Nov-04-26 Spilling the Tea

News from Faith, Spilling the Tea with Faith Hunter

Whoohoo! Book tea to spill!

Junkyard Ambush, (book six [6] of the Junkyard Cats Series) is up for preorder at Amazon, B&N, and Kobo. Currently up for preorder is Audible and e-Book. The trade paperback should be up soon. Release day? December 15! December 15!!!I am so excited!To repeat and then update a bit from last newsletter:

Repeat part—FaceBook has changed its algorithms, preventing me from putting up any outside links, book covers, blurbs, etc.. Their plan is to take this further and make sure that people who use FaceBook will ONLY use FaceBook (and other META platforms) and that META makes big bucks from their combined platforms. It creates a pay-to-play platform. This plan would cut out any mention of books for sale, books upcoming, and videos that mention books unless I play huge fees. That’s the old stuff.

UPDATE part—There has been fierce pushback from people on FaceBook. The plan as has been put on hold for a month and there is so much pushback that Meta is considering backing away from the plan. Well. Good for them coming to their senses.However.I don’t like to be threatened. I am violently averse to being abused and put down and put away. I will stay on FaceBook for a while, and put personal things up there. I will use it but not depend on it for book news and character info. Because of the threat, am putting my PR plans into the following non-threat platform.My new PR model is to put things up on the new website as it gets built, and use the newsletter to send people links.What do we do? You can subscribe to the website! The subscribe spot is on the bottom of the main front blog page. All the way to the bottom. If you want to get the newsletter it will work if you have gmail, though not .aol., .rr, .yahoo, .anything old. I will be posting the newsletter on the website within 24 hours after the newsletter goes out. You will be able to get it one way or another.

Personal news—I am getting better. I am off meds, and while I am still sleeping in a neck brace, and wearing the hip brace by day, I am moving with ease and walking (albeit not as far yet) and feeling great. Life is good. Prayer and meditation (and stopping doom scrolling) has brought me peace of mind. I am hoping you all can find peace in this difficult time of political chaos and world unrest. Hey! Here’s an idea! Preorder a book! LOLThat’s all the tea in the pot!

Spilling the Tea with Faith Hunter – Oct. 24 2026

Spilling the Tea with Faith Hunter

A collection of books by Faith Hunter displayed on a bookshelf with the cover of 'Junkyard Ambush' prominently featured and the text 'Spilling the Tea With Faith Hunter' overlaying the image, surrounded by Halloween-themed bats and ghosts.

Book cover for 'Junkyard Ambush' by Faith Hunter, featuring a woman in futuristic attire seated on a motorcycle surrounded by cats, set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop.

A female character in futuristic armor poses confidently on a motorcycle, holding a futuristic firearm, with several cats around her in a gritty, post-apocalyptic setting. The title 'Junkyard Ambush' and the author's name, 'Faith Hunter', are prominently displayed.

Happy big news day—and boy howdy, do I have tea to spill!

First, my back is slowly getting better. I’m off meds, and currently out of pain. I simply need to heal before I start stretching and moving and lifting any weights. The only good part of this? I lost five pounds. So there’s that.

And no, that isn’t the tea I want to spill.

The tea is book news!

Yes, I have news about Junkyard Ambush. This is book six (6) of the Junkyard Cats Series and it will be released on December 15. AND it is up for preorder at Amazon. The distribution protocol used by my publisher means Amazon puts preorders up first, then B&N, and then other outlets like Kobo, which will come soon. And YES, it is up for Audible too. So, go, preorder, and spread the word.

In less joyful news: FaceBook has changed its algorithms, preventing me from putting up any outside links, book covers, blurbs, etc.. They are trying to make sure that people who use FaceBook will ONLY use FaceBook, and other META platforms. They will cut out any mention of books for sake, books upcoming, and videos that mention books. Soooo, my new PR model is to put things up on the new website as it gets built, and use the newsletter to send people links. This is the way of the future—a money-driven, ad-driven FaceBook. It is what it is.

What do we do? You can subscribe to the newsletter if you have gmail, and, now, you can also subscribe to the website! I will be posting the newsletter there within 24 hours after the newsletter goes out. You should be able to subscribe at the website successfully, no matter what .com or .net your email has. Back to joyful news, right?

That’s all the news fit to print.

What is JUNKYARD AMBUSH about, you may ask.

JUNKYARD AMBUSH

Book 6 in the Junkyard Cats series.

Shining Smith decimated the mercenary group working with military leaders of a traitorous cabal. She’d hoped her battles were over. But the deeply entrenched, treacherous politicos have infiltrated the Gov. at the highest levels.

To complete their coup, the cabal is searching for U.S. space tech and alien tech—both hidden at the junkyard, and closing in on Shining and her people.

But that’s just the beginning. The alien in her basement may not be as dead as it appeared; Jolene and CAIT (the original AI on the crashed U.S. spaceship) have gone to war, locked in a battle of code and their own programed agendas; and the human prisoner on her land may be an infiltrator or decoy. Or worse.

Shining can’t stop the AIs’ battle, nor can she expect help from either of them. All she can do is ambush the enemy on territory she can control—plotting an offensive to save her people and throw the Gov. off the scent of the alien Bug and the ships on her land. But Shining’s plan goes awry, and her people fall into enemy hands.

What will Shining risk to save the junkyard, the roadhouse, her people, and the alien coming to life?

A signature written in black ink on a light blue background.

Mud’s Corner

Hope everyone has a great Halloween! Enjoy all the wee ghosties and goblins coming to your doors and don’t eat all the candy!!!! Oh, if you live in Arizona, you are blessed. Wow. We beat the rain.

October Spilling the Tea

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A decorative teapot with a turquoise lid and floral patterns, accompanied by two matching mugs with similar designs, placed on a light-colored countertop.

Collection of book covers for the Junkyard series by Faith Hunter, featuring titles: Junkyard Cats, Junkyard Bargain, Junkyard War, Junkyard Riders, and Junkyard Roadhouse, with a 'Coming Soon!' announcement for Junkyard Ambush.

I have a very exciting pot of tea to spill. Whoot!JUNKYARD AMBUSH will go up for preorder in the next week or so. Drop date? December 15. Just in time for a pre-Christmas, Chanukah, Saturnalia, and Yule!The cover is fabulous (Mud did a cover reveal, but for you who missed it, see below) designed by the even more fabulous Rebecca Frank of Bewitching Book Covers. Rebecca has done all the Junkyard book covers, and I was worried this fast timeline would mean she couldn’t slide me in. She is usually booked out forever but, WHOOT! It worked out! As always, she listened to what I felt the cover needed, offered suggestions, and she even did a different version of the Audible cover so some elements of the regular cover show up better. Audible LOVED the different version. I’ll see if Mud can put it below. (She of little Faith—Mud). For any writers out there, Rebecca comes HIGHLY recommended! Rebecca is very dependable, artistic, truly a professional, and fortunately for me, she is timely.YES. Before you ask, Khristine Hvam is narrating the book. I am thrilled!

Book cover for 'Junkyard Ambush' by Faith Hunter, featuring a woman in a futuristic outfit riding a motorcycle, with three cats positioned on the bike.

Above is for paper and e-book. Below is for Audible

A female character in a futuristic outfit stands beside a motorcycle, holding a gun. Two cats are present at the motorcycle's wheels. The background features a desolate, junkyard-like environment, with the title 'Junkyard Ambush' and author name 'Faith Hunter' displayed prominently.

JUNKYARD AMBUSH is
Book 6 in the Junkyard Cats series. Shining Smith decimated the mercenary group working with military leaders of a traitorous cabal. She’d hoped her battles were over. But the deeply entrenched, treacherous politicos have infiltrated the Gov. at the highest levels. To complete their coup, the cabal is searching for U.S. space tech and alien tech—both hidden at the junkyard, and closing in on Shining and her people. But that’s just the beginning. The alien in her basement may not be as dead as it appeared; Jolene and CAIT (the original AI on the crashed U.S. spaceship) have gone to war, locked in a battle of code and their own programed agendas; and the human prisoner on her land may be an infiltrator or decoy. Or worse. Shining can’t stop the AIs’ battle, nor can she expect help from either of them. All she can do is ambush the enemy on territory she can control—plotting an offensive to save her people and throw the Gov. off the scent of the alien Bug and the ships on her land. But Shining’s plan goes awry, and her people fall into enemy hands. What will Shining risk to save the junkyard, the roadhouse, her people, and the alien coming to life? Is that cool or what?

In personal news, I’ve been in severe pain. I have been x-rayed (my computer wanted to write that as spayed) and scanned until I probably glow. Not from kayaking. Not from swimming over rapids or slamming into Jesus (read last month’s newsletter if this sounds weird). Not from gardening. NooOOoo. Not me. I got out of bed wrong. Literally. I got out of bed wrong. However, as of today, I think my new chiro and I have figured out a way to get me back into shape and right now, I am mostly pain-free. YIPPEE! I think I’ll make tea!Love you all!Faith

Mud’s Corner
You have to love doctors with a sense of humor. Tall Dude and I are heading to the Grand Canyon next week, and the dogs are going to hunt camp. Which is more fun than being with me. Just trying to get as many plants out of possible frost zones as possible without hauling them all in. If anyone is in the Milwaukee area, many of my plants are looking for new homes, contact me.

Also, you may have noticed the new masthead. I am looking for a new graphic without AI. If you are interested, just reply to this addy, and we can discuss your ideas. Money is…well, negligible. Faith really needs to get to number one on the NYT’s list to get bells and whistles. Which is why she is stuck with me.
Happy Samhain!
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More Tea to Spill 09-29-2026

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I have a small pot of tea to spill. Three items:
One –We have the FINAL cover copy for Second Chances and Flying Goats. (Yes, they kept the title!)A woman on the run from her ex-fiancé and a magic-using mob-boss seeks safety with her quirky and paranormally gifted aunt in the Appalachian Mountains, in this brand-new novel from New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter.Clementine Bozwell isn’t exactly living it up. When she discovers her fiancé has been involved in illegal financial and paranormal activities in New York City, she flees back home to the mountains of South Carolina, where she knows her Aunt Mable will help her lie low.But life with Aunt Mable isn’t the simple refuge Clemmy hoped for. For one thing, her aunt has an unpredictable power: she turns normal animals into dragons and bestows wings on creatures that . . . really shouldn’t have them. For another, Mable is part of a detective agency, with a big new case.Just when it seems like Clemmy might be finding safety, she realizes her ex’s associates may have found her sooner than expected. Now she’ll have to decide how far she’s willing to go to protect the new life she didn’t know she wanted.
Two –The publisher and I have chosen a cover artist (I just approved; I didn’t search). I can’t say who yet, but I like their work a LOT!
Three –I am working on three shorts, and I may do some readings on reels just for funzies.
Four –I miscounted
Five –I preordered a new iPhone so I can make better reels.
Six –Junkyard Ambush MAY be out in December. Say a prayer!!!
Seven –The website has finally been purged of evil spirits (a mega virus or evil hacker got into it and we were screwed) and put on a new hosting system and is being rebuilt as a FAVOR to me by RJ Blain. SHE IS THE BEST! I am sending her prezzies in thanks. You can participate in my appreciation by buying her books and reading them! Check out her site at www.thesneakykittycritic.com
Eight –I am bruised all over from one day on the water. First, a kid was carrying a boat on his shoulder while sitting inside a kayak and ferrying across Entrance Exam (a four-foot drop). We did not see one another until the last minute. I did manage to turn my boat to the side so I didn’t take out his ribs, but when we hit side to side, he dropped the boat on me. It landed on my right shoulder and stretched my shoulder saddle muscles, hit my head, and knocked my spine whacky. So that was incident number one. Second, I swam at Biscuits and Gravy when Biscuits was haystack-ing BIG and Gravy was a deep hole. I had my boat and gear in each hand, was floating along, so no biggie, right? Nope. The current was extra fast and was taking everything to Jesus Rock that day. Jesus Rock is a pile of flat-topped rocks that usually sit just below the water and you can stand on them. You know. Like Jesus walking on the water. Sunday, it was about four inches underwater thanks to rain storms. The current shoved me against Jesus, rolled me over Jesus, and shoved me off the other side. I am bruised. The lesson I am taking from this is—I met Jesus. He told me to stop for the day. So, I stopped for the day. Always listen when Jesus is standing in your way. (Nods head.)
Cheers!
Faith

Spilling the Tea with Faith Hunter

News from Faith

Hi Yall!

I am chuffed!

Book stuff: It has been a HARD last two months, rewriting Second Chances and Flying Goats. Yes, it looks as if that is the title. I never expected Penguin Random House to simply accept my working title (which is a place-holder title when I can’t think of anything else). (scratches head) They seem to like it?

Second Chances and Flying Goats (hereinafter, for the purposes of this newsletter, to be called Goats, because the full title is too long to type) is a: Dark cozy with magic, mayhem, flying mini-goats and small flying dragonets. Clementine is a 28-year-old woman fleeing a New York penthouse, a paranormal cartel, and her sleazy, possibly dangerous, ex-fiancé, hoping for sanctuary, safety, and a new life in the Appalachian Mountains of South Carolina. Clemmy’s Aunt Mable is a hot-to-trot septuagenarian with mad skills on the dark webs and the ability to change animals into a version of themselves with wings. She is also a partner in a PI firm, one with a case that, most unfortunately, may trace back to Clemmy’s drug-dealing mom, may God rest her soul.

The rewrite resulted in an additional 25,000 words added in, a deeper back story about Clemmy’s mom, Jonie, and the deaths—the very messy deaths—of additional characters.

There is no Jane, there are no vampires, witches, ghosts, or were-creatures. There is simply a magic that some very few people have, power that works differently for each person who acquires it—normally long after they turn sixty. Except when it falls early, in a small area of the mountains, already rife with the Old Ones, threats, and menace. I love Goats!

I am exhausted. And stiff. And a mite crotchety.

Unpredictable Magic is still selling, albeit slowly, and anything y’all want to do to pump up sales, will always help! Sales will determine if there are more books about the Everharts and The Firm. Below are some PR links and more will come later as I am still doing things! Watch for a GrimDark Magazine Q&A.

Did I say I was / am exhausted? Whew!

https://functionalnerds.com/ Podcast where we talked about food as much books! FUN!

https://bookcaseandcoffee.com/author-spotlight-faith-hunter/ Romance podcast, by readers who love my work even though I can’t write romance with sex. We had a few laughs about me trying to write such scenes.

https://www.andrewliptak.com/july-2026-new-scifi-fantasy-books-brooks-jacobsen-wiswell-wong/ “Even more science fiction and fantasy novels to read July 2026”—07/25/26—Thoughts on lawns and audiobooks by Andrew Liptak.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/151S7HyEUpu/ The video of the event at Liberty Book Company. I wasn’t miked so you will have to turn up the volume. We had a full house and a LOT OF FUN!

Personal stuff. I am buying things. Not expensive things, but I had a birthday in August and I have treated myself to things I have been stalking—uh, watching—on Ebay and Wayfair. I bought a green cabinet for behind the sofa (to replace the one that was sagging in the middle), rooster on sale with points, and an Eliza Teal teapot and 2 cappuccino mugs! I am in love!!!!! I hope Mud can get at least one on here!

Mud’s Corner
I admit, I’m old, my brain is petrifying and Faith’s tech is/was royally screwed up and beyond the WordPress cut and paste blocks. It was a mess. I’d do something, and WP fought me with all of its sentient AI ability. Which is better than my non sentient, unintelligent, non ability. It turns out that it had been infiltrated, and bad actors did bad things, making the damn thing well out of my comfort limit. I’ve been beyotching about the website for years, then recently enlisted my heroine RJ Blain, to help me. Without telling Faith. Until Faith had to be brought into the loop. RJ did a lot of work, I did a lot of work where I could, and we thought it was back online. Until it popped up on my computer in weird Asian text. Again. I don’t like stress. I like peace. I like training my dogs, digging in my garden, and going pretty places with my hubby. Not attempting to figure out how to work with a badly deconstructed website. Enter RJ. With discussion, it was decided to blow it up. Nuke the server. Start over. KABOOMWhen the page is reopened, there will be a big contest, which will be a treasure hunt over Faith’s social media. Hint: I’ll be hiding clues to a treasure on the links beneath. I’ll put out another Newsletter with the rest of the details when it’s ready. In the meantime, check out the links and tell me what you want to see on them! ETA for Newsletter readers, I can’t figure out all the bells and whistles for the new editor, so give me grace. I’m not as computer literate as the talented RJ Blain. Follow us on Social Media

Please excuse the clutter!

News from Faith

Greetings, folks. Your friendly author-playing-system administrator here! (Hi! My name is R.J. Blain, and I’m here to fix stuff.) Due to some unfortunate circumstances (and a bad person doing bad person things), Faith’s website went kaboom.

It has been fixed, but due to the nature of the bad person doing bad person things, the old site was compromised and deemed a total loss.

In the next few days (to weeks), I will be rebuilding the site, bringing back the reading orders, the links to all of Faith’s books at all retailers, and otherwise making this a pretty and nice space for everyone. In the meantime, please be patient while we get everything back online.

Thank you!

Please enjoy this photograph I took of the Grand Canyon until the regular website is up and ready for action.

~R.J. Blain

Mud’s Corner

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