Dan's Sci-fi & Fantasy Blog

Today on the blog, Annie Seymour discusses the true rags to riches story that is her inspiration of her novels Secrets of the Royal Maid and the newly released The Royal Maid Finds Love. I think Seymour's article gives credence to my belief that inspiration is all around us—we just I have to be observant.

Does super speed equal super fun? Does a superpower solve any of your problems? Orrrrr…just create new Gordian knots to untie? Arnov Kapoor wrestles with these questions and more in his latest graphic novel, Speedster. I also reviewed Kapoor's first book Super Guardian.

Trick or Treat! ‘Tis the month to celebrate all things paranormal, supernatural, suspenseful and mystical.

Read the books "the man" says are dangerous. Be a rebel! Read banned books! Think dangerous thoughts! Read Kindred.

Another missive from the edges of sanity—it's WIP Report time! I've always taken the advice to write what you know, literally.

It's time for another update on Coco the #1 dog! She's come a long way since arriving after last Thanksgiving. She's still pint-sized for a golden retriever and likely always will be, as she is the runt of the litter! But fear not, she still packs a bite—a love bite!

Pleased as can be about this! I always believed Zuri's story about being the new girl at a haunted high school was my best work when it came out. Here's proof I wasn't completely delusional!

While not writing or working the day job, I can often be found behind the camera. Here are some of my favorite shots from 2026 so far. If I had to choose my favoritest of all, it would probably be the snap above taken on a misty morning at Cannon Beach of the wife and the younger son. Without further ado, and in no particular order, on to my favorite snaps of 2026 so far.

Another missive from the edges of sanity—it's WIP Report time! In my quest to find comps for the Vampire Dragon WIP, I've read a few creature features. While most probably won't work as comparable titles, these unnerving yarns of unfathomable aliens, unethical genetic experimentation, and eldritch horrors are fun reads.

Another missive from the edges of sanity—it's WIP Report time! I planned to give Robbie, the protagonist in the Vampire Dragons WIP, a dog at home that he misses while away at a soccer tournament. While writing the draft, I decided to give another canine a more prominent role.

It's time for the mid-year writing goals update! Am I scoring goals or missing them?

Read the books "the man" says are dangerous. Be a rebel! Read banned books! Think dangerous thoughts! Read Lock In.

What aspect of writing do you struggle with the most? When I first started out trying to string sentences together, you could say I wrestled with the whole kit and caboodle—even if I didn't realize it. But what I grappled with the most in those early days was characterization, unless cardboard characters without discernible emotions are your jam! So I thought I'd take a moment to pontificate on some of my favorite denizens in fantasy and sci-fi literature. 500th Post!!!!! Whe

Recently, I convinced my now 11-year-old reluctant reader to pick up some science fiction novels. But there is a catch… these are books I read as a child. Not just the same title by the same author, but the exact same copies!

Read the books "the man" says are dangerous. Be a rebel! Read banned books! Think dangerous thoughts! Read Bag of Bones.

Angels and demons clash in Cassie Sanchez's new release Battle Beyond the Veil. Don't miss out on the giveaway below.

Today is release day for the fourth and final volume of The Allison Lee Chronicles! When I first started my writerly journey, one of my goals was to complete an epic fantasy series…well, I ended up writing a YA urban fantasy series! Bucket list item checked!

Meet Kyt, an alien known as a rax and confident to none other than Allison's nemesis, General Bane. She quickly bonds with Allison Lee and is a prominent character in the fourth and final volume of The Allison Lee Chronicles, The Bane Dragons.

Talk about an intriguing cover and title. Read an excerpt from The Book of Wands ands don't miss out on the giveaway below!

Meet Ranclath, a terrestrial octopus and higher-up in the Ulthian hierarchy. He's no friend to Allison Lee and a prominent character in the fourth and final volume of The Allison Lee Chronicles, The Bane Dragons.