Realms, where are you?

Updates and more.

Hello, Realmwalkers. It's been a minute

creepy dead lobster is pretty sci-fi

Let’s take a walk down 2024 lane. I’m so happy that year is over, but there quite a few things I’m proud of…

1. I published my YA fantasy novel, Kursed Kreatures.

2. I finished the Narrative Department’s Masterclass in Interactive writing and wrote dialogue and more for interactive fiction games The Film and The Ouroboros Express.

3. I collaborated on the Blackwater Files, which is an inter-connected universe of [REDACTED] about [REDACTED].

4. I wrote many stories, but these were your favorite: Brood, The Sunborn’s Sorrow.

5. And started writing reviews, including one for Severance (Season 2 is forthcoming), and also my favorite sci-fi podcast series, Celeritas.

6. Last, but certainly not least,

   Reina Cruz
   and I collaborated on a series of letters about the future of writing. It was so fun to interact this way and create these miniature essays with someone. Here’s Letter One.

Furthermore, I think this was an incredible year for sci-fi and fantasy fans. Here’s a few things I have yet to review, but are DEFINITELY worth your time:

1. The Penguin

2. Scavenger’s Reign

3. Pantheon

4. Absolution

5. The Priory of the Orange Tree

6. Severance

7. Project Hail Mary

And now, for the Realms updates. Is this still a thing?

Of course! I have been busy with a new job, applying to grad schools, and working on new, non-fiction stuff at my other publication,

Slices of Life: Poetry & Essays

.

I am keen to get back to other worlds, however! This month, I hope to have a short story for you.

And in the coming months, a fan-fiction in one of my favorite universes…Alien!

But with these stories come new changes to the publication…

Free subscribers, you’ll still get:

• Short stories (no audio / podcast)

• Reviews for books, TV, film, video games, and more that I think is worth your time

Paid subscribers get:

• Short stories with podcast/audio version

• Reviews

• Deep-dive essays into SFF topics

But why?

Nothing crazy here. I’d just love to get paid for my hard work. It’s that simple.

What’s the cost?

Subscriptions cost $5 a month, or $50 for a whole year. 80+% goes directly to me! The rest, to Stripe and Substack. If you buy more than one subscription (in what’s called a group subscription), you’ll get a discount.

There’s also a “True Realmwalker” tier that’s just for bragging rights.

If you’re not sure you want to subscribe, or you’re new here, there should be the option for a free trial.

PROVE IT’S WORTH IT YOU HACK!

You’re right. Here’s some of my most popular work:

My Commitment to You

My dearest Realmwalkers, there are over 250 of you. Some of you are family and friends and other internet-borne supporters, and for you I am so grateful. I am a creative working hard on all these words and it feels like I’m seen and heard. And that’s more than enough for me.

With the launch of paid subscriptions, I expect the commitment between us to be stronger. I will do my best to provide value to you through the written word, helping you escape to new worlds every month.

I will reserve November-December for time off, as this helps me recharge my batteries and spend quality time with the people I love (hence $50/year and not 60).

I want to thank Eric Goebelbecker for being the first paid subscriber, before any of this was a thing. And he did so with no extra benefit to him!

I hope you all enjoy the work moving forward.

Let me know your thoughts!

Until next time, Realmwalkers…