You can now get Woodville T-shirts and Tote Bags over at my TeeMill site here… https://the-witches-of-woodville.teemill.com
It’s what all the cool kids are wearing… apparently…
Witches of Woodville T-Shirts & Tote Bags
Category: Woodville
A Free Witches of Woodville comic for Halloween…
The Wish Demon is the first Witches of Woodville comic. Written by Mark Stay with artwork by Emily Stewart.
And it’s FREE to anyone who subscribes to the Woodville Village Library Newsletter. You can do that right now (and get many other free short stories) by clicking here!
October, 1940.
After a summer of adventure, Faye Bright has one more challenge to face. Her eighteenth birthday. She doesn’t want gifts or cake or any fuss. All Faye Bright wants is a bit of peace and quiet.
But little does she know that a witch who draws upon the power of the moon and the light of candles should be careful what she wishes for… the Wish Demon just might make it come true.
And here’s the first page to whet your appetite…
Emily Stewart is an amazing artist and you can discover more of her work here: http://www.ejstewart.co.uk
She’ll also be at the MCM Comic Con this weekend if you’re going! You’ll find her in the London Artists Alley, B24.
Don’t forget, this is completely free to all newsletter subscribers. You can sign up right now (and get many other free short stories) by clicking here!
The Witches of Woodville Timeline
I’ve created this handy timeline schematic to keep track of the various short stories and novels in the ever-expanding “Woodville Literary Universe” (as no one is calling it… apart from me).
It starts in Roman times with Caesar on Watling Street, features the Miss Charlotte Quartet and more. And it’s yours to cut out and keep… or “download” as the young people would have it. Have you read them all?
The more eagle-eyed of you will notice something called The Wish Demon on the list. That’s coming very soon and will be exclusive to newsletter subscribers as a free treat. If you want to get your reading eyes on these free goodies, you can sign up to the Woodville Village Library Newsletter here.
The Woodville Village Bookshop is Open!
Splendid news! There is now a bookshop on the Witches of Woodville website. If you want a signed and dedicated paperback of any of my books, you can buy them directly from me.
But, I hear you cry, what if I already have a paperback and it’s not signed? What can I do? Is there no justice in this cruel and uncaring universe?? Well, calm down, the good news is the cheapest item in the store is a signed bookplate (only one pound!)
I’ll scribble my signature and your choice of dedication (keep it clean!) and pop it in the post. I’ll even throw in a free bookmark. All my books are currently in stock and there are bundles available if you want to bulk purchase and save money!
Simply CLICK HERE to visit the bookshop!
The Unboxing Ghost is revealed (and some behind the scenes stuff)…
Thanks to everyone who’s watched my recent unboxing video for The Ghost of Ivy Barn, especially those who have been looking for the ghost in the background. He appears four times. Most people only see him three times. Here’s the original video…
So, here’s a breakdown of where you can see him…
I hope that clears everything up! By the way, if you’ve enjoyed our unboxing videos, you might like this little peek behind the scenes with some fun outtakes…
Can You Spot the Ghost in my Unboxing Video…?
Here’s my unboxing video for The Ghost of Ivy Barn! It didn’t quite go to plan… but can you spot the ghost? He appears four times…
CREDITS
Camera and Edit: Kai Newton
Music: Dominic Currie
Sound: Emily Stay
Production Assistant: Harry Gibson
The Ghost: George Stay
Special thanks to Stewart Tophill at Keel Farm for the use of the barn
More Witches of Woodville books signed by Simon & Schuster…
Here’s a bit of good news from the folk at Bookbrunch (I’ve popped the full text below if you don’t have a subscription)…
Bethan Jones, senior commissioning editor at Simon & Schuster, has signed two further novels in Mark Stay’s Witches of Woodville series, billed as appealing to fans of Lev Grossman, Alan Garner and Terry Pratchett. S&S has UK & Commonwealth rights through Ed Wilson at Johnson & Alcock.
The series is set during the Second World War, as Faye Bright learns to use her powers to defend Woodville from demonic forces.
Jones said: “Editing these books over lockdown really helped to save my sanity! They are pure escapist joy, charming, nostalgic and absolutely compelling. I have fallen in love with Faye Bright and Woodville, and I am in awe of Mark’s incredible imagination and his ability to create such exceptional stories. I’m so pleased and excited that we will be seeing much more from these characters, and I cannot wait to see where Mark takes Faye next.”
Stay said: “I can’t tell you how much it means that I get to return to Woodville for more adventures. These books are my happy place, and the faith that Bethan and all the team at Simon & Schuster have shown in them over lockdown has been inspiring. Here’s to many more.”
Wilson said: “Mark has created the perfect feelgood series – witty, charming, and tailor-made for Sunday afternoon TV. It’s Buffy meets the Famous Five in WW2 Kent. Faye and her trusty bicycle against the forces of the occult, with hapless villagers getting in the way. Ginger beer at the ready! We hope the series runs right through till VE Day.”
Stay worked in the book business for 25 years, and is the author behind the forthcoming Warner Bros horror movie Unwelcome. He is co-presenter of the Bestseller Experiment podcast.
Heyne has begun publishing the Witches of Woodville series in Germany, and rights have gone in several other territories.
Amazing Crow Folk Art from Harry Goldhawk…
If you’ve read my Witches of Woodville books, you’ll have no doubt been blown away by the incredible cover art by Harry Goldhawk. Indeed, in my recent reader survey, the love for Harry’s work was overwhelming.
So you can imagine how delighted I was when Harry sent me two illustrations he’s done of the Crow Folk and Faye. Just take a moment to enjoy these, please…
If you want to check out more of Harry’s amazing work, pop over to Papio Press here.
I’m having a Book Launch… and you’re all invited
You are cordially invited to the launch of my next Witches of Woodville book THE GHOST OF IVY BARN on Thursday 7th July, 2022 at Waterstones, Canterbury…
Yes, it’s a little way off, but best to get these things in your diary, I say. Especially as this is a real world, in-person event! (Covid and other disasters permitting). It costs a fiver, but you save that money if you purchase the book on the night, and I promise to sign them all.
There will also be free refreshments including wine, soft drinks and cake (while stocks last, of course).
I’ll be joined by Kentish author of high regard, Mr Kit Cox, who will emcee the evening. And there will be magical folk in costume, which will allow for many opportunities to do things on the Instagram, TiketyTok and the like.
To ensure your place at the launch, simply visit those splendid people at Waterstones by clicking here.
A Brand New Witches of Woodville Story… Sort of…
Here’s a little treat for the weekend. A new Witches of Woodville story that’s completely free for my wonderful newsletter subscribers…
Caesar on Watling Street is set over 2000 years before the events chronicled in the Witches of Woodville.
The cover art was designed by the wonderful Mr Andrew Bowden, and it was edited with infinite patience by Mr Julian Barr and the MP3 audiobook features music by Dominic Currie.
Here’s the description thingy…
KENT, 54 BC
Britain has fallen. The merciless legions of Julius Caesar will soon dominate every kingdom. Magical seer Múnteoir is tasked with negotiating peace. Yet Múnteoir’s ability to sense the truth about a person is fading, and with it her life. Abandoned by the voices of her ancestors, she must stand against an empire and unlock a power greater than any than she has ever known. If Múnteoir fails, everything she loves will perish.
The more eagle-eyed readers will notice that this story is not set in Woodville and doesn’t feature any of the witches from the novels, but… it teases a key location for the forthcoming novel The Ghost of Ivy Barn, so when you eventually come to that part in the novel you can be all smug and brag that you knew about it before everyone else. Quite who you’ll be bragging to, I’m not sure. Perhaps one can go on the Tik Toks and boast about one’s literary credibility?
Regardless, this story is available to you for free for your Kindle, phone, tablet, and as an MP3 audiobook (read by me with some questionable accents).
Mark Stay Writes 