Dear Reader…
Welcome back to The Weekly!
This summer, I’ve been so excited and grateful to welcome a handful of new faces to the Talebones readership! Welcome to all, new folk and longtimers alike!
“The Weekly” is the way I communicate with my readers to let them know what’s been going on around the Talebones landscape, along with any housekeeping to be aware of.
As we grow, these posts are going to be more important than ever, so let’s get started!
A July Round-Up
In case you missed it…
The Shell - in this multi-part, soft science fiction tale (not related to Ferris Island), old man Burgess resurrects a force from his past and must make a decision that affects not just his own future, but that of the people around him. Part Four is currently available, with a bit more on the way!
TALESTACK NEWS is a twice-monthly bulletin of Substack fiction news where I collate as many announcements, projects, submissions opportunities, community endeavors, and generally cool things as I can gather. Check out the most recent issue here! (And if you’re a writer on the platform, check out the submission guidelines and email your news to talestack.editor@gmail.com by August 4th to be included in the next issue!)
The second season of our fan-favorite supernatural mystery serial, Freelance and Fishmaids, is currently underway! Our new season picks up a few months after the events of the previous season, and freelancer Caroline and her partner Captain Reyville have regained their groove chasing strange phenomena, aided by their friends and allies across the island. But when they are approached by a new acquaintance with an intriguing proposition, they will find their skills, resolve, and even their deepening relationship tested. On Ferris Island, the past and the present often go hand in hand.
Get started in the new season - Episode One: Albatross.
Or, if you’re already reading along, jump into the latest piece - Episode Six: Second Hand News.
ATTENTION: An Important Archive Update…
After many months of being free for all—something I’ve been so grateful to offer—the time has come for Freelance and Fishmaids - Season One to head behind the paywall!
DATE CHANGE: Because I didn’t give sufficient warning earlier this week, I’ve moved the archive date to MONDAY, JULY 22nd. All twelve episodes of Season One will be archived on that date, so if you’ve been meaning to jump in…don’t delay! Grab it while it’s free! But never fear: Season Two will remain free to read all summer long.
You can join the Archive for $2.50/month or $30/year and get full access to ALL stories and resources, discounts on merch and any future physical works, behind-the-scenes peeks, polls, and more!
Looking Ahead…
Get hype, because Ferris Island Founder’s Week is coming up! This year, Founder’s Week runs from August 11th to 17th, and the good folks of the island will be putting on street fairs, tourism events, parties, and more. It’s a blast! Last year we followed the island’s new social media consultant, Tamsin Cunningham, on a strange journey of personal discovery. This year, along with some special-edition fiction, we may have something a little more community-oriented in mind. More details on the way soon!
Now that Talebones is one year old, I am feeling the push toward looking carefully at the current structure, schedule, site admin, paid perks, etc. I always think it’s a good idea to do a little restructuring every so often, and summer feels like a good time to do it! Because of this, look out for some possible changes for our Fall Season. (Frankly, most of them will probably be unnoticeable to anyone but me, but some will be more visible, and I’ll keep you in the loop.)
Stay tuned!
Thank you for reading!
Earlier today, while I was putting this issue together, Talebones reader and talented writer
shared this fantastic image of himself rocking his Ferris Island merch on vacation:“It’s no place like home,” indeed!
Thank you, Travis! My heart is so warmed by this, I can’t even explain. Talebones readers are the best anywhere. I don’t just say it; I mean it. I believe it.
Because you are.
Thank you—each and every one of you—for making storytelling the only thing I ever want to do for the rest of my life. In return, I’m going to do my darndest to keep bringing you only the best of myself, my words, and my worlds.
I hope this season is treating you well. All my love, and blessings!
Your grateful storyteller,
One more thing, dear ones...
Editing happens to be my dayjob, and you can work with me on your WIP, whether fiction or nonfiction! You can check out the page below for my services and rates, but feel free to reach out via DM or email if you're curious about whether a particular rate will work for you and your project. I'm always happy to discuss!
https://sereid.substack.com/p/work-with-me
I read through this and I'll admit I absolutely love it. You're a continued inspiration on how to present a fiction newsletter