No words are ever wasted.

So this month has been a blast.

For September updates, here’s what we’ve got: 

• 34,000-plus words. Three short stories in the works, two novels in process, and a bunch of fanfic.
• I finally moved the store and re-opened it, in the process finding a new use for my old domain: AmongTheMythos.com! 

I can’t help myself. Here’s a video!

I love this job.

Anyway, enjoy a snippet from Solomon’s Choice, the upcoming science-fantasy novel:

Solomon Iskinder has a plan: Force adaptation so humans survive the climatomagical apocalypse and no longer need to depend on the Fey and the Night-Children for survival.

Today, he’s succeeded in a magical-human DNA graft, the result of which allowed him to see magic for 18 seconds.

He has no idea how big the can of monsters he’s just opened is.

Tom and I have been friends all our lives.

All right, that’s… perhaps an exaggeration. Tom and I have been friends since we were seven years old, and I accidentally set off the ancient buried weapon that destroyed our orphanage and left us both cursed.

I don’t know if he’s ever forgiven me for that. We… haven’t spoke of that day. I choose to believe he has forgiven me for one major reason: he’s the only one who’s ever been consistently in my corner.

“Wait out here,” he says as we approach the Council room, our steps echoing down the cold and black-stone tunnel. “I’ll do what I can first.”

As he always has, preparing, translating before and after, in an attempt (not always successful) to ensure I am understood. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” He pats my shoulder and heads inside. The two soldiers guarding the entry salute him, then eye me like something indeterminate tracked in on a shoe.

There’s nothing to do but stand here, helplessly awkward, unable to be in a way they will not find offensive. Gods only know what I’m doing wrong.

“Iskinder,” one of them mutters to the other, who puts his hand on the gun at his belt.

What on earth do they think I’m going to do? Jump at them? I swallow. “Good morning, gentlemen.”

They look at me with heavy distrust.

It’s almost over, I tell myself, because one way or another, this moment in time nears its end. “Lovely weather we’re having. Makes one wish they one could remove one’s helmet and frolic as in days of old, eh?”

Neither of them return my smile. “Shut the fuck up,” says the one on the left.

Damn. “Yes, sir.” One of my many failings is I never know when to fill the silence. Clearely, this was not one of those times.

Tom leans out and gestures to me. The smile I’d hoped would be there is not. Shit. “Excuse me,” I say to the soldiers (ignored), and follow him inside.

I can’t wait for this book. So many threads from so many books and stories finally come together, and I think it’ll be a blast.

Latest publication: The Almost-Wedding of John Barron Grey

He’s an old-fashioned detective in a time rocked by the recent emergence of magic, and he always closes the case.

A spooky mirror showing horrible truths? A threat to the stability of all seven Peoples? A libidinous fish-god? They’re all in a day’s work for Simon Night, Boston P.I.

I’m so excited for this. Some crucial details regarding the direction of this series show up in this book—not to mention a bunch of my favorite characters.

It’s designed to be a quick read, a snack to satisfy. Click here for a preview of chapter one!

For regular updates, check out my Patreon. I have a free tier, and I love meeting new readers there.

If you’re new here…

Who the heck am I again?

My name is Ruthanne, and I do two things: I write weird stuff to entertain you, and I help other creatives make weird stuff, too.

I’ve published six books and fifty-plus short stories. I’ve led a convention panel on world-building, and taught courses on plot and character development. I’ve been the keynote speaker for the Write Practice Retreat.

I’ve also been dealing with severe chronic illness that left me hospitalized, and that pretty much slowed everything down. But the thing is, we all have a whole host of problems these days, don’t we?

I believe creation is deeply important, and one of the most human things we can do. It communicates truths we may not even consciously know. That’s why I keep writing, no matter how challenging life becomes; and it’s why I make daily videos to help other creatives, too.

We may be in an apocalypse of A.I. and unscrupulous corporations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still be human. We create for one another, and yes—even the tiniest, silliest creation matters.

If you’re curious, my website has tons of free short stories, as well as three novellas and two novels, with more on the way. I also do daily pep-talks for creatives with a focus on those who struggle with creative block.

Currently, this newsletter is free, and I plan for it to stay that way. I also do regular updates through Patreon, with membership levels starting at “free” and $1 a month. 

Questions? Comments?

Hit “reply,” and ask me anything! Subscribe if you haven’t already, and you’ll get Simon Night’s story free. I look forward to getting to know you.

See you on the written page!

-Ruthanne Reid