Merry Christmas!

A look back on my four books published (or re-published) this year, plus some Christmas music and cheer!

It’s the day before Christmas Eve (Christmas Eve Eve?), and to celebrate the season, I thought I’d share, once again, some of the Christmas content (I hate that word, but I guess it fits) I’ve created over the past few years.

Before I do that, though, I thought I’d offer a quick reminder of the four novels of mine that were published this year, one original and three reprints! I’ve provided Amazon and ShadowpawPress links, but they’re available wherever you like to buy books.

(I should point out, though, that through January 10, you can get 20% off the list price of anything available on the Shadowpaw Press website by using the coupon code YEAREND2025. Amazon will offer lower shipping for print, but you won’t get a better deal for ebooks! Also, I get more money if you order direct from Shadowpaw Press, so there’s that.)

First up was Fireboy, a middle-grade modern-day fantasy adventure. Kirkus Reviews called it "An exciting action-hero adventure centered on a compelling and competent narrator." Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Shadowpaw Press

I followed that with a new edition of The Dark Unicorn, a young adult fantasy novel set in a more traditional medieval world. This was my second published novel, which was shortlisted for best children’s book at the 1999 Saskatchewan Book Awards. Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Shadowpaw Press

Then came a new edition of Magebane, my epic adult fantasy originally published by DAW Books and written under the pseudonym Lee Arthur Chane (the middle names of my two older brothers and myself). “Chane makes a splash with this spectacular epic-feeling stand-alone fantasy . . . Double and triple crosses, fast-paced action, and powerful moral conviction will have readers hanging on every word.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review) Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Shadowpaw Press

Finally, a new edition of my first DAW novel, Lost in Translation, “a thrilling far-future science fiction adventure of communication and learned trust between human and alien,” if I may quote my own back-cover copy. The late, great Dave Duncan said, “Willett has created an interstellar adventure story worthy of Golden Age masters like Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein,” and Hugo and Nebula Award-winner Robert J. Sawyer wrote, “This book has it all: great aliens, brilliant world-building, a breakneck plot, and a message that resonates with our times.” Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Shadowpaw Press

Christmas goodies

Over the years, a few fun Christmas-related items have taken shape among the many different things I do. As I wish you the very merriest of Christmases, here in the Year of Our Lord 2025, I wanted to share them again—or, for some of you, for the very first time.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow - me singing on CBC Radio, accompanied by the late, great Regina jazz pianist Ken Jefferson.

Next, here’s my science-columnist take on “'Twas the Night Before Christmas,” as performed by me and Andorlie Hillstrom at Christmas Crackers: A Not So Silent Night, the annual Christmas show of the Golden Apple Theatre that ran for a few years. This is from 2014. The column predates that quite a bit and was also heard on CBC Radio.

Up next: my rendition of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” from the Christmas Crackers show the following year, 2015.

Here’s my straightforward recording of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (a.k.a. “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”), which I created for CJTR Radio. They used it last year and it went over so well they’re reprising it this year!

And finally, on the more serious side, last year’s rendition of “O Holy Night” at the Christmas Eve service of Westhill Baptist Church here in Regina.

Merry Christmas to you all!