I’ve been keeping this under wraps but, despite my many misgivings, it looks like Flight of the Phoenix will be making its appearance in the next two months!

What is this now?
Flight of the Phoenix is an anthology of fantasy, sci-fi and horror short stories written by seven different South African authors.

• Riaan Els
• Elmien Grove
• H J Kruger (author of Isibindi)
• Caldon Mull
• Natalie Rivener (me!)
• Richard T Wheeler
• Andrea Vermaak (editor of Supernova Magazine)

Though anthology is aimed at teens to young adults, I have tried hard to get all my writers to provide stories that was wide-audience compatible (i.e. if you are not a teen or young adult, the stories are still enjoyable – like Harry Potter). It has been long in the making but it’s finally looking like we’re moving ahead!

Where did I find all these authors?
I actually started off with 15 writers last year when I decided to jump in head first and compile an anthology. They all seemed keen…but, as time passed, about half of them fell out claiming life interfered, they didn’t have any ideas at the moment, work was eating their time, they weren’t willing to adapt according to feedback received… You know, the standard stuff. At least, one of the writers said “No” because she was busy writing on another story that was taking a lot of time.

Sooo, when’s it out?
Depending on whether my fellow writers are keen on doing hard copy as well, the release date will be either beginning of April (if it’s to be an ebook only) or June (if we’re doing print too) this year. Why the hold-up if we do print? Well, I’d prefer bringing out all the formats at once, rather than it appearing in drips and drabs. And…I happen to be expecting the arrival of my second child midway through April…I can promise you: Nothing will be happening in my life other than keeping my family alive for a month after his arrival.

Updates on progress to follow soon!