Scroll right down if you want to get straight to your newest treasure trove of PHABULOUS PHREEBIES.
Warning: My Real Voice Inside!
Here’s the transcript of the audio file at the top of this post:
Substacker @JulieMain recently wrote,
”Hey Substackers, I have a visually impaired husband, and I would like him to enjoy some of the content here, but even with accessibility tools, reading on a screen is a strain.
“If you care to take a moment and record an audio of what you’ve written, it would sure mean a lot to people like him. Just thought I’d share a little perspective. Lots of love!”
Thanks Julie, I think that’s a great idea, and I will try to remember to record my posts in the future on Substack. I’m just recording this on my iPhone at the moment and the quality is pretty appalling, but better than nothing.
Bye for now.
Cecilia
Footnote: Woke up again without an Irish accent. Tragic.
Second footnote: Have discovered you can only upload one audio file per post. Sorry Julie’s husband, the rest of this post will have to be text-only :(
Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance & Romantasy News
Now that I’ve traumatised myself by hearing my own voice, here’s a roundup of what’s new in science fiction, fantasy, and romance over roughly the past 7 days — fresh announcements, trailers, books, film/TV.
Heads up: I’m just sharing the latest news, not vouching for every project. Some of it sounds enticing, while some... I’ll let you decide!
Science Fiction
Film / TV / Media
The final trailer for Predator: Badlands dropped, revealing Elle Fanning in dual roles (as an android / synth twin) and hinting that the film’s setting might be one of “the most dangerous planets in the universe.”
Tron: Ares held its Los Angeles premiere, with a glam red carpet and high expectations for the next chapter in the Tron saga. Critics like the vibes and soundtrack, but not so much the plot. If the movie doesn’t pick up major steam internationally or get strong word-of-mouth, it could veer into flop territory.
Publishing / Adaptation
Disney acquired the rights to Katherine Rundell’s fantasy series Impossible Creatures for film adaptation, with plans to adapt the first two books and secure first rights for future works from the author.
Fantasy / Romantasy / Romance
Book News & Trends
Alchemised (by SenLinYu), originally a fanfic-turned-dark-fantasy-romance, landed a high-profile film deal reportedly in the seven-figure range.
A new dark romantasy, The Arcane Arts (by S.D. Coverly, the pseudonym for Dana Schwartz + Dan Frey), will launch May 19, 2026. It’s being billed as a mix of “romance, fantasy, and dark academia.”
In a quirky marketing twist, a special edition of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s romantasy The Primal of Blood and Bone is being released in “garlic‑/mayo‑scented ink,” aimed at grabbing viral attention on TikTok.
Industry / Market Trends
The publishing industry continues to ride the wave of “pull‑to‑pub”, where strongly performing fanfiction (especially those resonating on BookTok) are adapted, reworked, and published to broader audiences. Alchemised is a prime example.
Romantasy and fantasy overall are being credited with a significant bump in sales in recent years, in part thanks to BookTok and viral social momentum. Hooray for romantasy!
Phabulous Phreebies
Young Adult Romantasy (and funny Sci-fi)
Get these books fast. This one ends November 2nd
Cyberchicks in Love: A Satire for the Star-struck
by Barb Dwyer
The madcap adventures of a horde of beautiful young women all intent on pursuing the same movie star are woven into a spoof of fanfic, chick lit, bodice-rippers, virtual reality and travel guides.
“Cyberchicks in Love” satirizes the adoration of ordinary fans for their idols of the silver screen. “A rollicking read with all the ingredients of a cult classic!”
Brainiacs Unite - an all-genre giveaway for stories with intelligent characters
Follow vs SUBSCRIBE — What’s the Difference?
FOLLOW: If you follow me on Substack, my posts will appear in your Substack feed or app, ready for you to dip in when you want to read something high-class. ‘Follow’ is a second-rate option, though. Subscribing is much better. :)
SUBSCRIBE (for free): If you SUBSCRIBE, my posts come straight to your inbox. And you can choose how often — instantly, weekly digest, or not at all by email. Subscribing means you won’t miss something you’d enjoy. And let’s face it, you KNOW you’re going to enjoy my posts.
BEST OF BOTH: If your inbox is SACRED SPACE, you can subscribe and then turn off email delivery in your Substack settings. That way, you’re reading only when you choose. WIN!
HELP OTHERS: Substack counts subscribers when recommending writers to new readers. So WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE, it also helps my work reach the deserving few who’ve not yet read my stuff. Have pity on them! Help them join us in our realm of Sci-fi, Fantasy & Romance delights.
End of message.
This is Charlie Delta Tango, switching to silent running.
