsters. Somehow, the idea of sailing somewhere else and taking on a
quest didn’t quite work for me.

Sales were going well, comments kept coming in. Then, one afternoon, Star Wars came on the
television. (As it so often does.) The Muse whispered in my ear and the idea of a classic trilogy
hit me.

Voyage of the Lanternfish involved several characters being exposed to something much
bigger than their ordinary lives. The country was on the verge of war. I already had a worthy
ship with more cannon than anything else at sea. How might it, under the guidance of it’s
captain, play a role in the coming war?

HMS Lanternfish followed, and in classic style there is kind of a beat down for our heroes.
Things don’t look too good for the outcome of the war. James determined to settle down on a
neutral continent, and live happily ever after with his wife.

The only problem was their royal houseguest. James and Bonnie couldn’t just abandon her to
her fate. She’s being hunted by their enemies and it’s only a matter of time before trouble finds
them, even half-a-world away from the turmoil. Time becomes a factor, but Bonnie and the
others should be safe for a while.

Thus, we come to Wreck of the Lanternfish. James takes his ship to sea once more to see if he can influence the outcome of the war. To pull this off, he’s going to have to grow and expand his horizons. There will be risk, loss, and changes he can’t unwind. To find out how this all turns out, pick up Wreck of the Lanternfish. It wraps up a classic trilogy, and I’m pleased with the way it all worked out.

BOOK BLURB
​

James Cuttler created a peaceful spot for he and his wife to settle down. Far from the war that ravages their homeland, far from the reputation he earned as the notorious pirate Captain Bloodwater, and far from responsibility.
     A royal Prelonian houseguest is a constant reminder of what’s at stake half a world away, of the friends he put ashore to fight the war. He lives in a dream world that’s temporary, at best. It’s only a matter of time before his guest is identified and the black assassins come for her.
     He mortgages his precious vineyard to pay for repairs to his ship. If nothing else, Lanternfish will be one of the most powerful ships in the war, if he’s not already too late.
James will have to merge the skills of commander and con man into something new to make this work. He’ll need to avoid those on his own side who would hang him for piracy.
     Serang is half a world away, leading her army of mercinary swordsmen toward the Fulminites. Mistrusted by both sides of the war, she appears as a third combatant on the battlefield. She may eliminate the mysterious order, only to succumb to the demons of her own tragic past.
     Strap on your swords and hoist the colors one more time as the thrilling Lanternfish Trilogy comes to an end. 
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Amazon Author Page
​Purchase Link
Trilogy Link
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39 Comments
Harmony Kent link
12/2/2021 04:20:47

Huge congrats on your latest release, Craig! I love those book covers. Best of luck with the launch. Thanks for sharing, Gwen 💕🙂

Reply
Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 04:41:51

It's my pleasure to share. Thank you for cheering Craig onward, Harmony. 💗

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 05:17:20

Thanks, Harmony. I am well pleased with these covers.

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Staci Troilo link
12/2/2021 04:25:34

It's bittersweet to say goodbye to beloved characters. I know I'll miss the root monsters (those funny little scamps!). But it's such an accomplishment to have completed a series. Congratulations to you, Craig, and best wishes.

Thanks for hosting, Gwen.

Reply
Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 04:43:59

They are funny little scamps--perfect description, Staci. Thank you for visiting and adding your kudos. 💗

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 05:18:27

It is kind of sad, but a benchmark at the same time. I’ll just have to come up with new things.

Reply
Joan Hall link
12/2/2021 04:51:07

It is hard to say goodbye to characters. Like Staci, I'll miss the root monsters. Congrats on completing the series and good luck with this one.

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 05:19:21

Thank you, Joan. It seem the root monsters were fan favorites.

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Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 05:52:06

I'm with you, Joan. The root monsters are special. Maybe Craig will re-introduce them in another series someday. 😊

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Rox Burkey link
12/2/2021 05:21:19

What a bitter sweet release. On my list Craig. Gwen what a lovely post.

Reply
Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 05:50:12

Thanks so much, Rox. I look forward to hosting you someday. 😊

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CS Boyack
12/2/2021 05:55:57

It’s hard seeing them off, but also a celebration of sorts.

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CS Boyack
12/2/2021 05:56:52

Thanks so much for having me over today. You’ll have to stop by my place and share some of your wares.

Reply
Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 06:09:18

It's a pleasure hosting you today, Craig. Thank you for the invite. I'll definitely take you up on that. 😊

Reply
john howell link
12/2/2021 06:30:20

What a nice intro, Gwen. Congratulations to Craig and thanks for hosting him today.

Reply
Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 06:33:41

Thank you so much, John. It's always a pleasure to host friends. 😊

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 10:49:17

Thank you, John.

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Jan Sikes
12/2/2021 06:31:30

I love this bit of backstory on how The Lanternfish turned into a series. I'm glad you listened to your fans, Craig! This book is up next for me and I can't wait to read the conclusion! Best wishes with this entire series, and thank you for being the beautiful host you are, Gwen!

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Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 06:34:45

Thank you very much, Jan. I'm happy to host and cheer for the root monsters. 😊

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 10:50:04

Hope you have fun with it, Jan.

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Mae Clair link
12/2/2021 07:02:37

You have so many unique creatures in the world of Lanternfish, Craig. Like everyone else I'm a card-carrying member of the root monster fan club, but you created memorable characters, too. I especially like James and Serang.
Congratulations on finishing the trilogy! Wishing you all the best with the release. Thanks for hosting Craig today, Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 08:06:54

Thank you for visiting, Mae, and cheering Craig forward. All the best!

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 10:51:12

Thanks, Mae. It takes an effort to do something like this, but it’s also a worthwhile goal.

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Judi Lynn
12/2/2021 09:50:40

Congratulations on not only one, but two series, Craig! Glad you got bullied into trying them:) Great guest post. Thanks for hosting him, Gwen. I'm enjoying your blog tour, but I'm going to be gone for a while, so I'll try to catch up when I get back.

Reply
Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 10:43:39

Thank you, Judi, for your encouraging and supportive words. Safe travels! 😊

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 10:52:20

Thanks, Judi. Two different kind of series, but both are worthy goals for an author. Enjoy your time away.

Reply
D.L. Finn
12/2/2021 09:50:58

I'm very glad you found the inspiration to make this a trilogy! It was a great adventure and, like everyone else, I'll miss those root monsters :)
Thanks for hosting, Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 10:44:17

Thank you, Denise. It's a pleasure to host friends. 😊

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 10:53:14

So glad you enjoyed it. I might have to try it again one day.

Reply
Beem Weeks link
12/2/2021 11:31:34

Thanks for promoting Craig, Gwen. He's a good guy.

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 11:39:13

Thank you, Beem.

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Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 13:17:32

He sure is, Beem. Thank you for pointing that out. 😊

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Elizabeth Gauffreau link
12/2/2021 15:22:40

All the best to Craig for a successful launch!!

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Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 15:31:03

Thank you ffor your cheers, Liz. Happy times for Craig. 😊

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 15:43:25

Thank you, Liz.

Reply
Teri Polen link
12/2/2021 16:15:02

As a Star Wars fan, I love that it inspired you. And I'd love a spinoff of the root monsters. Thanks for hosting, Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano
12/2/2021 16:53:34

My pleasure, Teri. Thank you for stopping by. 😊

Reply
CS Boyack
12/2/2021 16:59:11

Thank you, Teri.

Reply
Roberta Eaton Cheadle
12/3/2021 09:48:03

A fabulous post about Craig's new book. Have a wonderful weekend Craig and Gwen.

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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