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For Writers: Getting Back Into The Groove

That last book or story is finally published. The waiting game is over. The buzz of release day and the subsequent torrent of glowing reviews has worn off. It’s time to move on. Easier said than done? Do you experience ‘post-publication depression’? Are you unpoopular? Do you pop out at parties? Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. Seriously, how do you get back into the writing groove? How do you start a new work, or pick-up on one that’s been percolating? Is it a seamless process or a hurtle to be surmounted?

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Dented Crown, by J.V. Speyer

The Dented Crown

QSFer J.V. Speyer has a new MM fantasy book out: Two kingdoms. Two princes. One secret to break them, or to bind them. When a rowboat washes up on the riverbank, Prince Malires puts his kingdom’s security first. The dead man lying in the boat can’t answer many questions, but the seriously injured survivor might be able to give Malires some details about what happened in the hostile kingdom to the north. If, that is, the young man ever wakes up. Malires knows who the survivor is: Prince Aleric, youngest son of the King of Gerelen. He’s the most renowned … Read more

SF Signal’s Favorite Fantasy & Sci Fi Weapons

Sword of Shannara

We asked our respondents about their favorite weapons in genre fiction. Favorite Weapons: Be it Excalibur or the Point of View Gun, Stormbringer or the BFG, weapons in Fantasy and Science Fiction often have a personality and charm all their own, and sometimes are even characters in their own right. Q: What are your favorite weapon, or weapons, in fantasy and science fiction. This is what they said… Karina Sumner-Smith Karina Sumner-Smith is the author of fantasy novels Radiant, Defiant, and Towers Fall. In addition to novel-length work, Karina has published a range of science fiction, fantasy, and horror short … Read more

ANNOUNCEMENT: Forever Home, by Missy Welsh

Forever Home

QSFer Missy Welsh has a new MM sci fi book out: A routine mission from the Mars Colony to Earth ends in the five-man crew of the Swallowtail having been transported to the other side of the galaxy. Met with hostility, captured, and tortured simply for being Human, the three survivors hold little hope for their futures. Sergeant Ledger Atwater is a simple man: all he wants are food, shelter, and to be able to call his own shots. If that means letting someone implant stolen memories into his brain and infiltrating a palace, he’ll do it. Once he has … Read more

FOR READERS: The Title Did It

book title - pixabay

FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Denise Dechene: A lot of readers talk about covers. That the reason they picked the book up and read the blurb was because the cover grabbed them. My question is what about the title of the book? Have you picked up and read the blurb on a book because the title grabbed you and you had to know what the book was about? Has a title of a book made you turn away and not want to read the book? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join … Read more

Male Artist Becomes the Women of Game of Thrones

Paolo Ballesteros

Paolo Ballesteros is Filipino makeup artist, TV host and “impersonator.” What he truly is though, is amazing. Ballestros’ Instagram is full of photos of the artist transforming himself into strong female characters. Check out his take on the women from Game Of Thrones below with a bonus photo of Ballesteros as Wonder Woman too. (Because, c’mon, if anyone could take on Daenerys and win, it’s gonna be Diana.) By Bil Browning – Full Story at LGBTQ Nation

ANNOUNCEMENT: Shadowmancer, by Olivia Helling

Shadowmancer

QSFer Olivia Helling has a new MM Fantasy book out: Embracing his inner darkness could be his only chance to save the man he loves… Ilyas refuses to give up his power. Not in the negotiations with his kingdom’s old enemy, and not in his relationship with the man he loves. To keep the possibility of victory all to himself, Ilyas shuts Jem out of the talks and puts their love at incredible risk… Jem can no longer trust his own mind. While Ilyas has helped keep his inner demons at bay, the vessel of the Dark God senses the … Read more

FOR AUTHORS: I Wanna Be My Own Publisher

paperwork - pixabay

FOR WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Tory Phoenix: Given the discussion on ISBNs, and the point several people made about the appearanve of professionalism in the presentation of our work, how does one set up their own imprint (micro-press)? Links to resources, pitfalls, lessons learned, cost, Etc…? Do you set up an LLC, or are there simpler methods? Join the chat

TRAVEL: Italy Has the Best Spec Fic Condoms

Condoms - Alain

I found these funny condoms in Italy and they never failed to make me smile. In fact, I was laughing hard. I found them in two hostels I stayed in Italy – of all places! Well, it’s not like that I don’t have “hostel experiences” but I was just surprised to find it there. I’m not sure where to commit the “act” because I checked both the laundry area and the bathroom, there’s really no way to do it there. Aside from the fact that there are always people in there (because it’s high season), they are just too small … Read more