Have you ever felt like time was slipping away too quickly? It reminds me of the refrain from a ‘70s song by Steve Miller, “Fly Like an Eagle.” The older I get, the more these lyrics resonate. I blink, and an entire week has passed. I wake up one morning, and half of March has already flown away… like an eagle. Facebook presents me with memories from ten years ago, when my youngest son was an infant and my eldest was still in grade school. It really doesn’t seem that long ago. Needless to say, I’ve been thinking a lot about the past.

As of February 28th, my paternal grandfather has taken up his new residency in heaven. This was not unexpected. He was 93 and quite ill. I suspected at the time of my last visit–Christmas time–that it would be the last time I saw him, and told Papa I loved him. However, I hoped I could see him again before the end. I was even thinking of him on that day and debating a time for our next visit. 

Alas, it was not to be, but I have visited my Nana, who is coping as well as she can with the help of our family. I take comfort in the fact that Papa is no longer suffering and is with our savior in heaven. Papa lived to see me publish my first book, which also consoles me. I mention him in the dedication of Wyldling Snare. 

I spent a lot of time with my Nana and Papa when I was young–both at their home in central Wisconsin and Up North at their cabin on Tippecanoe Lake. I was their first grandchild and they figured prominently in my upbringing. An avid reader, Papa always encouraged me to keep writing and was interested in the progress of my work. I will miss him, but at least I have the lovely memories and the assurance of seeing him again in heaven.

My apologies; it wasn’t my intention to write my grandfather’s obituary in this newsletter or to bring anyone down. I’m just sharing what’s on my mind. Perhaps give you some insights into what influences me as a writer.

My childhood experiences play a large role in shaping Wyldling Snare and the Wyldling Dream Series as a whole. Those who know me will certainly recognize the character Annabelle as a stand-in for myself. Fortunately, she’s not 100% autobiographical; no one wants to read an adolescent’s incessant negative self-talk and laments regarding the unfairness of life. There’s such a thing as too much angst.

What’s Happened

On March 4th, the USA Today best-selling author, Katherine D. Graham, interviewed me in a live chat on her YouTube channel. Here is the link for the replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMiutCaaswo 

Talking with Katherine was the most fun I’d had in a while. She’s doing great things with her channel. Bringing the writing community together, sharing her own know-how and the expertise of others in the professional writing world, and discussing some really awesome books in the bargain. Live readings showcase the work of indie fantasy authors and bring their characters to life. If you’re a fan of the fantasy genre, then I recommend checking out her YouTube channel.

Revisions, Revisions, Revisions!

Whew! Second round of revisions on Wyldling Trials completed. Finally. It’s been a harrowing process. Once the critique groups finish plowing through it, I hope to have the third round done by the end of April or mid-May. Having other writers and readers critique my work has been a God-send. Literally, I thank God for putting these folks in my life–or putting me in theirs. However you want to look at it; critiquing is a two-way street. I like to believe I’m helping others hone their craft and improve their stories, even as they help me to do the same.

Awesome Fantasy Books

While you’re waiting for Wyldling Trials to come out, I have three book recommendations to satisfy your craving for the weird and fantastic. Because it’s Women’s History Month, the featured books are all written by women. I read and enjoyed them all, and I hope you do, too!

Also, if you haven’t read Wyldling Snare, yet, it’s available on Amazon in e-book, paperback, and you can read for free on Kindle Unlimited.

Wolf Healer by Huckleberry Rahr

This is a YA LGBTQ+ book that’s enjoyable for readers of all ages. Give it a go; you won’t be disappointed!

When fifteen-year-old Jade Stone, daughter of the werewolf alphas, comes back changed from her trip to Florida, can she continue pursuing her dream of becoming her pack’s next werewolf healer?

The Dragoneer by Amber Boudreau

High school is hard enough without taking care of a dragon too. When 15-year-old Moira Noble stumbles across a cave and a dragon in need of her help, she unwittingly forms a link to it and becomes a Dragoneer. Not only does the growing Zephyr need a bigger place to stay, but also a steady supply of spicy potato chips.

The Vow That Twisted Fate by Katherine D. Graham

Young Queen Arlena never imagined that evil could exist in a world parallel to her own. For five hundred years, Arlena’s people have known only peace. But when an ominous pentagram appears in the sky, it brings darkness with it.

Wyldling Snare by A.R. Grimes (yours truly)

He’s determined to face his duty while chasing his dreams. Can he reconcile the two before it destroys him… or will destiny snare him first?

Apprentice knight Enoch Northward isn’t ready to lead. But when he returns home to find his mentor dead and the heir-apparent missing, he knows he must rise to the challenge.

But the horrifying truth of his guardian’s death and disappearance of his friends leaves the grieving knight with no time to mourn. In search of answers, he ventures into the forbidden forest. There he discovers a portal leading to another world – and a girl who shares his faith and dreams.

The realm hangs in the balance as a mysterious enemy schemes to destroy it, but not all peril comes from the outside. Enoch himself harbors a secret that could destroy all he loves…

If you enjoy portal fantasy and adventure, then you’ll love Wyldling Snare, the first installment of the Wyldling Dream series – a coming of age story with underlying themes of faith, friendship, and found family.

Want a preview? https://read.bookfunnel.com/read/e9t7j2w9sg

Realms in Peril!

Here’s a fantasy novel and series promotion you won’t want to miss. There are entire series up for grabs here, as well as stand-alone books and series starters. Give them a try for free on Kindle Unlimited.

Fantastic Freebies Available for a Limited Time:

It’s Women’s History Month! What better way to celebrate women than to read fantasy stories featuring strong female leads? Especially since these books are FREE. How could you say no to that?

Looking to start a new fantasy or sci-fi series but don’t know where to begin? Check out this freebie promo: Number ZERO – Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Horror Prequels!

For those of you searching for a variety of genres on the more spiritual side of things, I present to you FREE Christian Books:

I hope you find something you’ll enjoy!

Upcoming In-Person Author Events (Wisconsin)

Writing Workshop

If you happen to be in the neighborhood–of Sheboygan, WI–then join me and author Huckleberry Rahr for a writing workshop. We’ll discuss the process of writing a book. It’ll be fun! Plus, this indie bookstore, WordHaven Bookhouse, is awesome and worth the trip to visit. Sign up today, because spots are limited: https://www.kellydholstine.com/new-events/conceptualizing-your-book

Meet the Author and Book-Signing

If you enjoy visiting indie bookstores, meeting authors, and getting your copy of Wyldling Snare signed, then save the date for April 15th. Yours truly will be at Dragon Tale Books in Menominee, WI that afternoon with two other fantasy authors. There will be conversation, book-signing, and possibly treats, as well! No need to sign-up; this is a free event to attend. https://dragontalebooks.store/event/meet-the-authors/

Obligatory Cat Photo

And that’s all I have for you this week! On that note, I’ll leave you with this: