And then there were two…

So, here we are, my beauties…
More than a year later than planned, but better late than never!
The second book in the Magster series – Magster and The Auriaku Koi, is out now, published by Troubador Publishing . It is available from their website bookshop, the usual online retailers and an ever growing number of independent bookstores.
It has been a bittersweet journey getting to this stage with Magster’s second adventure, but as with all the trials and tribulations, that us mere mortals must undertake, when you’re clear out the other side, you wouldn’t change a thing about it!
Auriaku Koi was originally planned for a late 2023/ early 2024 release, and as I smugly went about my other business for a while, I thought I would pick up my completed draft at a determined time, rewrite some bits (usual, of course) and then ping it over to start the editing and publishing process…nah!

On first review, I realised instantly that there was simply not enough adventure, or as I call it: “swashbuckle”, running through Magster’s second mission. Don’t get me wrong, I loved a lot of the story. The introduction of new characters (friend and foe) was there in aces and the opening up of the world of the Mystic Council of Mages and it’s London HQ was making me smile, but…no “swashbuckle” , and with the middle grade audience that my books are aimed at, you must keep them glued to the story with excitement, trepidation and good, old fashioned cockapoo heroism. They will settle for nothing less!

So, back to the drawing board I went and started a major re-write…the clock was ticking.
The final version that you will read in the book is an approximate split of 50/50 original manuscript and the later re-written story ,and I think I have done the best I can to achieve what I needed to do with book 2, which was a blending of the expansion of the Magster universe, with a healthy portion of “edge of your seat” seasoning mix, thrown in for good measure.

Manuscript ready, so off I go, right?…nope.
I contacted my publishing partner for Magster and the Light of the Ladybird: the wonderful Silverwood Books, who still publish “Ladybird” and continue to look after me and my readers wonderfully, to get the ball rolling for publication.
Unfortunately, on doing so, I was informed that due to a company re-organisation since I last worked with them, it would be a minimum of 12 months, until Magster’s second outing could even be considered…oh.

Ok then, what now? Enter Troubador Publishing…
On looking for new publisher, of course, Troubador were pretty much top of list. They are a publisher with a solid reputation, who cast a big shadow on the indie book scene and oh, look!…their offices are 25 mins drive away from me, and oh, look!…they are exhibiting at the Quinns Market Harborough Literary Festival, in 3 weeks…how strange, so am I. I’ve waited this long, what’s three weeks to wait and go and have a chin-wag?
So, this is where I now take you down the “long story, short” path. Chats were had, meetings were had, a manuscript was submitted and after a 2024 Christmas period of tapping my fingers, vigorously on my desk, waiting for my edits to come back – 5 months later, Magster and The Auriaku Koi, is out in the wild.

Needless to say, that the team at Troubador, were fantastic.
Lauren, Andrea, Ella, Hannah and Issy – thank you, all! It was great to work with you and I look forward to doing it again, for book 3.
Also, you might notice that some cover art materialised for this book. Well, that was another trial that I’m glad I went through, because on looking for a new cover artist, I eventually stumbled upon this rather talented fantasy artist chap, by the name of Jamie Noble – AKA The Noble Artist. I am sure you will all agree, that he did a very sterling job and I fully plan on working with him again and according to him, that would please him, too. That’s all good, then.

In conclusion, after all my naive overestimations (and underestimations), unforeseen delays and industry lessons learnt, I think Magster and I have got there.
From this little odyssey, I hope I have found a stable, regular team, to walk with me and Magster along the way, but as this blog points out, you never know what might happen. But for now, I’ll call this my gang.
Troubador, Jamie, and, of course, John Duffty of Irontree Media, who does Magster’s lovely book trailers and animations…you guys, rock!

I hope you enjoy Magster and the Auriaku Koi and I hope you enjoy a sassier, “no-messin'” Magster. I hope you enjoy the new world that is opening up; new friends, new enemies and new locations! I hope you just enjoy…

Peace and love to you all,

Kit xx

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VISIT THE TROUBADOR PUBLISHING BOOKSTORE TO VIEW:
https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/middle-grade/magster-and-the-auriaku-koi