✒ Editor’s Note
Welcome back, Talestack Readers!
And HAPPY FIRST DAY of 2024!
We’ve officially turned the page! (Get it??)
In a somewhat appropriate twist of fate, our first issue of 2024 is a bit quieter than usual. It is still winter here up north, after all! But the projects in this issue are all the sweeter for it, and there’s still plenty to see and cozy up with. New projects, published books ready to order, and plenty of community movement as we step into the new year!
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
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📣 Announcements!
New Projects:
Thomas De Moor has just started posting scenes from his new fantasy short story, The Synod’s Gambit, about “an ambitious necromancer who, after the successful resurrection of a courtesan, finds himself at the heart of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to shake the foundations of the Kingdom.”
Scoot is starting a new serial called The Selected Letters of Armin R. Tolor on January 13th, with an index available for consideration January 6th. From the official synopsis: “Armin Tolor is the second son of the Count of Weyand—a small holding on an insignificant continent, in an insignificant planet of the Iris system. Through letters to his friends and family, he will navigate life as his family is turned upside down, a delicate peace is threatened, and through it all searching for meaning and purpose.” Episodes will publish every 3rd week, and will conclude on November 2nd.
Ben Wakeman’s Substack-wide community project, Same Walk, Different Shoes, just published its first volume featuring 42 different tales! From Ben: “Within this collection of over forty stories, you will no doubt discover many writers you’ve never heard of. You will find a few stories that crack you open and make you feel something you’ve never felt before. And there will be at least a couple of masterpieces that you will want to share with everyone you know.”
📚 The Bookshelf
(Titles listed in order of release date.)
Zachary Roush’s epic young adult fantasy novel, Kursed Kreatures, is now available for purchase on Amazon! Release Date: 12/24/23
Robert Weaver’s occult horror novel, Blessed Skeletons, is now available for preorder on Amazon! For more info about the book (including how to request an ARC), check out Robert’s official announcement post. Release Date: 2/14/24
🫱🏻🫲🏾 Connection Corner
Ever wanted to learn about serialization from one of the literary masters? Join
Erica Drayton as she analyzes a classic of the genre: The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens! Head over to The Pickwick Club to subscribe, or check out the schedule to get a feel for what’s coming up.
Lynn Embick of Mundane Magic would like to invite fellow creatives into her ongoing tarot fiction project—perfect for the New Year! From Lynn: “I’m in the midst of a writing prompt project, Mundane Magic, wherein I pull a new tarot card from a deck every Monday, analyze the illustration and implied meaning of the card, then I use it to create an original short story based on the card for readers’ pleasure the following Saturday. This is a great substack for New Year’s resolutions that involve reading more, writing more, or taking the time to notice the little things.”
Kathrine Elaine is looking for a critique partner for her dark fantasy fiction. From Kathrine: “I’m in need of a critique partner for just some legitimate feedback. Lately I’ve received mixed reviews about my work and I’m just lost. A nearly normal weekend writer looking for a dedicated critique partner. Send. Help. Writer. Down.” Tag Kathrine on Notes or email her at kathrine.elaine@inbox.lv if interested!
Got something you want us to publish? Have any questions, comments, or feedback? Send it all to:
talestack.editor@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to a year full of amazing stories and connections!