The Erudite Pen

27/06/2025

💜🐎💜 Friday Feels = Cover Reveal Time!

Say hello to Book 3 in Leisa Fail's heart-warming Adventures of Stormy Normy: 🌟 🐴🐴Stormy Normy Goes Reining 🌟 🐴🐴

This beloved children's series taking the world by 'storm'. Illustrated with heart by the talented Amy Rennie and cover designed by the amazing JudithSDesign&Creativity, this next adventure sees Stormy diving into a new world of discipline, determination… and daring spins! 😄🐎

With a new trainer, some surprise challenges and his younger siblings watching every move, Stormy’s learning that the best results come from doing the little things right.

We can’t wait for you to join him in the ring! 🐴📖

Kindra’s Corner

26/06/2025

⚖️🔥 Who will survive when revenge becomes personal?

A sneak peek into what’s in store for tough, relentless Australian lawyer Tom Jackson.

Vanquish Your Enemy by Rod Besley – Book 3 in the explosive legal thriller series. Coming August 2025.

'Comparisons with John Grisham and Vince Flynn are inevitable, but are they justified? Absolutely!' Michael Hawkins AM FAICD

If you've not read the unputdownable Know Your Enemy and Beware Your Enemy, Books 1 and 2 in this fast-moving thriller series, grab your copies today before Book 3 hits the shelves!

Rod Besley Author

20/06/2025

📖🚁 Proofreading begins!

Today I’m diving into the hard copy proof of The Brave and the Reckless by Lionel Smith, a compelling biography that follows the extraordinary life of Dave Smith, whose love of helicopters took him from the Aussie bush to the front lines of aerial rescue around the world.

From mustering cattle at eighteen in an R22 to flying missions in East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Canada and every corner of Australia, Dave’s journey is one of skill, guts and a deep sense of service.

But this book is more than the story of one pilot – it’s a tribute to the tight-knit, daring community of helicopter aviators who go where no horse or fixed-wing aircraft ever could.

🚁There’s mateship, tragedy, humour and hard-won wisdom on every page, and I can’t wait to bring this one over the finish line.
This one’s for the aviators – and the readers who value what they’ve given.

18/06/2025

✨ Sneak Peek: 5 New Covers Incoming ✨

I’m thrilled to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse of five stunning new covers we’ve been crafting – each one a testament to the passion and talent of their brilliant authors. The full reveals are coming soon, but for now, here’s your first taste of what’s on the horizon:

💌 Love Letters to the Soul by Alana Grainger
A poignant and raw poetic exploration that is a gift to the seeker in us all. Alana’s debut speaks directly to the heart, offering honesty to those who are searching for something that cannot be easily found, yet can be deeply felt.

💀 Dark Masquerade by R. Slater
Step into the shadowed world of Victorian London, where six strangers are drawn into a deadly secret society to combat an ancient evil. A richly atmospheric dark fantasy from a rising force in supernatural and gothic horror, this is just the beginning of the Order of the Steel Rose series.

🌸 Petals and Teeth by Renee Hayes
From the acclaimed author of the Rim Walker trilogy comes a standalone gothic fairytale fantasy that entwines beauty and horror in a tale of deadly enchantments and defiant heroines. Renee continues to dazzle with her lyrical, moody storytelling.

🌀 Beware the Abyss: Sun Crystal of Creation by D.C. Scully
A thrilling YA fantasy from supernatural author D.C. Scully, Book 1 in the Cursed Crystals Novels, where you can expect battles, magic, fantasy lore and a dynamic cast that will resonate with both male and female YA readers alike – this is a bold new voice to watch.

🐎 Stormy Normy Goes Reining by Leisa Fail, illustrated by Amy Rennie
Our favourite brave brumby horse returns! This time, Stormy Normy tries his hoof at the sport of reining – a story full of heart, humour and lessons about resilience, role models and rising to the challenge. A joy for young readers and horse lovers alike.

I've had the pleasure of working developmentally behind the scenes with many of these incredible up-and-coming authors, and it's been a privilege watching their visions take shape. Another big thank you to my brilliant cover designer JudithSDesign&Creativity for her tireless work on these covers.

📚 Full cover reveals are just around the corner ¬– and keep an eye out, too, for our upcoming New Author Spotlights, where you’ll get to meet the talent behind these powerful stories!

13/06/2025

💙💜🖤 Raven and the Witch by Wendy Pym, Book 1 in the Bloodlines of Destiny, is here!

In the wilds of 18th-century America, Raven Shikoba, a brave young Mohawk girl, uncovers a legacy of shapeshifting magic – and an ancient evil that threatens everything she holds dear. As her powers awaken, Raven must confront a deadly blood witch, reckon with her people's past and face the destiny she never asked for.

Rich with Native American folklore, this powerful coming-of-age fantasy is filled with magic, resilience and spirit. Raven’s journey is one of strength, connection and the choices that define us.

If you love strong heroines, cultural depth and YA fantasy with heart – and a touch of darkness – this one’s for you.

📚 Dive into the magic today! Now available worldwide in paperback and ebook at all major booksellers! 🖤💙💜

🔗Amazon Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1763869903
🔗The Nile: https://www.thenile.com.au/books/wendy-pym/raven-and-the-witch/9781763869905

Plus many more!

Wendy Pym - Author

In the wilds of 18th-century Canada, Raven Shikoba, a fierce young Mohawk girl, discovers a destiny far more perilous than she ever imagined. Born with the ability to shapeshift, Raven struggles to master her fledgling powers. But darkness looms. A menacing blood witch, one who has tormente...

12/06/2025

🚁 COVER REVEAL 🚁

Cover reveal of The Brave and the Reckless by Lionel Smith, a powerful Australian biography that follows helicopter pilot Dave Smith from bush mustering at eighteen to international rescue missions and frontline emergency aviation.

But this is more than one man’s story. It’s a tribute to the tight-knit community of helicopter aviators who risk their lives to save others, fight fires and serve in some of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth. It’s a story of grit, mateship, tragedy and courage – and the people who choose to dance with danger in the skies.

Sincere thanks to cover designer JudithSDesign&Creativity for her brilliant work in capturing the heart of this story.

Coming soon! This is a must-read for aviation professionals, biography lovers and anyone inspired by stories of service and bravery.

09/06/2025

📰📢 ABC Author spotlight: Renee Hayes – turning pain into power through story

I’m incredibly proud to share this ABC Far North feature on my rising star YA fantasy author Renee Hayes, written by presented Amanda Cranston:

👉 How creative writing can aid healing process to create happy ending

After suffering a debilitating back injury that left her in constant pain for months, Renee channelled her experience into writing. The result? The Rim Walker Novels – a powerful YA fantasy series rich in world-building, resilience and emotional truth.

Her debut, The Girl Who Broke the World, was not only selected as a Publishers Weekly Editor’s Pick for a novel of outstanding quality, but also chosen by the PW New York office as one of just 30 titles (from thousands) to be showcased at one of America’s most prestigious book fairs.

An extraordinary achievement for a debut author – and a testament to Renee’s talent, grit and imagination.

It’s been such a pleasure and privilege to work with her as editor and publisher to bring all three of her books to life (with an enchanting standalone coming soon!).

The therapeutic benefits of writing can go far beyond the stereotypical journalling exercise. These writers share their stories.

05/06/2025

📚 Red pen in hand, hard copy in lap and the soundtrack of the rainforest playing in the background – it's time to proof the final instalment in Rod Besley’s Tom Jackson Legal Thrillers series: Vanquish Your Enemy.

As managing editor, there’s nothing like stepping away from the screen to do the final proof in nature. I’m lucky to be working from the lush tropical surrounds of Far North Queensland – perfectly fitting, given that some of the action in this gripping legal thriller unfolds in the depths of the Amazon rainforest itself.

This last book is packed with high-stakes finance, corruption, twists and international intrigue that spans continents. It’s going to be a powerful finale 🔥🔥⚖️

Rod Besley Author Rod Besley

29/05/2025

📚 “Thanks to you, my dreams have become a reality.” 💫

Testimonials like this are one of the biggest reasons I love what I do as a professional managing editor and independent publisher.

Knowing that I’ve helped an author take a rough manuscript and transform it into a polished, published book never gets old – and it’s an absolute privilege.

Thank you to Wendy Pym, author of Raven and the Witch: Book 1, Bloodlines of Destiny, for this beautiful feedback. I’m so proud of the work we did together and I can’t wait to dive into Book 2 with you! 🖋️✨

“I can highly recommend Dr Juliette Lachemeier for all of your manuscript and book enquiries. To say that Juliette provided me with editing and publishing services would be a gross understatement.

Juliette assisted me with so much more. I first came to Juliette with a very rough manuscript and really had no idea on anything else other than storytelling. Juliette helped me polish my story and turned it into the book it is today. I am so very happy with the finished product.

Juliette's expertise and professionalism really shone through and her advice was greatly appreciated. I have learnt invaluable lessons from our time together.

Get ready, Juliette, as book 2 is in the works and thanks to you, my dreams have become a reality.

Many thanks, and I look forward to working with you again.”

— Wendy Pym - Author of Raven and the Witch – Book 1: Bloodlines of Destiny

To see more testimonials about what it’s like to work with this one-woman publishing house, head to:
🔗 www.theeruditepen.com/testimonials

I genuinely enjoy collaborating with such creative and talented authors — often across multiple books and many years. It's deeply rewarding to be part of their publishing journey.

28/05/2025

🕵️‍♂️ Tom Jackson is back. Australian lawyer. Charming. Relentless. And in way too deep.💣

⚖️💼 Murder. Conspiracy. Blood money.

This isn’t mere justice. This is survival.

Vanquish Your Enemy – Book 3 in the explosive Tom Jackson thriller series – AUGUST 2025!

Rod Besley Rod Besley Author

25/05/2025

Wonderful recognition 🙏

Last week in the NSW Parliament, the Hon. Stephanie Di Pasqua, Member for Drummoyne, stood to acknowledge Brendan Bateman’s Drummoyne’s Great War trilogy – three volumes of dedication, remembrance and profound historical research.

To have all three books mentioned in a parliamentary speech is more than an honour. It’s a recognition of the stories of the 95 local soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War, and of the years Brendan has spent painstakingly researching and preserving their legacies.

These volumes are not just books. They are a tribute to lives lost, families left behind and a community forever changed. Through Brendan’s writing, these men are no longer just names on a memorial – they are known, remembered and honoured.

This recognition means the world, not just to Brendan, but to everyone who believes local history matters. That remembrance begins at home. That names carved in stone deserve to be fully known.

📺 Watch the speech in NSW parliament here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2BPnDqRqeM

Thank you to Stephanie Di Pasqua MP for ensuring their stories were heard on the floor of Parliament. It reminds us that local history matters. And a big congratulations to my author Brendan Bateman for this well-deserved recognition.

Stephanie Di Pasqua MP - Member for Drummoyne | Legislative Assembly on 15 May 2025 at 17:46

24/05/2025

What a launch! 🌟🔮🐦‍⬛

Yesterday, we celebrated the release of Raven and the Witch, Book 1 in Wendy Pym’s YA Bloodlines of Destiny trilogy, in the most magical way — surrounded by the misty charm of Eden House in Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands. The historical retreat made for the perfect setting, and the hospitality from the Eden House team was simply outstanding.🌿 🏡 ⛰️

A huge thank you to everyone who came along. It was a fantastic turnout, and your presence meant the world — not just to Wendy, but to all of us who believe in the power of storytelling that isn’t afraid to go dark and deep.

Wendy Pym - Author, thank you for trusting me with your story. It’s been an honour to help shape Raven and the Witch into the incredible novel it is today.

And a special thank you to JudithSDesign&Creativity for her stunning cover design — a visual that so perfectly captured Wendy’s vision.

Mark your calendars: Raven and the Witch will be released worldwide on 13 June 2025 at all major booksellers.