Hi, everybody, and thanks for being here. Here's all the news from my little literary world.

Unwelcome Matt update

I've got the final copyedits for Unwelcome Matt back from my editor, Tami, so I'm working on those. That will be my last step, which means the book should be finished and out within the next two weeks, before my next newsletter. I'm really excited to share it with you.

Here's the teaser blurb:

Amy Galanis thinks her worst problem is a messy freeloading housemate, Matt. That's until she comes home and finds a dead stranger in the living room and Matt vanished with no trace. As the police investigate, and as shady figures from her housemate's past start to appear, Amy becomes a target in all the wrong ways. Her quiet life as a librarian descends into chaos, forcing one question to the top: what the hell was Matt up to, and why do so many people want Amy out of the picture?

Some new SPSFC reviews

I finished up reviewing for this year's Self-Published Science Fiction Competition. This is a competition I've entered twice, with Daros (a semifinalist in SPSFC #1) and Kenai (the winner of SPSFC #3). This year, I'm a judge, and I've read a lot of cool sci fi. Most recently, I've read some of the finalists, and here are three of the books I've reviewed recently, all finalists:

• Accidental Intelligence by Bryan Chaffin - a cyberpunk near-future story with a classic noir detective
• Bisection by Sheila Jenné - a space opera with an interesting dual-personality species
• On Impulse by Heather Texle - a gritty space opera with an ex-cop looking into the death of her friend

A story in the works, and progress on the romance novel

I'm also finishing up a short story for a sci-fi anthology. This one is about a spec ops space marine sniper who's stuck on a planet in a war that is being abandoned by human forces. It's set in the same fictional universe as Daros and Kenai, although it doesn't overlap with either of those stories. If it makes the final cut for the anthology, that should be out later in the year.

The romance novel I'm co-writing with author and former fellow Guilford professor Sarah Estow is coming along nicely. We're at almost 40,000 words, which should be about halfway through. Our two professor characters (she's writing one, I'm writing the other, in alternating chapters) are dealing with work and life and dating stress, and although they had what seemed like a momentary connection, they're back to strictly business, for now, which has left my guy, Mark, confused and a little hurt. It's been a blast doing this combined writing. No idea how long it will take us to finish, but it's a lot of fun.

Worldcon 2025

I'll be attending Worldcon this month, August 13-17, not as a guest or seller, just as an attendee. I've never been to a big convention for fantasy and sci fi before, and this is one of the biggest - the one that awards the Hugo each year. I'll be looking to go to any panels I can find on writing, publishing, marketing, and indie authors, and there are also a ton of indie authors I only know online who will be there in person, so I hope to be able to meet some of them. If you'll be there, let me know! I'd be happy to say hello.

Some stories to try

I'm part of several author collectives, and we share each other's work to try to help all of us reach more readers. In many cases, the books we share are are free or discounted. Sometimes, they ask that you sign up for a newsletter like this one. Here are some new books I have to share this month:

First, I have Cursed and Chosen by Rowan Ashborne, who wins the fantasy author name contest this month. A cold-hearted assassin and a gentle, beloved healer are thrown together as the world burns. Sounds like every 1980s fantasy movie I ever loved. If your eyes aren't glowing, you're nobody. Only $0.99.

Next, I have Warrior King by the prolific and popular Paul J. Bennett. This is the 8th and final book in this one of his several military fantasy series. Lots of knights, good and otherwise, fighting for honour with a u.

Next, I have The Force by Paige Clendenin. This is a post-apocalyptic story of a girl and her brother involuntarily recruited by a shadowy rebel force. Cool stuff!

Next, I have Fall of the Dracomancer by Luna Fox and F. Lowberry. This is a full series in their dracomancer world. Expect dragon magic and a vicious magical war. Six books for $5.99. Have a look!

Next, I have a group promo of 47 different indie fantasy books of all types. Have a look! I'm sure you'll see something intriguing. Some great covers in here.

Next, I have a set of 43 sci-fi and fantasy books that are free to read on Kindle Unlimited. If you're a KU subscriber, or even if you're just a fan of those genres, check it out!

Finally, I have a set of 21 indie sci-fi and fantasy audiobooks. Many of these are in Audible, so you can use your credits there. Have a look and find an adventure for your walk, workout, or commute.

Thanks

Thanks so much for signing up for my newsletter. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for upcoming books! I love hearing from people. If you've read one of my books and wouldn't mind leaving a review anywhere (Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, LibraryThing) I'd really appreciate it! Each review helps me reach more readers. 

I hope you and your friends and family are having a safe and rewarding 2025!

May the Bloodmother watch over you - 

Dave