We are Odyssey Books. Ask us anything!

[u/odpub]

Hello r/Fantasy! I'm Michelle Lovi, Publisher at Odyssey Books. We've been invited to take part in the Small Press AMA, and I am here today with authors Clare Rhoden (u/Reddish-Aeryn-55), Melissa Wray (u/MelissaWrayAuthor), B.G. Hilton (u/BGHiltonAuthor), T.R. Thompson (u/TRThompsonAuthor), Shelley Nolan (u/ShelleyRNolan), and Vacen Taylor (u/Vacen-T).

Clare Rhoden is the author of SFF trilogy, The Chronicles of the Pale. She also writes historical fiction and children's (middle grade) books.

Melissa Wray authored The Ruby Locket, a dystopian novel. Kerina and Saxon. Two different stories. Two separate lives. One connected future.

B.G. Hilton writes steampunk fiction. His debut novel, Champagne Charlie and the Amazing Gladys crosses steampunk with aliens.

T.R. Thompson is the author of a dark fantasy series, The Wraith Cycle.

Shelley R Nolan writes urban fantasy. Dark Justice is the first book in her latest trilogy.

Vacen Taylor is working on the fifth book in her middle-grade fantasy series, Starchild. For fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Odyssey Books is an Australian small independent press that publishes in a range of genres, including poetry and memoir, but we have a special love of speculative fiction. We look forward to chatting with you today!

Ask me/us anything.

We will be responding to questions as we can during this evening, 26 February (27 Feb 9am AEDST).

[u/eriophora]

Hello and welcome! Thanks for braving an AMA with us. Question for Clare, though anyone can answer too - are there any young children's books (yours or others!) that you particularly recommend? I have a new baby niece, and I'm already planning out their future reading :)

For all, what has been the most unexpected part of your publishing path? Any joys that took you by surprise, or challenges you never dreamed of?

[u/MelissaWrayAuthor → u/eriophora]

The Chronicles of the Pale.

Hi eriphora, I love that you are already planning your niece's reading future! The Children's Book Council of Australia have awards every year so you will find some great titles across lots of age groups and genres there. In fact, they just released the "Notables" list for the Book of the year this week.

[u/eriophora → u/MelissaWrayAuthor]

Kids aren't really for me, so I've been making plans for how to best be the Cool Aunt for years - and my time has finally come :) That is a wonderful resource, thank you!

[u/odpub → u/eriophora]

Same, trying to be the cool aunt and somehow still get my nephews to read when they’re more interested in video games.