I Published Another Book

Voices from the Deep: A Collection of Fantasy and Science Fiction Short Stories

Sep 01, 2024

My collection of fantasy and science fiction short stories, Voices from the Deep, is now available for purchase wherever fine books around the world are sold! It’s being released under my new imprint Red Giant Press. Included in the collection are thirty-two short stories and five original black and white illustrations drawn by me. I put a lot of effort into ensuring readers will enjoy owning a physical copy and that the design and composition is professional. As a result, these past few months have been frustrating, exciting and a relief as publication day approached.

Hardcover edition full cover spread for *Voices from the Deep*

Getting a book distributed outside the Amazon ecosystem is an experience fraught with uncertainty. I use a popular print-on-demand (POD) publishing service known as IngramSpark and they’re quick to remind authors there are no guarantees getting all formats listed on major retailer websites. In some cases, it may simply be a matter of time and circumstance. Amazon will list POD books as out of stock, but it can still be ordered and will print and ship. The following are links to the book in various markets:

For your benefit, the hardback (hardcover) ISBN is 979-8-9912387-0-0, the paperback (softcover) ISBN is 979-8-9912387-1-7 and the eBook ISBN is 979-8-9912387-2-4. The eBook is still in “In Processing” and should be available soon. Even if you don’t see the print editions listed online, ordering from a brick-and-mortar for in-store pickup is still an option.

“The Father’s Curse”, an illustration inside *Voices from the Deep*

The great thing about IngramSpark is they service libraries as a major distributor. If you’re unable to purchase a copy, you can request a copy from your local library using the title, author name or ISBN. Patron purchase requests are not always honored, but most libraries have sufficient budgets for the low number they receive. To see my book in circulation would be a dream. I would be honored if you could help make it happen.

What the Future Holds

Like most writers, I’ve got no shortage of stockpiled ideas filling up every nook and cranny of my imagination. Many are short stories, which as you’ve discovered are a medium that I love, but several are longer in scope, novellas or novels requiring considerable effort. At this stage in my writing journey, the only goal is to keep writing and improve. I would rather become a seasoned craftsman than a prolific hack. Although I guess they’re not mutually exclusive.

If a novel latches hold, it will mean less writing here on Future Thief. I can’t write a novel – requiring a different headspace – while also writing short stories. A full-time job already consumes much of my creative energy and between family and other responsibilities there isn’t enough time on our present universal plane to accomplish everything. Several of my counterparts have chosen to publish novels as serials via newsletter. It’s personally not an appealing avenue and one I’m unlikely to explore.

“The Maker”, an illustration inside *Voices from the Deep*

A secondary focus, aside from writing, will be to get as many of my stories into physical books, in particular those beautifully handcrafted keepsakes that are works of art. The staying power of a printed book is significant. It’s a solid reminder of the effort involved and allows readers to lend it out and experience it beyond the digital space. I plan to invest a considerable amount of time and energy bringing you the best books for your bookshelf.

Many Thanks

I want to thank all of you for continuing to share this experience with me. I’ve been sending out Future Thief as a newsletter for more than 2 years, and in that time I’ve published two short story collections and met a fantastic group of fellow writers and readers interested in fantasy and science fiction. I don’t take for granted your subscription and engagement here. It’s a lot of work writing consistently, but it’s very rewarding to receive immediate feedback.

That feedback is gracious and encouraging and I try my best to offer the same. It’s a conscious effort, to ensure all of my interactions create a sense of hope and inspiration. It’s the best way I know how to give back — to say thank you — for giving me your time and attention. And our attention spans are shrinking. I’m trying to reverse the process with a willing group of volunteers. Thanks for volunteering!

Happy Reading,

Brian