Autumn Preview
Here's a sneak peek at what's ahead this Fall!
Summer flickered through the fingers and scattered, dancing, like glitter in the air of memory. Now I look ahead to Autumn, facing new challenges, but also new opportunities.
In the past few weeks, many changes occurred in rapid fashion, and I suppose that it is one of those "it never rains, but it pours," even in this baking end to summer. While I won't get into all of them here, I have some that I can share, and I'm excited about those.
Note, if you'd like to support our Stars and Sabers Publishing horror anthology, OF DREAD, DECAY, AND DOOM, crowd-funding been moved to Ko-fi, and it will now publish in June 2026. Indiegogo proved unsuccessful this time around, so we've moved back to what worked best with our first anthology. Ko-fi works better to get money in the hands of writers faster, and has no hard deadline! Head here to learn about the book and back the project:
https://ko-fi.com/Post/Our-Third-Anthology-OF-DREAD-DECAY-AND-DOOM-K3K01GTTF9
September
September kicks off with some fun things to look forward to!
General preorders will open for THE SECRET OF THE SAPPHIRE SENTINEL, hopefully within the week. Currently, the only place to preorder it is via the publisher's website. But the global vendor preorder is about to begin, so look for that soon. This is the sequel to my Nebula and BSFA Award finalist book, THE INN AT THE AMETHYST LANTERN. Read all about the sequel here:
Jendia Gammon
The cover reveal for my fantasy debut novel, THE VALE OF SEVEN DRAGONS, will also happen in September, along with the rollout of preorders! I cannot wait to show you the gorgeous cover. Until then, read all about this new adventure, the start of a trilogy:
Jendia Gammon
October
On October 4, I'll be in San Diego for Scream Diego, a horror convention! First I have a reading (details to come), and then I'm on a panel talking about monsters! Details:
12:30 PM – “Monsters Reimagined: From Classic Creatures to Modern Nightmares”
In this conversation with award-winning authors, we’ll explore how fearsome creatures are being reimagined for new generations. From classic icons like Dracula and the Wolfman to modern terrors like the Xenomorph and the Demogorgon, this panel will examine what elevates a monster from ordinary to iconic. How do writers balance tradition and tropes with originality? How do cultural anxieties shape monsters that become legendary? Join us for a deep dive into the art of monster-making and gain insights into crafting creatures that stand the test of time. Featuring Jonathan Maberry, Jendia Gammon, Brian Asman, and KC Grifant!
October 10 - I manifested this on Threads, and now it's happening. There's going to be a Bad Poetry Night at Underdog Bookstore in Monrovia, California! More details forthcoming. I was partly inspired by one of my favorite romcom films, SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER. It's a fun, over-the-top movie and has some hilarious beat poet moments by Mike Myers. I just think we should have space to recite some truly terrible poetry, so Underdog Bookstore is stepping up as a venue. Love it! More on this soon.
October 21 - The release day for THE SECRET OF THE SAPPHIRE SENTINEL, mentioned above. Currently, I do not have a signing scheduled for this book, but if that changes, I'll update everyone.
It's possible I'll be at some other events before the end of the year, but those are not set in stone yet.
Writing Updates
I aim to finish three books between now and March. The first is a dark academia sci-fi/fantasy novel (with a tentative publication offer already), which I will try to finish by end of September. After that, I'll finish the prequel to the two Amethyst Lantern series books, called THE DAWN OF DUSK AND TWILIGHT, due end of December. Over winter, I'll finish the Vale of Seven Dragons sequel, COURSERS OF WINGS AND FLAME, due in March.
I'll be in a few upcoming anthologies, which I'll talk about soon.
My library of books is growing, and here is a snapshot for what's out and what's ahead so far:
Other News
I've been working on a lot of art for the past several months, much of it abstract, but also some realistic botanical art and some illustration commissions for a magazine.
As for the imprint, I've been busy coordinating the releases and securing new book deals for the future. Have a look at this fantastic roster! We have a new release out September 2, Eugen Bacon's THE NGA'PHANDILEH WHISPERER.
Stars and Sabers
In other news, since my longtime science writing position came to close, I've been applying to jobs. I had a good interview with a prestigious potential employer, and I'm waiting to hear back. Getting that interview helped me realize I had previously undersold my skills and abilities. I can now aim high, and hopefully get something in the near future. If that endeavor doesn't pan out, I have other plans in the works. Either way, I think my future day job will look quite different to what I've been doing for several years.
Change is necessary, and sometimes hard, but often it can be good. Autumn teaches us that. I'm nervous and excited and emotional, but also hopeful and determined.
Ad astra,
Jendia
