S. Kirk Pierzchala's Blog

For a Halloween treat, follow the link to my original spooky story, and then check out all the other participants in this year's fiction round-up! "Escape" by S. Kirk Pierzchala

A black cat crossed my path numerous times...coincidence?? It’s BasedCon time again! The time when busy authors and readers mingle and...

Book Six of the Beyond Cascadia series, Shadowminds, is LIVE! Readers who have been dying to know 'what happens next' after the end of...

Pretty cool, huh? Cover artwork and design (c) S. Kirk Pierzchala/Heron's Gate Press Things are getting down to the wire here, as I...

Spring is here and projects are busting out all over! We are getting delightful, balmy sun breaks in between showers and blustery winds...

My "manifesto" on AI art.

I have a Substack page entitled "You Might Like This," where I recently shared my thoughts on how AI is impacting the visual arts and how it will likely continue to do so. It's a rather long essay but I felt this is an important enough topic that I wanted to explore the various aspects in some depth.

While you're there, please consider subscribing, since Substack is where I've been posting longer thought pieces and reviews.

Click here for my AI manifesto.

Well, it's been a hot minute since I last shared anything with you all!

I'm happy to report I officially survived 2024 and hit the New Year running! I've been busy outlining and drafting the next two books in Beyond Cascadia and working on short fiction and art-related projects.

Of course, there's the usual rhythm of family life, friends, church, etc.

Oh, and I did squeeze in time to be interviewed by J.R. Handley of The Blasters and Blades podcast! It's a laid-back and freewheeling chat, so click the link to check it out and learn a bit more about me, my influences, and the Beyond Cascadia series!

(well, some of them)

If you are looking for titles to add to your holiday shopping list or boost your own reading goals for next year, hop on over to Catholic World Report to see what I (and 53 other contributors) felt were outstanding works we encountered in 2024.

It was a challenge to narrow it down to my top choices---I hope you enjoy my recommendations!

Happy reading!

Bargain hunters who enjoy a great read have much to be thankful for this holiday!

About 100 new and classic favorites are .99 or FREE! Some are traditionally published, some are indie, and all those I've sampled are excellent!

Three of my "Beyond Cascadia" titles are included at .99 each, so if you want to add them to your Kindle at the lowest price of the year, now is your chance! And try out some of the other offerings, as well---there are many fine books in a variety of genres available!

https://basedbooksale.substack.com/p/2024-black-fridaycyber-monday-based

"...dialogue, characterization, and pacing are extraordinary--more like a Hollywood blockbuster at times than a speculative fiction novel..." ----five star Goodreads review.

It's here!! "Stare at the Sun", book five in the Beyond Cascadia techno-thriller series, is now available in both ebook and paperback formats! Thanks for everyone's patience; it's been a bit of a bumpy ride but I believe it was worth the wait!

If you want a fast-paced political thriller with lots of personal drama, action, danger, and a hefty dose of transcendent oddness, don't miss this one!

From the back cover:

"As the beleaguered United States scrambles to mount a response to the rogue nation of Pacifica, cyber defender Owen MacIntyre has his hands full working with a network of mercenaries, funneling supplies to a growing insurgency trapped behind enemy lines.

But as new alliances are formed, and despite small victories and gleams of hope, the clouds of war continue to darken.

Soon, MacIntyre realizes that for victory to have a chance, he’ll have to risk losing everything he’s been fighting to protect, as the possibility of a showdown with Pacifica’s Chief Security Enforcer, the ruthless Hayden Singer, looms ever closer."

“Stare at the Sun” is the high-stakes, thrilling conclusion to the “Pacifica War” political plot arc within the greater Beyond Cascadia universe."

Get your copy today and don't forget to tell your fellow readers about it and as always----please leave a review!