Reviving & Revisions: Rereleasing DůO

 

Spring is here! And with it for me comes a sense of renewed creativity. I'm pleased to tell you that I'm currently working on the last of my "catching up" projects which is revising, reformatting, and rereleasing my serial DůO (previously a Kofi exclusive) as a novella available to everyone! Once I complete this project, anything I work on moving forward will be completely new material. It's like the bookend on an era of my author career thus far! That's not to say that I won't continue to add to the series I've already written or spin off the characters into new stories. In fact, The Dead Oaks Omnibus and a DůO release allow me the transitional point to do exactly that in the future if I ever so wish!

If you've read the new short story included in The Dead Oaks Omnibus then you probably picked up on that possibility already!

Why Revive DůO?

I've wanted to do this for a while but I wanted enough time to pass that it wouldn't have made it less special to those who got to experience it when it was an exclusive. A few years have now gone by and I'm currently working on some revisions that will enhance the story. I adore all of the couplings and characters I've created but Oscar and Doyle have what is probably my favorite partnership of all the pairings I've ever written (their banter truly can't be beat!) and I want all of my readers to have access to their story. I know my entire reader base will thoroughly enjoy them. It's also a fun opportunity to delve back into the same storyverse that ROAM takes place. DůO is a prequel to ROAM; on the timeline it takes place in the 1980s but in a different galaxy (side note: I really should create a timeline graphic!). However, there are enough references to ROAM dogma that readers familiar with the series will connect the dots. It's also an enjoyable read even if you've never read the series! And, without getting too spoilery, the ending does set up a potential plot point if the muse ever hits me to write another Ethan/Grady adventure.

After this, I plan to return to my draft of a new MM Dreampunk novel with all new characters (I'm calling this one Project DWC until I'm ready to announce the official title).

Updates on a DůO release date to come!

As always, happy reading!

- Dez 🖤

Reflections + Resolutions

 

It's that time of year again! The time for reflecting and making plans for the upcoming new year. While I do understand that pretty much every year never goes quite as planned, I do still enjoy creating intentions to take into the new year and then trying my best to work on them between the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of life.

2024 was an oddly challenging year for me because, on a personal front, everything was pretty normal. But as you all know, the world was still a dumpster fire and in mid-March, my day job produced a bully as my new boss and I spent eight months in complete frustration and dismay wherein my creative flow suffered until finally, in November, that negative person left and I was able to start to regain a sense of normalcy in the workplace again. However, I stand on the precipice of meeting yet another new boss this coming year, and I can only hope that they will be, at the very least, your average expectation of a boss. If not, I've certainly learned my lesson about protecting my mindset so that hopefully this time around, I can still create despite the challenges I cannot change. I think we're all going into 2025 holding our breath and hoping to stay above water for various reasons. And in the in-between moments, I hope we all still find it in ourselves to create a little magic.

As far as writing goes, 2024 ushered in the release of SOMNISCOPE: A Dreampunk Convergence. This is a collection of short stories from various Dreampunk authors and includes my story Looped. I hope you enjoyed it! And if you haven't grabbed a copy yet, now is a good time to add it to your 2025 TBR stack!

I also began writing Project DWC but stopped about 15K words in because of two reasons. One, the aforementioned attack on my creative energy. Two, I really wanted to rush The Dead Oaks: Omnibus into production. I spent most of the summer re-editing the previous four Dead Oaks books for this new edition and in the Fall, I began writing a new short story that will be included. It's almost complete and I plan to spend the first part of the year putting on the finishing touches and setting a release date.

I'm not making any promises about what will or won't be released in 2025, but my intentions are to:

Finish & Publish The Dead Oaks: Omnibus

Write a New Short Story

Continue Writing Project DWC

I'm also hoping to work on some mini-projects related to my books, such as more illustrations and maybe even a few craft projects. I'll share these on Instagram, so be sure to follow if that sounds like something you'd like to see!

I'm wishing you all a very happy new year and I'm here to support and cheer you on in all of your endeavors as well.

As always, thank you for all of your continued support and happy reading! 

❤ Dez

SOMNISCOPE: A Dreampunk Convergence is OUT NOW!

 

SOMNISCOPE: A Dreampunk Convergence is out now! I have a short story in this anthology titled 'Looped'. SOMNISCOPE features over twenty short stories by popular Dreampunk authors! Now available in print (ebooks coming soon).

My Dreampunk Books

The fictional worlds of Dreampunk take on many forms due to the genre's surreal basis. Many authors will have their own opinion on what constitutes a story as "Dreampunk", though one of the best descriptions so far can be found here. Due to the nature of the genre, each author has their own tendency to prefer to focus on varying aspects of Dreampunk. In my own work, I love to utilize the "Dream World" as an actual place that can be visited and a sort of in-between of our physical plane and other dimensions accessible through the universal subconscious. I also like to incorporate "dream tech" into my stories with a nod to two other more prominent genres: Cyberpunk and Steampunk.

With a new anthology, SOMNISCOPE, soon to be released, here's a brief look at my Dreampunk books so far and what I'm working on this year!

THE ROAM SERIES

ROAM was my first foray into the genre and my debut novel. In this series, I introduce the Dream World, delve into a Sandman dogma, and introduce both magical occult items and dream tech. This trilogy remains the basis for most of my Dreampunk work and while other stories may not include these characters, they are linked within the same "ROAMverse" if you will.

THE REVELATION OF DACEY SINNET

This prequel to the ROAM series is more of a Victorian Vampire novel, but near the end does open itself up to the label of Dreampunk by introducing other characters from the ROAM series and a bit of the aforementioned magical occult items.

THATCHER MAUGDEN AND THE DREAM WITCH

This short story included in MIRRORMAZE, is set in the ROAMverse but features all-new characters set in the Edwardian era. This story takes place primarily in the Dream World and introduces very Steampunk-influenced dream technology. 

LOOPED

Looped is my entry in the upcoming SOMNISCOPE, and has a more Contemporary setting. This short story is a Psychological Suspense tale that takes place in a mental health facility and is my most surreal writing thus far.

PROJECT "DWC"

My current work-in-progress, which I'll refer to as Project DWC, evokes much of what I created in the ROAM series in terms of world-building but will be an entirely new series with a new cast of characters. I have yet to decide if any ROAM characters will make cameos, but it's not out of the question.

I'm currently working on the first draft of the first book in what, I'm hoping, might become a multi-book series. At the very least, I could see it being another trilogy.

It's a Dreampunk Urban Fantasy featuring LGBTQ+ characters, dream witches and dream magic, dream creatures, and a lot of new dream tech.

It's incredibly fun to write and I can't wait until the day when I can finally share this new story with you all!

Until then, be on the lookout for Looped in SOMNISCOPE, coming soon! Subscribe to my newsletter on my website to be the first to hear when it's available.

Happy Reading!

❤ Dez

Somniscope is Coming Soon!

 

I'm thrilled to share that SOMNISCOPE: A Dreampunk Convergence published by Fractured Mirror Publishing is coming soon! This Dreampunk anthology features short stories by indie publishing's most prominent Dreampunk authors! And I'm honored to say that not only do I have a story included, but it's also the opening story of the book! My contribution is titled Looped and I can't wait for you to read it!

Release date to be announced SOON. The publishing company is just waiting on a few backend details. 

BLURB:

Another lonely night, another borrowed dream. You know you’ll never get to sleep on your own, so why bother trying? It’ll only waste time, and you’ve got to be up in six hours. Five and a half now.

What is it about other people’s lives that satisfies that gnawing hunger in your chest, if only for a moment? Living in someone else’s skin scratches an itch that can’t be reached any other way. All the little parts of yourself that aggravate like a pebble in your shoe… they’re just gone. Sure, everybody’s got problems, but they don’t have your problems, not exactly. It’s this momentary relief that keeps you coming back night after night.

So you pull out the device, plug it into the wall beside your bed, slip on the headset, and lie back onto your pillow. You close your eyes and listen to those ten hypnotic clicks, your countdown to dreamland. Precisely one second after the tenth click, you lose consciousness. There in front of your eyes is the loading screen…

Spring Updates

 

Happy Spring!

Summer is nearly here and it's hard to imagine that we're almost halfway through 2022 already. I haven't posted here since the beginning of the year so I wanted to share some updates on what's going on in my writing life!

There's a lot going on in the world (we all know so I won't get into it here), and I feel as though--to an extent--the weight of it has slowed down my writing process this year; BUT I am consistently writing, so I do have a few things to update you on.

Work-In-Progress

My main project at the moment is the sequel to The Dandy Medium (the paperback edition is currently on sale on Amazon). This M/M Gaslamp Fantasy catches us back up with Alfie and Sebastian several months after the events of the first book. New crimes are afoot and this time they heavily involve the citizens of the Night District. I won't say too much, but a certain vampire and his underground society play a huge role in this story! As for progress, I'm about 1/4 of the way through the first draft.

Coming Soon

If you enjoyed the Dreampunk Anthology Mirrormaze then you'll be pleased to hear that a second Dreampunk Anthology will be releasing later this year titled Somniscope! My short story contribution to this one is titled Looped and is a surreal, psychological drama. A bit different from what you've seen from me so far but still in line with my Dreampunk style (ex: ROAM series). This new anthology, featuring a wonderful group of Dreampunk writers, will release in December 2022.

Aside from writing, I've also taken on a role as a Proofreader for NineStar Press! I'm thrilled to be able to keep finding ways to contribute to the LGBTQ book community.

As you can see, I'm keeping busy. But I am hoping to get into the habit of updating this blog more regularly.

Thank you all for your continued support!

Until next time, Happy Reading!

- Dez

Reader Share

Thank you for sharing this gorgeous photo, toshsbookcorner!

Previous Post Highlight

Meet Mateo & Christopher From HOLLYWOOD TO HORSES

Quote of the Week

Reader Review

Ko-fi Exclusive Serial OUT NOW

 It's here!

I am now on Ko-fi and would love for you to join me! I'll be posting exclusive blogs and a monthly serial! I'm so excited to be on this platform and I look forward to sharing this new story and so much more with you this year! Thank you again for all of your continued support. 💜

DůO is a M/M Dreampunk serial that takes place in 1983 in a parallel demon dimension and is a prequel to the ROAM series (though you will not have to have read ROAM to read this) and focuses heavily on two Hunters, Doyle & Oscar, who work for the Order of Azoth. After climbing the ranks to become the best-of-the-best of supernatural hit-men, the pair begins to question the true purpose of the Order, discovering its corruption and a dark secret that could destroy the multiverse.

✨

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! 🥂

Do You Dare To Enter The MIRRORMAZE?

 

MIRRORMAZE: A Dreampunk Anthology is OUT NOW! My short story, Thatchter Maugden And The Dream Witch, is included in this collection of over 20 Dreampunk stories by today's leading Dreampunk authors!

We find ourselves in a very strange place.

Technology is embedded so deeply in our lives that it no longer feels separate. It's taken for granted, like breathing. Whatever can be imagined can be experienced, if not in the "real" world then somewhere else. Somewhere better. This is our new reality. We live inside our heads, in our dreams.

Come navigate a labyrinth of visions, illusions, nightmares, and fantasies.

Available Now!

PAPERBACK | EBOOK

Thatcher Maugden And The Dream Witch

 

(Images for illustration purposes only.)

The release date for MIRRORMAZE: A Dreampunk Anthology is fast approaching! Thank you so much to all of you who have already pre-ordered a copy! ❤

Today I want to put a spotlight on my short story which is part of this first-ever Dreampunk anthology, Thatcher Maugden And The Dream Witch.

Thatcher Maugden is an Edwardian-era magician who finds himself swept into the Dream World by a Nightmare Demon who tasks him with the duty of piloting a dream-skimmer and ridding the Dream World of any would-be trouble makers, aka lucid dreamers. He's resigned himself to his new surreal career until the day that he stumbles upon a Dream Witch who changes everything.

BONUS FEATURE

So, for those who really like to dig into fictional worlds and who have read my other books, I'm thrilled to tell you there is a connection. The story of Thatcher Maugden not only takes place in the same universe as the ROAM series, but Thatcher also happens to be Ethan Roam's great-great-grandfather! This is not specifically stated in the short story, but it was my intent while writing. Just some fun background info. and world-building extras for you. :)

MIRRORMAZE releases on December 8th and contains short stories from 22 science-fiction and fantasy authors!

Pre-Order Now!

Ebook | Paperback

❤ Dez Schwartz

DREAM WEAVER - Out Now!

Happy Release Day!

DREAM WEAVER is officially out in the world and I am thrilled to finally be able to share this exciting and surreal conclusion of the ROAM series with you!

I'll be checking in on all of my social media platforms today so be sure to drop by and let me know if you grabbed your copy. I look forward to chatting with you!

Now Available On:

AMAZON | NSP | B&N | KOBO

Add on GOODREADS today!

DREAM WEAVER Inside Look

     

DREAM WEAVER releases April 27th! Preorders are available through NineStar Press and will arrive 3 DAYS EARLY. Add it on Goodreads today!

In this exciting conclusion to the ROAM series, Ethan and Grady must team up with their friends and some Celestial beings with questionable motives in the ultimate effort to find the original Sandman and stop Phantom and the Order of Azoth from taking over the Dream World and altering life on Earth. 

A few familiar characters also have cameos. Curious who they are?
I won't ruin the surprise for you, but they're from these two books:

      

Special Extras while you wait for the release:

• DREAM WEAVER Pinterest Moodboard
• Ethan Roam Pinterest Moodboard
• Grady Hunter Pinterest Moodboard
• Spotify Playlist

We also have a FACEBOOK GROUP if you'd like to join! It's just getting started, so please feel free to post away with anything related to my books or similar topics (Everyone enjoys a good vampire discussion. *wink*).

Thank you so much for your continued support and I'm looking forward to sharing this exciting (and surreal) conclusion with you! 

- Dez -

Preorder DREAM WEAVER Today!

DREAM WEAVER is now available for PREORDER on NINESTAR PRESS Order today and get it 3 DAYS EARLY (April 24)!

DREAM WEAVER is the exciting conclusion to the ROAM trilogy! Ethan Roam has faced a lot of nightmarish challenges—finding out he’s a sandman, falling in love with the man who once hunted him, and thwarting attacks from The Order of Azoth, a secret occult organization set on using his bloodline to conquer the universe by controlling immortality. And the battle is far from over. To defeat The Order and its leader, Phantom, Ethan must first find the original Sandman and then bring the fight to the Dream World. Saving the universe might be too tall an order for one dream creature, but with the help of his friends and some Celestial beings with questionable motives, Ethan just might be able to weave a trap of surreal proportions. EXCERPT: “Nightmare’s Gateway isn’t so much a place as a state of mind.” Mercury’s scythe appeared in his grasp. They’d learned he only produced the blade when things were about to get messy. “All that’s required of you is to suspend any disbelief you may have and cross the threshold. You’ll find his home quite…immersive.” “Since you’re most familiar with him, why don’t you lead the way?” Marcus chimed in a dare. For once, Grady and Marcus were on the same page. “As you death wish.” Mercury gave a cheeky nod. He strode with confidence into the swirling oblivion. The smoky tendrils consumed him, and he vanished from sight. “Will we even be able to survive going in there?” Grady asked Kit. “I think so,” Kit answered. “Depends on you, really. Just remember the truth. He’ll try to make you forget what’s real.” Grady frowned. “Well, that’s unnervingly vague. Thank you, Kit.” She gave them an encouraging smile and bounded into the darkness alone. “Second guessing your resolve?” Marcus teased him. “Not at all,” Grady defended. “Just trying to ascertain any helpful information before blindly jumping into what looks like a pit of cosmic despair. Yourself?” “I’m a vampire, Hunter.” Marcus smirked. “Darkness is my home.” He sauntered into Nightmare’s Gateway without a second thought. Ethan took Grady by the hand. “We’ll go in together. I’ll do everything I can to make sure we come back out together too.” Appreciating the solidarity, Grady squeezed his hand in return. They both allowed themselves to be engulfed by the Gateway. DREAM WEAVER (ROAM #3) releases April 27th! PREORDER from NSP and get your copy 3 DAYS EARLY!

DREAM WEAVER Cover Reveal + Blurb

Today I am beyond thrilled to finally get to share the cover for DREAM WEAVER with you all! And yes, that is Mercury! I absolutely love this cover and how it looks next to the previous two books. Our Dream Team!

DREAM WEAVER is the final book in the ROAM trilogy and has:

✨ Sandman Tricks

✨ Celestials & Dreamscapes

✨ Mercury Made Me Do It

✨ Jackalope Elemental—whaaaat?!

Add it on Goodreads today! Preorders available soon. Book releases March 30th from NineStar Press.

Ethan Roam has faced a lot of nightmarish challenges—finding out he's a sandman, falling in love with a man who once hunted him, and thwarting attacks from The Order of Azoth; a secret occult organization set on using his bloodline to conquer the universe by controlling immortality. And the battle is far from over.

To defeat The Order and its leader, Phantom, Ethan must first find the original Sandman and bring the fight to the Dream World. Saving the universe might be too tall of an order for one dream creature but with the help of his friends and some Celestial beings with questionable motives, Ethan just might be able to weave a trap of surreal proportions.

I'll be sharing more from DREAM WEAVER soon, including some fun extras like moodboards and playlists. Be sure to follow me on Twitter if you haven't already as I'll be posting things daily.

I can't wait to share this exciting conclusion with you all!

- Dez -

Hello 2020! - What I Have Planned For This Year

Happy New Year! 

I'm looking forward to this new decade ahead of us. Last decade was when I finally put myself out into the world as a writer, published my first book, signed my first publishing contract, and wrote and published several more! I plan on continuing down this path that I love for years to come!

So, what can you expect from me in 2020? Here's what I have lined up so far.

PUBLISHING:

✨ DREAM WEAVER (ROAM: Book Three) will release through NineStar Press this Spring! This is the last book in the main trilogy, but I'm sure you'll see more from the ROAMverse in the future.

✨ Thatcher Maugden And The Dream Witch is a short story that will be included in a first-ever Dreampunk Anthology featuring a number of Dreampunk authors. Release date TBA (but rumors are that it should be expected around Halloween. *fingers crossed*)

WRITING:

✨ I'm currently working on something slightly different from my usual genres. A Contemporary M/M Rom-Com! There may not be any supernatural creatures in this one, but it's packed full of the sort of humor you've come to know from me.

✨ Later this year, I also plan on writing the final book in The Dead Oaks series. No promises on when to expect this one to be published. We'll just have to see how things go.

There you have it! Those are the main projects that I'll be focusing on in 2020. I hope to work on some smaller things here and there throughout the year as well if time allows.

I hope you're as excited about these as I am and I wish you a spectacular start to the new decade!

Cheers! 🥂

~Dez~

ROAMiversary! One Year Later

One year ago today (Oct. 1st), ROAM had its first traditional publishing through NineStar Press!  Previously, the book had been self-published.  And this past April, its sequel, HUNTER, was also released through NSP.

I'm happy to say that the ROAMverse is still going strong and I'm so excited for everything to come!  Thank you all for joining in on the adventures of my band of paranormal Dreampunk misfits.

Some Fun ROAM Extras:

ROAM Pinterest Boards

ROAM Playlist

ROAM Launch Party Transcript

Conceptualizing ROAM

The Mechanics of Sleep Travel

Fun Casting ROAM

What's Next For The ROAM Series?

DREAM WEAVER, the third ROAM book will be headed your way in March 2020!  This will complete the main trilogy and tie up the end of Ethan and Grady's story.  Eventually, ROAM will also be released in Spanish through NineStar Press.  It's in the works but no date is set yet.

Future ROAM Plans?

As you may know, The Revelation of Dacey Sinnett is a prequel to ROAM.  In a similar vein, I have also been sitting on plans for a short story prequel series about Grady's life before moving to Shady Pines.  I can't give you any real timeframe for when I might write these because I have a number of other projects that I really need to focus on and I also haven't decided the best way to go about releasing something like this yet.  I'm considering doing it as a supporter project through Ko-Fi but I'm still on the fence.  HOWEVER, I do have plans to write more stories in the ROAMverse, focused on new characters which will more than likely include cameos from some old favorites.

Until then, be sure to keep following this blog and join me on Twitter!  I'll be posting more ROAM-related things very soon.

Yours, always dreaming up new stories,
- Dez

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OUT NOW

Haunted Road Trip: The third Dead Oaks novella!

Available on Amazon

COMING SOON

DREAM WEAVER: The fourth and final ROAM novel. March 9, 2020.