May 2025
TOP SECRET, a new Birds with Words episode, another author interview, and a cover reveal with Pre-orders!
Redacted - Alone Together
The below is a fictious report created for Alone Together. The report is lore accurate to the events leading up to the series.
Alone Together: Update
Take it from me, writing three novels back-to-back has been a challenge. But I will say I now fully believe it’s the best option. As the story unfolds in book 3, I am finding elements that need to be reinforced in book 1 & 2. I would not have been able to accomplish this if those novels were completed separately. Current state, I plan to have a big announcement for book 1 soon! All of my ARC (advanced reader copies) readers have provided feedback, and it’s time to make tweaks. Book 2 has gone through the meat grinder with my editor, and I’m working to remove the red ink. Book 3 is now 90% complete.
The fictious report above - what the heck? Consider it a long-term teaser. Alone Together is going start at the chaos. The pieces have to be strung together through the books. But the short stories and additional pieces, like the report above, will be clues to the events. Look, let’s be real, it’s the end of the world. Do you really think we’re going to have all the answers? Maybe you can piece it all together.
Now, as promised, the cover reveal!
Pre-Orders are Up!
Just a big not here, there are two different editions of the paperback. Same content, but different retailer. One is not up for pre-order due to Amazon’s policy. BUT, it will be slightly cheaper than the existing one on release day. Barnes & Noble has an edition of the hardcover. If you like jacketed hardcovers and color images, that is the edition you’ll want!
Chance to Win!
Just like with Sinner’s Pass, there will be a chance to win a hardcover copy of Alone Together!
To be eligible you must:
Be subscribed to this newsletter
Be the first to answer the question in June’s newsletter
Good luck quickdraws!
Birds with Words, Episode 4: An Author's Decision with Sage Greer
Sage Greer shares her journey from the trenches of querying to finding a publishing home. Don’t miss her debut novel, To the End of the Line, out May 27,2025. Come listen in and see the tip of the iceberg to one of the many hurdles authors must overcome.
Sage’s story is unique as she speaks from experience with publishing in a French market. This interview is audio only, so don’t worry, you won’t miss any fun visuals if you’re listening on your way to work!
Dad Lit Podcast
I’ve been showing up on more and more podcasts. This time I had the unique opportunity to show guest speak on Dad Lit, an upcoming podcast focused on fathers who write. I share some intimate details about my upbringing, military experience, and how becoming a father shaped my writing.
Interview with Shaun Jooste
Tell us who Shaun Jooste is?
Hi there. I’m happy to be here. I publish by the name Shaun M Jooste. I’m an author of fantasy and horror novels, screenwriter, poet, game writer, and website content writer (this last one is my day job).
What are you currently working on? Can you tell us a bit about it?
I am currently working on 3 novels, but my main focus is on my second horror novel, Sacred Valley: Obversion. It’s sort of a stand-alone novel, but there’s an overarching plot that becomes more obvious the further we go into the 7-book Boatman Saga. In SVO, it follows Cassandra who ends up in a dark version of the haunted town, with whispers of people who have died in the real world. As she comes across demonic creatures and disturbed locations, she realizes that the bad things she had done in the past are being used against her. The series is inspired by the Silent Hill games, so that should give you an idea of what you’re in for.
What is most difficult about building your brand?
I think just making more people aware of my books; you know, the marketing aspect. I have some marketing experience and a new strategy I want to try, but finding the time between working, family responsibilities, and writing is tough. I’m trying to set an hour aside every day just for marketing, but it’s not getting there. I also feel I’ve wasted the last 5 years of my life solely focusing on work when I could have done more in terms of marketing my books.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Mostly from games and movies. I’ll be playing games or watching movies when suddenly a new idea springs to mind. Like wait, what if this actually happened instead. Or my love for games like Elder Scrolls Online, Diablo, and Fallout will make me want to write my own stories similar to them. I don’t want them to be fan-fiction though, so I create my own worlds.
How do you make time for personal projects around your other commitments?
I need to take breaks from my PC. My lower back, neck, and right hand get sore if I sit and work at it for too long. So I use those breaks for a quick exercise session, gardening, meditating, etc. If I want to focus on a personal project, I place it on Focus-to-Do / Habitica list and block out some time to work on it. I find that helps a lot. I have small crew on Habitica and so I set up quests for us to do, and as we complete our personal tasks, we level up and complete the quests. It’s a fun way to stay motivated.
What do you need in your workspace?
Coffee, music, desk light, and my desk fan in summer.
What advice would you give to others?
To honestly never give up. Also, find other writers to motivate you and talk about your projects. Joining the Dark Veil Society has made me feel less alone in my journey, and we’ve been sharing some great ideas.
Do you have any other talents or hobbies? Tell us about yourself!
Yes, I grow and nurture bonsai trees and have started a new business called Budding Backyard Bonsaist. I also have a passion for cars, which I share on my site Driver Digest South Africa. I love dinosaurs and astronomy, and regularly stare at the stars and visible planets at night. I also have a love for the elements, which can be found in my epic fantasy series, Celenic Earth Chronicles.
How do you develop your characters? Are any of them based on people you know?
I love simply creating characters based on how I’d like them to look. I don’t have any real inspirations and just visualize them in my head. In the CEC fantasy books, the main character is based on me and my love for wolves (I have a personal history with the nickname Shadowolf dating back to when I was 16, but more on that another day), and a few characters were based on past friends. But that’s about it.
What is your dream project you hope to complete?
Finishing the Boatman Saga, but also getting to all the other novels I have planned. I would also like to build a bonsai tree reserve for visitors to spend time in to relax and unwind.
Dark Veil Society - Horror as a new domain
Shaun Jooste is a Dark Veil Society author. He and other DVS authors can be found on the dedicated DVS webpage. The Dark Veil Society now has a dedicated location to make it easier for readers to find authors. If you like horror, you will find someone who writes what you are looking for in DVS.
Horror Writers - Unite!
The Dark Veil Society is a group of horror authors that provide mutual support for crafting their masterpieces. You can look forward to seeing new and upcoming horror authors as they publish their work. The DVS’s dedicated website is up and operational. Go find your next horror read!
Sinner’s Pass
“I think my jaw is sore from how frequently it was agape. S.S. Fitzgerald lured me in with the title and dragged me down to the depths of hell with this book.” - GoodReads Review
“Fitzgerald also explores the darker side of human nature involving greed and power.” - Reader Views
“This is a book that doesn’t just scare—it also makes you think, feel, and reflect.” - Amazon Review
Looking for More Authors?
The cool thing about knowing an author is you meet other authors. It would be selfish if I didn’t share that with you all! Indiosyncrasy is all about introducing you, the reader, to more authors. Indiosyncrasy runs a website and podcast to introduce you to your next reading journey.
I also will appear in Indiosyncrasy’s podcast soon, and sometime later this year I will be featuring Alone Together on her webpage. I am very happy to further this relationship, and I hope you all are excited for new content!
If interested in becoming an Alpha or Beta reader, please send all inquiries to: S.S.Fitzgerald.Writing@gmail.com
Awesome! Excellent news and so nice to see the interview live. Thank you.