---Word from American Fantasy:
A Reminder: AMERICAN FANTASY has a new title for this Christmas.
INVISIBLE PLEASURES
by Mary Frances Zambreno
Cover Art by Douglas Klauba
ISBN: 0-9610352-4-2
Retail Price: $25.00
Hardcover
241 Pages
Publication Date: December 2005 (Now Shipping)
INVISIBLE PLEASURES is Mary Frances Zambreno’s first short story collection. One of the original Writers of the Future contest winners, she sold stories to _Pulphouse_, _MZB’s Fantasy Magazine_ and numerous anthologies. This book gathers the best of them together along with four new tales. While her schedule teaching (she holds a PhD in Medieval Literature), allows her little time to write, her few novels and these stories have received wide acclaim. This is a special event for us, our first short story collection, and we think we are starting on a high note.
Jane Yolen writes in her introduction: “I have been following Mary Frances Zambreno’s publishing career for some time and find myself—like her own Dame Alice de Bryene—standing before the altar whispering a spell. Only my spell goes like this: ‘Write more, damn it!’ MFZ’s stories are pithy, chockablock with munchy bits, and often wise. They are full of the medievalist's love of bright shining objects but also wired into the dark underbelly of change. Her strong women transcend the times in which they live, whether it’s the difficult past—or even the more difficult future. So once again, I say: ‘Write more, damn it!’ Please.”
Queens, healers, witches, adventurers, students, young girls and others are the focus of these tales. Zambreno’s protagonists are always pushed to the limit, finding their individual strength and resolve though adversity. At their heart, her stories are puzzles whose clever resolutions surprise and amaze the readers who have grown to love them. With a deft hand she misdirects, teaches and astounds in stories that flow as easily as water.
The fantastic cover was done by Douglas Klauba. This incredible artist has been doing work for Old Earth Books (CITY, ¡LIMEKILLER!) and Moonstone Publishing. His piece, MERCURY JACK, was included in the recent Spectrum show at the Museum of American Illustration--only 200 pieces were selected from the hundreds that have been published in Spectrum’s 11-year history. MERCURY JACK was there, beside those pieces by Whelan, Maitz, Frazetta, etc. Check out his website at www.douglasklauba.com. He just won Best of Show at this year's World Fantasy Convention in Madison, Wisconsin. A major talent to watch.
In other words, this is another fine publication from American Fantasy Press. On our website you will find a bio and photo of MFZ ready for download. A link to order dustjackets from us to display in your store, and more. We'll be posting a list of retailers that carry the book. And as reviews come in, you'll see them as well. Contact us if you need more to sell this special collection.
Happy Holidays.
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STILL AVAILABLE:
We have copies of DARKSIDE by Dennis Etchison, THE DREAMTHIEF'S DAUGHTER LTD ED., MIDNIGHT MONSTER and THE BROECKER SAMPLER. We are looking to reprint A WALKING TOUR OF THE SHAMBLES next year, if we get permission from the authors and artists.
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If you have any questions, please contact us
Bob and Nancy Garcia
American Fantasy Press
www.american-fantasy.com