Ciao, amici! Life’s been busy, and it just got CRAZY. My publisher moved the release date of my new book from October to May 7. May 7! That’s less than a month away! I’ve got so much pre-release work to do. Starting with a cover release. So… ta-da!

It’s it stunning? I’m so excited about it.
Let me back up a step. First, you’ll notice it does NOT say “Staci Troilo” on the cover. We’ve talked about this before, here and there or in passing. I’m writing under a pen name (D. L. Cross) for this series. We can talk more about that later, though.
Second, you’ll note an alien ship on the cover. Aliens, as in sci-fi. It’s not a genre people associate with the name Staci Troilo, which is one of the reasons I’m writing under a pen name. If you’re interested in science fiction and aliens, this is a series you won’t want to miss. If you’re interested in odd ancient astronaut theories, this is a series you won’t want to miss. If you enjoy the interplay between my characters, this is a series you definitely won’t want to miss, as I have a bigger cast than ever.
Third, this is a series. (You know how I love to write series.) More importantly, this series is part of a bigger universe. My book, The Gate, is the first of five books in the Astral Conspiracy Series. (The first comes out in May, but you won’t need to wait long for the rest of them. They’re slated for rapid release in October!) If that has you excited, check this out. The Astral Conspiracy Series is just one of several series in Sterling and Stone’s Invasion Universe, and several of those books have already been released. You can easily immerse yourself in this world for months.
I hope you enjoyed the cover reveal. Until next time, I’ll leave you with the blurb:
He lost his job. He lost his girl. Now it’s all he can do not to lose his life.
Landon Thorne is a disgraced archaeologist, a laughing stock in his field because of his unconventional beliefs – he’s an ancient astronaut theorist. No one takes him seriously.
Until an alien armada targets Earth.
Now Landon’s in high demand – by the US government and someone far more sinister.
They race across two continents to the Gate of the Gods, the one place on Earth that might give humans an advantage over the aliens. But no one is prepared for what they’ll find.
And not everyone will make it out alive.
Kudos, Staci — it’s a terrific cover. I like the hero’s name, Landon Thorne too. Great for this kind of story.
Hugs on the wing.
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Thanks so much, Teagan!
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Congrats, Staci!! I wish you tons of success with the new venture AND the new pen name!
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Many thanks, Jan!
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Sounds like a fantastic and suspenseful series, Staci. My best wishes to you for a smashing success, and many thanks to Craig for sending me here today.
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Thank you, Jet. I’m so glad you made the trip over and really appreciate the kind wishes.
Thanks, Craig!
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Woo-hoo! A new series (even though I stopped reading sci-fi years ago, I think I’ll have to get back into it!), a new pen name, and a new genre! Although the rapid release seems somewhat intimidating, just knowing how long it takes me to write a book 😀 Congrats, Staci–erm, I mean, D.L.!
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Thanks, Julie. I’m trying to focus on all the good things and ignore the stressful ones. (I’ll let you know how that goes. 😉 )
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Wow Staci, congratulations all round! The book cover looks stunning and the book itself, very intriguing. I hope it goes wonderfully for you – it’s great to try a genre you’re not known for. Again, congratulations 🤗
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Thanks so much, Jess!
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Pingback: Author Inspiration and This Week’s Writing Links – Staci Troilo
Reblogged this on Books and Such and commented:
My friend, Staci Troilo, has a new pen name and new genre. Look at this stunning cover! I’ve preordered my copy, and I can’t wait.
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Thanks for the reblog, Teri. I really appreciate all the support.
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High five, Staci! This is awesome news. I love the cover. You have so much to be proud of and celebrate. Cheers to you! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Natalie!
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VERY exciting. Your heart must be pumping hard, with the early release date. Plot/characters sound fabulous. Will this be published as a softback as well as an e-book (my guy will love it, but he doesn’t read on the Kindle…)
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Thanks. My heart rate hasn’t slowed since I got the news. In fact, I think it’s on the rise as I write this.
The book will be out in print as well as ebook, and a little down the road, we’ll release audio as well. Thanks for asking. 🙂
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Oh, Staci, the cover, title, and blurb are all awesome. I’ve pre-ordered mine and can’t wait to read it! I love sci-fi, and I adore your other books, so this one’s bound to be a winner! Congratulations and best of luck! Jumping up and down in a crazy-happy dance for you here 🙂 Reblogged this on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/new-pen-name-and-new-cover/
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You just put a huge smile on my face, Harmony. Thanks so, so much!
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Awesome cover!!!!!
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Thank you! I know my publisher is going to be thrilled with all the comments it’s received.
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Reblogged this on Kim's Musings.
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Many thanks, Kim!
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Great cover, Staci. CONGRATULATIONS!! I’m so excited for you and look forward to reading The Gate. 🙂
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Thanks, Gwen! I really appreciate that.
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Both the cover and the blurb are enticing, Staci. Bravo. My TBR list just keeps on growing.😊
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Aw, thanks so much, Soooz! That means the world to me.
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Excited for you! I love the cover.
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Thanks so much, Joan!
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Reblogged this on Joan Hall (Blog) and commented:
Friend and fellow author Staci Troilo has a new book (and a new pen name) coming soon. Look for The Gate by D. L. Cross coming next month!
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I’m so grateful for the support. Many thanks.
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So exciting, Staci, and the pen name makes perfect sense. It’s also great to hear that the series will be out rapid fire. I notice that it makes a huge difference in follow up sales. And love the cover! Congrats on the coming release!
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I’m hearing all good things about rapid releases. I’m hoping it works in my favor. But I’ve got so much to do!
Thanks so much for the kind words.
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You do. But in a way, it’s a treat that the date was moved up. The waiting can be a bear. 🙂
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Waiting is agonizing. Besides, I’d rather be busy than bored.
Thanks, Diana!
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Many thanks for sharing this post with your readers.
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No worries, Staci…
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That IS soon! Congrats. 🙂 It sounds like a great read (and the cover is awesome)!
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Thanks so much, Sarah. I’m on pins and needles!
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Congratulations and good luck. The next few weeks are going to fly by 🙂
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Oh, my gosh, Mary. They sure are. Thanks for the positive wishes!
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Congratulations, Staci, a lovely cover. Lots of hard work for you ahead.
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Thanks, Robbie. It is going to be a lot of work, but this is the kind of work I don’t mind. Now, housework, on the other hand…
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Reblogged this on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo.
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Many thanks for sharing. 🙂
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My pleasure, Staci. 🙂
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Reblogged this on From the Pen of Mae Clair and commented:
I hope you are seeing this cover all over the blogosphere today, because this is the first glimpse of what is surely going to be an exceptional series by a highly talented author. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy. Check it out, go forth, and one-click!
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Thanks for sharing!
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Oh! My! Freaking! Word!
The cover is absolutely gorgeous. Stunning, stunning, stunning!
And the blurb is over the top. I can’t wait to meet Logan (great name!) and all the other characters.
Ancient aliens? This is soooo my kind of read. Of course I pre-ordered.
Mega congrats, and a thousand Snoopy dances all tossed together. I’m breaking out the virtual bubbly for you!
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Your enthusiasm is exhilarating! Thanks so much. I really hope the story lives up to your expectations.
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I’m sure it will surpass it!
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{blushing}
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Good luck with your new venture, Staci! How exciting. Fab cover too.
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Thanks so much, Darlene. I really appreciate it.
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Exciting news, Staci! I love the jetstream look through the title, the ancient looking rocks, pterodactyls (is it?), oh yeah, and the freaking spaceship!
That blurb totally drew me in, I’m definitely giving this a read 🙂
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She did a phenomenal job on the cover. I’m quite pleased. And I’m so the blurb appealed to you. I’m really excited about this one.
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Reblogged this on Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author and commented:
Woohoo! Check out this amazing #CoverRelease for @StaciTroilo writing as D.L. Cross- I love it!
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Aw, thanks, Jacquie. I appreciate it.
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This is an awesome cover, but the contents sound even ‘awesomer’! I like a book with strong characterisation, and if it’s backed by a thrilling plotline … well, let’s just say that I’m drooling a little now. Great news, Staci/ D.L.! 🙂
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Oh, my gosh. Thank you! That’s exactly the response I was going for. 😀
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I absolutely love the cover, Staci – and I’m so excited it’s sci-fi!!! Already preordered. Congrats!
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Wow. Thanks, Teri!
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
Check out this cool new series by one of my favorite authors. The new cover is awesome too.
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Aw, thanks! I appreciate the share and the kind words.
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Yeah!! 😀😀 Staci, I can just imagine your excitement/panic with the new early release date! You’ll be busier than ever! 😀 I love the cover, eye-catching, cosmic and so glad you explained about the different name. Terrific blurb … wishing you the best building up to the launch. 😀😀
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Thanks so much, Annika. I am busy and excited. It’s going to be a hectic couple of weeks, but I’ll enjoy every second. 😀
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Reblogged this on Judi Lynn and commented:
My blog friend, Staci Troilo, is coming out with a new sci-fi series, and has decided on a pen name since it’s not her usual genre. If any of you are sci-fi fans, you might want to check her series out!
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Thanks a bunch, Judi. I really appreciate it.
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How exciting. I can’t wait to read it.
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Thanks, Craig. In some ways (like the genre), this was a total departure for me. But in others (like character development), it was my comfort zone. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do.
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Really excited about it. If I finish Serang, I need to take a huge reading break.
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You’ve been working really hard. You deserve a reading break. And I’d be honored to make the list.
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Pretty cool. Your protag sounds a little like George Tsoukalos who always entertains me whether or not I agree with his theories. Fab cover!
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He was my jumping off point. But Landon is a little cooler and a lot less traveled. (I keep picturing Michael Fassbender when Landon’s on the page.)
I’m with you on Ancient Aliens. I love the show but don’t subscribe to much of the speculation.
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
Just take a look at Staci Troilo’s upcoming sci-fi series starter! Wow! What a cover and blurb! I’ve already pre-ordered mine, and I’m sure many of you will want to do the same. Congratulations, Staci (or should I say D.L.? 🙂 Best of luck with this one. ❤
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So humbled, Marcia. Thanks so much.
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WHOA! First off, the best cover, EVER. I truly love it! Exciting, beautiful colors, perfect images and font–SO well done, Staci! And it looks like something I simply have to read. I lean more toward fantasy than sci-fi, usually, but there are exceptions. I have a feeling this will be one. Pre-ordering immediately!! And sharing, too. Good luck with everything you still have to do to get this one off the ground and running. 😀 ❤
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Oh, Marcia. Thank you. I’m so glad you’re excited, and so appreciative of your support.
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I’ve already pre-ordered. The first line of your blurb would have hooked me, if the cover hadn’t. Can’t wait to read it! 🙂
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That’s so sweet of you to say. And means a lot to me. I kind of enjoy writing blurbs. (I wrote this one, not the publisher.) I’m thrilled to hear it caught your attention.
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For the record, I didn’t design this cover. The publisher has a talented artist. All five of my covers are done, but this designer is retiring. I know they’ll find someone equally talented to take her place, but I am grateful my series was all done by the same artist and has the same look and feel.
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I’m glad you had the same artist available for all five covers. That means I can collect the matched set. 😀 When I really love a series, I want all of the books with the covers by the same artist. Even though I read primarily on my Kindle, I love to have my favorite books on my shelves, too. This looks like one that will probably earn an easel! Did I mention I can’t wait? 😀 ❤
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Yay! I’m over the moon to hear that. Thanks so much!
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Oops… I posted the comment twice…
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I’ll take that to mean you’re doubly excited. 😉
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OMG OMG OMG! I’m so excited for this new release of yours. I can’t wait to read your take on alien invasions and sci-fi in general.
I don’t know how you manage alla your identities 😉 I’d be lost, if I did. But I’m actually considering a pen name for my new projects, since they are completely different from Secrets of a Handbag.
Your cover is gorgeous! I can’t wait to read it and dive in this new world of yours☺️
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OMG OMG OMG!!! I’m so excited for this new release of yours. I can’t wait to read your take on alien invasions and sci-fi in general.
I don’t know how you manage alla your identities 😉 I’d be lost, if I did. But I’m actually considering a pen name for my new projects, since they are completely different from Secrets of a Handbag.
Your cover is gorgeous! I can’t wait to read it and dive in this new world of yours☺️
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Gosh, Irene. Your enthusiasm has elevated my excitement. Thank you so much!
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This sounds really good, Staci. Love the cover. Best wishes on the launch!
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Thanks so much, Jacqui.
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Love the cover and the pen name:) Being a fan of the Ancient Aliens show this sounds like a read I’m really going to enjoy, Staci. I’m excited for you! Congrats.
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That show is a guilty pleasure of mine, too. I was so excited to create a character with the same beliefs. I really had fun with this one. Thanks so much, Denise.
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I should probably clarify that. A character with the same beliefs as the people on the show. I don’t happen to share those beliefs. I just think they’re fascinating. And thinking “What if it were true…?” is so much fun.
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I knew what you meant…and it is fun. Can’t wait.
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Best wishes on the new one (s) Staci.
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Thank you, John.
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Happy Book Birthday, Staci!!!
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Thanks, Sue. I feel like this is more like a late-term sonogram. The release is in May. But cover reveals are so exciting!
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Wow. Sci-fi. Sounds exciting, and the cover is great. I can’t wait for more. Good luck with the release.
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Thanks so much, Michele. In case you couldn’t tell, I’m super excited!
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