Realms, where are you?

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…

I published my YA fantasy novel, Kursed Kreatures.

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.

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

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

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

Last, but certainly not least, 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:

The Penguin

Scavenger’s Reign

Pantheon

Absolution

The Priory of the Orange Tree

Severance

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, .

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.

Subscribe now

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!

Leave a comment

Until next time, Realmwalkers…