May: Reference Book Update, New Art, & More
Plus, a new UK-Based Bookstore, Indieverse Awards, and events!
Greetings! 👋 Quite a few new people have joined us here since the last update, so I’d like to add a brief note on what you can expect from this newsletter:
News & updates about my books. This’ll include things like progress updates on new projects, applications for advance reader copies, art reveals, and new release information.
Book sales and events. I’ll make sure you know when my books are on sale. These usually coincide with larger sale events with other authors and stores, so even if you already have my books you’re likely to find some others that’ll interest you!
Map Showcases. In addition to writing, I also help other authors by illustrating maps for them, and I’ll share those with you here as well when I can.
Book reviews & indie author news. Read to the end of each newsletter and you’ll find some of my recent reads & news from other indie authors.
I try to post monthly, but if I’m busy I may skip a month. Likewise, if a sale’s running, I’ll usually share an additional post that month to make sure you don’t miss it!
With all that said, let’s get to this month’s update.
April was busy this year, with loads of indie and local events. I collaborated with other authors and bookstores on some sales; then attended the Vermont Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Horror Expo, and the Vermont Spring Book, Postcard & Ephemera Fair. I can’t express how thankful I am to everyone who came by. It was amazing to meet some local readers and authors.
In recent weeks I’ve been focused on my upcoming books. The work continues, but a few things have come up which I wanted to share. This is going to be a slightly chaotic, grab-bag of an update, so let’s just dig in.
Storefront Updates
Now Available at Monsieur Hamlet
My paperbacks are now available at Monsieur Hamlet Bookshop! This marks the first time that my work will be in a bookstore in the UK, and I’m thrilled to be working with Monsieur Hamlet. They’re an independent sci-fi & fantasy bookshop who’ll deliver anywhere in the United Kingdom. 🇬🇧
Audiobooks are Live on Libro.fm
A while back I ran into some issues with Libro and my audiobook distributor, but those have finally been worked out. So, if you listen on Libro, consider picking up Digital Extremities, Animus Paradox, or my latest release Copper Skin, Oaken Lungs!
An Author’s Guide to Setting Design eBook Release Date & Kickstarter Backers
An Author’s Guide to Setting Design eBooks will be available on June 30th. You can preorder it wherever you read eBooks. If you’d like to support an independent bookseller, I recommend pre-ordering from Lunar Books.
This book is written for authors and game masters who want to level up their worldbuilding and cartography skills. It’s a collection of things I’ve learned from my own writing and mp design, plus commentary from dozens of other incredible authors and illustrators such as Adrian M. Gibson (Mushroom Blues), Ben Galley (the Scarlet Star series), Issac Stewart (Art Director at Dragonsteel, he made all of Sanderson’s maps), Kate Korsak (Guardian), P.L. Stuart (The Drowned Kingdom series), Salinee Goldenberg (The Last PHI Hunter), Timothy Hickson (Hello Future Me) and others!
If you backed the Kickstarter, you’ve already been sent your copy from Bookfunnel! If you haven’t seen it in your inbox yet, check your spam folder.
There’s more work to be done still for the hardcover version, but I’m hopeful that will be ready in the coming months.
Animus Paradox is an Indieverse 2026 Nominee
Animus Paradox has been nominated in the Indieverse 2026 “best of” awards, under three categories. Follow the Indieverse Awards so you can keep up with the contest!
“Best Dystopian, Thriller or mystery”
“Favorite Read Set In Another Time”
“Twists & Page Turners.”
Events in New Hampshire and New York
I’ll be at the Not Your Kid’s Book Fair on Saturday May 30th! This is a book fair at the Live Freely Market in Hampton, New Hampshire. There will be a bunch of local authors, crafts, and other vendors there to check out.
I’ll also be at the Kickass Writer's Festival on Saturday June 6th! I’ll be at the book fair from 10am–2pm, at the Saranac Lake, New York, Town Hall alongside other local authors, presses, and literary organizations.
During each event I’ll be putting paperbacks of Digital Extremities on sale through my personal storefront! If you’d like a copy (or signed copy) they’ll be $3.00 off! US delivery only.
Map Showcase
At the beginning of the year, I made an effort to do more map illustrations for other authors & publishers. I’ve been lucky enough to work with a few amazing people, and some of those maps have recently been revealed!
“Atrares,” illustrated for Bride to the Fox Demon by Alex Perez.
“Foothills of the Vying Lords,” illustrated for He Who Ate the Wild by G.J. Terral.
I’m so thrilled to have helped bring these settings to life. It’s always an honor for somebody to trust me with depicting their story’s worlds. I’m really happy with how these came out.
If you’d like to work with me on a map for your story, I’d love to hear from you! Commissions are open. My contact info and map portfolio are on my website.
Copper & Ash Book 2 News Coming Soon
I’ve finished writing the sequel to Copper Skin, Oaken Lungs. I’m currently about halfway through revising the manuscript, and will hand it off to my editor once that’s done.
In case you’re new here, this is book 2 of my series Copper & Ash, a post-apocalyptic fantasy that blends magic and solarpunk technology to hold back deadly mists (wielded some incorrigible characters who can’t help but venture out into them).
As I’ve been revising the sequel, I’ve been planning for what’s next: editing and beta reading. I’ve also started working with my cover artist Silvia Gorchakova, who also did the amazing cover art for Copper Skin, Oaken Lungs.
I’ll share more information about the sequel (probably) in a few months. Though, as a little thanks for following the newsletter, here’s an early look at some character art, illustrated by Elle Mage.
Review: The Curse of Dragon Tail Island by Jonathan Nevair
The Curse of Dragon Tail Island is simply great, lighthearted fun. The novel blends pirates with classic fantasy, all in a Robin Hood style package. Read the full review on FanFiAddict.
Review: Fire in the Hearth by Steven Raaymakers
Fire in the Hearth is a stunning return to the Scars of Magic series, improving on just about everything while retaining the brutal survivalist tale of Esterra Stake. Read the full review on FanFiAddict.
Review: Servant of the Crown by Brian McClellan
This companion novella was a nostalgic trip back to the Powder Mage universe. I’m hoping to read the rest of the novellas this year! (Perhaps this time I won’t get distracted…)
Review: Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee
An ambitious and stunning novella full of rocs and manticores which made for a great listen. It’s very fast-paced, and I think that might grate against some readers, but I encourage you to trust Lee’s process.
New Release: A Black Dragon on Red by P.L. Stuart
The Drowned Kingdom is back with a vengeance. A Black Dragon on Red is the sixth book in the series, which kicked off with A Drowned Kingdom in 2021. This time, a beleaguered Lord Othrun will face the mysterious and sinister Nightsoul. The book is available now on Amazon or from Friesen Press.
New Release: Together is a Distant Star by Various Authors
How far would you go to find where you belong? This new science fiction & fantasy anthology is all about finding community, and how difficult that can be. Together is a Distant Star features stories by women, nonbinary, and queer authors from all around the world: A.J. Calvin, C.B. Lansdell, Nancy Foster, V. Carvajal Leiva, Karen Lykkebo, Erika McCorkle, Branwen OShea, Alyse N. Steves, Delilah Waan, and Isabelle Wagner. It’s available now in digital and print formats.
Coming Soon: The Song of Broken Mirrors by N.J. Guay
A hunted man journeying into forgotten lands, an alliance between old enemies, a wielder whose power wants him dead… The Gates must be opened. The Song of Broken Mirrors, book three of The Shattered Pulse series arrives June 23, 2026!
Advance review copies are available to readers who have already finished Before the Sky Breaks (book one) and The Blood of Heretics (book two), which are available on Amazon and free on Kobo Plus. If you’re interested, contact N.J. Guay via direct message on Instagram!