I’m delighted to have good friend and SE colleague, Craig Boyack, on the blog today with his latest release, HMS Lantenrfish. I had a sneak peek of this in the development stages, and it’s a gem of an adventure—-pirates, creatures, high seas adventures, and root monsters! If you don’t know what a root monster is, you’re missing out on something special. 😉
And Craig not only has a splashy new release, but he’s running an incredible special to promote it. I’ll let him tell you the details, along with the deets of some thoroughly fascinating research he did.
~ooOOoo~
Thanks for having me over, Mae. I’m here to talk about my newest publication, HMS Lanternfish. This is part two of an intended trilogy that began with Voyage of the Lanternfish. This is a pirate fantasy series, and I’ll get more into that at the end.
Right now, I want to get into some of the research I did for this book. I always have research, but a trilogy is a new situation for me. This means parts of the original book placed some limitations on what I could create here.
In the original story, Serang is from a country that is a stand-in for China. I mentioned this is a fantasy world, right? Her home country is at war with something they call the Island Prefectures. My intention all along was that this is pseudo-Japan.
I never intended to go much deeper, but the ship winds up stopping here and quite a bit happened. First was the name. The people there don’t see themselves as subservient to anyone else. Their country is Giapon.
Giapon was a no-brainer, because that’s what the early Portuguese sailors called Japan many years ago.
Then it occurred to me that Japan has some scary assed ghosts. This is where the research got kind of intense. There are many that are humorous as well. There’s one that approaches sailors and asks for a ladle. When someone gives it one it scoops the ship full of water and sinks it. Might not be your idea of humorous, but it is kind of outrageous. These didn’t make it into the story.
Honestly, there are so many I had to pick and choose. I went with some creepy tsunami victims. They mourn for their lost loved ones, and take the living back to wherever they came from as a kind of substitute. I made mine look pretty creepy, too.
The more important one is called tsukumogami. There is a belief that really old items can develop their own souls. As a result, the Japanese are extremely careful with personal possessions. They repair them and take care of them. They don’t want to irritate whatever might occupy the item.
There are all kinds of these. There are haunted baskets, water vessels, tea pots, and everything else. Some of them are embarrassingly humorous, some are scary. At this time, I needed to make up my own for my fantasy world. The research was kind of addictive, though.
I don’t want to spoil anything here, but I’m going to mention the samurai. Theirs was a life of servitude and loyalty. They served a master. Honor was everything to them. I used some of this to infuse the mentality of my own tsukumogami. It chooses a master and becomes fiercely loyal.
There is a conversation after it first reveals itself. Dishonoring it could be deadly. In this way, it becomes a responsibility and a bit of a trap. It was helpful, but is kind of like owning a pitbull. You need to know what you’re getting in to.
I couldn’t resist having my pirates refer to it as the black spot. It has absolutely nothing to do with the old pirate mark of the black spot, but in a fantasy world, this term kind of helps shore up the setting.
I hope I’ve piqued your interest in HMS Lanternfish. Just so you aren’t afraid of this being the second book in a trilogy, I’m running an incredible deal right now. You can get the first book free this week, and the new one for 99¢. Amazon won’t let me run a BOGO sale, but this is pretty darned close. 99¢ for two books.
***

Blurb:
The Lanternfish crew completed their original mission, but got exposed to a more global problem. An entire continent is at war, headed up by a head-strong young king with dreams of power, and pushed from behind by a mysterious religious order known as the Fulminites.
Rather than let their country fall under the iron boot of conquest, James and his crew set sail once more to see what kind of muscle Lanternfish can lend to the war effort. Acting precariously under an unofficial charter as a privateer, even his allies aren’t always his friends.
HMS Lanternfish explores new worlds on its way to war, and drifts considerably off course. It features an international crew of characters, and for fans of the first book, the root monsters are back, too. Tall ships, a few con games, martial arts, and everything you loved about the original book is all returning.
Hoist the colors and wheel out the guns. Lanternfish is taking to the high seas once more.
HMS Lanternfish: 99¢ for a limited time.
Voyage of the Lanternfish: Free until Friday.

You can contact Craig at the following locations:
Blog | My Novels | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Pinterest | BookBub
WOW! Talk about a steal! A 2FER .99c can’t be beat, folks. I highly recommend going forth to one-click both these fun, fabulous tales. Hoist sail and join the adventure! Finally, don’t forget to use the sharing buttons below to help spread the word about HMS Lanternfish and Craig’s 2FER .99c deal! 🙂
Best of luck with your latest book, Craig 🙂
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I’ll always take luck. Thank you.
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He’s got the whole crew of Lanternfish cheering him on, Harmony! 🙂
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Really looking forward to reading this one!
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Hope you have a good time with it.
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I’m sure I will!
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Prepare to sale and enjoy! 🙂
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Or sail. (Teasing.)
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It should be fun, I love to be on the water!
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Congratulations on the new book, Craig – hope it sails/sales away…
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Ha ha! Thanks.
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That made me grin, Judith. Thanks for cheering on Craig and his crew aboard Lanternfish 🙂
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I’m loving all these posts and comments Mae. x
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The Root Monsters ride again! Congrats on the new release, Craig. And a big thanks to Mae for hosting.
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Thanks, Joan. There is plenty of root monster action in this one.
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I want a root monster 🙂
Thanks, Joan!
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I can never get enough root monsters. The Black Spot is a cool addition, too. I’m also a research nut, so I love seeing where some of your ideas started from. Great post. And best wishes.
Many thanks for hosting, Mae.
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Research can be addictive. It seems like I’m into some of it every day. Sometimes I’m making notes for books I won’t write for a year.
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I’m with you, Staci. Research is almost as engaging as writing! 🙂
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The trouble with researching, you can start with the one thing you need to know and find yourself – two hours later- in a completely different place and nothing to do with you researching. Fun… but nothing to do with your book. lol
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Happens to me more often than I care to admit, I’m afraid.
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Been there, done that, Judith, LOL!
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Wishing much success to C. S.
‘Lo, Mae;)
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Thank you, Sandra.
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So nice to have you drop by, Sandra! Thanks for cheering on Craig. Hope all is well in your corner of the world 🙂
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I would have fallen down the rabbit hole while researching those ghosts – maybe wouldn’t have come out for days. Excited to hang out with those root monsters again!
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It was cool research and I saved a bunch of links. I might need a ghost again some day, and they’re different enough to not be the same old thing we might be used to.
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Is there room in that rabbit hole? I would have been right there with you, Teri 🙂
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Super interesting, Craig. Love your research. You sound like me in that you start looking for something, which leads you to something else, and before you know it, you’ve lost a couple of hours researching all sorts of things that may or may not have anything to do with your original intent. 😀 However, you sure pulled some majorly cool–and useful–ideas out of yours. I’ve already grabbed my copy of this and I can’t wait to read both books.
Great post, Mae and Craig! Sharing!! 🙂
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Thanks, Marcia. I got so bad at one time with research that I invented the Research Sirens on my blog. Their mission was to crash my writing on the rocks of research to the point that I never managed to write anything. I’ve had them in some writing cabin posts a few times.
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I love the image of your sirens, patiently waiting to lure unwary writers to their doom on the Rocks of Research. 😀 Perfect! 😀
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Might have to have them back about the time I start writing again.
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You’re going to love the adventure that is Lanternfish, Marcia. Glad you took advantage of Craig’s great deal. Happy reading—and sailing 🙂
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What a fascinating bit of research, Craig. I did not know that about the Japanese and wonder if they still carry that belief today. You did a great job creating this fantasy world. It sure comes in handy when the Lanternfish needs to jump distance! 🙂 Thanks for hosting, Mae!
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It was almost like a treasure hoard for me. We’ve all seen western ghost stories, but these are quite different. It’s a good place to look if I ever feel another ghost story coming on.
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Craig always discovers interesting elements to include in his work. Whenever I crack open a C. S. Boyack book, I know It’s going to be an imaginative ride 🙂
Thanks, Jan!
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Fascinating research, Craig! I love a good ghost story. While researching, I’ve fallen down those rabbit holes, too. 🙂
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I assume all authors have. What’s funny is how little of it goes into the finished project. I’ve been known spend a week immersed in something that only added a paragraph to my story.
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Research: an addiction of writers, LOL!
Sue, thanks for visiting to cheer on Craig!
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This one sounds like a big winner, Craig. Congratulations. Thank you, Mae, for hosting Craig today.
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Thank you, John. I hope people enjoy it, that’s a win for me.
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I think he’s got a winner, too, John! Thanks for visiting and adding to the book launch excitement!
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
I’m over at Mae’s place today with HMS Lanternfish. The topic is research, and more specifically the cool ghosts I discovered and included in my story. While you’re there, check out Mae’s offerings and follow her blog. She has a couple of outstanding series herself and was an inspiration for me to write this series.
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Thanks for the shout-out to my blog, Craig. I’m hoping you move a ton of books today with the fantastic deal you’ve got going. And I positively loved the post. You know me and the weird stuff 😉
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Thanks for lending me your space today, Mae. My door is always open when you need it.
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Thanks, Craig. It’s great to have you visit with Lanternfish and her crew. And thanks for the promo offer, too. If I ever finish something, I’ll definitely come knocking!
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Very groovy! Good luck with all things new! 🙂
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Thank you.
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HI, Sue! Great to have you visit to check out Craig’s newest release. It’s quite the adventure!
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Absolutely! Trying to make more time for all things “BOOKS”! 🙂
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Ooh, ghosts. Great teasers, Craig! I bought the book, and it’s my next up to read. Can’t wait!
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Thank you so much. Have fun exploring more of this world.
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That’s awesome, Judi. Happy reading and sailing with Lanternfish! 🙂
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What a story! I need a good pirate tale.
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That’s the spirit! Everyone needs a good pirate tale.
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HI, Jacqui. Sounds like you’re just in luck. Both books deliver rousing pirate adventures, and plenty of fun! 🙂
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I’ve been getting into pirate fantasy lately and this trilogy sounds like something I’d enjoy very much. I will have to grab the first one that’s on sale ❤️
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That’s wonderful, thank you.
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Happy reading, Tessa. Craig has such a fertile imagination. And just wait until you meet the root monsters 😀
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I always enjoy the research part and the odd things you can run across. I loved the first book and can’t wait to dive their world again:)
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Research is a big part of the fun for me. I never know what I’m going to want until I find it.
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I love the research too, Denise. And I know you are going to love the new voyage of Lanternfish. Happy sailing and reading!
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Congrats on the new release, Craig! I have some catching up to do and this deal makes it easy- thanks 🙂
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Thanks for taking advantage of it. Enjoy pillaging and plundering on the high seas.
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It’s an awesome deal, isn’t it, Jacquie? Gobble them up and enjoy 🙂
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Wow! Another book by him. Impressive!
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Sign the ledger and join the crew.
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He’s very prolific, Betsy, LOL. So glad you dropped by to check out Craig’s latest.
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Congratulations to your new release, Craig! I liked the cover. It looks intense! As a teenager, I went on a field trip to visit a pirate’s cave in Hong Kong.
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I think that would be a cool day out.
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Indeed, Craig. I still remember the cave!
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Oooh, how cool, Miriam. I bet that was something to see.
So glad you dropped by to cheer on Craig!
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My pleasure, Mae! Thank you for hosting Craig.
Just like many caves, we went in from one end and went out at another end. The tunnel was narrow and slanted. We had to walk through with our bodies in slanted position also. There must be a reason the tunnel was dug out that way.
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I’m only JUST getting on board with Journey of the Lanternfish, but I already know and love the root monsters! Glad they (oh, and the ‘supporting cast’) are going for another romp in “HMS…” 🙂
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So glad you’re enjoying it. The little buggers have taken over in people’s hearts. I’ve decided I need to do a post about them during this tour.
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You definitely should, Craig.
I I I I !!
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Well, in their defence, they are dang cute 🤗
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Have fun with the adventure, Jess. You’ve got lost of fun and excitement ahead 🙂
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I’m eating it much too quickly again! Craig’s books are some of the most addictive I’ve come across 🤗
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Craig’s research for this book is fascinating. I love ghost stories and they do lend themselves to fiction. Thanks for hosting, Mae.
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Thank you, Robbie. Most fellow authors enjoy hearing about the process behind the stories. They make for good tour posts.
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Yes, that is true. I also do this.
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Research is always interesting, and this case I really thought Craig’s subjects were fascinating!
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I also thought so, Mae. I read an article about the Mothman recently and it reminded me about your book.
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Glad to know you thought of me, Robbie. I could talk for hours about the Mothman and everything associated with his legend. I loved doing the research on my Point Pleasant series!
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Craig writes them faster than I can read them. I started Serang yesterday! Congrats to Craig on the latest. An awesome deal too. Thanks, Mae. 🙂
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Definitely a great deal, Diana. And Craig is VERY prolific, LOL. Reading Serang will give you excellent background on her character. Enjoy!
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I’m excited that you’re reading Serang. She’s a key player in the Lanternfish stories, but her background was so intriguing I thought she deserved her own book.
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Oh, that’s cool that they’re connected. I’m enjoying the story – about 50% done… and should finish shortly. 🙂
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Fascinating! Love the tsukumogami.
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Thanks for checking it out, Flossie. I think the research Craig did is so interesting!
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It was such interesting research. There are quite a few interesting ghosts, but I had to limit myself.
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