New Here? Start Here
Welcome. I’m M.S. Olney, an independent fantasy and science-fiction author, and this is where I publish new fiction, talk about books and writing, occasionally rant about the state of publishing, and generally share whatever is occupying my mind that week.
If you’ve just subscribed and are wondering where to begin, this page should help.
If You’re Here for the Fiction
I write fantasy and science fiction, usually involving wars, ancient powers, ruined civilisations, dangerous worlds and people making questionable decisions with swords or spaceships.
Science Fiction
Nomad
Humanity once ruled the stars. Now it is almost extinct.
Thrackham Kay is a Nomad, one of the last humans still wandering a galaxy that has largely forgotten what mankind once was. Armed with ancient technology, a heavily armed ship and an AI with a somewhat unhealthy opinion of humanity’s superiority, Thrackham takes jobs nobody else wants.
Then one escort contract puts him in the path of something far bigger.
Nomad is currently being serialised as part of Sci-Fridays.
If you prefer military science fiction, ancient mysteries, first contact and humanity discovering that its history is far stranger than anyone imagined, this is probably where you should start.
Like post apocalytic fiction like Fallout and Mad Max?
If Fantasy Is More Your Thing
I’ve spent a fairly ridiculous amount of my life creating fantasy worlds, kingdoms, wars, heroes, villains and enough fictional history to worry any sensible person.
You’ll find ongoing serials alongside stories from my wider catalogue.
[START READING THE NIGHTBLADE]
[START READING THE CRIMSON BLADE]
[START READING MYTHS OF ALDARA]
Unconquered: Blood of Kings
Prefer historical fiction? I’ve got you covered. War, ambition, old loyalties and the struggle for power.
You can also explore more of my fictional worlds through the Library.
If you’re here for my takes on writing and life in general
Some of the biggest posts on this Substack have absolutely nothing to do with the latest chapter of one of my novels.
I also write regularly about publishing, indie authors, storytelling, AI, books, films, television and the strange habits writers have somehow convinced themselves are rules.
These are probably the best place to start:
Indie Authors Need Readers, Not Other Authors
Why indie writers need to stop treating other authors as their primary audience.
What 40,000+ Book Sales Has Taught Me About Readers
A few things more than a decade of publishing has taught me about what readers actually care about.
Why Modern Fiction Is Drowning in Thinly Veiled Smut
Exactly what the title suggests.
Creatives Can Use Whatever They Want
My view on AI, creative tools and why other people don’t get to dictate how somebody creates their work.
I’m fairly certain you won’t agree with everything I write.
That’s fine.
It would be a very boring place if everybody did.
What Do Paid Subscribers Get?
Most of what I publish here will always have something available to free readers. I want people to be able to discover my stories and articles without immediately being asked to hand over money.
Paid membership is for readers who want more.
Paid subscribers get access to the growing M.S. Olney Library, including complete fiction from my back catalogue, alongside subscriber-only material, early access and extras from the worlds I’m creating.
You’ll also get things such as:
Read-ahead access to selected serialised fiction
Complete books from my existing catalogue
Worldbuilding, lore and behind-the-scenes material
Early looks at new projects
Deleted or alternative scenes
Subscriber-only posts and updates
Special offers and discounts on my books
Most importantly, paid subscriptions directly help me spend more time writing.
If you enjoy what I do and want to see more books, stories and ridiculous fictional wars, becoming a paid subscriber is one of the best ways to support that.
Already Read My Books?
Firstly, thank you.
If you arrived here because you’ve already read The Sundered Crown, Star Core or one of my other books, this is where you can follow what I’m working on next.
You’ll find new fiction appearing here throughout the year, along with updates on upcoming novels, cover reveals, excerpts and occasional glimpses behind the curtain while I’m working.
You can also buy my books directly from me through my online shop.
Buying direct means more of your money reaches the author rather than disappearing into the pockets of a multinational corporation, which I naturally consider an excellent arrangement.
What Should I Subscribe To?
The easiest answer is simply to subscribe to the main publication.
You’ll then see my newest fiction and articles as they appear.
If you’re mainly interested in one particular series, you can also follow the relevant section and ignore the rest. I won’t be offended.
Probably.
The Short Version
If you like:
Science fiction: Start with Nomad or Star Core.
Fantasy: Start with The Nightblade or explore my fantasy catalogue.
Publishing and writing: Read my essays.
Everything: You’re exactly the sort of reader this place was made for.
Thanks for being here.
There is a huge amount already available to explore, and plenty more coming.
M.S. Olney