I’m joined in my cocktail hour with a man of many talents, author Phil Lecomber. Among them is, apparently, cocktail mixing, as he has created a couple of lovely pousse-cafés for us to sip, as inspired by his interview. How thoughtful, right?
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Title: Murder by Memory
Author: Olivia Waite
Genre: sci-fi mystery
Publisher: tordotcom
Publication date: 18th March, 2025
Synopsis: A mind is a terrible thing to erase…
Welcome to the HMS Fairweather, Her Majesty’s most luxurious interstellar passenger liner! Room and board are included, new bodies are graciously provided upon request, and should you desire a rest between lifetimes, your mind shall be most carefully preserved in glass in the Library, shielded from every danger.
Near the topmost deck of an interstellar generation ship, Dorothy Gentleman wakes up in a body that isn’t hers—just as someone else is found murdered. As one of the ship’s detectives, Dorothy usually delights in unraveling the schemes on board the Fairweather, but when she finds that someone is not only killing bodies but purposefully deleting minds from the Library, she realizes something even more sinister is afoot.
Dorothy suspects her misfortune is partly the fault of her feckless nephew Ruthie who, despite his brilliance as a programmer, leaves chaos in his cheerful wake. Or perhaps the sultry yarn store proprietor—and ex-girlfriend of the body Dorothy is currently inhabiting—knows more than she’s letting on. Whatever it is, Dorothy intends to solve this case. Because someone has done the impossible and found a way to make murder on the Fairweather a very permanent state indeed. A mastermind may be at work—and if so, they’ve had three hundred years to perfect their schemes…
Welcome to “Writing Prompt Wednesdays,” a haven where your imagination can roam free in the realms of speculative fiction. As we embark on this weekly journey, it’s thrilling to think about the untold stories waiting to be penned in the domains of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding wordsmith, these prompts are your gateway to unexplored worlds and untapped potentials.
Every Wednesday, we’ll serve up a fresh, thought-provoking prompt designed to ignite your creative spark and challenge your storytelling prowess. Think of these prompts as a key, unlocking the doors to uncharted territories where your creativity is the only limit. From eerie, shadow-laden corridors of Gothic horror to the farthest reaches of interstellar space, and the mystical depths of high fantasy, our prompts are a kaleidoscope of possibilities.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to approach these prompts. They are mere stepping stones, guiding you towards the vast landscapes of your imagination. Use them to break free from writer’s block, to experiment with new ideas, or simply as a fun exercise to keep your writing skills sharp.
March 16th, 2025, marks a major milestone in genre publishing—the 20th anniversary of Apex Book Company! To honor two decades of groundbreaking science fiction, horror, and fantasy publishing, Apex is offering readers 20% off all available titles and issues (excluding subscriptions, merchandise, and pre-orders) from now until their anniversary date. The discount will be automatically applied to all qualifying purchases.
Founded in 2005 by Jason Sizemore, Apex Book Company emerged from Sizemore’s creative response to an early mid-life crisis and a monotonous city job in risk management software. Inspired by a local DIY fantasy zine, Sizemore initially launched Apex Science Fiction & Horror Digest, quickly gaining respect within the speculative fiction community. Over twelve issues, Apex Digest featured iconic authors such as Ben Bova, Lavie Tidhar, Eugie Foster, Cherie Priest, and Brian Keene, setting the stage for greater things to come.
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A new era of New Adult fiction is on the horizon with the launch of REQUITED, a dedicated imprint under Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR), a division of Hachette Book Group (HBG). Announced by LBYR President and Publisher Megan Tingley, REQUITED is set to publish its first titles in early 2026 with a boutique approach, releasing 10–20 books per year with a strong focus on author partnerships and cross-genre romantic storytelling.
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Title: We All Go Into the Dark
Author: Kevin Lucia
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Crystal Lake Publishing
Publication date: 6th December, 2024
Synopsis: In We All Go Into the Dark, Kevin Lucia masterfully blends atmospheric horror with cosmic dark fantasy, taking readers on a spine-chilling journey through small-town myths, cult horrors, and paranormal mysteries. If you enjoy creepy ghost stories, mysterious lore, and the ever-present sense of an evil lurking just out of sight, this collection will haunt you long after the final page is turned.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction has unveiled its highly anticipated longlist for 2025, featuring 16 genre-spanning novels that explore the effects of global events across the past, present, and future. As the 30th anniversary of the prize, this year’s selection continues to honor originality, excellence, and accessibility, showcasing the breadth and diversity of women’s voices in contemporary literature.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction was established to recognize and promote outstanding fiction written by women. Over the years, it has celebrated powerful storytelling, compelling themes, and deeply realized characters, bringing attention to both emerging and established authors. This year’s longlist embraces a broad spectrum of narratives, from historical fiction to speculative worlds, offering readers a chance to engage with stories that reflect and challenge our understanding of the world.
“These are important, far-reaching novels where brilliantly realized characters navigate the complexities of families and modern relationships, whilst pushing the boundaries placed around them. It’s a list that readers will devour and shows the echoes of world events on everyday lives as well as the power and brilliance of women writing today.” — Kit de Waal, Chair of Judges
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Title: Beyond the Deep
Author: Carson Fredriksen
Genre: Horror (Creature Feature)
Publisher: Baynam Books Press
Publication date: 25th January, 2025
Synopsis: In 1991, shortly after stopping at the Sammy’s Oasis resort, eight-year-old Mike Burgess witnesses the deep end of the swimming pool disappear and a creature emerge from its depths. Although he is able to escape with his life, his older brother Davey isn’t so lucky.
Years later, a new recreation center is built on the land that once housed Sammy’s Oasis. Mike tries to think that the creature is dead and buried. But after reading about several disappearances in the area, Mike realizes that the creature has awoken from its slumber and is seeking fresh victims. With the help of the complex’s receptionist, Ivy, Mike must stop the creature once and for all and uncover why the assistant manager, Lester Snidely, is so protective of the pool.
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