✒ Editor’s Note
Welcome back, Talestack Readers!
It may be summer up north and winter down south, but here on Talestack News the weather is always just right!
If there’s one thing I know, it’s that the fiction writers of Substack never quit, and this issue filled up nicely with a couple of finished pieces, some new projects, some relaunches and returns, some books to look out for, and even some gracious shoutouts of fellow writers/readers who go above and beyond!
As always, please hype each other up in the comments. Go visit, explore, give virtual high-fives, and let your colleagues know that you’re with them.
Have a fantastic week, and happy writing!
S.E. Reid Editor of Talestack News
TALESTACK NEWS is a FREE-TO-READ publication!
Please support us by liking, commenting, sharing, and restacking. Any monetary support is appreciated, but not necessary.
📣 Announcements!
Finished Projects:
- has just completed his first serialized sci-fi novella on Substack, called The Southern Calt. Synopsis: “Akashi Pacè is a young man sent off to war in the sci-fi fantasy world of Astra. Follow Akashi through this 10-part (completed) serial as he battles through a treacherous mountain pass and slowly learns the truth behind the war and his place in this world of treacherous gods, magical monsters, and high-tech machinery.” Jump into Part One here!
- has just finished his four-episode limited serial called Produce, Me? Synopsis: “Could a windfall totally remix who you are? Produce, Me? is a manic choose-your-own-adventure story about what might happen when a sudden inheritance is entrusted to an aged Hollywood producer.” Check out Episode One here!
New Projects:
- has just started a brand new YouTube channel where she shares her daily writing sessions, about 1.5 hours a day. From Emily: “If anyone fancies tuning in for some company and accountability, it's here!” Watch here!
- (formerly Kim H.) is re-launching her newsletter with a whole new title and will officially go “live” this week! From Kim: “[The newsletter] will be heavy on Harold and Sallie stories and short (100-200ish word) stories. There will be the random story that I've written that has been published in a lit magazine. Everything will be free (FREE! We all love FREE) to read. And there will be A LOT of cat pictures.” Stay tuned!
- has just started publishing his action/horror/humor serial, The Unexpected Exorcist. Synopsis: “During a routine security screening at the Milwaukee International Airport, TSA Officer Uziel Axe’s life takes a startling turn when he discovers that demons walk amongst us. As he clashes with the demon Beelzebub in the main terminal, his innate abilities are revealed: He can see, speak with, and even exorcise demons. After unexpectedly casting Beelzebub out, Uziel is drawn into the eternal battle between good and evil. Beelzebub vows revenge, but Uziel doesn’t have to face the demonic horde alone. Special Agent Sister Catherine Queally, an exorcist with a mysterious past, recruits him into a secretive government organization of powerful exorcists. Together, they are the only thing standing between earth and the fury of Beelzebub.” Check out the first chapter here!
- has launched his new serialized novel, 3 Lives in Jury, which is projected to post every Thursday. Excerpt: “The people of Jury prayed like wealthy zealots for the safe return of lost local boy Whit. He was one of their own. After eight days they gave up and constructed a memorial bench in his honour with a shiny metal plaque in the centre. The plaque contained an etched profile with a hooked nose, intended to depict the missing youth, the boy’s full name — Whitaker Henry Alma — and his birthdate. The charity that organized the fundraiser to build the bench always intended to add Whit’s return date to the plaque but the attention of club members were drawn to a preschool that needed a new boot room. It was April 6, one year ago today that Whit Alma returned to the world.” Begin with Chapter One here!
Milestones & Wins:
- is announcing her relaunched membership offering over at Telling Their Tales. From Holly: “I write about the untold tales of early medieval England, uncovering history as you’ve never heard it. I share short stories, biographies, book reviews and more. This week I relaunched my membership offering, which includes my serialised historical fiction novel, which will be released as an ebook when it is finished later this year.” For more details—including a book club and other exclusives—check out this recent post!
📚 The Bookshelf
(Titles listed in order of release date.)
- ’s science fiction/space opera novel, Komodo, is now available for purchase on Amazon! Release Date: 6/15/24
- ’s science fiction anthology, Errante, will be released this week on Amazon! (link takes you to author’s Amazon page) Read Minna’s post here for more info and cover art poll. Release Date: TBA
❤ Shout-Outs
- would like to shout out two fellow writers! He says:
“ is an amazing writer who both discusses her time teaching in China and has a great ongoing serial that speaks to the stress, claustrophobia, and the ways people might cope with being pent up in an extended trip on a space ship. It's fantastic scifi and she is a fantastic member of this community.”
“ is a writer's ideal reader who gives amazing feedback and thoughtful comments. He's good at that BECAUSE he's such a fantastic writer himself and deserves more recognition for his contributions to the fiction community.”
Got something you want us to publish? Have any questions, comments, or feedback? Send it all to:
talestack.editor@gmail.com
I like the shoutouts!
Thanks S.E.!!