R. F. Long

Warning

2012-01-02T21:53:00.002Z

Just to warn people that my website RFLong.com has been hacked, so don't click anything you shouldn't. People are working on it. I'm not alone, so that's something I suppose. *sigh*

This blog has a new home

2010-07-12T20:03:00.002+01:00

For all my latest blog posts please go to my website RFLong.com

Thanks!

Romance Divas Steampunk Workshop

2010-01-07T20:26:00.001Z

Steampunk Workshop

January 21-23, 2010 at Romance Divas

Featuring:

This workshop will take place at the Romance Diva Forum. All are welcome. To get access to the forum you will need to register.

Originally published at R. F. Long.

Christmas present: a free read

2009-12-24T11:31:00.003Z

I've been running a free read as a serial over on my website for the last couple of weeks. The final part went up today.

So now you can read it from the beginning here --> Old Friends: a Tale of the Holtlands.

Set in the same world as "The Wolf's Sister" and the forthcoming novella "The Wolf's Mate", "Old Friends" introduces a new character, Tyria Scion of Tyr. Her story takes place many years after Jeren and Shan's, but also features their enemies the Fell, some True Blood magic, and the mystery of a missing woman to be solved. You don't need to have read the Holtlands stories before however. This one stands entirely on its own.

There are more Tyria stories on the cards too, one day.

The Scroll Thief in Print

2009-12-02T12:22:00.000Z

The Scroll Thief PRINT by R. F. Long

Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Fantasy-SciFi

ISBN: 978-1-60504-451-4
Length: 312 Pages
Price: $16.00 (or less!)
Publication Date: December 1, 2009
Cover art by Anne Cain

Love is the wiliest thief of all.

A Tale of Ithian

Malachy and his sister rely on his talents as a thief to survive the dangerous streets of Klathport, former capital of the once-great kingdom of Ithian. Stealing a few papers should have been a simple job. Instead, it nearly costs their lives and throws them into an improbable alliance with a shape-shifting official, a desert tribeswoman, and a healer of enchanting beauty.

Cerys is far more than a simple healerand the roots of her mission go deeper into the past than anyone can know. She needs Malachys skills to recover a stolen scroll, one that can be used to rewrite history and, in the wrong hands, release the dark powers of the Demon Realm.

Her mission was supposed to atone for a dreadful, long-ago act. Instead, it unleashes a chain of events which sees them pursued through city and desert by the fearsome Dune Witch and a killer known only as His Lordship. Romance, tragedy, and adventure blend in a tale of a magical land on the brink of war, and five unlikely allies who, by putting their livesand their heartson the line, have the opportunity to finally set things right.

But at a terrible cost.

Warning: Contains scenes of graphic violence and torture, captivating magic and beauty, two dashing heroes, three gutsy heroines, several love stories and a heartbreaking sacrifice.

Read An Excerpt Online

Now In PRINT; Order From MBaM!

Buy from Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / Book Depository / Barnes & Noble

Add it to your Christmas list today! If you read it (and you liked it), please let people know! :)

No, really, I'm not at all excited.

*kermitflail*

Originally published at R. F. Long.

Joy!

2009-11-17T15:05:00.002Z

Last night I accepted an offer of representation from the fabulous Colleen Lindsay of Fineprint Literary Management.

I am:

(a) shellshocked

(b) overjoyed and really excited

(d) all of the above (nothing new there).

We now return you to our normal programming…

It was 3am when the news broke. I was asleep!

The Wolf's Mate Book Trailer

2009-11-04T18:01:00.001Z

Despite being in a plague house (no really) I've been pottering away, mainly with working on The Wolf's Destiny, but also with making a book trailer for The Wolf's Mate (because I love to tinker with them).

So here it is!

It also features the GORGEOUS cover by Natalie Winters.

The book comes out from Samhain on 19th January 2010 as an ebook. Later in the year, both "The Wolf's Sister" and "The Wolf's Mate" will come out in a print volume "Songs of the Wolf".

And in the meantime I have part three to write. :)

Soul Fire - "Let me start by saying 'wow!'"

2009-10-09T10:14:00.000+01:00

A Super 5 Cherries review for Soul Fire came in this morning from Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews:

"Let me start by saying "wow!"...R.F. Long has the amazing ability to drag her readers into the story and carry them along for the ride. The characters were unique and out of this world, yet they seemed like someone you could get along with and have fun with... If you want to read something mind-blowing and incredible then I would recommend you read this story." ~~ Tulip, Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews - read the full review here.

I'm delighted. Just what a girl needs to sooth frazzled nerves before a book launch. :)

Soul Fire is currently available as an ebook from Samhain, Amazon's Kindle, and other online retailers and will be released as a print book on the 1st of May 2010.

Originally published at R. F. Long.

Meankitty interviews my cat

2009-10-05T13:22:00.000+01:00

I may be in trouble - Writer & Cat: Meankitty wants to know...

(excuse his baldy bits - he was very ill. Now he is all better.)

Originally published at R. F. Long.

Book launch at Octocon 09

2009-10-04T20:10:00.003+01:00

(Poor neglected blogger, I always forget about you!)

I’m very excited to announce that there will be a book launch for the print edition of The Scroll Thief at Octocon, the National Irish Science Fiction Convention, this coming weekend. The convention runs from 10th to the 11th of October, and I’m scheduled for 5.30pm on the Saturday. If you’re there, come and say hello! I’ll have copies of the book for sale and a pale and terrified look on my face.

Soul Fire is out

2009-07-11T15:46:00.004+01:00

And with all the excitement I completely forgot about blogger! Shameful huh?

Soul Fire released on 7th of July and has already got a wonderful review from ParaNormalRomance.org!

No question about it, Soul Fire is monumentally thrilling and exotic. I couldnt put the book down. A rare treat for me, I devoured this story from beginning to end in one sitting and I want more! ... An out of this world paranormal romance/fantasy story that will have readers clamoring for more, Soul Fire is one hot read I will be recommending to all of my friends.-- Amanda Haffery, ParaNormalRomance

Iron born and iron bred. Trust not iron, it will see you dead.

Rowan Blake could really use a magic wand to keep her struggling art gallery afloat. But the faerie key she stumbles across is far from a lucky charm. It’s a magnet for danger, and by touching it she’s unwittingly put herself in the middle of a war between the forces of light and dark. And in the arms of its rightful owner, Prince Daire.

While searching for his brother, Daire finds himself trapped in the Iron World with a mere mortal woman who ignites his passion like no other. Each stolen kiss deepens their attraction and sends him spiraling closer and closer to the edge of his inherent dark desires. Desires that act as a homing beacon for the Dark Sidhe, who are intent on forcing him to fight on their side.

The longer he lingers in her arms—and in her bed—the closer his enemies get to her door. And the greater the risk that the gateway to the Faerie Realm will shift, destroying not only his power to protect her, but his very life.

Warning: Contains enchantments, danger, some very scary monsters, a trip to the dark side and hot, soul-transforming sex with an immortal prince.

Read An Excerpt Online

Buy from MBaM!

Hysterical Excitement Ensues!

2009-06-16T09:58:00.002+01:00

In the midst of all the fun of Excerpt Monday, I found out that The Scroll Thief is available for pre-order on both Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

Nearly deafened half the population of the western hemisphere alone.

Well, okay, Twitter anyway.

Here are the links:

The Scroll Thief (Amazon.com)

The Scroll Thief (Amazon.co.uk)

It all looks very sparse right now, but OMG (here I go again!) SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE!

*a few deep breaths later*

You can pre-order. How exciting is that????

*calming down again...*
In other news, you can read an excerpt from my forthcoming novel "Soul Fire" on my website and part of Excerpt Monday. Yes. I'm late. Very late. I got...um... distracted.

Print Date for The Scroll Thief.

2009-04-27T14:43:00.000+01:00

Very very exciting news today. I got the print date for my novel The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian. It's going to be available from 1st December 2009. Actually in print. On paper! YAY!

Of course, its already available as an ebook if you are so inclined. :)

The Wolf's Mate sold to Samhain

2009-04-03T22:12:00.001+01:00

I've just signed the contract for The Wolf's Mate, the sequel to The Wolf's Sister.

We're talking about releasing 1 & 2 as a single print volume after epub, and then my writing the third part as a short novel! More details as and when I have them.

First review for The Sroll Thief

2009-03-24T10:57:00.000Z

From Ireadromance.com

4 glasses of wine out of 5.

"If you’re looking for an imaginative read then I recommend fantasy author R.F. Long! ... Arcane magic and shapeshifters keep the story a page-turner and twists are around every corner. Goddesses tend to do that, though."

Woo-hoo!

The Scroll Thief is out today & a competition

2009-02-24T15:51:00.000Z

So excited. Can hardly type!

But that's only to be expected when your first novel comes out, isn't it?

Out Today.

“The Scroll Thief” by R. F. Long

Genre: Fantasy-SciFi

ISBN: 978-1-60504-395-1

Length: Plus Novel

Price: 6.50

Publication Date: February 24, 2009

Cover art by Anne Cain

Love is the wiliest thief of all.

A Tale of Ithian

Malachy and his sister rely on his talents as a thief to survive the dangerous streets of Klathport, former capital of the once-great kingdom of Ithian. Stealing a few papers should have been a simple job. Instead, it nearly costs their lives and throws them into an improbable alliance with a shape-shifting official, a desert tribeswoman, and a healer of enchanting beauty.

Cerys is far more than a simple healer—and the roots of her mission go deeper into the past than anyone can know. She needs Malachy’s skills to recover a stolen scroll, one that can be used to rewrite history and, in the wrong hands, release the dark powers of the Demon Realm.

Her mission was supposed to atone for a dreadful, long-ago act. Instead, it unleashes a chain of events which sees them pursued through city and desert by the fearsome Dune Witch and a killer known only as His Lordship. Romance, tragedy, and adventure blend in a tale of a magical land on the brink of war, and five unlikely allies who, by putting their lives—and their hearts—on the line, have the opportunity to finally set things right.

But at a terrible cost.

Warning: Contains scenes of graphic violence and torture, captivating magic and beauty, two dashing heroes, three gutsy heroines, several love stories and a heartbreaking sacrifice.

Read An Excerpt Online

Buy from MBaM!

----------------------------

To celebrate I am giving away a copy to someone who comments in the post on my website www.rflong.com - I want to hear those adventure stories from your childhood that you have carried with you ever since.

With The Scroll Thief coming out tomorrow

2009-02-23T11:56:00.002Z

I have two interviews to share (one from today and one from last week).

Today British author Nell Dixon has an interview with me up on her My Space page. Nell's book Animal Instincts releases in March and is already attracting a lot of attention, so isn't she a star to take time out for me?

And last week my good friend Jeannie Lin (who writes some of the most exciting historical asian adventure romance I've ever read) interviewed me for her blog.

Wow, I must check if my answers are consistent! :D

And tomorrow... is release day!!!

An new Review! Woo-Hoo!

2009-02-16T18:20:00.001Z

We're back and what a nice thing to come back to. Another great review for The Wolf's Sister, this time from Literary Nymphs.

"This author is new to me, and I’m pleased with the tightly constructed plot, smooth flow and nice job of describing the two races that are the focus of this story. Add in animal totems, vastly differing belief systems, death, anger, madness, betrayal and unexpected love and you have all the components needed for an entertaining afternoon read. I look forward to seeing where this series goes with the next release, The Wolf’s Mate."

And it got 4 Nymphs!!! Not sure where they are or what they are up to, but it certainly sounds good to me! :)

5 Angels and a recommended read!

2009-02-04T15:20:00.000Z

Fallen Angel Reviews just gave The Wolf's Sister a 5 angels review and marked it as a recommended read! Woot!

"The fascination that I first felt when I had the chance to read the blurb for this book was well justified. Riveted from the first page to the last I was looking for more and became frustrated when the story ended. This book was very exciting, the way the plot played out was thoroughly engrossing, and the characters displayed very real emotions...I love to read books that make me feel the emotions that the players experience, be it fear, pain, anger, happiness, sorrow and frustration. The battles that these two go through make you ask yourself what next and when will it end, but the ending is very rewarding. Overall, I could read this book repeatedly and find something new in it. Thanks to R. F. Long for a very wonderful read."

Thanks so much, Darksnite.

4.5 Stars Review for The Wolf's Sister!

2009-01-20T09:43:00.003Z

Google alerts took its time, but I got a mail this morning with a link to a review of The Wolf's Sister.

"I haven’t read such a beautifully written tale in a very long time!...Author R.F. Long’s technique, descriptions, dialogue, and plot flow are superb. The seed of love grows with the characters and that element is what allows this story to shine because the external conflicts held that much more impact on the tale’s outcome. I’m impressed and I will definitely be reading more from this author!"

Thank you so much Natalie.

The Scroll Thief - New Book Trailer

2008-12-18T16:07:00.001Z

Just a quick update to post the new book trailer for "The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian".

Gorgeousness of Cover Art!

2008-11-21T11:17:00.004Z

I can now unveil the beautiful cover for The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian , coming 24th February 2009.

It’s by Anne Cain and I could not have imagined anything more perfect for the story.

The cover shows the main characters Malachy and Cerys. It captures my ideas of them just perfectly.

The novel will be released as an eBook on the 24th of February, 2009 and in print about ten months later.

The Wolf's Sister is out

2008-11-13T14:35:00.001Z

The Wolf's Sister is available now from Samhain Publishing and various lovely eBook stores.

A love transcending race and culture…a secret that could cost everything.

A Tale of the Holtlands, Book 1

Elite Fey’na warrior Shan is driven only by hatred for Gilliad, the Lord of River Holt, the human responsible for the brutal slaying of his innocent sister. Vengeance will be his as soon as he can find a way to confront his enemy. His mind is set; his path chosen. Then he meets Jeren…

Jeren of River Holt flees for her life, desperate to escape the clutches of her brother, Gilliad, before his misuse of magic consumes what remains of his sanity. She finds safety and protection with Shan…but only so long as she hides her kinship with the Lord of River Holt. As they are pursued across the northern snow plains, their deepening trust turns to love.

A love that could shatter when he learns who, and what, she is.

All this and at only $3.50! Which is €2.20 or GB£1.78 (or thereabouts according to xe.com).

Lots of news, interviews, articles and reviews

2008-11-05T10:14:00.003Z

Yep, I've been kind of busy...

I did some interviews and promo a while ago so, with only a week left before "The Wolf's Sister" comes out, its all arriving at once. Don't worry. I'll pipe down again soon.*

Raine Delight posted an article I wrote on Fantasy cunningly entitled "Why Fantasy?" and another interview which also includes a different except of "The Wolf's Sister". Warning for those at work - there are some scantily clad ladies in the site header. Actually, that might be an enticement for some of you ;)

I also got a stonking review from the wonderful Ciar Cullen - I'm so thrilled about this one.

Long is a master at characterization. Deep characterization, in a short book. Madness, longing, love, desperation, motivation, hurt, betrayal–it’s all there for each primary character. Even Anala, my favorite character (a wolf). Sniff. Because the characters are so real, the relationships are believable. Somehow Long creates connections between her characters seemingly out of thin air. And then you connect–Shan is so loveable in a manly way that it’s heartbreaking when he gets into mortal danger.

I love her description–just enough to give you the sense of the cold fantasy world without boring you. I also loved the tone of this book–serious, a bit morose, deep, desperate. In contrast, the romance is uplifting and brings light to the story.

So I got a 4.5 out of 5 and I'm delighted. :)

The lovely Jane from Texty Ladies interviewed me too - Check it out here for more information on R.F. Long than you could ever really want to know... :)

-------------------

*Maybe...

Soul Fire

2008-10-13T12:09:00.001+01:00

Samhain have accepted my paranormal romance novel "To Regain Heaven". The title is changing to "Soul Fire" and it will be released in ebook next summer, probably July or August, with a print release ten months following, in May or June of 2010.

Yay!

The Wrecker's Daughter Available Now

2008-10-08T11:38:00.002+01:00

Just found out that the Fall 2008 issue of Ocean Magazine, which contains my short story The Wrecker's Daughter, is out now. So go check it out here. There's an excerpt and a gorgeous picture.

Diva's Fantasy Romance Workshop

2008-10-06T13:28:00.001+01:00

Please join us at Romance Divas THIS WEEKEND!

Friday October 10th and Saturday October 11th, we will be joined by some huge names in fantasy and fantasy-romance for a workshop on what the difference really is between the two genres.

2008-09-12T10:16:00.002+01:00

The cover art for The Wolf's Sister arrived last night and I am (justifiably I think) very excited. So, here it is...

The Wolf's Sister Book Trailer

2008-09-11T20:41:00.002+01:00

I uploaded the first incarnation of my book trailer for The Wolf's Sister: a Tale of the Holtlands today.

So here it is: The Wolf's Sister

Title Change News

2008-09-08T08:59:00.000+01:00

The decision is finally made. The Penitent: a Tale of the Holtlands is now entitled

The Scroll Thief: a Tale of Ithian

and I have started the first round of edits.

The Wolf's Sister - coming soon

2008-09-05T15:00:00.001+01:00

The Wolf's Sister is up on the coming soon pages at Samhain. You can read all about it here and follow the link to read an excerpt.

Work continues on The Penitent which will very shortly be called something else! :D

The Penitent sells to Samhain

2008-08-07T20:29:00.001+01:00

I'm delighted to announce that I've just signed the contracts for my novel The Penitent to be published with Samhain Publishing Ltd.

It will release as an ebook early next year (between Feb and April) and then in print about 10 months later.

YAY!

Elements Review (kinda)

2008-07-31T15:35:00.002+01:00

Ok, strictly not a review, but a post from Lee Reynoldson (Hearthweru) on the Flashing Swords section of SFReader . Elements is my short story which appears in the Flashing Swords Summer Spectacular, 2008 *

So as promised, I am quoting him everywhere!

"Last night I read Elements by R.F. Long. Loved it. Great story and nice to see an Arthurian tale that owes more to the Mabinogion than French Romance."

This totally made my day. Thanks so much Lee!

_______

*It's still available until the end of September folks.

Elements and After 39 Days

2008-06-02T09:52:00.003+01:00

Two bits of news all in one go!

Firstly:
My poem "After 39 days" is now up at Haruah, along with an interview with yours truly.

I almost sound like I know what I am talking about.

Almost.

Read the poem here
And the interview here

And secondly the Flashing Swords Summer Special 2008 came out yesterday which includes my Celtic/Arthurian story "Elements" in a rich and varied line up.
* You can see it here and buy a pdf version for $10:
* Buy it here in print for only €11.27
* and get a sneak preview here
And just for good measure here is the TOC

The Wrecker's Daughter - Ocean, Fall 2008

2008-05-23T11:49:00.002+01:00

I got word the other day that my short story The Wrecker's Daughter will be appearing in Ocean magazine's Fall issue this year. It will be available from www.oceanmag.org from 1st October 2008.

R

The Wolf's Sister sells to Samhain

2008-04-30T19:57:00.002+01:00

I'm really pleased to announce that The Wolf's Sister has been accepted by Samhain.

This novella is one of my Holtlands stories and is one of those very dear to my heart so I am delighted. I will post updates about its progress as I get them but for now, let the celebrations begin!

R

Illustration for Elements

2008-04-07T09:53:00.002+01:00

Here's a sneak preview of the beautiful illustration A.R. Stone has created for my short story Elements, both of which will appear in the Flashing Swords Summer Special, 2008, available in print only from June 2008!

You probably can't see because of the size but the border is beautifully detailed celtic knotwork. I'm starting to get really excited about this one...

P-Con & catching up

2008-04-01T10:00:00.003+01:00

I've been largely (read completely) absent from here with NO NEWS! This is mainly due to the fact that I am working on two novels and have been largely, if not quite as completely, absent from a lot of other places as well.

The paranormal romance is complete but far too short so I am in the process of extending it. Currently it stands at just over 80% of the projected length.

The urban fantasy only moves forward in fits and starts, and has only ever proceeded in this way. It continues. I don't know how long it will be.

Different stories tell themselves in different ways. Some arrive fully formed and just waiting for interpretation (the hard part, as the image in your head is always lessened by the transfer to paper). Others are teased out, revealed bit by bit, like one of those old action series in the cinema - tune in next week...

Strange to be writing two such different beasts at the same time.

In other news I went to P-Con (www.pcon.ie) this weekend and had a ball. I'd never been to a convention before so finding one all about writing SFF in my home town was something of a revelation and a blessing from above.

'Elements' will be appearing in a Flashing Swords Summer Special. The line up looks incredible. It will be available from 1st June.

The proofs for 'Carrying Keptara' went back last week along with my author bio, so:

Coming soon...

Who knew?

2008-02-25T14:47:00.001Z

It's funny the things you find out some days. Like I have a blogger profile! (Since this time a year ago, apparently!)

Who knew?

I'm R. F. Long, and I write fantasy and romance, usually combining the two in weird and wonderful ways.

My short story "Elements" will shortly be appearing in Flashing Swords. "Carrying Keptara" is in the forthcoming 'Ruins Metropolis' Anthology from Hadley Rille Books.

And I have some other things in the pipeline.

Talk soon
R