I'm testing the waters with some video content on my Instagram account. Called "Free Read Fridays," each episode will include a brief (1-minute) reading from a randomly selected page in my novel EOLYN. I will occasionally cross-post here, but the best way to catch Free Read Fridays is to follow me on Instagram. This week's... Continue Reading →
Kirkus Reviews ‘Daughter of Aithne’
I was excited (and nervous) last week to receive Kirkus Reviews' assessment of Daughter of Aithne, the third and final installment of The Silver Web Trilogy. Nervous before I read it, excited afterwards. All three novels of The Silver Web have received positive reviews from Kirkus, but Kirkus seemed to like Daughter of Aithne best of all: "Thankfully," the reviewer writes, "[Gastreich] ends her series with the... Continue Reading →
When the Old Becomes New Again
I've been busy with final preparations for the release of Daughter of Aithne on May 1, including scheduling of blog tours and book blasts. Blog tours often involve interviews and guest posts. I find interviews easier to complete than guest posts, so when preparing for a tour, I always start with the interviews (which often, in... Continue Reading →
Cover Reveal: Daughter of Aithne
I'm delighted to announce that Daughter of Aithne will be released this spring in Kindle and print editions! Cover art and design for this third and final installment of The Silver Web is by Thomas Vandenberg, who also did the covers for the first two books in the series, Eolyn and Sword of Shadows. The image shows Princess Briana's first encounter with... Continue Reading →
Not-So-Benevolent Sexism
The night I watched Hillary Clinton accept the Democratic nomination for president, something shifted inside of me. More than shifted; there was movement of seismic proportions. A complete re-ordering of my internal universe. Until that moment, part of me believed that this was impossible; that as long as I lived, a woman would never be nominated... Continue Reading →
Swords and Shadows
I want to express my deepest thanks for everyone's support during last week's post. I'm always shy to share personal matters on my blog, but your responses moved me deeply and were a great help in getting me through the week. I'm back home now, moving forward with new projects and old ambitions. And...we are... Continue Reading →
Spring is Coming
Yesterday, during a lengthy walk along Tomahawk Creek, I came across these daffodils, among the first green buds to emerge this spring. The season is changing; we all can feel it, even the plants. Especially the plants. Spring is coming. I'm celebrating this year's spring in a special way, with the release of the second... Continue Reading →
Cover Reveal: EOLYN, Book 1 of THE SILVER WEB
In a land ravaged by civil war, the Mage King Kedehen initiates a ruthless purge of the magas. Eolyn, last daughter of the magas and sole heiress to their millennial tradition of magic, seeks refuge in the South Woods. When she meets the mysterious Akmael, heir to the throne of this violent realm, she embarks... Continue Reading →
Speaking to My Past Self
Have you ever been told to think about what your future self would say to you? I've never actually received this advice, but I've heard it given, usually to young people who are facing important challenges or decisions. I suppose people who give this advice do so because it's worked for them. Me, I've always been... Continue Reading →
The Un-Success Story
A couple months ago, I watched a documentary about the life of Jim Henson on PBS. I grew up with the Muppets and always admired the artistry and imagination of Henson's enterprise. It was interesting to have this behind-the-scenes look at Henson life, and to learn about the personal and professional struggles he dealt with.... Continue Reading →
