Middlegrade – SMVLTRUDEAU

New Book Trailer

April 1st, 2025

Check it out!

Unleash Your Imagination with The Phoenix and the Ant Series

August 2nd, 2024

Hello out there!

I’ve been working diligently this summer (when my daughter is napping) on polishing The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancestral Cries and the upcoming The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancient Echoes (Book 3).

Call for Beta Readers: Dive into Ancestral Cries!

I’m still on the lookout for Beta Readers for Book 2. Your feedback is invaluable, and the more perspectives, the better. At 85,000 words, it’s a quick, fun read set in an imaginative fantasy world. Perfect for kids aged 10 and up, it explores themes of personal growth, trust, friendship, and duty.

Why should you read it?

Engaging Story: If you loved Book 1, you’ll find this sequel just as captivating.
Rich Themes: It dives deep into the bonds we share and our responsibilities to one another.
Imaginative World: Lose yourself in a fantastical setting that sparks the imagination.

Interested? Get your Beta Reader copy here.

Sneak Peek into Ancient Echoes (Book 3)

I’m thrilled to share that Book 3 is well underway with 11 chapters completed. This installment not only continues Ti’s journey but also brings Fero and Haro (the ant) into the spotlight, expanding the narrative and the world in exciting ways. Expect another gripping 85,000-word adventure!

Experimenting with Sci-Fi: A Short Story

I recently ventured into sci-fi with a solarpunk-ish, slice-of-life short story for a competition. Although the contest is over, you can still enjoy the story. It was an experiment in style, and I’m proud of how it turned out.

Check out my short story here.

Thank you for your time and support. Dive into these worlds and let your imagination soar!

SMVL Trudeau

First Editorial Review

March 2nd, 2024

This is definitely something I should have tried to get done before the book released. But with this being my first book – you live and you learn.

Anyway, here’s a small snippet, and below that a link to the full review.

These deeper-level inspections of motivation, purpose, ethical behavior and evolving odd friendships may feel unusual for a middle-grade story, but nothing about The Phoenix and the Ant is typical. Its focus on shifting relationships, new realizations, and a physical phoenix challenged with also transforming mentally creates an action-packed tale with an underlay of thoughtful dilemmas that readers will find thoroughly engrossing.

Libraries seeking attractive leisure reads that can translate well to young reader book club discussion groups about all manner of behaviors and struggles will find The Phoenix and the Ant a powerful story of growth, acceptance, and revitalization that embraces both individual and social change.

– Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan’s Literary Services

http://donovansliteraryservices.com/march-2024-issue.html#tpa

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!

Tag: Middlegrade

New Book Trailer

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Unleash Your Imagination with The Phoenix and the Ant Series

Call for Beta Readers: Dive into Ancestral Cries!

Sneak Peek into Ancient Echoes (Book 3)

Experimenting with Sci-Fi: A Short Story

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First Editorial Review

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The Present and the Anticipated of The Phoenix and the Ant

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