Amy-Alex Campbell
Home of The Miscreant and the Marsden Park Series
Paperback Clearance!
I’m clearing out my current stock of paperbacks!
The Lowest Realm – now $18.00 (33% off)
The Darkest Realm – now $18.00 (33% off)
Beneath the Grandstand – now $18.00 (25% off)
Only available here at amyalexcampbell.com/shop until sold out.
I don’t participate in sales events often so this is the best opportunity to purchase your copies at a greatly reduced price.
* Plus postage & handling. Australia only.
Note: If you are outside of Australia and wish to take advantage of this offer, you can still purchase at this price HOWEVER the books will not be signed. You can purchase a signed bookplate which will be shipped separately and can be stuck inside your book.
Only for a limited time!
Welcome!
If you are reading this, chances are you’ve found me via TikTok. And if you didn’t, welcome anyway! My website has a number of sections dedicated to map making and writing, as well as a web store.
I am primarily an author, and draw fantasy maps for fun. My TikTok account is a mix of map drawing and the occasional book promo. I’ve been asked a fair bit about commissions, and the answer is YES, I am currently available. If you need a fantasy map made, head on over to my Fiverr gig and check it out, or email me. Or, if you would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee here!
If you would like to request something to go on TikTok, either comment on one of my videos, DM me on Insta or Twitter, or email me at Amy-Alex.Campbell@outlook.com. There is no guarantee that I will pick up your request, but if I do, you have the option of purchasing the signed original for $10 + shipping ($4 for A5, $10 for A4. Prices in AUD). Simply send me an email to arrange this
May Update
Hi everyone! It’s been over a month since I posted last because I’ve had zero writing news to share whatsoever. I felt that it’s time for a small update on my life so that no one thinks I’ve fallen off the planet.
Surgery
In just four weeks time I’m having surgery. It will be a 2 – 4 week recovery so I’ve booked the entire month off work. While the surgery itself is considered major, I’m in great health and this is an investment into my future health.
I was originally booked for this month, but I got covid 2 weeks before my date so it got pushed back 7 weeks by the hospital. I’m lucky that my symptoms were minor and I made a super quick recovery.
Uni
Because of surgery I’ve been studying super hard so that I can meet my assignment deadlines. I haven’t done any writing since this semester started except for academic reports. My final assignment is due just a few days before my surgery date so I can’t afford to slack off.
I’m so looking forward to resuming work on The Final Realm and finishing off the series.
Music
I’ve been so blessed by my muse lately. Just a week after being all clear of covid, I flew to Melbourne and met up with my bro and mate for Ultra Music Festival. Although it was raining and miserable, I still had an amazing time. The positive thing about surgery being moved was that I could at least have a few drinks with the boys and let my hair down. Sadly we left around half way into Hardwell (who we went to see) due to the weather and the shitty venue. I will add that there were some great DJs on the smaller stage and Deb de Luca was the star of our day!
Then, just last weekend (and after wishing several times that they were at Ultra) I went and saw Cosmic Gate in Sydney and OMG they were amazing!! I went to this event by myself and was a bit reserved at first, but once I got up the front and they started I was on cloud 9 (especially when the smoke machine blasted in my face lmao). So that’s 3 EDM events (Above & Beyoned in Dec, Ultra, and Cosmic Gate) I’ve been to in 5 months and honestly I want more!
So that’s all for now. I have a crazy 8 weeks ahead of me but I’ve got this. Thanks so much for all your support and to those who have been buying and borrowing my books on the ‘zon. I appreciate every single one of you so so much!
Much love,
Amex <3
Fair Day 2023 Wrap
Wow, what an amazing day! I was so lucky to have the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. Thanks for making the day that extra bit special <3
Now that I’ve had a day to recover, I’ve set up a promo on my web store. From now until the 28th Feb 2023, my books are all $20.00 each plus postage.
Unfortunately, Australia Post isn’t cheap, so I apologise for the high shipping cost. I’m working on finding a cheaper and sustainable postage method. Until then, if you live in Sydney, I can meet up with you in a safe public place such as Penrith, Blacktown, Parramatta, or Central. Is this is preferable, email me at
Amy-Alex.Campbell@outlook.com
and we’ll sort something out.
And now for late announcement number 2!
The Lowest Realm 2nd edition is now live and available on Amazon! You can purchase the ebook or read it for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
In other news: I’ve now added the ibis pronoun pins to the web store. The flag pins will be added within a day or two. I’m out of bisexual pins but am currently accepting backorders as I’ll be placing a top up order soon. I’m so stoked with how well these were received.
Thanks again everyone, and extra special thanks to Michael and Joel Stoneburner <3
Much love,
Amex xox
Pre-order & Upcoming Event
After almost a year of hard work, The Lowest Realm – 2nd ed. is now available for pre-order!
This edition is more than just a slight edit or update. It’s an entirely new work with a new ISBN. I thought I’d briefly go over what awaits you in the second ed.
1. Reworked the original plot and tensions so that the timeline and attitudes flow properly.
2. Integrated some new tension that ties TLR in with TDR better.
3. Removed the cringe sex scenes and some of the lovey-dovey stuff.
4. Improved character development.
5. Included more of the prophecy verses.
6. Added more action and excitement.
Overall, I’m super excited for this edition. When I first wrote and released this story, it was only ever going to be one book. When I got to the end, though, I had a genius moment and decided that there had to be a book 2. And 3. And an accompanying story…you get the drift. So, this second edition is much better written and hopefully lifts the story up to where it needs to be when it comes to reading book 2.
EVENT!
Feb 19, 2023 – I will once again be attending Fair Day which is a part of World Pride Sydney. I’ll be pre-launching the paperbacks as a Fair Day-only treat – the paperbacks and eBooks won’t be available until 23 March. Joining me is Michael Stoneburner, author of Silver and a range of other fab titles. Be sure to check them out!
At Fair Day, I’ll have copies of my books available for purchase along with my very own ibis pronoun pins and pride pins. So make sure you come and support us and our community.
I will update more as we get closer to the event.
Much love,
Amex <3
The Lowest Realm 2.0
The rewrite is finally complete!!
It’s not available for pre-order just yet so hang tight. It’s getting a new cover as well, so I will announce it here and on my socials as soon as the pre-order is available.
Official launch is Feb 19, 2023 💜
~Amex
Café Explores: Merimbula Wharf Aquarium & Restaurant
For the last week I’ve been visiting Merimbula, situated on the Sapphire Coast in NSW. The town is tiny and mostly populated with holiday homes, accommodation, and oysters, but the beaches and cliffs are absolutely gorgeous. 10/10 would recommend people to come and visit.
Sadly, I didn’t get to set up camp in a cafe to write during this trip, but I did find one which I just had to review. It was more of a fine dining experience than a café, but let’s not be picky.
Since this establishment is both an aquarium and a restaurant, I’ll do this in two parts.
The Aquarium
I’ve been to many aquariums in my life: Melbourne, Manly, Gold Coast, the little ones dotted around, and as far as Las Vegas. I’m a keen axolotl parent and also have a pet yabbie, so when it comes to seeing fish in captivity, I’m quite critical of their care, husbandry, overstocking, and overall stress factor.
Of all the aquariums I’ve visited, Merimbula Wharf is by far my fave. For $25 a head, I enjoyed it so much more than Melbourne Aquarium, which from memory cost around $40.
What I loved:
The variety of fish and critters. There were fishies, a turtle, different species of lobsters, anemones, an octopus, sharks, seahorses, and an occasional shrimp. Their tanks were clean but not sterile like in some aquariums. These ones had the correct amount of hides for those species that like some privacy, the correct natural substrate, and none of the tanks were over crowded.
The best part? The tanks are all connected to a large water tank that’s pumped from the sea – their natural sea water – and this water flows into the tanks, keeping them fresh at all times. The cycle ensures the water is completely changed every day which means no nasty ammonia and nitrate build-up.
Most of the fish are caught in humane catchments next to the wharf and ‘visit’ for a time before being re-released. My fave were the cuttlefish. Two separate fish in two separate tanks had laid clutches of eggs, which the volunteer aquarists were super excited for.
The Restaurant
After visiting the aquarium, I headed upstairs for a much needed coffee and some lunch. I honestly wasn’t expecting such a fine dining experience; I thought it would be the usual freshly caught fish and chips (I don’t eat fish for obvious reasons) or a hamburger.
I started with a flat white coffee and to my surprise it was divine. It was almost as good as Brew Lab in Penrith (review coming soon).
For my main, I had pork cutlet with bacon maple jus, honey mustard carrot, wilted broccolini, and mash. The flavours of the maple and the honey mustard worked well together and infused into the mash. Even the cutlet was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth. From the very first bite to the last, my palate was taken on a delicious journey.
I chose an alcoholic ginger beer to pair with the pork and wasn’t disappointed. When it comes to drink pairings I have no bloody clue. This choice worked though and I have zero regrets.
My final order has somewhat become my tradition for these posts. The good ol’ chai latte. Like I said above, this was a restaurant not a cafe, so instead of the usual chai in a takeaway container, it was a pot of brewed tea with milk and sugar on the side.
The first cup of a pot is always a little weak and I didn’t get to enjoy the full flavour of the chai. The second, though, was much richer in flavour and warmed me to my toes. It was completely different compared to a chai latte, but I wasn’t disappointed.
Overall, this was a great experience and I highly recommend going there if you’re visiting the area.
Much love,
Amex <3
Representation is fucking important.
No, Mum, I’m not apologising for swearing here. Today I want to tell you the story of Cassie* and you all need to stop and listen.
Cassie is a 16yo girl who has a disability. She started coming into my store around 3 or 4 years ago. Once or twice a week her carer Sandra* brings her in for a lap around the store just because she loves it so much.
At first, Cassie was shy and didn’t like chatting much. I’d make small talk with Sandra and over time we developed a bit of rapport.
And then it happened. Somewhere in between lockdowns, they came into the store and I greeted them with a huge smile as always and asked how they were. To my surprise and absolute delight, Cassie held up her toy for me to see. She was all excited to show me and was the first time she felt comfortable interacting with me.
This became a weekly thing. Every Thursday they come in and Cassie shows me her new toy (she gets one every week while out with Sandra). She told me that her 16th birthday is coming up and even told me that she started working one day a week.
Then, yesterday.
It was the first time I’ve seen them for a few weeks due to my work schedule changing. When they came in, Cassie’s eyes lit up and she shoved something towards Sandra and said something I didn’t quite catch. Sandra smiled and passed me a Barbie who was in a wheelchair. They invited me to test drive it on the counter.
“She’s in a wheelchair just like me!”
“It has brakes!”
“SHE’S JUST LIKE ME!”
Representation matters, people.
Now excuse me while I go and sob my heart out in the corner.
<3
~Amex
* Names changed.
Just Checking In…
Yes I’m still alive! And yes I’m still writing!
As a matter of fact, I’ve joined a local writer’s group which has helped to motivate me to write. We meet monthly, but in between we chat on Discord and encourage each other to push on. Aside from this, I’ve been meeting up regularly with one of my best friends for writing sprints over coffee. From a writing perspective, things are going great.
Inspiration is flowing as freely as the storms that rage among us, flooding my mind with trickles of words that will be swept away with the meaningless remnants of materialism.
Ryan Coleman
Project update:
The rewrite of The Lowest Realm did stall for a while while I re-evaluated a few things, but now I have it under control. It’s not an easy task, but it’s so so worth it. This rewrite is an investment into the entire series – after all, if people cringe as much as I do reading the older versions, there’s no way they will go on to read the rest of the series.
I’ve just hit 20k – yes, TWENTY THOUSAND followers on TikTok! This means I have a lot of maps sitting around doing nothing. I have come up with an amazing idea for these and am super excited to put it into action. BUT I want to finish this rewrite first so I don’t get overwhelmed and burn out. But watch this space.
Coming soon is a new range of Bin Chicken stickers and pins. I’m just finalising the artwork before I send it off to be manufactured. I’ve drawn them all painstakingly by hand using photos that I took myself as reference.
I do have some other stories waiting to be written, but as I keep saying, my priority is The Lowest Realm, followed by The Final Realm and Tysion’s Story. If you want to see them sooner, I’m taking applications for a sugar daddy so I can write full time 😛
Take care folks <3
Much love,
Amex xox
A Bit of a Facelift
Last year I was notified that the theme I use for this website was made redundant and is no longer available. I won’t lie, I was a little annoyed. I’ve been testing different themes but none of them display the way I want.
Today, I decided eff it, and had a play around with the colours of this theme. The layout is the same, but it looks refreshed and a bit more modern. What do you think?
A few changes have been made to my store. I no longer sell DVDs as those films can be purchased or streamed on the director’s website. I’m in the process of designing some new ibis stickers and pronoun pins. New products (hopefully) coming soon.
My rewrite of The Lowest Realm is coming along nicely. I’m almost half way through, but as always, life has been interfering with my writing time. My goal is to finish this, have it edited and proofed, and have it published in time for Fair Day. The second edition will be published under a new ISBN and the first edition will be discontinued. For those who already have an older paperback, I’ll think of a way to offer the 2nd ed at a cheaper price. Watch this space.
The final piece of news is a little on the sad side. I’ve recently been diagnosed with lymphedema, so I’ve been in and out of different appointments for tests and scans. Thankfully I’m only in stage 1, so it’s at least manageable. With the stress of this and other factors, I had to admit defeat and apply for a leave of absence from uni. I was already 2 weeks behind, and given the legalities of my field, I can’t afford to miss anything due to rushing. I shall resume my studies in 2023 and hopefully get this blasted degree finished!
That’s all for now. I just want to take a moment to thank those who have followed me since day 1 and have encouraged and supported me on this journey. You all mean the world to me <3
Much love,
~Amex xox
How is it July already?
I could have sworn I updated my blog just a couple weeks ago, but all of a sudden it’s July and I don’t know where the time has gone! I’ve actually been busy in a writing sense, so here is another little update.
> The rewrite for The Lowest Realm is going really well. I’m up to chapter 11, and I’m really happy with my progress. The characters are fleshing out nicely and I’m cleaning up some the sloppy beginner mistakes as I go. I don’t have an ETA for this, but I would like to be done with it by the end of August.
> My TikTok is growing in popularity and as of this morning, I reached 14k followers and 700k likes! I’m so blown away by the fact that people seem to love my content.
> Uni starts tomorrow, and I think it will be an intensive class. Hopefully it doesn’t cut into my writing time too much. When I finish with uni for this year, I’ll be heading into peak sales period at work, so (not so) fun times ahead.
> I’d originally wanted to launch a new book at Fair Day 2023, but in all honestly I don’t think I’ll have book 3 done in time. I haven’t even worked on that for months and I’m behind in my goals, but unfortunately that’s the nature of writing.
> Speaking of Fair Day… I’ll be making some new pride stickers and some pronoun pins to sell, and will be looking into ordering some professional signage for when I do these events. I will post updates when the time comes.
That’s all for the moment. I’m about to go and meet up with my writer friends for a writing session, so hopefully I’ll get much more done today!
Take care my peeps!
Much love,
Amex <3
