BELIEVING BIGFOOT is OUT NOW!

 

Harvey Clark knows better than to believe in Bigfoot hoaxes. In fact, it’s his job to debunk all the things that go bump in the night. When Harvey books a cabin in Woodland Lake, Minnesota, he intends to do just that for a corporate client paying a hefty sum to disprove anything paranormal is hiding in the woods they hope to build on.

But the town’s obnoxiously handsome city planning manager, Jonah Bernardi, seems intent on thwarting any attempt Harvey makes to collect information on their local Bigfoot, the Woodland Wildman.

What Harvey expected to be an easy task turns into his most difficult case yet when he winds up alone in the middle of the woods at night, face-to-face with the truth.

EARLY REVIEWS

"This was a really fun read. Low stress, low heat, just a good old fashioned cryptid hunt with a couple of guys making eyes at each other from opposite sides of the table."

- A.E. Bross (Author of 'Sands of Thea')

"If you enjoy Sasquatch lore, mountain cabins in the fall, gorgeous flannel wearing axe-throwing locals, and in the mood for a quick short story, this one is super cute and fun."

- Ivy (IG: thegirlsareader)

"I loved this story. It was a nice spin on Sasquatch stories with cute leads. There's plenty of snappy humor and also great atmosphere. If you've read Dez's other books there is a fantastic crossover moment that got me excited at the possibility of a crossover book. (Note to Author: I really want that! I think everyone should want that!)
The writing is so fun, it's always hard to put a Dez Schwartz book down. This one is just another excellent example."

- Jennifer Patino, Goodreads

GET IT TODAY!

Hollywood To Horses - OUT NOW!

 

It's finally here!! "Hollywood To Horses" is now available through most major retailers!

GET YOUR COPY HERE!

I'm so excited for you all to meet Mateo & Christopher in this MM Contemporary Rom-Com!

MM Contemporary Rom-Com Rivals-To-Lovers Retired Olympian Runaway Movie Star Big "Horse Guy" Energy

Mateo Harris, a retired Olympic Show Jumper, achieved just about everything he could want in life. Rising from a nobody to becoming a beloved gold-medalist, co-owning H&H Riding Academy with his cousin—and best friend—Emily Hall, and he’s one of the most powerful and respected men in his hometown of Sweetspire, VA. Nothing can shake the foundations of the life he’s built for himself. That is until he hears his nemesis and former crush, Christopher Wright II, has moved back to town.

Christopher, a runaway movie star, has returned to Sweetspire to inherit the family business: Wright Stables, the only rival riding academy Mateo has ever had to worry about. With Christopher’s charm, talent, and fame taking charge, Mateo is faced with real competition both in and out of the arena. He’ll have to be at the top of his game to prove he’s still the number one equestrian in town, but every encounter with Christopher becomes as challenging as any obstacle he’s faced on horseback.

Meet Mateo & Christopher from "Hollywood To Horses"!

 

(Images from Unsplash & Pexels.)

“With Christopher back, your academy might have to say goodbye to its blue-ribbon status this season."

Mateo Harris, a retired Olympic Show Jumper, achieved just about everything he could want in life. Rising from a nobody to becoming a beloved gold-medalist, co-owning H&H Riding Academy with his cousin—and best friend—Emily Hall, and he’s one of the most powerful and respected men in his hometown of Sweetspire, VA. Nothing can shake the foundations of the life he’s built for himself. That is until he hears his nemesis and former crush, Christopher Wright II, has moved back to town.

Christopher, a runaway movie star, has returned to Sweetspire to inherit the family business: Wright Stables, the only rival riding academy Mateo has ever had to worry about. With Christopher’s charm, talent, and fame taking charge, Mateo is faced with real competition both in and out of the arena. He’ll have to be at the top of his game to prove he’s still the number one equestrian in town, but every encounter with Christopher becomes as challenging as any obstacle he’s faced on horseback.

(Image from Unsplash)

MATEO HARRIS

Retired Olympic Show Jumper & Co-Owner of H&H Riding Academy

"The MC Mateo is a snarky grumpy bear that loves wearing 3 piece suits and being in the spotlight." ~ Tosha of toshsbookcorner (IG & Goodreads)

"I loved Mateo. He was all sarcasm and fashion sense and I can never say no to that sort of mix... His ability to learn and grow when presented with new information. That's refreshing in a main character." ~ A.E. Bross, Author of The Roots That Clutch

(Images from Pinterest)

Mateo Inspiration Board

Mateo as a Picrew:

"I'll give him a second chance. Tomorrow. After I beat him. That way, if I don't like his answer, I can hit him over the head with my trophy." - Mateo

(Image from Unsplash)

CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT II

Runaway Movie Star & Head of Wright Stables

"I shipped Mateo and Christopher so much. I found myself hoping Mateo would get his happily ever after with his attractive movie star enemy." ~ Mary Ellen of aparanormalromance (IG & Goodreads)

(Images from Pinterest)

Christopher Inspiration Board

Christopher as a Picrew:

"Every time I turn around, the whole world is eager to tell me who I am." - Christopher

Hollywood To Horses releases June 14, 2021!

Get it 3 DAYS EARLY by preordering on NineStar Press!

Use code "PREORDER" for 30% Off!

Add it to your "Want To Read" list on GOODREADS today!

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

Pre-Order HOLLYWOOD TO HORSES Today!

 

Pre-orders are now available through NineStar Press! 

Meet Mateo and Christopher in, Hollywood To Horses, 

a M/M Contemporary Rom-Com.

👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Rivals-To-Lovers 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

🏆 Retired Olympian 🏆

📽️ Runaway Movie Star 📽️

🥂 Luxe Parties 🥂

🎶 80s Music References 🎶

💚 Competitive Passion 💚

🐎 Big "Horse Guy" Energy 🐎

Pre-order from NineStar Press and get this romance 

3 DAYS EARLY! ✨ ALSO: Use code "PREORDER"

 during checkout for 30% OFF!

Upcoming 2021 Releases

As you may have seen in my newsletter and on social media, I have some new stories coming your way in the new year! Here's a list of what's ahead for 2021:

January 2021

DůO - A Ko-fi Exclusive Serial

This M/M Dreampunk series will be brought to you as a Ko-fi serial beginning January 6th (sign up for my newsletter or check Twitter for the link)! Each month a new "episode" (chapter) will be uploaded for subscribers. I thought it would be a fun way to say thank you to everyone who donates and supports my work. Also, if you can't do a monthly subscription but would like to offer a one-time donation, you will gain access to exclusive blog posts for 30 days from the time of your donation. (But the series will be for subscribers only.)

Spring 2021

The Dandy Medium

M/M Gaslamp Fantasy Novel

Alfred “Alfie” Hughes is a spiritual medium who has more than enough people in his social circle. Unfortunately, they're all dead. That is until Detective Sebastian Davies arrives in Nótt Haven, a tourist town known for its active nightlife, and deems Alfie's abilities—perhaps, even his company—worthy of closer inspection.

A circus performer, known as The World Bender, mysteriously disappears and a slew of peculiar murders accumulate. Suspecting foul play as unusual as the crimes themselves, Sebastian enlists Alfie to guide him through the town's supernatural underbelly to find answers; and, in the process, Alfie might solve the biggest enigma of all: human connection.

Autumn 2021

Riding Acadenemies

My next release with NineStar Press and my first foray into M/M Contemporary Romance!

Mateo Harris, a retired Olympic Show Jumper, achieved just about everything he could want in life. Rising from a nobody to becoming a beloved gold-medalist, co-owning H&H Riding Academy with his cousin—and best friend—Emily Hall, and he’s one of the most powerful and respected men in his hometown of Sweetspire, VA. Nothing can shake the foundations of the life he’s built for himself. That is until he hears his nemesis and former crush, Christopher Wright II, has moved back to town.

Christopher, a runaway movie star, has returned to Sweetspire to inherit the family business: Wright Stables, the only rival riding academy Mateo has ever had to worry about. With Christopher’s charm, talent, and fame taking charge, Mateo is faced with real competition both in and out of the arena. He’ll have to be at the top of his game to prove he’s still the number one equestrian in town, but every encounter with Christopher becomes as challenging as any obstacle he’s faced on horseback.

I'm looking forward to sharing all of these new stories with you and I wish you all a very Happy New Year! 🥂

COVER REVEAL - THE DANDY MEDIUM

 

I'm thrilled to finally share the title and cover for my next novel with you all! THE DANDY MEDIUM will be headed your way in late Spring 2021 and is a M/M Gaslamp Fantasy story with plenty of ghosts, murder, and--of course--dapper occultists!

_____________________

Alfred “Alfie” Hughes is a spiritual medium who has more than enough people in his social circle. Unfortunately, they're all dead. That is until Detective Sebastian Davies arrives in Nótt Haven, a tourist town known for its active nightlife, and deems Alfie's abilities—perhaps, even his company—worthy of closer inspection.

A circus performer, known as The World Bender, mysteriously disappears and a slew of peculiar murders accumulate. Suspecting foul play as unusual as the crimes themselves, Sebastian enlists Alfie to guide him through the town's supernatural underbelly to find answers; and, in the process, Alfie might solve the biggest enigma of all: human connection.

___________________

I've been sitting on this cover since May so I'm thrilled to finally be able to show it off! It was designed by the talented London Montgomery.

And you can now add THE DANDY MEDIUM to your TBR on GOODREADS!

Also, check back later this month for some more exciting announcements! I hope you all have a very happy holiday season!

♥ Dez

Author Life: New Books + New Routine

Hello, friends!

Because if you read my books then I definitely consider you a friend of mine. :)

Is it just me or did January last twice as long as it should have?? I was overwhelmed with "adulting" and constantly busy. On the bright side, I made a lot of progress on my writing projects and even found some time for my hobbies (which is always a great way to recharge the creativity well).

I'm still utilizing a daily planner which has helped to keep me on task and also helped in tracking what routines work best for me. I've come to realize that my optimum writing times are first thing in the morning and mid-afternoon, so I've been trying to write for at least two hours a day (broken into those time-frames). I would love to have written more each day but this month was just too packed with other things. Overall, I managed to write for approx. two hours a day at least three days a week. My goal for next month is to see if I can write for longer stretches and to increase that to around 4-5 days a week. I enjoy having weekends off to catch up on things around the house or just do something fun (Other than writing! Which is still great fun for me and why I have a hard time forcing myself to set it aside.) and give my brain a rest.

WIP UPDATES:

- I'm about 15% of the way into writing the M/M Contemporary Rom-Com novel and I'm thoroughly enjoying the process so far. I just know you'll love these characters. :) It is different not to be writing supernatural elements, though! But this story called to me so strongly that I just had to write it, even though it's outside of my Paranormal wheelhouse.

- As of now, DREAM WEAVER is still slated for a Spring release. However, the original publication date of March 9th might change. My publisher had to shuffle some titles around and I'm waiting to hear if mine will be moved or not. I'll let you know as soon as I know!

- Thatcher Maugden and the Dream Witch is finished and sent off to be included in the Dreampunk Anthology, Mirrormaze. More news on that as it comes.

- I finally sat down and outlined a short story prequel series about Grady Hunter! They will take place over the two decades prior to when he meets Ethan. I plan to make them very dark horror and very '90s/'00s. Depending on content guidelines, I might put them up on Wattpad; if not, then I'll find another platform. You know I will definitely shout from the rooftops when I'm ready to unleash the first one. ;)

To be directly informed about any new releases or sales, please visit www.dezschwartz.com and sign up for the newsletter. I only send them out once a month or if I have a new release/promotion, so you don't have to worry about being swamped with them.

Later this year, I'll start working on the final book in The Dead Oaks series. If you're a fan or interested in learning more about it, I'll be back on the blog next week to recap the series. Let me know if you have any questions you'd like answered!

Until next time,
♥ Dez 

Promotion Exp. 02/05/20

The Julbock In Review

"The Julbock is equal parts adorable and sexy."
 ~
"Aubrey and Patrick are like the two sides of the holidays, the enthusiast and the skeptic."
~ 
  
While romances play a large role in the plots of my books, The Julbock is the only official Romance genre story that I've written so far (although, I am working on more).  As we head into the final few weeks of this holiday season and wrapping up our 2018 Reading Challenges, this short story provides a quick read at 26 pages.  Grab a cup of hot cocoa, find a cozy place, and dive into this magical M/M Yule hygge romance.

What You Can Expect:

• Dapper Reporter meets Boho Witch
• Adorable Yule Goat
• Holiday Festival
• Witchcraft in the Woods

Writing reviews for a living has trained Patrick Moon to internally criticize everything to the point where he rarely enjoys anything. That is until he takes on an extra assignment which whirlwinds him into the good graces of Aubrey Blackwood, a local craftsman and occult dealer. With the help of a rambunctious little goat and his - very tight knit - circle of friends, Aubrey opens Patrick's eyes to the magic of the world around him and shows him that the spirit of the holidays resides in your heart and not in your head.

As an added bonus, it contains some ROAM-related easter eggs. (Hey, wrong season!... 
Did I really just type that cheese?  *puts coal in own stocking*  I'll see myself out.)

If you've yet to read The Julbock, you can find it on Amazon (Kindle).  And if you have already read it then please consider leaving a review!  It's the best gift you can give an author.

Festively Yours,
Dez

- Be sure to stay updated with special announcements and new releases through my newsletter!  You can sign up on the main page of my website.
- If you're interested in my daily life and writerly musings, you can also follow me Instagram and Twitter.

OUT NOW

Amazon | B&N | NSP

It's time to face your nightmares.

Soon To Be Released

- HUNTER (ROAM, Book Two), coming April 2019 through NineStar Press.

Midnight Monsters & ROAM Meets Dreampunk

As you already know if you subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on social media, The Dead Oaks: Midnight Monsters is now available on both Amazon & Wattpad.  Huge thanks, love, and appreciation to everyone that has gotten a copy!  If you have a chance, please consider leaving a review either on Amazon or Goodreads.  Reviews help authors more than you know!  They increase our chances of reaching new readers and if you enjoy my stories then I hope you'll want to share them with others who might also like them.  :)

The first two chapters are currently available on Wattpad and a new chapter will be uploaded every Friday.  Or you can read the entire thing at once by purchasing on Amazon.  I won't do this with all of my books but it works best for YA titles such as this since some YA readers don't have the ability to purchase books on Amazon.

I hope you all have been doing well!  I've been posting all of my updates through my newsletter which has left this space a little barren.  So, my question is, what sort of content would you like to see here?  Would you like more behind the scenes and extras on my books and characters?  Would you prefer writing tips?  Would you like for me to obsess and rant about the paranormal in general?  All valid options.  Let me know if you have any preferences.

In other news, with the re-release of ROAM coming toward the end of this year, I've begun the process of delving back into the series and refreshing myself on my own dogma and taking many MANY notes.  I'm working on outlining the final book in the trilogy (Don't worry.  I still believe in prequels and spin-offs.) and I hope to begin writing it within the next month.  It's been a lot of fun to revisit these characters and to really sharpen my focus on how I approach the Dreampunk genre.  If you get a chance, I suggest reading this Dreampunk article by Cliff Jones Jr.  He's done an excellent job of documenting this ever-evolving genre; and if you scroll to the bottom, you can find me there with an interview!

Do you have any favorite Dreampunk stories?  

Have a great weekend & Happy Reading!

-Dez-

UPDATES: March 2018

I'm a few days later on my monthly update than usual due to being extremely busy and also not feeling 100% the past week.  Today has been great for catching up on things and so now I'll get you caught up!

WRITING

Life has kept me pretty tied up with tedious tasks so this morning was the first time in nearly two weeks that I'd had a chance to write.  Thankfully, though, my muse returned and I'm back to working on The Dead Oaks: Book Two.  I know I'm making you wait a long time for this one and I apologize but it's still in the works, so don't worry.  One major difference between this follow-up to the original that I can let you in on early is that the characters are becoming more of an ensemble cast, which is quite fun.  You can sample a small preview on Instagram.

I also finally made a decision about Grady's Case Files (A prequel to ROAM).  As much as I would love to turn it into a webcomic, I have to be realistic.  I don't have the time or resources to tackle a massive project like that in the way that I would want to.  So, I'm going to write it as a series of short stories for Wattpad.  I'm very excited to get started on it. (Hence Grady making an appearance on my new blog banner!)

ART

I feel like my art is always in flux.  haha  And in all honesty, I will probably stop posting about it here unless it ties into one of my books.  If you'd like to keep up with it, I post pretty regularly on my Art Account.  Mostly now, it's just a way for me to relax at the end of the day.  I do still sell my work on Etsy or Redbubble, though, if you see something you like.

PERSONAL

I did get a chance to catch up on the newest season of Voltron: Legendary Defender!  This weekend is for working on personal projects and, very importantly, relaxing.  Going to bake cupcakes and do some journaling with my daughter.  I hope you all have a great weekend!

Booklist 2017: Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday

Full Disclosure:  I rarely read books that are outside of the realm of "Fantasy" in some capacity.  Generally, they all have magic or supernatural creatures involved.  That being said, I decided to take a leap out of my familiar pond and read something that didn't involve ghosts, vampires, witches, etc.  Although, it did include horoscopes which is probably why I felt like it was the perfect way to ease myself into "normal".  *wink*

I'm so glad that I fished in new waters.  Supernatural-centric stories will always be my favorites but this book was a delightful romp nonetheless.  Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday is an adorable and charming love story about navigating the signs life gives you and trusting your gut enough to take chances.

Theo Wallace and his sister Leone are both heartbroken but very much want to move past the people that hurt them.  Inspired by one of the horoscopes that their mother sends them, they intend to do exactly that.  Theo and Leone make a deal to find each other dates to a spring wedding, giving them the opportunity to liven things up and make some new friends.  Enter Mr. Jamie Cooper, practically perfect in every way.  Theo is determined to make a love connection for his sister and finds himself endlessly surprised in the process.

I had a hard time putting this one down and would quickly pick it back up again at every opportunity.  Theo was incredibly relatable to me, so it was fun to read a character that I saw a lot of myself in.  Leone is a badass!  Such an inspiring lady.  I love her.  Can we please talk more about how much I love this woman?  *grin*  And Jamie?  Well, Mr. Jamie Cooper makes me want to be a better person; eat right, exercise, learn to fold my laundry properly.  Ha!

All in all, a super fun and insanely sweet read.  It's labeled as the first in a series, so I'm looking forward to more!  I also plan on checking out Anyta Sunday's other books as well.  I hope you will too!

**Bonus:  There's also a free download of a sexy follow-up to this book entitled Leo Tops Aries which you can also find on Amazon**

Thanks for reading!,
~Dez~