Happy September!
Oof, it’s been a while since I’ve done an update, but… I’ve been a bit busy.
I finished book 2!
The sequel to Galaxy Grifter is now with my publisher! It is the second book in the Blackjack Interstellar series and will be published in Summer 2026 (northern hemisphere).
Getting it done is a huge weight off my shoulders and I’m excited to start sharing more details!
To celebrate, I want to play a fun little game called Guess The Title.
Please reply with your theories! And if you already know — 🤐
(Oh, and I have totally not stolen this idea from fellow Australian space opera author JP McDonald 🤫)
This is also your chance to ask me anything you want to know about the sequel.
OzComicon
Later this month, I’ll be wandering the halls of OzComicon Brisbane, most likely in cosplay. So, if you wanna talk books, sci-fi and characters, come find me. I may bring treats 😏
P.S. If I’m not wearing glasses, you may need to come closer or I won’t see you.)
SpecFicNZ Writers Summit
I’m doing a panel as part of SpecFicNZ’s professional development summit for writers!
What you an expect from this summit:
- Practical knowledge about writing both in long and short form
- Insider sessions on publishing, marketing, and bookselling
- A look ahead at Te Pae Tawhiti, the upcoming first ever professional judge national speculative fiction book awards.
- Updates on SpecFicNZ opportunities and how you can get involved
- Guest speakers from New Zealand and overseas
- A chance to contribute your voice at the AGM
- All from the comfort of your own home
I’ve been a member of SpecFicNZ for years now and it’s been incredibly helpful for my author journey.
Oh and did I mention I’m doing a panel??
I’ll be joining Melissa Gunn, Andy Southall, Caye Marsh, and our lovely moderator Cerid Jones to chat about different publishing pathways; including trad and indie.
I’m very excited! And also nervous, because I’m extremely awkward on camera (and off camera, but you don’t need to know that). But I’ve decided I’m gonna normalise awkward. It’s not just the smooth-talkers like Levi that deserve to be heard.
So, grab your tickets right this minute!!
Space Heist Book Recs!
Do you love space heists?! Because I do, and I’ve partnered with Shepherd to talk about the five best heist novels set in space and what I love about them.
The Weaving Spider & Moth
My friend and fellow sci-fi author Dal Cecil Runo is going through a really tough situation right now. Her mother is in hospital with stage 4 cancer, and Dal is blind and lives in a part of the world where there are no good social services and assistance available. You can read more about it in her threads post.
It’s also her birthday—clearly not a happy one.
You can help by buying her books or donating to her Paypal. It would mean the world to me!
The Weaving Spider & Moth is a near-future dark and literary sci-fi with metaphysical elements, a diverse and international cast, and important themes based on lived experience.
Dal also has short stories and merch available: https://linktr.ee/DalCecilRuno
I think that’s all from me. At least for now.
Stay rogue!
Xoxo
A. ZAYKOVA 