The headline says it all. As a writer, this has been my best month EVER! I had three book signing events, where I did better than expected with sales, meeting people, and more! Then, I signed two book deals with Curious Corvid Publishing and Revolutionary Press to publish two of my latest manuscripts, The River of Souls and Corsair and the Sky Pirates respectfully. Like I said, BEST MONTH EVER!
Between the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival, Southern Maryland Comic-Con, and 2nd Sundays Williamsburg Art and Music Festival, I’ve been meeting and talking to more people than ever before. After such a disappointing 2020, it’s such a thrill to actually being able to meet people in person than over a video chat.
It has been a long road since 2001 when I started writing my first novel, Forever Avalon, and then it wasn’t first published until 2009. To be able to not only talk about my books with people, face-to-face, but to see the interest on their faces when they pick up my book and read the synopsis was worth the long weekends away, the money invested into my second career, and the hours spent toiling away at these novels.
I really just want to thank my wife and my family for their love and support of my extended career. I wouldn’t be here without them. They are, and always will be, my inspirations as a writer. I have more stories I’m working on and I hope to have them out in short order, but that’s down the road. For now, I’, going to continue going out to these festivals and conventions to spread the word.
And if I don’t get to say it, I hope all of you have a very Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends!
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers.
Get ready for the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, coming soon from Revolutionary Press; and The River of Souls novella, coming soon from Curious Corvid Publishing. The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel are future installments of my current fantasy book series, coming soon.
“Book contests are a proven way to tell the world that you have taken the time and effort to submit your work to scrutiny. An award seal on a book opens doors to interviews, press coverage, and lends additional credibility to writing and artistic careers, and dare we say–can increase sales.
“We chose the firebird to symbolize the award because the firebird is known as a magical helper and is believed to drop pearls from its beak when passing over peasant villages, to give the poor something to trade for food and other necessities. We hope, in some small way, that we too can help others via the donation aspect of these book awards.
“At Speak Up Talk Radio, our mantra has always been this: Speak Up–your words can change the world. You never know how your words affect those you may never meet. And to help you become a magical helper, like the mighty firebird who drops pearls, your entry fee is used as a tax deductible charitable donation to brighten the rooms of women and children in homeless shelters.
“All entry donations fund Enchanted Makeovers 501(c)3 women and children’s long term shelters renovation and transformation project, naming you as the donor.”
Marcus Gideon awoke at the crossroads outside the border town of Armändis. Lost, with no memory of his past life, he was left for dead by brigands… Stabbed through the heart. His life was saved by a blacksmith’s kindness who replaced his damaged heart with a mechanical, magical miracle—a clockwork heart. The gears turned, the motor spun, and his heart was beating again, powered by his magical energy.
Gideon was alive, but his savior was no ordinary blacksmith. Henry Botàn was a Magus, hiding out in Armändis to protect the weapons within his magical armory. The swords, spears, and other-worldly artifacts were potent in their rights, some cursed and even forbidden to wield. His responsibility was to protect these weapons from falling into the wrong hands, but he was old and past his prime. He needed an apprentice, and Marcus Gideon may be the one he waited all these years.
Now begins a new adventure, as Gideon searches for clues to his past, looking ahead toward his future in Attlain as THE LAST MAGUS. The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available as a book or ebook from Lulu and other booksellers.!
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.
You can download a FREE audiobook of my fantasy book Forever Avalon, available on Audible! Narrated by voice artist Traci Odom, Forever Avalon is a journey to an island beyond time and space, a place of eternal magic where the descendants of King Arthur rule over Elves, Dwarves, dragons and more! Follow the adventures of a modern family, stranded on Avalon after surviving a storm at sea. As Outlanders, they are hunted and hounded across the enchanted isle. Only the Gil-Gamesh, Knight Eternal and Champion of Avalon, steps up to protect them from the machinations of sorcerer Kraven Darkholm.
All you have to do is comment on any of my blog posts and follow my blog . . . It’s that easy. I’ll send you a code to download your FREE audiobook from Audible and you can listen to the adventure and fantasy of Forever Avalon!
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.
I have been writing for more than 40 years—20 as a military journalist and 20 as a fantasy author. I didn’t know if I am a brand or what that brand is, but I came to a conclusion that I needed to make a go of it, put my mark on it as it were. So, I developed an image to emulate who I am as a writer and as a person.
The quill pin represents me as a writer, but there’s more to it that just that. It also symbolizes my military career. In the U.S. Navy, I was a Navy Journalist, and my rating badge was a quill pen through a scroll. I wore that badge with honor for 23 years. I earned it by attending the Defense Information School (DINFOS) and becoming what we jokingly called a “DINFOS Trained Killer” (I even have it on a t-shirt.) I wanted to represent it in my logo to honor my career as a writer, yesterday and today.
The gears symbolize my mindset as a writer, always turning, never stopping. I think any writer knows this about themselves. They can’t turn it off, the mind is always racing, working out the next paragraph. I always working on my current novel, editing another one, and planning yet another. It is a constant process, a perpetual machine that runs forever. This is what it means to be an independent author.
I also submitted all the proper paperwork to trademark my logo through Trademark Engine. I hate paperwork so its nice to have someone who can do it for you. Expensive as it is, I rather be on the right side of any potential legalities. It’s one of those things that independent authors have to deal with when you don’t have a publisher or a literary agent.
I’ve seen a lot of other authors creating a brand all their own just like me. Plus, with the new book festivals and sci-fi/fantasy conventions I’ll be attending in the next year, I want to have something that stands out so people will know me and my brand of fantasy, steampunk, and sci-fi. So, this is me . . . This is who I am.
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.
This Sunday, August 22, I will be kicking off Season 3 of the LIVESTREAM SUNDAY YouTube channel show, hosted by Books by Adrian, beginning at 4pm. We’ll be discussing everything from my career in the U.S. Navy to my novels in the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and my latest book, The Last Magus and other topics.
The host, Books by Adrian, a.k.a. Adrian Santiago, is “a husband, a father, and a writer in the midst of writing and self-publishing my debut novel. A life-long dream finally being realized, one chapter at a time.” I am thrilled to be working with another talented independent author.
The Books by Adrian YouTube Channel is a great avenue for readers to discover new authors to explore and give authors the chance to talk about their stories and the time they put into everything from writing, editing, and marketing. “On this channel you can expect to find vlogs, how to, reaction, commentary, marketing and livestream videos covering a wide range of topics. Ideally everything on this channel will document the influences of my novel, or things you’ll find inside the pages, such as drug culture, polyamory, lgbtq characters in lead roles, serial killers, mma, brazilian jiu-jitsu, nomad culture, witchcraft, and much much more.”
As an independent author, I am always looking to support my fellow authors as it gives all of us a chance to reach out to a new audience and expand our horizon. This is how we, as authors without a publisher or literary agent, work hard to get out there. I hope you will take the opportunity to join in for LIVESTREAM SUNDAY and check out Books by Adrian YouTube Channel to listen to some great vlogs.
“A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.”
Thomas Mann, Essays of Three Decades
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.
Book reviews are something every author likes to see. Good or bad, it helps inform the author about what needs work in their writing and what they’re doing right. I received some great new reviews for The Outlander War and The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart. The first one comes from Booklife Publishers Weekly. They gave The Outlander War a 6.5 out of 10, and broke it down as follows:
Plot: Despite multiple factions working against one another and duplicitous characters at every turn, Mark Piggott’s plotting is tightly woven and flawlessly plotted. The pacing would benefit from being as even-footed.
Prose/Style: The third installment in the Forever Avalon series paints a vivid portrait of the mythical land of Avalon while still lending itself well to the quick pacing of the plot.
Originality: The Outlander War is a unique spin on the familiar legends of the mythical King Arthur and Avalon, combining elements of many iterations of the traditional tales familiar to readers while featuring new characters and mythological creatures. The appearance of Avalon in the modern world amid US Navy ships also provides fresh perspective on the complexities of international relations and the sometimes competing necessities which arise from globalism versus nationalism.
Character Development/Execution: The strong, self-sure Lord Bryan MoodDrake, the Gil-Gamesh, is sure to appeal to readers, even as he is torn between the life and legacy he’s built in Avalon and the career and friendships left behind in our own world. Secondary characters are well-realized and integral to the plot. Villains range from the understandably revenge-driven Mordred to the evil-for-evil’s-sake Secretary Barry.
The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart also received two new reviews to start things off! My first book in a new world, with new characters, got a pair of glowing reviews. Just as a reminder, you can pick up this fantasy novel at Lulu. First, from book reviewer/book blogger Diksha Malik (@book_riot006 on Instagram).
Recently I got my hands on the book The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart by Mark Piggott. This is my fourth read from the author and his creativity never fails to amaze me. His writing style is quite impressive and I always prefer to go with more works of him. This book is an assemblage of 13 chapters, I found this book quite a long read but the perfect narration made it easier for me to go through. I was completely hooked till the end. Cover of the book is fascinating and the title of the book goes perfect with the storyline. This makes a book a perfect one to be added to the “tbr” for each one of you. I would highly recommend this book to everyone out there, go and get your hands on this book as soon as possible. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to riffle through this masterpiece.
The second book review for The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart comes from fantasy author Helen Garraway of The Sentinals Series. It is always great to hear from your peers about the work you do as a writer.
The Last Magus is the first book I have read from Mark Piggott, and I’m sure it won’t be the last! Piggott has created a rich world with strong characters, and an original magic system which is slowly revealed. Gideon is a wonderful character, and adds a nice touch of mystery as we meet him regaining consciousness but not his memory, just in time to get stabbed though the heart. Fortunate for him he is rescued by an elderly man who is much more than he seems. The story line keeps you hooked as Gideon strives to recover and to learn all that his mentor can teach him and his journey to follow his mentor’s instructions after his death. The writer in me wishes Piggott showed us a bit more of the characters experiencing their emotions and reactions rather than telling us, but the reader in me can’t wait to read more. The armoury is pure magic, and I loved finding out about the ‘characters’ of the weapons that they call forth. The relationship between the wielder and the weapon was key for me, and I wish there was more of it! The story picks up once he reaches the Basilon Magical academy and the world and the characters expand. I loved Lady Jacqueline and Wren and Guilfoy who turns into a useful ally at the academy! Overall a wonderful tale and great characters that give us a very enjoyable read.
It is always great to get a review, good or bad, because (a) it tells me that people are reading my novels and (b) the feedback helps me, as a writer, to not only improve my writing style but helps me continue on this path as a writer. So please, remember to always leave a review for any author you read, whether it be an established writer to the independent author. We all need the love and support from our readers!
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon and as an audiobook from Audible and iTunes. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.
They say not to judge a book by its cover but I need you to do just that. If you liked the cover of my book, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, please vote for it for the Cover of the Month contest on AllAuthor.com!
I’m getting closer to clinch the “Cover of the Month” contest on AllAuthor! I’d need as much support from you guys. Please take a short moment to vote for my book cover, beautifully designed by Anna-Lena Spies!
And after you vote, pick up a copy of The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart at Lulu.com and through other online booksellers. Thanks for your continued support of this independent author.
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.
I had my first book signing of 2021, more than 16 months since The Outlander War was released, and it was not what I had hoped for. Right off the bat, let me say that the staff at the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, PA, were phenomenal. They were great in setting it up, advertising, etc. The event just went off like a wet firecracker… Smoke but no bang.
I only signed four books in a two hour period. There was foot traffic through the store, but not a lot of interest. I didn’t mind talking to people about my novel, that was fun to do. Its the people who walked by and didn’t say a thing, or tried to avoid looking at me as if talking to me was a bad thing. Its like I wasn’t even there. I hate that.
I’m not here to complain or vent… Well, maybe just a little. I only have a couple of book signings under my belt and I really don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I mean, the people I talked to about my book listened, asked questions, and a few of them bought my book. Others just thanked me and walked away. It’s really hard when you’re sitting there, offering a fantasy novel to someone, and people are looking in the fantasy/scifi section of the store but ignoring you. That was really confusing.
I know its still early in these waning days of a year of being stuck inside your house, hiding behind a mask, for your protection and others. I mean, I’m fully vaccinated and didn’t wear a mask at this event. I even wore my steampunk goggles to attract attention. I used my own social media platform to advertise the event. I even emailed local newspapers about it since it was held less than 20 miles from my hometown. I thought I did all the right things and yet, four books. That’s it. The royalties from that doesn’t even pay for the gas it took to drive up there.
I guess I’m ranting about a familiar subject… The cost effectiveness of being an independent author. We put ourselves out there, attending book fairs and festivals, setting up book signing events, etc., for the chance at becoming mainstream. As independent authors, most of us are working a full time job while writing, editing, and marketing after that job is done.
I love writing, I can’t stop myself. It’s a part of my DNA. I will continue to write and work toward becoming a full-time author. Things can get discouraging but I’m lucky to have a great support system–my wife, children, family, and friends–to see me through.
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.
I am not one for fanfare or release parties or countdowns, so here it is. My latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is now available on Lulu and other online booksellers. I finished the final proof review and, thanks to Lulu, its now available as a paperback or ebook.
This novel has been a work in progress for more than two years. It started out as a simple story that blew up into a 200,000 word book, that I cut into two novels. This is the first one.
The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart tells the story of Marcus Gideon, who awoke at the crossroads outside the border town of Armändis. Lost, with no memory of his past life, he was left for dead by brigands… Stabbed through the heart. His life was saved by a blacksmith’s kindness who replaced his damaged heart with a mechanical, magical miracle—a clockwork heart. The gears turned, the motor spun, and his heart was beating again, powered by his magical energy.
Gideon was alive, but his savior was no ordinary blacksmith. Henry Botàn was a Magus. The Magus were the protectors of magic, armed with a magic caster’s power and the strength of a warrior. They were able to summon various magical weapons from specialized caches they wore as an armored pauldron known as an Armory of Attlain. They were legendary among the people of Attlain, until the Magus Rebellion. When a few Magus decided they should lead the people instead of protecting them, they rebelled; but the insurrection ended from within the Magus ranks. However, the rebellion already did the damage. The Magus were cast out, feared, and outlawed except for those few who remained loyal to the crown and lived as adventurers. For generations, they had all but disappeared from the landscape of Attlain.
Henry Botàn was hiding out in Armändis to protect the weapons within his magical armory. The swords, spears, and other-worldly artifacts were potent in their rights, some cursed and even forbidden to wield. His responsibility was to protect these weapons from falling into the wrong hands, but he was old and past his prime. He needed an apprentice, and Marcus Gideon may be the one he waited all these years. Now begins a new adventure, as Gideon searches for clues to his past, looking ahead toward his future in Attlain as THE LAST MAGUS.
A special thanks to Anna-Lena Spies for the great cover she did for my book, and Morgan Wright for the animation! I hope you will take a chance on this exciting new novel, and please, leave a book review for a independent author getting his footing the publishing world. Good or bad, every bit of feedback helps.
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Mark Piggott is an independent author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series and other fantasy novels and short stories. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His latest fantasy novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart is available through Lulu and other booksellers. Get ready for The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series, coming soon, and the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates.
I had the great opportunity to be interviewed by my shipmate and friend, Spencer Webster, for his new prodcast, InSpiris Audio Magazine. Spencer and I met during my active duty days in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). We stayed in touch, even after we retired from the Navy. Spencer is working on a new initiative, a podcast called InSpiris Audio Magazine, and I was honored to be the subject of one of his first interviews.
We talked about my progression as a writer, everything that inspired me from anime to comic books and fantasy authors, and how I develop my stories in the Forever Avalon series and my other WIPs. Click on the link below to listen to the interview on YouTube or you can find him on Spotify.
Spencer Webster is a novelist, a storyteller and a retired U.S. Navy Sailor. He also has a million zillion creative ideas and never enough time to make them all a reality. So he’s diving down on a few prioritized goals and InSpiris Audio Magazine is one of them. He wants to learn what is creativity to other people and wants to share stories about what he finds. Spencer Webster is the author of Island of the Lost Soul, a book for sale on Kindle. He believes in the magic of inspiration and imagination and is confident there are a lot of people who might share their magic with him, and in turn with you. Spencer lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife.
Spencer is always looking for creative and inspiring people to interview for his podcast. You can contact him at InSpiris-Podcast.com. Also, make sure you subscribe to his podcast and on YouTube to listen to all his content!
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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon fantasy book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides: Book 2 of the Forever Avalon Series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from iUniverse Publishing and at Amazon, and other booksellers. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook from Austin Macauley Publishing, and at Amazon and other booksellers. His next two fantasy novels, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart and The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series are being released in 2021.
Mark Piggott | Fantasy & Steampunk Author 