✒ Editor’s Note
Welcome back, Talestack Readers!
Happy February, fiction folk!
There might not be any signs of spring yet where you live, but you can always find a warm, cozy corner in the Substack fiction neighborhood!
There must be something in the air, because this particular issue is very heavy on the New Projects. New serials, new newsletters, new audio media…along with books ready for preorder, award winners, and some cool ways to get plugged in. This fiction community is absolutely thriving!
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:
Bri Heron has recently launched a new fiction-focused newsletter called Writing on a Whim. Be sure to welcome her to the fiction neighborhood, and check out the first part of a recent short story, called Relevant.
Zoe Carada of Mentatrix has introduced a 2024 theme for her fiction called The Invisible Hero, which will include fiction about protagonists that are steered by unconscious thought patterns, driven by inner voices or repressed memories. The first three-part story in this series is called When the Place Is a Map, and the Map Is a Maze.
Larry Hogue launched Glass Half Full, along with his serialized post-post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel, Ada's Children, on January 23rd. From Larry: “The story revolves around a sentient AI who wants to save humanity, even if humanity doesn't want to be saved.” Chapters will appear on Fridays and Sundays, paywalled from Chapter 4 onwards.
S.L. Linton of The Forgotten Library is beginning a new serial on February 22nd: a retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” called Under the Roses. Official Synopsis: “Beatrice has been tasked with cutting flowers for her town’s Festival of the Immaculate Heart. But when she flouts the rules and visits a forbidden garden, she encounters mystery, danger—and a Beast. Three roses. Three visits. Meanwhile, evil stalks the woods surrounding her town. People begin to die. And the townspeople are looking for someone or something to blame.”
Karina Fabian of Worlds of FabianSpace has started releasing her previously published speculative fiction works in audiobook format! Check out Jovian Heat, They Also Serve, and Frightliner and Other Tales of the Supernatural through Audible. You can also click here for more about the process from Karina.
The Serial Hour Podcast—a new project from co-hosts Erica Drayton and Natalie Phillips—is a place for two serial writers here on Substack to discuss their serial writing journeys. They’ll be covering everything from inception to being consistent and everything in between, so subscribe today to ensure you catch the first episode dropping at the end of February!
Awards:
Congratulations to Jack Massa, winner of the Season Five Lunar Award for Short Fiction, as well as Honorable Mentions Linnhe Harrison and Johnathan Reid! Check out the winning stories, insightful commentary from Lunar Awards mastermind Brian Reindel 👾⚔️, and find all of the participants at the official announcement post.
📚 The Bookshelf
(Titles listed in order of release date.)
Althea Damgaard’s fantasy novel—and second book of her Light Series—called Truth Bearer, is available for preorder on Amazon! Release Date: 2/14/24
Larry Hogue’s post-apocalyptic science fiction novel, Ada’s Children, is now available for preorder through various retailers! Release Date: 2/22/24
🫱🏻🫲🏾 Connection Corner
Alexander Semenyuk is looking for a collaborator on a new fiction project! From Alexander: “For my next fiction project I am looking for a co-writer. I specialize in horror/thriller, apocalyptic or faith based books. I know, weird contrast. Anyway, what I’m looking for is to create a book with two main characters, alternating chapters from first person perspective. Preferably a female writer, to take on the perspective of the main female character. I’d write the other main character, perhaps the villain. You do not have to be published prior to this, nor do you have to have experience in novel writing. Just having a unique voice will be a great contrast. If this sounds like something you want to try, send me a message.” See the original Note and respond here!
Karina Fabian is offering two upcoming fiction-focused classes:
Developing Character Voice: Join SFF writer Karina Fabian as she walks you through creating unique character voices readers will love. It’s not just about accents! We delve into psychology, word choice, character careers and lifestyle, and more. Bring a character or create one during the class. (Price $25)
Developing Author Voice: Make your writing stand out. We discuss what author voice is and give you tips for developing your own style that’s readable and memorable. (Price: $25)
Got something you want us to publish? Have any questions, comments, or feedback? Send it all to:
talestack.editor@gmail.com
It actually does look like spring in my neck of the woods...which is concerning giving it's supposed to be stupidly cold this time of year with lots of snow.
Thank you so much for highlighting my Lunar Awards honorable mention!