Currently Writing: PROJECT DWC

 

If you've read my previous blog posts or follow me on social media then you may have already heard me reference Project DWC. This is what I'm calling my current work in progress. DWC is short for the actual series title, which I'm not ready to reveal yet!

I'd initially intended to write this as a multi-installment serial (short story-length installments), but as I've begun writing the first book I have very quickly realized the format will turn out different than I'd imagined. It's just playing out to make much more sense as a series of novels. Yes, a whole new story world! I'd also initially thought I'd be self-publishing it, which might still end up being the case. But now, I'm also toying with the idea of submitting it for traditional publishing (i.e.- querying it to a publisher). There are still so many decisions that will have to be made in terms of how this story will finally be brought to market, BUT that comes later. I have to finish writing it first! All this to say that: I'm very excited about this story. It's what I'm spending all of my creative writing time on. And while I'd love to share more about it with you all along the way, I also beg for your patience because it might be some time before you're actually able to read it. But, as I always do, I will keep you updated on my progress on the journey to publication!

If you've missed my previous mentions of this project, it's a new MM Dreampunk series with an Urban Fantasy setting and built upon the framework of magic and multiverses. And for those who have read the ROAM series; yes, it is connected to the ROAMverse and there may potentially be some cameos or references to that series at some point in this one. Fun easter eggs to look forward to in the future!

I'm reluctant to give anything too detailed about this series away yet, as I'm still working on the first draft. But here's a sneak peek of an inspiration board I created that contains glimpses of what to expect in terms of characters, mood, and atmosphere. Each row represents one of the main cast of characters from the first book in the series.

Progress Report: I've just finished drafting Act 1 and am about a third of the way through the first draft.

Let me know if there are any specific types of behind-the-scenes teasers you enjoy so that I can share them with you! I'm hoping to keep you updated on my progress monthly as I feel that this book may take some time to fully craft and cultivate into the robust story that I know it will be. I'd rather take my time and give it the care it deserves than rush through it to please the algorithm gods.

Also, if there are any certain types of blog topics that you'd prefer to read from me this year, let me know that as well! Whether it's deep dives into stories or characters, writing tips, or something entirely different!

Thanks for reading!

Your Writerly Friend,

❤ Dez

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 -

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

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~

Grady's Halloween Party - ROAM Extras

Grady’s cheeks burned, and he cleared his throat as he took a step away from the lustful vampire, grasping desperately for something to say to distract him.

“I…love your suits. You’re both very dashing,” Grady finally managed.

“Oh, these old things?” Dacey laughed and rolled his eyes. “Please. We’ve literally had them for a century. Added the goggles, though, as they seem to be in vogue amongst the creatives these days. I always do enjoy a good subcultural trend. Although, Marcus made the valid point that they are extremely frivolous.”

“Well, what’s the point in wearing a costume if you’re not going to be frivolous?”

“That’s exactly what I said!”

________________________________________________________

ROAM is a great Autumn read, seeing as it takes place in October. Near the end of the book, Dr. Grady Hunter hosts his annual Halloween gathering; inviting all of his supernatural clientele to celebrate at his home. And now you're invited to join the party!

WHAT TO WEAR

What's a Halloween party without costumes? While dressing up is encouraged, we do recognize that some guests are proud of their supernaturally frightful nature and we welcome you just as you are!

GUESTLIST

It's Shady Pines' biggest paranormal shindig of the year! So, expect to see all of your favorite local ghosts and ghouls, vampires, werecreatures, and more! They're all looking forward to gossip, appetizers, and boos.

ON THE MENU

Speaking of appetizers, don't be embarrassed to remind others that you are not here for nibbling. It does get confusing for some. Especially to those who don't drink...wine.

FESTIVITIES

Along with food and banter with banshees, you can also look forward to parlor tricks, fortune-telling, communion with dark spirits, and seances to welcome those traveling long distances. Live piano music will also be provided by this year's special guest, Ethan Roam.

BEWARE

While we hope you have a magnificent night full of devilish delights, we caution you to avoid inviting any of the other guests home afterward. They have a tendency to become permanent roommates...

Have a fangtastic Halloween and celebrate at your own risk!

Dr. Hunter's Halloween Hostess,
Dez

[Photos from Pexels & iStockPhotos]

AVAILABLE NOW

AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | NSP

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

Want to be the first to know things?

Sign up for my newsletter on my website!

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.

DREAM WEAVER Release Date

DREAM WEAVER, the third and final book in the ROAM series, is action-packed, surreal, and unpredictable!


PREVIEW SYNOPSIS:

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.

DREAM WEAVER will be released March 2020 through NineStar Press!

Catch up on the rest of the ROAM series, now available on Amazon!

Writing HUNTER: Special Extras

(Special thanks to @aparanormalromance for providing this photo)

HUNTER has been out in the world for a little over a month now and I'm so thrilled with how well it's been received!  For those of you that have already read it and are wanting more of the ROAMverse, here are some Special Extras:

WRITING HUNTER: A Dreampunk Author's Journey

If you've been following me for a while then you know that HUNTER was originally self-published in 2017.  Once ROAM was picked up by NineStar Press, I submitted HUNTER shortly afterward and they signed it as well.  So, even though HUNTER is now seeing its official re-release through a publishing company in 2019, I actually wrote the story around this time two years ago.

I'd initially written ROAM as a stand-alone novel but, just a few days after completing it, I knew there was an even bigger story to tell.  Not to mention the characters wouldn't leave me alone!  And I mean that in the best way.  At the time, Dacey was speaking volumes so I decided to go ahead and write his story, The Revelation of Dacey Sinnett.  Once that prequel was finished, I had already set some major story arcs in motion and was ready to play them out with a sequel.

Other than the obvious desire to explore Ethan and Grady's relationship further, I began to really flesh out what I wanted from a Dreampunk story and how to continue the original message of the first book in a way that would still feel fresh and unique.  HUNTER owes a lot to the creative journey that I took in writing The Revelation of Dacey Sinnett.  It honestly wouldn't be the same without me having dived into that prequel first.  I had the chance to make the story so much more complex and to bring back some of my favorite characters.  It also allowed me the opportunity to set the stage for what's to come next...

HUNTER: Bonus Content

A HUNTER-inspired Mood Board on Pinterest.

What I listened to while working on this book: HUNTER Spotify Playlist

A fun Character Interview with Ethan, Grady, & Chris

Still want more?  Add some ROAMverse Merch to your collection!

HUNTER: Feedback

Readers have been incredibly supportive of this book!  I think I've received more positive messages on this one than any of my other books so.  Most people are excited about an event in the book which is a spoiler--so I can't mention it; but I'm glad it made so many people happy.  Readers also love the Dreampunk aspect of the series and the continued world-building.  I've also had a lot of lovely comments about Benny which, honestly, makes my heart soar every time because Benny is the first ROAM character that I ever created.  He predates the story itself because he's actually based on an original character that I used to roleplay as many many years ago.  haha  :)

Thanks again to everyone that has grabbed a copy of the book and also to those that have taken the time to send me messages and/or leave reviews!  If you have any other HUNTER-related questions or topics that you'd like to see me cover in future blog posts, please leave a comment or email me through my website.

Haven't read HUNTER yet?

No worries!  It's available here:

AMAZON | B&N | NSP

New Release - HUNTER (ROAM: Book Two)

HUNTER - OUT NOW

Dr. Grady Hunter has a vampire infestation on his hands in the town of Shady Pines but he’s been deserted by those best suited to help. After enlisting Chris Reed, a techno-mage, they find the vampires might only be the tip of a deadly iceburg. 


Returning home from his dream travels, Ethan Roam is eager to experiment with his newly discovered powers. But Ethan isn’t the only familiar arrival in Grady’s life. As more reminders of his dark past crop up daily, Grady and Ethan are swept up in a mystery of cosmic proportions.


Grady must fight to keep an ever-evolving Ethan on his side while being challenged by the ghosts of his past.

Available Online & Through Most Major Retailers

AMAZON | B&N | NSP | KOBO

Add it on Goodreads today!

HUNTER Available on Amazon

Great news, darklings! HUNTER (ROAM: Book Two) is now up on Amazon for pre-order!

What you can expect:

🔮Vampires...seriously, SO many vampires.

🔮Comedic techno-mage

🔮Werehuahua may be a crotch biter 🐕❗️

🔮Sandman tricks

Pre-Order Yours Today

Be sure to save your receipt because I'll be collecting them after the release! Everyone that pre-orders will get a little surprise in the mail as a Thank You from me.

You can also still pre-order directly from NineStar Press if you'd like to receive the ebook three days early!

Have a hauntingly happy week!

- Dez