Barley, orphan and heir to the Mole Kingdom, discovers who he is and an ability to travel to any place he can picture in his mind. He commits to return to his family home and deal with the enemy that has crushed his people for centuries.

When we came across the book, "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty, the founder of the NaNoWriMo project, it was irresistable. Four of us wrote successfully that summer. From that simple beginning came an annual challenge for friends and family, which continues to this day, and the formation of RNWC Media, the publishing company.

Gary Henderson's first book became a dozen short stories and this novel. Welcome!

Come meet Barley, his uncle who plays banjo (and, of course, uses the old Gopher network from under the azaleas), his new friends (including those terrifying cats, and the deer that decide to help), and the enemies that he must destroy in order to restore his rightful home and throne.

Book Two, "Going Home", is now available as well, and introduces many new characters and adventures. Take a look, and get both stories in a package here.

The cover painting, looking out over the ocean from the Oak and the Cliff, is by pastel artist Linée Baird. Amazon carries this beautifully printed version here.

There's a lot going on.

Sandy has never seen his family's ancient home, but sets out to find it -- a mole, wandering the wide world. Jeremiah, itinerant sailor, decides to help, and the adventure begins.

A badger and a mole set out to explore the Old West, and arrive in the middle of a bank robbery.

Street cats take on the drug gangs in Torreón, Mexico.

Amy is kidnapped in Russia, and the cats go to her rescue.

Sandy and Jeremiah are attacked and left for dead on an empty island.

And when the beautiful Tharyn walks into a knife fight on a deserted dock after midnight, everything changes.

Amazon offers the print version - click here. The cover painting, illustrating Jeremiah and Tharyn getting their first glimpse of the Oak and the Cliff, is by pastel artist Linée Baird.

Book One, "Barley," is available here as well. If you haven't read that one, the beginning that leads into many of these stories, please do! Take a look, and get both stories in a package here.

You are welcome to read these stories online, or buy them -- for free, if you wish! -- and download whatever formats you like. They can also be read in the LeanPub App, on your phone or iPad.