Ryan Southwick, Author

Newsletter

Japan and the Joy of Sharing

My trip to Japan. An unexpected encounter with a sci fi fan. My writing process in a nutshell.

Newsletter

If My Books Were Anime Titles

We have furniture (almost)! Fun anime titles for my books. Bluesky migration update, plus tips for getting started.

Newsletter

Zima Answers Your Valentine Quandaries: Vol 2

I have an office! Enigma makes the SPSFC4 quarterfinals (yay!). Moving my socials to Mastodon and Bluesky. Zima Answers Vol 2. My books rated by romance and spice levels.

Newsletter

Unflappable Fi Meets the Irascible Scientist

Moving update: Painting! Peleos progress. Fi interviews Crystal.

Newsletter

Timeless Keeper Book 3 Finally Gets a Name

Pic of Martian sunset. Holidays. 2024 in review, 2025 ahead. Timeless Keeper Saga Book 3 title reveal plus exclusive snippet.

Newsletter

Legend of the Hallsands Survivor

First Thanksgiving in Eureka. Website work done. Timeless Keeper Saga update. The story behind the real hotel on a cliff that inspired Penance in Enigma, along with the legend behind the phrase, "I'm a Hallsands Survivor." A special offer for subscribers only.

Newsletter

The Good Husband: A Chilling Halloween Excerpt

Brothers Week at June Lake. Self-Published Science Fiction Contest 4. A terrifying excerpt from Angels in the Mist. Graveside Press launches. Thunderhead. Gideon audiobooks.

Newsletter

Bonus Content: Enigma Exploration Chapter

Eureka. Timeless Keeper Book 3 update. Writing Coach page. Full bonus chapter: the original inspiration for Enigma.

Writing

Writing Resources

A living document of helpful resources for beginning and experience authors alike.

Blog

Book Review: Nona the Ninth

Nona's terminally optimistic perspective was so over the top that it became funny and never a drag to read.

Newsletter

Game of Thrones Didn't Need Dragons

Painting. New full-length video author interview. New character passports: Emra Telawani and Bard Whiteshore.

Newsletter

Now Boarding for Space Station Hemera

Moving madness. Timeless Keeper Book 3 update. Character profiles of Enigma's heroines: Britta Silverstar and Crystal Castleton. Book Review: Harrow the Ninth.

Blog

Book Review: Harrow the Ninth

I won't mince words: Harrow the Ninth was a slog. The only reason I didn't rage quit 10 chapters in was because a good friend had prepped me that Muir had attempted something that was clever but ultimately "just didn't work." Unlike

Newsletter

Your Exclusive Copy of "Project Xerxes"

Get your free copy of Project Xerxes! Follow Emra Telawani in this thrilling prequel to the Lost Colonies series. Discover the rich culture of Galileo and start your adventure today.

Newsletter

New Release Alert: "Enigma: Lost Colonies Book 1"

The science fantasy adventure Enigma is now available. Also check out the nifty new book trailer!

Newsletter

Exclusive Interview: The Intimidating Ambassador Hausen

Superbloom. Enigma release date and early days. Anne interviews Ambassador Hausen. Upcoming live book events in the Bay Area.

Newsletter

Space Elevators in Science Fiction

Explore the different ways space elevators are employed in my book vs the game Satisfactory. Pics from Yosemite and June Lake. Lost Colonies release update. Enigma book trailer update. Books featuring atonement arcs.

Blog

Enigma Cover Reveal

I'm happy to share José del Nido's latest masterpiece in the sparkly new cover for Enigma! José captured the protagonist Britta Silverstar perfectly: her slight figure, the ’ware on her left arm, her jeweled hair pin, and her bedraggled business outfit after a harrowing trek through

Newsletter

Great Costumes at Sac Con 2024

Busted appliances. New website. Enigma cover progress. Sac Con 2024 report and pics.

Blog

Book Review: Sweep of the Heart

Sweep of the Heart is a worthy addition to the Innkeeper Chronicles. Andrews continue to up the scope and stakes while keeping the story's heart around a girl and her magical inn.

Newsletter

Zima Answers Your Valentine's Day Quandaries

Zima gives Valentine's Day (mis)advice. Author spotlight on Steven D. Brewer. Website provider woes. Sac Comic-Con. Upcoming book trailer. An unfortunate DNF.

Blog

World Building

Different approaches to building your world and bringing it to life without overwhelming your reader.

Newsletter

The Sleepy Starship Captain Gets Grilled

Factorio. Migrated blog. Early Lost Colonies feedback. Cappa and Zima interview a very tired Commander Telawani. Early review of The Chicken Game by Linda M. Scott.

Blog

Crossover Character Interview: Charon

Zima and Cappa from The Z-Tech Chronicles interview Charon from Dragon Assassin Like most interviews, this one went in a completely different direction than I imagined. I'm only glad the two assassins didn't end up killing each other, although they might have if Cappa hadn'

Blog

Lost Colonies Compendium

A companion guide for the Lost Colonies science fantasy space opera series that will grow as the story expands. Includes a galaxy map, timeline, colony information, and additional reading.