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(From Anna’s/Shannon’s February newsletter)

Welcome to the first-ever newsletter for both my pen names: Anna Argent and Shannon K. Butcher! Going forward, this will be the place for news about events, signings, releases, and any other information from either name. I’m so glad to have you here!

I’m hard at work on book three of the Lost Shards series, which is scheduled to come out in early summer 2019—just in time for some sizzling beach reading. I’m also about halfway through book eleven of the Sentinel Wars, which will be out in the fall of 2019. Both projects are going well and I can’t wait to share them with you!

I’ve always had a low number of reviews compared to my book sales. I don’t know why this is, but my guess is that my readers are a lot like me. You have kids, spouses, active social lives, and jobs—possibly more than one. You don’t have much time to read, much less leave a review for a book you’ve already read. I get it. Believe me. But it does pose a challenge.

Online reviews are more important than ever, especially with the huge influx of self-published titles in recent years. Reviews can mean the difference between getting a publishing contract for a new series or not. They can mean the difference between getting optioned for TV or movies or not. They can affect how many languages a book is translated into and whether or not audio books or video games are produced. All those things often rest in the hands of readers, which is where they should be.

Which brings me to the first of two favors I need to ask. First, it would mean the world to me if you would go out today to your favorite online book vendor and leave a review for one or more of my books you’ve read. You don’t have to write long paragraphs unless you like—just a few words or even a simple star rating would really help.

Second, to deal with this challenge proactively, I’m starting a review club where some fans can get advanced copies of my upcoming works for review. This club is open to everyone who likes to leave reviews. JustÌý, including a link to a review you’ve left of one of my books, old or new, good or bad. You’ll be added to the club and could be among the first to read the next Anna Argent and Shannon K. Butcher books.

As hard as it is for me to ask for favors from readers who’ve already given me so much, I feel this is an important step toward building my career—one I hope will continue to grow so I can bring you years of stories to come. Heaven knows I’ve got enough ideas swirling around in my head to keep me busy for a few more decades.

(From Anna’s November 18, 2018, newsletter)

The secret is out!

I’ve been hiding something from you. Like many of my characters, I’m not who you think I am at first glance. I’ve been secretly writing under the name Anna Argent for years, but before that, I was known asÌýNew York TimesÌýbestselling author Shannon K. Butcher.

Surprise!

There are lots of reasons why I moved to a new pen name. Some of them were emotional while others were based in logic. While the decision to juggle two names has drastically complicated my life, in the end there was no question as to whether or not I should write under a new name. The only question was what name would it be? I chose Anna Argent in honor of my mother, Pollyanna, who always saw the silver lining in every cloud.

Now for the why of it all.

I never wanted to write under the name Butcher. When I got my first writing contract, I was excited and nervous, as you can imagine. I’d worked for years, starting over 30 books and finishing 9 before I felt like I was good enough to publish anything. After that, I kept honing my craft while I searched for an agent. Once I had one, my work sold quickly and there was a flurry of activity around the event. One of the things that had to be decided was what name I’d use.

Since my husband at the time was a writer and his success was growing quickly, my agent and editor wanted me to use my legal name—his name. I didn’t want that. I was a romance writer and Butcher wasn’t exactly romantic. I suggested some alternatives and pushed back, but I was the newbie. I had no experience and was worried that if I didn’t give in, I’d be labeled as difficult to work with or, even worse, lose the contract entirely. In the end, I caved and hoped for the best.

From a practical standpoint, those with more experience than me thought the Butcher name would gain me attention—something very hard for a new writer to get. And they were right, but some less pleasant consequences haunted me. Namely, some readers thought that if I was married to someone, I should write like them. Nothing could be further from the truth. I’m my own person, not an extension of my husband. I have my own thoughts and ideas and writing style. Those readers who picked up my work because of him were often disappointed, which was not the reaction I had hoped for when I started this career. I got feedback that, in a nutshell, said what a horrible Jim Butcher book I wrote. To which I thought, “Of course, it’s a horrible Jim book. I’m not him.� In short, using the wrong name remains the biggest regret of my professional writing career. I should have fought harder for what I wanted, for what my gut instinct was telling me.

After a few books, my name was established and it didn’t really matter if I liked it or not. I’d already gone too far down that path. I was stuck.

Then something amazing happened.

With the advent of self-publishing, I was no longer bound by past constraints or to what others wanted me to do. I was in charge of my own career. I was free to do what I wanted. So I did.

For years I wrote under a secret name, guarding my identity like a treasure. There were no photos of me, no comments tying me to my past, and only a handful of people who even knew what I was doing, much less the name under which I was doing it.

Talk about a feeling of freedom! I was no longer an extension of someone else. I was my own person, able to write what I wanted, how I wanted, without worry that a large group of people would dislike the work because they were expecting it to be like someone else’s stories. My stories were judged on their own merits. I got fan mail and comments on social media and reviews that were all about the writing, not who I was married to. It was everything I’d hoped for and one of the best career decisions I’ve ever made.

Even before the first Anna Argent book was published, I knew this name change wasn’t a secret I’d keep forever. I had something to prove to myself, but once I did, I knew I would want to share my new work with those who loved my old stories. My style has matured, but it hasn’t really changed. I studied writing craft from a variety of experts and developed new skills, but the heart and soul of my stories remains the same. On top of that, I’m writing faster than ever. I published ten projects in three years—projects that are some of the best work I’ve ever done. I have enjoyed every one of them, and I think that joy and my feeling of freedom shines through in the work. I hope you agree.

For those of you who might feel slighted that you weren’t in on the secret, please accept my apologies. It was never my intent to trick or hurt anyone. I had to go down this path for myself. It was either that or quit writing under the shadow of my old name. I knew I would miss writing far too much to give it up, so this was my only solution.

I hope you find the surprise of a pile of new books to read soothes the sting of being kept in the dark.

Happy reading!

Anna Argent (formerly writing as Shannon K. Butcher)

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I’m thrilled to announce that the second book in my Lost Shards series, A Brush With Fate,Ìýis finally out in both print and ebook! I’m already working on the third installment of the series and can’t wait to share that with you next spring.

Here’s a peek atÌý:

Like many artists, Calliope dreams of painting beautiful works of art that stir the soul. Unfortunately, the only paintings of hers that sell are the ones that kill people.

She’s compelled to paint by a dark presence she doesn’t understand and can’t control. No matter what it takes, she must find a way to resist the urge to submit to the power inside her, because once she dips her brush in red, someone is about to die bloody.

When Knox sets eyes on the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, he’s drawn to her in a way he can’t explain. Too bad she’s dating his brother’s murderer.

Certain that Calliope will be the killer’s next victim, Knox makes it his mission to keep her safe. He soon realizes there’s more to the talented artist than meets the eye. She’s a vessel for slivers of ancient, powerful souls, and she doesn’t even know it. Those shards have an agenda of their own, and they will use her—or destroy her—to get what they want.

As she and Knox hunt for a killer, they learn that their two fates are inextricably bound, and if they can’t find a way to control the power Calliope possesses, then the next gruesome murder she paints may be her own.

Two weeks ago, The Secret She KeepsÌýcame out in both print and ebook formats. Inside are four unique stories that revolve around four different women and the secrets they keep. My story is set in the world of the Lost Shards and it’s not your usual paranormal romance with vampires and shifters. It’s a completely unique spin where no one is what they seem and danger lurks behind even the most familiar faces.

The Secret She KeepsÌýis a stellar lineup of authors that is sure to keep you enthralled until the very last word.

Here’s the lineup:

Shadow of TruthÌýby Shannon K. Butcher
Socially awkward nerd and video game designer Winnifred Archer has a rich fantasy life. So, when a badass, sword-wielding warrior decides he wants her, she’s not sure whether or not he’s real. She’s not equipped to handle a man like him, or the things he wants from her, but she must find a way to face her fears and fight by his side or she will lose everyone she loves.

Badass BearÌýby Kathy Lyons
Hiding from the secret that ended her last relationship, flight attendant Margaret Taylor settled for the next best thing to love: a friends-only status with her handsome, paraplegic neighbor, Gary Baldner. But Gary has a secret, too. It’s about to break free, upend their worlds, and bring them both perfect happiness.

Nowhere to HideÌýby Terri L. Austin
Running for her life, Hailey managed to escape from the psychotic billionaire who imprisoned and tortured her. Now using her secret clairvoyant powers, she’s trying to stay one step ahead of certain death. Sexy sorcerer, Vane, has a duty to take down Hailey’s enemy, even if it means using her as bait.

Shards of LightÌýby Anna Argent
When Lark witnesses a bizarre murder, a decade-old secret resurfaces and forces her to find her old flame. Dex is no longer the easygoing guy she knew. He’s dark, deadly and involved with a secret society that believes magic is real and hunts down those who abuse it. As their passion reignites, Dex must find a way to keep the darkness in his life from touching Lark or he will end up just like the things he hunts.

I hope you enjoy these stories and many more to come!

Anna Argent

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Hi, everybody!

I hope you all had a great summer. Despite fond memories of those lazy summer days, I’m more than ready to trade in my shorts and flip-flops for fuzzy socks and throw blankets. Or maybe I’m just ready for fall since I have two new releases coming out.

“Shards of Light,â€� a novella connected to my Lost Shards series, appears inÌýThe Secret She KeepsÌýanthology along with three other fantastic paranormal romances by Shannon K. Butcher, Kathy Lyons, and Terri L. Austin. Here’s a little more about each story that’s available for preorder now and for download on September 25.

Here’s a peek at four novellas filled with passion, magic, and deep,Ìýdark secretsâ€�

Shadow of Truth by Shannon K. Butcher
Socially awkward nerd and video game designer Winnifred Archer has a rich fantasy life. So, when a badass, sword-wielding warrior decides he wants her, she’s not sure whether or not he’s real. She’s not equipped her to handle a man like him, or the things he wants from her, but she must find a way to face her fears and fight by his side or she will lose everyone she loves.

Badass Bear by Kathy Lyons
Hiding from the secret that ended her last relationship, flight attendant Margaret Taylor settled for the next best thing to love: a friends-only status with her handsome, paraplegic neighbor, Gary Baldner. But Gary has a secret, too. It’s about to break free, upend their worlds, and bring them both perfect happiness.

Nowhere to Hide by Terri L. Austin
Running for her life, Hailey managed to escape from the psychotic billionaire who imprisoned and tortured her. Now using her secret clairvoyant powers, she’s trying to stay one step ahead of certain death. Sexy sorcerer, Vane, has a duty to take down Hailey’s enemy, even if it means using her as bait.

Shards of Light by Anna Argent
When Lark witnesses a bizarre murder, a decade-old secret resurfaces and forces her to find her old flame. Dex is no longer the easygoing guy she knew. He’s dark, deadly and involved with a secret society that believes magic is real and hunts down those who abuse it. As their passion reignites, Dex must find a way to keep the darkness in his life from touching Lark or he will end up just like the things he hunts.

The Lost Shards series continues October 9 withÌýA Brush with Fate,Ìýthe second book in my series about the rare people who possess magic—sometimes unknowingly—as a result of the fragments of ancient souls who inhabited them. If you’re interested in checking this one out, you can head over to Amazon to preorder the book now so you can start reading on release day.

The second book in the Lost Shards series comes out soon�

Like many artists, Calliope dreams of painting beautiful works of art that stir the soul. Unfortunately, the only paintings of hers that sell are the ones that kill people.

She’s compelled to paint by a dark presence she doesn’t understand and can’t control. No matter what it takes, she must find a way to resist the urge to submit to the power inside her, because once she dips her brush in red, someone is about to die bloody.

When Knox sets eyes on the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, he’s drawn to her in a way he can’t explain. Too bad she’s dating his brother’s murderer.

Certain that Calliope will be the killer’s next victim, Knox makes it his mission to keep her safe. He soon realizes there’s more to the talented artist than meets the eye. She’s a vessel for slivers of ancient, powerful souls, and she doesn’t even know it. Those shards have an agenda of their own, and they will use her—or destroy her—to get what they want.

As she and Knox hunt for a killer, they learn that their two fates are inextricably bound, and if they can’t find a way to control the power Calliope possesses, then the next gruesome murder she paints may be her own.

If you haven’t readÌýShards of Blood and Shadow,Ìýthe first book in my new paranormal romance series, now is your chance to read it for free before the second book in the series comes out! The first 25 people whoÌýÌýcan download a free copy ofÌýShards of Blood and Shadow. If you enjoy the book, I’d love it if you wouldÌýplease leave a review. Reviews help authors reach more readers and help readers like you find books they love.

Wishing you all the great books you can stand!
Anna Argent

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The first book in my new series, the Lost Shards, is finally here! This is the culmination of years of planning, late nights, early mornings and hard work, and I can’t express how excited I am to see this novel come to fruition.

What if no one was what they seemed? What if you couldn’t trust that the person you’ve known all your life is still who you think they are? In the world of the Lost Shards, slivers of ancient, powerful souls inhabit humans, altering them in ways no one can predict, gifting some with amazing abilities and others with a thirst for violence. They have an agenda, and no one is safe. A few special people are determined to fight back, but when the enemy can be anyone, who can you trust?

Read a sample.

Cleo Radella inherited both the ability to see the future, and a haunting prediction that she will commit murder on her twenty-fifth birthday. That day has arrived, along with a stranger who is fated to alter her world irrevocably.

One will come in blood, the other in shadow�

Flint is not what one would call a people person. He despises small talk, prefers solitude, and hates being touched. Luckily, the fragments of ancient, powerful souls he carries allow him to fade into the shadows, unseen and unnoticed—handy for a guy who hunts people for a living.

Cleo is his next target, but when her life is threatened, he will stop at nothing to protect the beautiful psychic. No one captures his prey but him.

Death lurks behind them�

Forced together, Flint reveals a world Cleo never knew existed. She soon learns that no one is what they seem, and that her destiny is much bigger than she ever imagined�

Like what you see? Stay tuned for news about more books in the Lost Shards series coming soon!

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New Books!

I have finally managed to escape the crazy Midwest weather and am back on the Emerald Coast where spring is in full swing. The warm weather and ocean breezes have my creative juices flowing, and I’m hard at work on book 3 of the Lost Shards series.

The first book,ÌýShards of Blood and Shadow, will be out May 8, so watch for it! You can alsoÌý.

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Getting new cover art is like opening a much-anticipated gift. It’s filled with excitement and mystery, and you just want to rip it open and see what’s inside. This month, I got that special surprise twice! What more could a writer ask for?

First up is the cover forÌýThe Secret She Keeps. It’s darkly flirty, and I absolutely love it! This anthology will be out this fall, and I cannot wait to see what my fellow authors come up with!

In the meantime, I’m excited to tell you that the first book in my new paranormal romance series, The Lost Shards, is now available for preorder! I’ll be posting teaser chapters of Shards of Blood and Shadow on my website soon, so drop by and take a look. If you can’t wait, read below for a peek at a world filled with dark prophecy, ancient magic, and a little bit of sizzle.

Cleo Radella inherited both the ability to see the future, and a haunting prediction that she will commit murder on her twenty-fifth birthday. That day has arrived, along with a stranger who is fated to alter her world irrevocably.

One will come in blood, the other in shadow�

Flint is not what one would call a people person. He despises small talk, prefers solitude, and hates being touched. Luckily, the fragments of ancient, powerful souls he carries allow him to fade into the shadows, unseen and unnoticed—handy for a guy who hunts people for a living.

Cleo is his next target, but when her life is threatened, he will stop at nothing to protect the beautiful psychic. No one captures his prey but him.

Death lurks behind them�

Forced together, Flint reveals a world Cleo never knew existed. She soon learns that no one is what they seem, and that her destiny is much bigger than she ever imagined�

Shards of Blood and Shadow is available for preorder now!

Reviews are super important to an author, making books more visible to readers who might enjoy them, rather than being just one more pretty cover in the crowd. Even if you don’t have time to write an elaborate post, writing a single sentence, or even a quick click to list your star rating is a huge help. If you have a moment to leave a review for one of my books you’ve enjoyed, I would be deeply grateful.

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Big things are happening in 2018, and I’m so excited, I haven’t been able to sleep. My mind keeps spinning with all the new story ideas I have in the works, as well as some collaborations I never dreamed I’d have the opportunity to do.

I won’t bury the lead, because I’m just too fired up to wait even one more second. I’ve been invited to join an anthology with some amazingly talented ladies. Who, you ask? Well, I’m glad you did. (Pardon me while I fangirl squee all over myself.) Here is the lineup:

Shannon K. Butcher, national bestselling author of The Sentinel Wars

Kathy Lyons, USA Today bestselling author, aka Jade Lee

Terri L. Austin, romance, mystery, urban fantasy…this woman can write anything

Anna Argent, aka little ol� me

Can you believe it? I’m still pinching myself over getting to play in the same vicinity as these women, much less side-by-side.

I’ve got something appropriately special planned for my story, since I’ll be in the presence of greatness. It’s too early to spill the beans yet, but I’ll give you a hint. It’s set in the Shards world, where fragments of ancient, powerful souls were shattered and cast out across the globe to find homes in unsuspecting humans. The Shards want to be made whole again and finish what they started centuries ago, and they will stop at nothing to get what they want, no matter who they have to use—or destroy—to make it happen.

Stay tuned for cover art and anything else I can get my grabby hands on to share with you.

Also in 2018, I’ll be releasing three more novels in the Shards world, so the novella in the anthology won’t get lonely. These characters are bigger than life, quirky, and so loud that sometimes I can’t hear myself think over their conversations. I love all of them, and know they won’t shut the hell up until I tell their stories.

Time and contracts permitting, we’re hoping to move forward with some more audio books from the Taken and Whisper Lake series. If you haven’t checked those out, you can listen to a sample ofÌýÌý´Ç°ùÌý.ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýÌýare both amazing vocal talents, and have really brought every character to life. I bow down!

And I’ve got one more new project up my sleeve that’s begging to be written. I’ve hammered out my schedule, and if I don’t sleep until August, I should be able to start it later this year. Who needs sleep when there are so many interesting characters and stories to write?

I wish all of you a joyful 2018, and hope that your year is filled with as much anticipation and excitement as mine.

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When you’re a romance novel and paranormal romance novel lover, this time of the year puts you in quite a quandary. You’re in airports, on planes, in cars, on trains. Moving from one event to the next. You have a little time off from work and need to squeeze in some “me� time � a few blissful moments to spend engrossed in your favorite romance series. But, suitcases and totes can only hold so much, not to mention your shoulders. How do you choose which romance novels to pack? What if you finish one and have time for another? Hello, audiobooks! How did we ever live without you?

You might want to listen to theÌý. Though it’s a series, each romance novel is set in the small Ozark Mountains town of Whisper Lake and features the tale of a Grace family member finding a happily ever after. You can listen to them in order or just one, but fair warning, listen to one and you’ll probably be dying to listen to another.

The first two books of the Whisper Lake series are available as audibooks. The third book in the series are available as an ebook.

The Longest Fall

Ìý

The Sweetest Temptation

Ìý

If you’re a fan of Christine Feehan, Shannon K. Butcher or Sherrilyn Kenyon, then The Taken series is right up your alley. This series will tak you to a paranormal world whereÌýtrue love and happy endings are the norm, but that’s about all you can count on in this paranormal universe.

Be taken away to a world that hinges on convincing three women to sacrifice everything they know to save a world that they don’t know exists. If anyone can, it’s the three men whose mission it is to find and protect them because the fate of Loriah depends on it.

The first book in the Taken series is available as an audiobook. Other books in the series are available as ebooks.

Taken by Storm

Ìý

Audiobooks Let You Take an Entire Romance Library Anywhere You Go

The best invention since sliced bread and warm cookie home delivery, romance audiobooks let us bring as many love stories with us anywhere as we want on devices we always have in our hands anyway. In the size of a tablet or phone, Audible and iTunes lets us take an entire romance library with us everywhere we go. If you’re looking for enthralling romance and paranormal romance audiobooks to bring a little romance into your holiday season, these are the ones to download and bring a happy ending to the year.

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