author – Page 2 – SMVLTRUDEAU

Ancestral Cries – Second Round of Major Updates Done

July 11th, 2024

Exciting News: Major Edits Completed!

Woohoo! The second round of major edits is finally complete, and let me tell you, it’s been both painstaking and incredibly satisfying. Of course, there have been countless smaller edits along the way, but this milestone feels especially significant.

Call for Beta Readers

At this stage, I’m eagerly looking for Beta Readers. Your insights on the whole story before the final line edit would be invaluable. If you’re interested in being a Beta Reader, please email me at: smvltrudeau@gmail.com.

About My First Book

In the meantime, don’t forget that my first book, The Phoenix and the Ant, is still available! This Upper Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure novel is packed with suspense, dynamic characters, and significant growth. Though I debated labeling it as Young Adult (YA), I ultimately decided it fits best as Upper Middle Grade.

You can find The Phoenix and the Ant in physical copies, e-books, and even an audiobook. Just search for it through your favorite retailer.

Connect With Me

I appreciate all the support and feedback from my readers. Your thoughts and opinions help shape my work, and I can’t wait to hear from you!

Best regards,
SMVL Trudeau

Update on Book 2: Ancestral Cries and Available Audiobook

May 15th, 2024

Yeesh. I am awful at keeping up-to-date with this blog. I’m sorry. Life has been incredibly hectically busy. From work, to home, to family, to friends, to life. Nothing majorly bad, thankfully, but busy. You know?

Anyway, no major updates. I am currently chipping away at major edits for Book 2 – Ancestral Cries. Both going really hard on edits and making it read well, but also implementing some thoughts and opinions of my Beta-Readers (still looking for more).

Book 3 has taken a bit of a back step so I can ensure Book 2 gets out at a decent time.

Sorry I don’t have much else to give right now. Book 2 is coming.

In the meantime, if you haven’t read Book 1, it’s still out there (pretty much on every site in existence) . If you prefer to listen there is also an awesome Audiobook.

Beta Readers Wanted

February 17th, 2024

Book 2 of The Phoenix and the Ant series. Ancestral Cries, has gone through its 3rd/4th round of editing, now I’m looking for as many beta-readers as possible.

I’ve got a couple already, but the more thoughts the better.

If you’re interested in Beta-Reading please email me at smvltrudeau@gmail.com.

I would prefer my Beta Readers have read the first book, but if you haven’t, that’s okay, that’s a great perspective to get as well.

If you’re interested, but are unsure you have the time, no worries, as long as you can get it done within the year, your feedback will help.

Anyway, I’d love to hear from you!

SMVL Trudeau

Audiobook Release

February 10th, 2024

The Phoenix and the Ant‘s audiobook is now officially released on Amazon and (I believe) iTunes. I am currently in the process of getting it uploaded to various other sites as well through Author’s Republic.

The producer of the audiobook, Ali Hoghoughi did an absolutely wonderful job. After reading through, and editing, and reading, and editing the book what feels like 80 times, he made me fall back in love with it. Truly marvelous work.

If you’re interested here are some links! If you do end up listening, let me know how you feel. Here is an audio sample from Chapter 10 you can listen to that is spoiler-free:

US: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0CV5YSD69/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-385182&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_385182_rh_us

Canada: https://www.audible.ca/pd/B0CV5ZJG6D/?source_code=AMNORWS022318003G-BK-ACX0-385182&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_385182_rh_ca

Book 2 (Ancestral Cries) is nearly ready for Beta-Readers (if you’re interested please email me). As well, Book 3 is a few chapters in. Things are going to great places, slowly, but surely.

—

SMVL Trudeau

The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancestral Cries – Cover Reveal

January 27th, 2024

Hello!

It’s here, the sequel’s cover is now done. I am aiming for an early 2025 release as I want to ensure top notch editing quality before releasing the book to the world. I am so excited though.

The audiobook for Book 1 is on its way soon. Right now its just being reviewed to ensure its of the highest quality. I’ve listened to the entire thing and it sounds GOOD.

Anyway, here’s some pictures of book 2’s cover art:

If you haven’t had the chance to check out my first novel, The Phoenix and the Ant, you can find it here:
https://read.amazon.ca/kp/embed?asin=B0CFYR5ZZV&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_SPB8VN3N9X1Y8355TWV0

I’m so happy with how everything is turning out and I’m sure you’ll enjoy and love the entire series (and its great for young readers as well)!

—

S.M.V.L. Trudeau

Audiobook for The Phoenix and the Ant!

January 13th, 2024

Guess it’s getting close enough to the time frame that I can officially tell people that the Phoenix and the Ant will have an audiobook!

It is sounding great so far. Really great, actually. It is being recorded by a wonderful narrator named Ali Hoghoughi who is doing an excellent job capturing the mood and vibe. As well as the characters.

As well, for those interested, Book 2 is well on its way, I’m about 13 chapters into the bigger edits. Then I’ll start getting it out to Beta Readers (if you’re interested – especially if you’ve read book 1, let me know). Then to a professional editor, then hopefully get it out in early 2025!

Sequel Subtitles

December 13th, 2023

My first book, The Phoenix and the Ant, has been out for a little while. Minor success so far (about 50-60 sales altogether). People seem to be enjoying it quite a bit, which is wonderful.

However, the sequel is going through its second/third round of edits, and I want to get the ball rolling on a subtitle (so I can get the ball rolling on cover art). If you check out this Strawpoll you can see a bunch of ideas I have had, my wife had, and a good friend of mine have had for subtitles. I put parenthesis on ones that either exact subtitles, or very similar ones already exist in some form or another.

Anyway, if you’re interested, let me know what you think by doing the Strawpoll: https://strawpoll.com/w4nWr2qQNyA

As well, please give the first novel a read if you have the chance, it’s on Kindle Unlimited, E-book, and Softcover (and honestly the cover is absolutely beautiful). https://a.co/d/8d4PG8O

Thanks!

The Phoenix and the Ant – Out Now

November 26th, 2023

Hello hello!

The day finally arrives, and I’m excited, and I’m scared, and I’m a million different emotions that are blending into a confused mess.

But, it’s here!
Information below, about where to get it, and a little mini draw for all future books.

Buy today at: https://a.co/d/63ehn7c
Available on Kindle Unlimited, E-Book, and Physical Softcover.

If you buy a book and leave a review I will enter you into a chance to win all my future The Phoenix and the Ant series books! That’s upwards of 3 more books! Think of it like a long term surprise!

And if you really fall in love with the book, spread the word! I will do the draw in January to give time for people to buy the novel and review it!

—

SMVLTrudeau

The Phoenix and the Ant – Out Soon

November 18th, 2023

November 26th. What has been a long journey feels like it’s coming to an end (or truly just beginning). Admittedly I haven’t had much success finding a new audience outside of friends and family, but perhaps that will come with time. Either way, it is an exciting moment.

I have a lot of awesome things coming up in the pipeline, such as the second novel, the third (ish) novel, the TTRPG (which is slow going as the book, work, and my family take priority), and the AUDIOBOOK. Yes, that’s right, I am working with a producer to have an audiobook made and so far it is sounding amazing.

It would mean the world to me for people to pre-order my novel, or even add it to your wishlist. It will be on Kindle Unlimited for at least three months (not sure after that, it depends if I can get it into school libraries and local libraries).

Link: https://a.co/d/5jHIuOs

In the kingdom of Djat, Were Magic is a forbidden magic, its very existence a crime punishable by the highest degree. But when a young girl named Ti discovers her ability to transform into a majestic phoenix, her life takes a drastic turn. With the memory of the royal family’s assassination by Were Wizards still haunting the kingdom, Ti’s father, a general in the Djat army, sends her to the prestigious school, Yaudi School, for her safety. Accompanied by Captain Arence and his eccentric crew from the Calydronian ship, Tubby Whale, Ti embarks on a journey through the vast and treacherous oceans of Ptansia, a shattered continent. Along the way, she meets Slayer, a skilled Wind Wizard whose ego matches his talent. Together, Ti, Slayer, and Ti’s loyal Animal Partner, Priot, a silver-tipped falcon, face ancient beasts, uncover hidden magic, and unwittingly become pawns in a kingdom’s desire for war. Ti’s adventure is not just about mastering her newfound powers but also about finding her place in a world where she feels like she doesn’t belong. With new friendships forged and incredible challenges ahead, Ti must navigate the delicate balance between loyalty, self-discovery, and the longing for a true home. Join Ti on her thrilling journey in this captivating tale that blends magic, adventure, and the timeless pursuit of identity.

The Present and the Anticipated of The Phoenix and the Ant

September 4th, 2023

The Present:

Edits are back from the editor. Slowly cleaning them up into my main document. I’m using Atticus now for formatting. It’s a wonderful program and will save a lot of money on formatting over the next couple books.

November 26th is looking good to go for the e-book. I think the physical book may not be too far off of that, if not pretty much the same time. It really depends on how quickly Ingram Spark gets me a proof of the physical copies (paperback and hardcover) so I can ensure quality work.

I am also working on converting my Ptansia: TTRPG adventure into something that anyone can play. Right now it is designed in the FATErpg system, as that’s what I played it with friends. I’m hoping to convert it to open-source so it can theoretically be used in any TTRPG. Also trying to convince a friend to help me with that. I’ll gladly send a document of what I have to anyone who is interested in helping set it up, or wants to give tips.

I need to focus more on building up a following, but that’s easier said than done. Any tips out there?

The Anticipated

Book 2 is well on its way, about 26 chapters in, likely 2 or 3 more until its complete (and then editing!) . No subtitle quite yet. Though I will say there is a “temporary” subtitle of The Phoenix and the Ant: The Poisonous Plot. Take that for what you will.

I will say. It carries a very similar tone, but expands the world in very interesting ways, as well as dips its toes into another genre (you can probably guess based of the temporary subtitle). I don’t want to spoil anything too early, but we definitely visit more of the world, and meet a lot of powerful, intriguing characters.

Anyway, hit me up if you have any cool ideas, tips, or want to know more.

See-ya!
Pre-Order the E-book here!

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Call for Beta Readers

About My First Book

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