November 2023 Newsletter

This is my first monthly newsletter here on Substack instead of MailChimp. I don’t know about you, but I’m liking this platform MUCH better. What’s been going on in the last month, then? Glad you asked.

Jayu City Chronicles

The cover reveal for the second book in The Jayu City Chronicles, Necropolis Alpha, is happening on November 16 on Instagram. I can’t wait to share the cover and to start promoting the new book, which is due out January 23, 2024. Expect an announcement here with all the appropriate links once it goes live on Instagram.

As for book three, I’m currently in my first round of edits. Let me tell you, this one has been a challenge to write. I’ve taken a new direction for the narrative this time, and that has created challenges to pacing and relationships. But I stand firm in these decisions. Often, the harder something is to write, the more compelling it is to read.

I’m glad to be done with the first draft and now working through the first round of edits, though there are words to add in this first round while I start shaving off the rough edges and turning this turd into a workable draft.

World Fantasy Convention

“But Chris, you write science fiction!”

I write a lot of things. My first two self-published novels were fantasy. The book I wrote that got me my agent is literary new adult, though it will likely never see the light of day. I also write poetry and plays.

I will write fantasy again, you can be sure. More than that, the World Fantasy Convention was in my own backyard this year in Kansas City. It was a great networking event that resulted in several new connection and what will likely be a podcast appearance soon. Check out the book haul!

And it’s just nice to hang out with a bunch of fellow SFF and horror professionals.

Reading

What have I been reading over the last month or so?

Currently Reading

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

The First Binding by R.R. Virdi

Recently Finished Reading

Sex Criminals by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky

City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Inverse Cowgirl by Alicia Roth Weigel

My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon

My Birthday Request

Before I send another newsletter, I’ll be another year older. No, you don’t need to buy anything. I’d love to hear from you, though!

• What topics do you want to read more about?

• What should I read next?

• What are some of your favorite Substacks that I should follow?