If you’re new to Cycle of Tehara, then welcome! I’m A.R. Grimes, an indie author of fantasy. If you love reading books, learning new things, are a fan of fantasy – especially dragons – then you’re in the “write” place. Ha ha. Okay, moving on …
Oops! I Did it Again …
My fourth short story submission to Moss Piglet was accepted! July’s theme is “Beaches,” so I submitted a story entitled “Border Places” that takes place on – you guessed it! – a beach. The image above will give you an inkling of the plot. It seems like dragons, portals, and/or octopi show up in nearly everything I write – even when the setting is obviously Wisconsin. And no, I’m not the least bit sorry!
Now, mind you, I’m as tickled as a toddler cavorting in a busted feather bed to have made it into yet another issue of a literary magazine. Writing is a huge part of my life. I enjoy crafting stories. I’d like to believe I’m pretty good at it.
However, I’m also waiting for the tides to turn on me. The cynical side of me whispers: “That first story was a fluke. Your stories keep getting accepted into Moss Piglet because you bought a 12-month subscription to the magazine. ”
The hopeful side of me counters with: “That can’t be the only reason … if it even IS a reason. Perhaps the editor truly enjoys your work and knows others will, too!”
Sometimes it’s better not to speculate on the “why,” and simply appreciate the blessings God sends our way. Am I wrong?
My goal is to submit a piece to Moss Piglet every month. Preferably a short story, but they also take poetry, photographs, and other visual art – so long as it fits the theme. Of course, submitting a piece does not guarantee acceptance every time.
I can live with that, because I have another reason for writing short fiction. Namely, to challenge myself as a writer. Being limited to 1,000 words forces me to tighten my prose, and this is a skill that comes in handy as an author of longer works.
Apparently, spending 4,000 words on a scene about a city girl struggling to build a campfire is not ideal. If you’ve read Wyldling Trials, then you know what I mean. 😉
Speaking of the Wyldling Dream series, it’s less than a fortnight until the writer’s retreat! I plan to focus on book 4, Wyldling Blood. I’ve made a little progress since last month now that the day job is no longer extremely busy, but – as you know – life has so many other distractions. Tasks clamoring for attention. The writer’s retreat should help mute the lion’s share of those screaming voices.
By the end of the retreat, I’m hoping to have written at least to the halfway mark. I’ll have another update for you in July!
In the meantime …
Looking for Books to Read?
Science Fiction and Fantasy Deals
Searching for your next out of this world escape? Look no further!
These fantastic authors bring you the very best in storytelling!
YA/NA Fantasy & Sci-Fi with Strong Female Protagonists
She’s not waiting to be saved. Explore clean fantasy and sci-fi stories with fierce female leads who fight back, rise up, and change their worlds.
Disclaimer: I have not had time to read all these books, so I cannot vouch for quality or content. In the case you are dissatisfied, please don’t send the Brute Squad after me.
Next Author Appearance(s)
July 11, 2026: Oakstone Market
When: Saturday, July 11th, 3-8pm
Where: Oakstone Recreational, 304 Commerce Pkwy, Cottage Grove
What: A craft fair in a brewpub featuring over 50 vendors!
August 15, 2026: Nerd-Made: Madison Bookish Event at Noble Knight Games in Fitchburg, WI.
August 16, 2026: Kenosha Book Festival Chapter Five, hosted by Studio Moonfall
October 31, 2026: Book-O-Ween, hosted by Studio Moonfall. It’ll be spook-tacular!
November 28,2026: Small Business Saturday Santa’s Helpers Market at Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI [more information to come]
Wyldling Dream Series Books
Come see me at events mentioned above to get an author-signed copy!
Other Items for Sale
Bookmarks!
Stickers
Bracelets
Not shown but will be available: Stray Kids bracelets
Keychains and Charms
I hope to see you at one of the events! I’d love it if you stopped by – if you happen to be in the area. I’ll be selling my books and various trinkets. Mention this newsletter and get a free gift.
Need A Wholesome and Engaging Fantasy Series? Look No Further!
Wyldling Snare
Book One of the Wyldling Dream Series
Available in paperback wherever books are sold! Also available in e-book format on Amazon. Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
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…
Wyldling Trials
Book Two of the Wyldling Dream Series
Available in paperback wherever books are sold! Also available in e-book format on Amazon. Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
High school honors student Annabelle Leigh Wells believed she was equipped for a visit to another world. Unfortunately, reading fantasy novels failed to prepare her for a real-life adventure.
When she travels through a wormhole to the perilous world of Tehara, Annabelle discovers that her dreamscape-brother—the Baron-Knight, Enoch Northward—has been kidnapped. Eager to rescue Enoch from scheming nehmwights, Annabelle embarks on a journey with seasoned warriors, determined to prove to Commander Storm that she is a capable member of the team and not just a “weak womanchild” to be left behind.
However, something has broken her dreamscape connection with Enoch, and a shadowy menace stalks her dreams while she searches for him. As Annabelle trains to protect her mind and body, strange things begin happening whenever she’s around water. Desperate to serve what she sees as her God-given purpose, Annabelle realizes she must master the power awakening inside her. But will it prove a lifesaver for her and her companions – or destroy all hope of completing her quest?
If you enjoy portal fantasy and adventure, then you’ll love Wyldling Trials, the second installment of the Wyldling Dream series – a coming of age story with underlying themes of faith, friendship, and found family.
Wyldling Armor
Book Three of the Wyldling Dream Series
Available in paperback wherever books are sold! Also available in e-book format on Amazon. Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
When Toad opened his eyes, the world was in flames …
No sooner has Sir Thomas escaped the curse that turned him into a toad than he discovers that Annabelle, the water wyldling he is sworn to protect, and a gravely wounded Raeden have disappeared through an unanticipated opening of a waystone.
Not knowing where they went or if they are safe, Sir Thomas burns with the shame of his failure and with the growing – and uncontrolled – powers of his fire wyld. How can he take time to face his inner demons while Annabelle is missing and Enoch is in the hands of the enemy?
Annabelle and Raeden face their own hardships on the island of the gwerindawr. Raeden, an ancestral enemy of the gwerindawr, is their prisoner awaiting execution. Annabelle is bound by a prophecy demanding her service to her hosts. She wants nothing more than to return to her quest to save her heart-brother, Enoch, but the gwerindawr king has other plans.
Drawing on training, faith, and the love they bear for their friends, Sir Thomas and Annabelle navigate the dangers of Tehara and the dreamscape, trying to reunite and rescue Enoch before the entire world falls into war.
If you enjoy portal fantasy, sword & sorcery, and fantasy adventure, then you’ll love Wyldling Armor, the third installment of the Wyldling Dream series – a coming of age story with underlying themes of faith, friendship, and found family.
Obligatory Cat Photo
That’s all, folks! See ya next month for more book recs, shenanigans, and maybe even another cat photo.
Cycle of Tehara 