Blog Archives
Life’s Greatest Mysteries
Dark Matter is a tightly woven collection of techno-thriller novellas that dive into themes of surveillance, data manipulation, artificial intelligence, and ethical collapse. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?
The inspiration for almost everything I write comes from fear. Each story dives into a fear that I have, whether it be wasps or having my online data used against me. I tend to get into the “what if” scenario, and that really drives my speculative theories. The future is coming at us so fast in real life that some of my scenarios may even seem like they’re already happening in a way, and I think that really hits home with readers.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Our relationships are what drive our experiences in this world. Imagine going through life without interacting with another living being–it would almost be impossible (or it would be incredibly boring). These relationships create drama and tension needed to establish a relevant story that readers will enjoy. From those relationships come actions–I often find myself debating what actions my characters should take, and it makes it fun for me. Almost like I’m playing God. Great fiction showcases these relationships and actions in a unique way by shining a spotlight on our fears and desires. We all want something in life, and I lean on that with my characters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection of stories?
Definitely artificial intelligence. It’s such a hot topic as we are in an AI revolution that will put the Industrial Revolution to shame (in my opinion). Death is also one of life’s greatest mysteries, and I always enjoy tapping into that theme. But to be frank, I don’t sit down and say, “Okay, what theme do I want to drive with this new story?” I typically come up with a premise, start to build the characters and world, and let the muse guide my story. The themes will often expose themselves through character development and their growth. For example, in the story “The Chair,” the main character has a distaste for the lower class. I didn’t start the story thinking the division of economic status would be a major theme; it naturally grew to end up being a main piece of the main character’s arc and the conclusion of the story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m definitely focused on the launch of Dark Matter coming out in September, but I am working on my next novel. It’s called Zero, and it’s actually based on a short story I wrote in college. I’ve been wanting to dive back into this particular story and can’t wait to expand on it. I’m hoping to release it in 2026, but it will most likely be available later that year. I love books and movies on time travel, and this book will be in that genre. Expect a twisty, epic adventure with a lot of heart.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In this haunting collection of speculative tales, Robert Plant examines the razor-thin line between innovation and annihilation. While technology has crept into the cracks of human life, the potential for destruction and chaos lurks beneath the surface.
Within these pages you’ll discover a dating app with deceitful intentions; a family off the grid desperate for help; a game show blurring the lines of reality; a woman trying to save her game with unthinkable consequences; a writer’s getaway turned trap; the possibility of eternal life but at a cost; and an AI assistant who will do anything to make you happy.
Terrifying yet familiar, Dark Matter shines a light on the shadows of our relationship with technology. These stories not only envision our future, they warn us about the present.
Featuring “The Perfect Match” – the grand prize winner of the 2025 Small Bites Short Story Contest from Indies United Publishing House
Our Darkest Reflections
Finitude and Beyond is a collection of nine science fiction short stories that explore the edges of human existence—where time, identity, love, and mortality converge in strange and often heart-wrenching ways. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?
Growing up, I was always drawn to humanity’s greatest achievements. Space exploration represented one of our highest aspirations—our desire to reach beyond ourselves and touch the untouchable. In those same dreams, I found our darkest reflections: isolation, fear, and the weight of choices made in desperate moments. This collection sort of grew from that dichotomy.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
We’re this remarkable species that can conceive of infinity, create art that moves us to tears, and love so fiercely we’d sacrifice everything for another person. Yet we’re also capable of breathtaking cruelty, willful ignorance, and destroying the very things we claim to cherish. What fascinates me is that these aren’t contradictions—they’re features of the same complex system. There is a line from this brilliant show Pantheon where this program sums it up best. “Humans are a low-entropy self-replicating phenomenon that generates a binding force called compassion.”
Do you have a favorite story in the collection, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
That’s tough, I really enjoyed writing “The Captain and The Sower.” I was in such a good mental place when I was working on it but if I had to choose a favorite it would be “A Mere State.” It was the first story I started writing back in 2020. It’s different in two ways. It’s the only epistolary work I’ve ever written and the only sci-fi story set in the past.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My debut novel, Local Gods, is currently in its last few rounds of copy edits. The expected release date is sometime in the middle of October. Without going too deep, Local Gods is a science fiction drama that explores the sinister threads of capitalism, faith, and power, asking what price we’re willing to pay for comfort—and whether anyone can truly escape Earth’s oldest sins, even among the stars.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Finitude and Beyond is a provocative collection of existential science fiction short stories that plunges into the depths of human nature, where isolation breeds paranoia, guilt becomes a prison, and the relentless march of technology reshapes what it means to survive.
In nine gripping tales, C.K. Adams crafts intimate, philosophical science fiction narratives reminiscent of Ted Chiang’s psychological depth and Ray Bradbury’s mortal insight. These are stories of raw, flawed individuals confronting transformation, loss, and the often-chilling consequences of progress in worlds both familiar and foreign.
Prepare to explore futures where:
A hardened Pathfinder escorts a family through a world fractured by interdimensional beings. This journey is different, as her cargo begins to alter her understanding of reality itself (Unbeing).
Aboard a generation ship hurtling through space, a young woman’s quest to find meaning in a life predetermined by others becomes a battle to preserve humanity’s collective memory (The Bridge).
A rescue team investigates a frontier colony’s mysterious communications blackout (Colony).
A talented linguist’s obsession leads her to the star system of an ancient alien civilization, her curiosity aids her in challenging the very nature of communication (The Otrimi Archive).
A grieving physicist’s obsessive quest to scientifically prove the soul’s existence blurs the line between breakthrough and unforgivable sin (A Mere State).
…and four more journeys that will linger long after the final page.
Perfect for readers who crave thought-provoking sci-fi that isn’t afraid to explore the darker corners of human nature and the ethical quandaries of future technology.
Wild Ride
Smuggler’s Love follows a space smuggler navigating a web of intrigue and ruthless gangsters who is trying to keep himself and the woman he loves safe from assassins and other unsavory types. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
So the Reese Daniels Smuggler series is a prequel novella/novelette series for my Epherium Chronicles novel series. I wanted to use as a way to get readers engaged in the events before the novels started, especially the alien invasion. Reese Daniels is such a fun character and I wanted to use his stories as fast-paced action-packed adventures to paint more of a picture for the sci-fi world I had created. With Smuggler’s Love, readers get to experience more of the intrigue in Reese’s life, both from the criminals and from the law enforcement members of EDF Security.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that developed between Reese and Irina?
When I created Reese’s character, he was a free spirit, but he has a protective side. Ever since the tragic death of his parents, he’s been extremely protective of his younger sister and when it comes to relationships, they never really last. In the previous story, Smuggler’s Guilt, Irina Almora enters his life, unexpectedly and presenting a connection he wasn’t prepared for. In Smuggler’s Love, that relationship blooms, but he falls into the same pattern of wanting to protect Irina and she’s someone who has grown up in a life surrounded by dangerous people. It’s an interesting and powerful dynamic which presents challenges for them both. Mix in trouble from both their pasts and you have a wild ride ahead.
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
As an engineer, I always want to present a sense of realism in my writing. Having the science in science fiction enhances the story, much like The Expanse series and books like Old Man’s War present. The trick I have found is to not to get trapped in exposition to explain it. Give the feel, the effect, and the visual then let the reader’s imagination take it from there.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I have several more books in this series planned. The next is called, Smuggler’s Loss. Reese, still struggling with the loss of Irina, takes on a new risky set of jobs that put him in conflict with a new enigmatic group called The Collective. His sister, Gracie, will have a much more involved role in this story and characters like Grimm, Jax, and Maya Greywalker will return.
Readers can also follow some new stories about characters from Reese’s first adventure, Smuggler’s Valor. The Marine cadets he saved have graduated and begin their first mission in a story called Titan’s Hell: A Black Watch Regiment Story. It is part of a newly released anthology on Amazon titled, The Expanding Universe Volume 10.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Relationships and smuggling are tricky business, and for Reese Daniels tricky is a steep slope to disaster.
Enter Irina Almora, niece to mobster Gideon Almora, the same man Reese helped bring down a few months ago. While on a simple delivery to Mars, Reese and Irina become the targets of assassins, security, and other unsavory types who want Irina for who she is and what she knows.
Short on friends and his enemies list growing, Reese must navigate a tangled web of intrigue and ruthless gangsters to keep them both alive.
Smuggler’s Love: A Sci-Fi Action Adventure (Reese Daniels Smuggler Series Book 3)
Smuggler’s Love by TD Wilson offers a gripping sci-fi adventure that’s both refreshing and thrilling. At its heart is Reese Daniels, a smuggler by trade and a criminal by necessity. While he skirts the law to make ends meet, Reese doesn’t see himself as a villain, just someone who’s willing to bend the rules when it benefits him. His main source of income comes from smuggling, but occasionally, he finds himself entangled in side ventures—like taking down mob boss Gideon Almora. This twist brings Irena Almora, Gideon’s niece, into his life. On a routine delivery to Mars, Reese and Irena find themselves drawn into a dangerous web. Unsavory figures now want Irena for leverage and wouldn’t hesitate to use Reese as collateral. Forced together by circumstance, the two must navigate not only the perilous situations they find themselves in, but also the growing connection between them. What starts as a partnership to survive soon becomes something more, adding emotional stakes to the physical danger.
Wilson’s third installment in the Smuggler series doesn’t disappoint. While Reese may evoke memories of Han Solo, the character stands firmly on his own, with wit, charm, and a knack for getting into—and out of—trouble. Though part of a series, Smuggler’s Love works equally well as a standalone, introducing newcomers to a cast of well-rounded, engaging characters without the need to backtrack. What sets this novel apart from typical sci-fi fare is Wilson’s ability to develop his characters while maintaining the fast-paced narrative. Reese’s charm is magnetic, but it’s his depth and complexity that make readers care about his fate from the very first page. Irena, meanwhile, offers a dynamic counterpoint, evolving from a potential damsel in distress to a force to be reckoned with, holding her own in both banter and action as the stakes rise. I found the plot a bit predictable at times. While the action sequences are fantastic, some of the twists—like the betrayal Reese faces from people he trusts—feel somewhat expected. That said, the writing still keeps the reader invested, and the characters’ decisions—especially Reese’s—are compelling enough to make you care about the outcome.
Smuggler’s Love is a fast-paced, character-driven sci-fi adventure that showcases TD Wilson’s talent for blending action with engaging storytelling. The chemistry between Reese and Irena, coupled with the exciting and perilous situations they find themselves in, makes for a compelling read. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Smuggler series or a newcomer, this book offers a satisfying mix of thrills, humor, and heart.
Pages: 86 | ASIN : B0D1LQWKD2
Possibilities: 10 Short Stories Complete the Cycle
Words have the transformative power to shape thoughts, influence emotions, and drive actions. Jeff Layton’s Possibilities: Ten Short Stories Complete the Cycle stands as a testament to this belief. This collection is an amalgamation of short stories, musings, and reflective pieces, each drawing upon the author’s inspirations and observations.
Layton’s work is steeped in magical realism, exploring themes of life, nature, and psychology with a keen eye. The prose is rich and thoughtful, making each story in the collection a showcase of creativity and insight into the human condition. The stories bring to life a world where the mundane intertwines with the extraordinary, allowing nature to emerge as a vivid character. Forests whisper secrets, and the ordinary becomes magical, highlighting Layton’s prowess in storytelling.
While the book delves deeply into philosophical themes, offering a richly textured reading experience, its prose is lush and evocative, occasionally embracing an indulgent style that adds to its unique character. Layton’s use of elaborate descriptions and metaphors enhances the atmospheric quality of the tales but might not align with preferences for a more straightforward narrative style. This delicate balance between poetic language and clear storytelling sometimes tips in favor of the former. Among the stories, “The Song of Trees” stands out for its remarkable imagery, exemplifying Layton’s ability to portray the beauty in everyday life with elegance and subtlety. This story, in particular, captures the essence of Layton’s skillful narrative craft.
For readers who are drawn to surreal and philosophical explorations, Possibilities offers a rich, thought-provoking journey. It serves as a compelling reference for those who appreciate the intertwining of the real with the magical, presented through a lens of deep introspection.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0CLKYVVY6
A Large Criminal Enterprise
In Smuggler’s Guilt, a man known for his smuggling skills finds himself working to bring down a cartel at the risk of his own life and moral code. What was the inspiration for this second book in your series?
I enjoy mysteries, adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy stories and shows. With Reese as a Smuggler, I planned for him to have run-ins with various criminal elements, and putting a large criminal enterprise operating in the belt or outer colonies was easy, not unlike The Expanse or Babylon 5.
What were some books or movies that you think were your main sources of inspiration for this story?
Modern and old-style sci-fi like Star Wars, mainly Han Solo, Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Bablyon 5, etc., provided some great inspiration for me.
Are there any characters that you especially enjoy writing for in this series?
Reese is so fun to write. Reese has that snarky, smart-ass quality, but a compassionate side for his family that makes him very relatable. Also, Maya Greywalker is a bad-ass and she is featured in my other Epherium Chronicles novels.
Can you give fans some insight into where the next book will take main character Reese Daniels?
The next story is called Smuggler’s Love and begins 3 months after the end of Smuggler’s Guilt. Reese and Irina’s relationship has progressed, but that kind of involvement with a family member of a crime family is wrought for trouble.
Here is a look at the opening:
“Experience provided me a long career. My adventures took me places I couldn’t dream when I was kid. Along the way, I found people; friends, allies, and plenty of enemies. I never expected to find love, love so innocent it broke boundaries. The kind of love poets wrote about. I heard once that love is patient, love is blind, love is transcendent—well something like that. All I knew was love got me in a whole lot of trouble.”
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Awarded Honorable Mention in the recent second quarter Volume 40 of L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future contest.
Reese Daniels has rules for smuggling and when he follows them everything clicks. Coerced into helping Earth Defense Force Security take down a criminal cartel, Reese has to violate his code to protect his family, his life, and humanity. With everything at stake, he must find unlikely allies to accomplish his mission.
Smuggler’s Guilt
T. D. Wilson’s Smuggler’s Guilt is an enthralling addition to the sci-fi adventure genre, seamlessly continuing the journey of Reese Daniels, the protagonist first introduced in Smuggler’s Valor. As a smuggler turned ally to the Marines in their battle against aliens, Daniels now finds himself in a precarious alliance with the authorities. His mission: to apprehend a group of smugglers who have brazenly pilfered from a headquarters. His reward is freedom, but he will risk his life to gain it.
Wilson’s narrative style remains as compelling as ever, masterfully balancing the pacing of the story with vivid descriptions of settings and action sequences. The blend of action and rich detail draws the reader deeper into the story. Wilson immerses readers fully in the unfolding events, creating another installment fans will find difficult to put down.
The character development in Smuggler’s Guilt is particularly noteworthy. Wilson crafts characters that are intricate and full of unexpected layers. The narrative skillfully reveals these layers, maintaining a sense of familiarity with the characters while allowing for new aspects of their personalities to emerge. The plot moves swiftly, adeptly exploring the complexities of human emotion, decision-making, and the myriad of circumstances that the characters encounter. The book’s conclusion is both satisfying and tantalizing, hinting at the potential for further exploration in the series, particularly with regard to the enigmatic Greywalkers. This effective setup paves the way for future installments, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating what comes next for Reese Daniels.
I highly recommend Smuggler’s Guilt to those who have a penchant for fast-paced, richly woven sci-fi adventures. For a more comprehensive understanding of the characters and storyline, it is advisable to read Smuggler’s Valor before delving into this sequel. Smuggler’s Guilt stands out as an exemplary read in its genre, offering a fulfilling experience that will leave readers both delighted and intrigued.
Pages: 73 | ASIN : B0CGYXJHG9
Smuggler’s Valor
Smuggler’s Valor, by T. D. Wilson, plunges readers into a tumultuous universe where survival and moral choices converge. The protagonist, a dedicated smuggler, finds himself torn between the familiar path of illicit trade and a newfound sense of duty when an aircraft crash maroons him alongside Marines on a desolate moon. As alien threats loom and resources become a contested treasure, the narrative cleverly unveils layers of the protagonist’s character, revealing his evolving worldview and deep-seated motivations.
Wilson’s skills are evident in his succinct yet vivid prose. Action sequences come alive, making readers feel as though they’re in the midst of the chaos and danger. Wilson masterfully leans on crisp dialogues and evocative character interactions to paint a broad tapestry of his imaginative universe. Character development is evident throughout the novel, and the protagonist’s transformation is both believable and compelling.
In Smuggler’s Valor, Wilson achieves a harmonious blend of fast-paced adventure and intricate world-building. The narrative, while concise, offers a richly textured experience, leaving readers yearning for more tales from this captivating universe. Both sci-fi fans and action-adventure readers will find this tale engrossing. With its perfect balance of tension, emotion, and exhilaration, this story stands as a testament to Wilson’s storytelling genius.
Pages: 50 | ASIN : B0C6FGKN86
LITERARY TITAN 