iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 04/10/2026

You're settling down to read your next book: What are you looking for, scary vibes or uplifting vibes? Me, I enjoy uplifting vibes, but a little scary in the middle can be fun! :)

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 03/10/2026

Guess the magical creature that will be on the new cover of Into FaerLand. 🐰🐲🦤🦄🐓🦁 (You don't need to be right to win) Please ❤️ like this post, and P.S. Keep an eye out for the big reveal! ❤️📖 * No purchase necessary. This promotion ends when the new cover goes live Thursday 8th 5pm EST

A obscured "Into FaerLand" Paperback with wingfeathers showing and a heading: "Guess which magical creature is on the new cover of Into FaerLand and be in the draw to win a free paperback of the Secret Story.

New cover coming soon!

Background is of an ice princess holding a copy of the secret story

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 30/09/2026

Dragonsday! Can a dragon be funny? Lots of dragons are very serious, or very dangerous. But have you come across a funny dragon? Mossoadey is hilarious, but I still think he needs more dragon jokes and puns to put in his autobiography Mossoadey on Mossoadey: My Life in Flames. What have you got?

Mossoadey: Dragons in the Garden

Picture of a geeky yellow and green dragon.

Some dragons like to fly all day and do athletic things. Others, are more into holidaying at home, pottering around the garden smelling the flowers and cracking jokes.
And that's Mossoadey. Deadpan. Hilarious. And worth watching out for if you enjoy comedians on panel shows.
And like all comics he works to his strengths with his googly eyes.
NB Mossoadey was named as a youngling after his mossy yellow and green colouring.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 26/09/2026

What type of magic do you prefer in your books? Bonus Round: The world might not be ending, but you're in a bit of a bind, and evil forces have you in their grip. What sort of magic is going to get out of trouble and back home in time for tea?

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 23/09/2026

Dragonsday! Who doesn't love a cute little fire dragon? But they can be dangerous! How do you stop a baby fire dragon from burning the house down?

Baby Red,
Dragons out and about caption with image of red dragon haching from egg in a bed of fiery lava.

Text on yellow background: Seeing this little dragon reminded me of the dragon hatching in The Dragon Transport and Pacification Society, where the dragons blow flames on the eggs to hatch them, and when Mandy's brothers, Binky and Bunky bond with their very own dragons. I think this might be a model of Binky's one! Such a cutie.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 19/09/2026

What sort of dragons do you want to meet in your next adventure?

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 16/09/2026

Dragons Day! If you had to choose, would you go visit a dragon, or Hobbiton? I guess it's kind of lucky you can do both! So if you could visit your favourite dragon of all time, which one would it be? You never know, the Wayward Dragon might even know the way. ;)

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 13/09/2026

The New Zealand Initiative has simped for them, which is a really good sign TOP is not to be trusted in any way. NZI is ATLAS affiliated And if you're not come across ATLAS think the umbrella of organisations like The Heritage Foundation that brought fascism to the US.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 05/09/2026

Should have told me earlier! :) Wouldn't have made any difference, though. Have you met one of these beauties? Also, they're very bossy. (Normally I do Kaka because they're local, but was focusing on endangered birds this year.)

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 04/09/2026

Sometimes I love evil characters to chew the furniture, just a little bit. How do you feel about larger than life villains?

Red background with quote: …you shall have no dreams but nightmares until you accept me as your god. So, enjoy your nightmares.
Quote attributed to Hades and book Into the DeadLands
Image below quote: 5 Blood of the Fae books with trees and lava behind them. Books have swords through roses and the titles - Into FaerLand, Into Broceliande, Into the Underworld, Into Treachery, Into the DeadLands. Has three lots of five star quotes: Edge of your seat action, A brilliant read, Will have you entranced.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 30/08/2026

As it's Frankenstein Day (The birthday of Mary Shelley) I thought let's celebrate the inspiration for The Frankie Files. There are so many great things around Frankenstein—so I'd love to know: what's your favourite Frankenstein fact?

Happy Frankenstein Day
With an image of Frankenstein and an early red and yellow cover.

Question: What's your favourite fact about Frankenstein?

Check out some great Frankenstein facts on the next page. (Or a Frankie Files fact.)

Frankenstein Facts
1) Mary Shelley began writing "Frankenstein" at the young age of 18 during the summer of 1816. This period is often referred to as the "Year Without a Summer."
2) The idea for the novel Frankenstein came to Mary Shelley in a dream.
3) "Frankenstein" explores themes of scientific discovery.
4) "Frankenstein" is considered one of the earliest works of science fiction.
5) In Mary Shelley's novel, there's no mention of Frankenstein's monster having green skin.
6) Mary Shelley's novel predates several significant scientific discoveries and inventions, including the theory of evolution, the first photograph, and the first electric battery
7) The novel's full title is "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus." The reference to Prometheus, a Titan from Greek mythology who stole fire from the gods.
8) The first film adaptation of "Frankenstein" was produced
7)Frankenstein is an epistolary novel — told through letters. Such a fun format.
8) A different favourite fact !!!!

Images - lightning, Frankenstein, the cover of the Frankie files with tomatoes, and a ladybug with E=mc2 spots.

Some of the things I love (about Frankenstein)
*Creation and Scientific Discovery
*Epistolary Novel
*More Science and Disastrous Consequences.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 01/08/2026

I have to admit I was a little surprised

Graph from https://whichparty.nz showing 99 and 98% compatibility with TPM and Green party respectively.
Then 97% with Labour and 93% with TPM and insignificant with the other three (no surprise there)

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 31/07/2026

And OMG, just in case we didn't know how awful it was, TOP are being backed by the ATLAS backed New Zealand Initiative 😱🤮

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 27/06/2026

Are you searching for dragons?

Picture headed by a large flaming dragon and with two cute dragons down the bottom.

Text: You have to read "The Dragon Society Papers" if you want found friends, a little bit of fight for what's right, and ALL the Dragons! :)

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 22/06/2026

The Theft of Conservation Land Bill: People, it's time to stand up and be counted in your opposition to this awful landgrab at the heart and soul of our country. If you need some help, or just want to cover the main points fast go to yeahnahbills.org

a submission to the conservation amendment bill:

Kia ora koutou. As someone with a background in arts and science and growing up as the daughter of an artist who could not have made a living without our natural wilderness, this bill is a direct attack on everything I hold dear. Our treatment of our wilderness not only defines us as a country, but is the source of many people's livlihoods. Far more than its automated destruction would ever build. And having said that I imagine it is no surprise that:

I oppose this Bill.

To understand the grave consequences of this law, it is important to understand that public conservation land is, by definition, irreplaceable. It cannot be re-purchased on terms remotely comparable to its conservation value, and the indigenous biodiversity, freshwater systems and ecological corridors it protects do not regenerate on a political timetable. Loosening the disposal regime in the Bill is the legal mechanism by which decades of public land assembly can be reversed in a single parliamentary term. Forest & Bird have set out the kinds of places already at risk under that mechanism. That is too consequential a power to grant on the strength of a normal amendment Bill, especially one introduced without the public mandate to do it.

When you change the purpose section of a statute, you change everything downstream. The 1987 Conservation Act's purpose has anchored four decades of operational decision-making, case law, ministerial direction and departmental practice. Amending it to put development on the same footing as protection rebuilds the entire decision-making frame underneath. Future Ministers, future officials, future courts will read every operational provision through the new purpose. That is the change the Bill actually makes - and it is the change the committee should look at first.

The law firm Anderson Lloyd, in their legal analysis, characterise the Bill as 'big changes to New Zealand's 40-year-old conservation laws'. The Spino…

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 04/06/2026

Tell your fam Want the Ministry of Works back? Vote Green #nzpol

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 21/05/2026

Free Fantasy and Science fiction. Check it out to discover new works and authors! dashboard.bookfunnel.com/bundles/boar... 📚💙 🧙‍♂️⚔️

"Free Fantasy and Science Fiction" With a split image with a sunset and a dragon flying over a castle in the distance over the shoulder of a knight in armour.
And on the right, a woman with an eyepiece and a spaceship over a futuristic city and starry sky.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 15/05/2026

That was fun. I ended up (not very surprisingly) pretty Green (and quite surprisingly) TPM was right up there, too.

Graph showing compatibility with NZ parties according to : https://newswire.co.nz/voting-tool/
Green 90%
TPM 88%
Labour 76%
TOP 70%
NZ first 40%
National 28%
ACT 17%

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 11/05/2026

The graph and show National voters need to see thanks to #BHN

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 03/05/2026

Very much a statement of fact. So much so the right wing are now trying to pretend political compass is suddenly biased after 20 years. www.politicalcompass.org/nz2023

political compass
https://www.politicalcompass.org/nz2023
graph showing ACT as a far right party back in 2023 (Also shows National and NZ first being very far right and authoritarian.)

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 20/04/2026

Wellington peeps, if you need one, this is your go home stay home warning.

An old pine tree has fallen across the road taking the power lines with it.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 07/04/2026

Don’t despair. Take your worthless dragons and transform them with The Dragon Transport and Pacification Society. Our work is fully warrantied.* www.worldanvil.com/w/faerland-a...

a red dragon with horns and a jaunty step

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 06/04/2026

Went out looking for tardigrades to hopefully find a new species this morning. Which to be honest actually means scraping off moss and lichen and putting it into envelopes for the researchers. Still, crossing fingers they'll find that new species they were hoping for.

tardigrade (water bear) a very tiny creature with four pairs of legs ending in claws and all of about .5mm long.

Image from Wikipedia: source:
Schokraie E, Warnken U, Hotz-Wagenblatt A, Grohme MA, Hengherr S, et al. (2012) - Schokraie E, Warnken U, Hotz-Wagenblatt A, Grohme MA, Hengherr S, et al. (2012) Comparative proteome analysis of Milnesium tardigradum in early embryonic state versus adults in active and anhydrobiotic state. PLoS ONE 7(9): e45682. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0045682

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 04/04/2026

Yup, this cat cost us an arm and a leg last year. Sometimes life happens. My trick since covid is supermarket shop once a month if poss, otherwise bulk or Asian stores and the vegemarket.

One-eyed Tuxie cat yawning, sitting astride sofa back.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 28/03/2026

Yup, it utterly sucks that we have Nicola No Ferries Willis and Christopher I'm Not Aware Luxon running us off the cliff.

Christopher "I'm not aware" Luxon in a blue steel pose with "no fuel, no ferries, no clue" to the right of him.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 27/03/2026

Mr "I'm not aware" Luxon is boldly leading from behind.

Christopher "I'm not aware" (in a speech bubble) Luxon insulated by yellow and black warning tape - representing ACT and NZ First.
No Fuel
No Ferries
No Clue

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 27/03/2026

Or image B? What do you think?

Similar image to above (outlined below) with yellow and black warning tape representing ACT and New Zealand First.

Image has Christopher Luxon with a Blue Steel pose and his name
Christpher I'm not aware Luxon, with the "I'm not aware in a cartoon speech bubble.
On the right are the words, no fuel, no ferries no clue

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 27/03/2026

I can't decide which of these images is most accurate Image A

Image has Christopher Luxon with a Blue Steel pose and his name
Christpher I'm not aware Luxon, with the "I'm not aware in a cartoon speech bubble.
On the right are the words, no fuel, no ferries no clue

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 19/03/2026

I'm beginning to wonder why I took this screencap #auspol

Green poster action with us, March for forests 22 03 26
styalised dark green a very thin marsupial of some sort
10am Forrest Place Perth
Details here: marchforforests.org/location/perth

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 15/03/2026

This is a cute one of Maisie lolling about for attention.

Upside down grey and white long haired tabbie cat looking up with her big yellow-green eyes.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 15/03/2026

And now it isn't - the correct version of The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Dragons & Magical Creatures & Demons is now live! www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSZX3XDP

In large gold writing : The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Dragons & Magical Creatures & Demons

Is over a picture of a dragon with its tail curled around a wax seal with decorative SPCD lettering and dragon wings.

USA Today bestselling author A.J. Ponder

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 14/03/2026

Okay, my latest book, The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Dragons, is out in less than 24 hours. That should be just enough time for a coming soon, shouldn't it?! 📘🧙‍♂️⚔️

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 06/03/2026

Glacerys, the birthday present miniature of the ice dragon in The Dragon Society Papers. Such a cute ice dragon. I really love the colourvin this one.

Glacerys the ice dragon miniature in front greenery, glimering ice blues and purple in the soft afternoon light.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 17/02/2026

Seems like the cartoon was prescient - like it knew it would be banned.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 18/01/2026

2 days to go before you can enter “Into the DeadLands”… the countdown rushes by … In a time of darkness and despair Ruby and her friends must find a way to fight Hades’ tryanny — before all the… ponderbooks.com/2-days-to-go-before…

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 15/01/2026

Why yes, I have written a story featuring snakes, but maybe not in the way that's expected...snakes feature just a little bit—but I like my snakes cute and furry and magically hybridized with squirrels! There's a menagerie though, so there are snakes, reptiles, dinosaurs & other critters!

Miss Lionheart and the Laboratory of Death cover featuring Miss Lionheart's creation, Quetzee, a genetically engineered squirrel, snake hyrbid.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 02/01/2026

Reskeet with most recent pic of yr pet post.

One eyed black and white tuxie cat on the wooden deck with pot garden in the background.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 01/01/2026

Maisie snuggled on the spare bed.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 01/01/2026

2026 Writing Goals & All the Best for the New Year Happy New Year Do you have your goals all lined up? I'd love to hear them. Art (and books) to create? Books to read? Special jobs. Exciting new opportunities? Let me know in the comments. So my big… ponderbooks.com/2026-writing-goals

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 30/12/2025

2025 Writing Goals (mostly writing goals) I've almost always sworn off New Year's resolutions. If I want to do something why wait until the New Year? But a New Year is a chance to revisit goals. And this year was all about writing.… ponderbooks.com/2025-writing-goals-…

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 21/12/2025

Maisie hiding in her blanket cave.

Orange tabby cat with a cream moustache, and big green eyes. The lighting is very dark due to the lack of direct light as she's been caught under the blankets.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 21/12/2025

Herbert posing atop the couch. 🐈‍⬛

Herbert a black and white tuxie cat sitting on the back of a blue couch. He's loafing but you can see a little white paw. And his one eye makes him look a little pensive.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 24/11/2025

Welcome all dragon riders and druids, elves and elementals as well! Explore the unknown with this month's selection of fantasy reads! More than 20 titles are free or discounted in this fantasy feast.🧙‍♂️⚔️ Check it out: iasfa.org/nov25/

There's a tree at night half obscuring a moody moon.
"IASFA Fantasy Free and discounted books November 23-27" is written over the branches and door hidden in its trunk and roots is highlighted by a golden-heart lamp.

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 21/11/2025

Te Pae Tawhiti Convenor Hey, sorry there've been so few posts this year. One of the reasons is my involvement with the Te Pae Tawhiti Awards. (The other is I'm flat out finishing two interconnected series) But I just had to stop by and say I'm so… ponderbooks.com/te-pae-tawhiti-conv…

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A.J. Ponder @ponderbooks.com · 17/11/2025

What that 500 million could have bought - instead of obscuring the fact that National has tanked the economy. But not only tanking the economy—causing long-term health problems that will be horrendously expensive in the long run.

What that 500 million would buy
*4,941 new nurses
*6.25m GP visits (around 6 months for all NZ)
*2,000 Senior Medical officers
*4 years, 2 months of free prescriptions

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