# Realms, where are you? *Updates and more.* By [Realms](https://paragraph.com/@realms) · 2025-04-25 --- Hello, Realmwalkers. It's been a minute ======================================= creepy dead lobster is pretty sci-fi Let’s take a walk down 2024 lane. I’m so happy that year is over, but there quite a few things I’m proud of… 1. [I published my YA fantasy novel, Kursed Kreatures.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKL8Q9HT?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420) 2. I finished the [Narrative Department’s Masterclass](https://www.thenarrativedept.com/) in Interactive writing and wrote dialogue and more for interactive fiction games [_The Film_](https://studiothree.itch.io/the-film) and [_The Ouroboros Express_](https://smallloanstudio.itch.io/the-ouroboros-express)_._ 3. I collaborated on the [Blackwater Files](https://bmaya.substack.com/p/the-blackwater-files?r=2bqhzt&triedRedirect=true), which is an inter-connected universe of \[REDACTED\] about \[REDACTED\]. 4. I wrote many stories, but these were your favorite: [Brood](https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/brood-complete?r=5bis7), [The Sunborn’s Sorrow](https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/the-sunborns-sorrow?r=5bis7). 5. And started writing reviews, including one for [_Severance_](https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/realmsreviews-severance?r=5bis7) (Season 2 is forthcoming), and also my favorite sci-fi podcast series, [_Celeritas_](https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/realms-reviews-celeritas-a-sci-fi?r=5bis7)_._ 6. Last, but certainly not least, and I collaborated on a series of letters about the future of writing. It was so fun to interact this way and create these miniature essays with someone. Here’s [Letter One.](https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/on-the-future-of-writing-letter-one?r=5bis7) Furthermore, I think this was an incredible year for sci-fi and fantasy fans. Here’s a few things I have yet to review, but are DEFINITELY worth your time: 1. [The Penguin](https://www.max.com/shows/penguin/5756c2bf-36f8-4890-b1f9-ef168f1d8e9c) 2. [Scavenger’s Reign](https://www.max.com/shows/scavengers-reign/50c8ce6d-088c-42d9-9147-d1b19b1289d4) 3. [Pantheon](https://www.netflix.com/title/81937398) 4. [Absolution](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210367505-absolution) 5. [The Priory of the Orange Tree](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40275288-the-priory-of-the-orange-tree) 6. [Severance](https://tv.apple.com/us/show/severance/umc.cmc.1srk2goyh2q2zdxcx605w8vtx?mttn3pid=Google%20AdWords&mttnagencyid=a5e&mttncc=US&mttnsiteid=143238&mttnsubad=OUS2019927_1-729067657841-c&mttnsubkw=133111426980_kwd-426896777186_TjRf2NOp_&mttnsubplmnt=_adext_) 7. [Project Hail Mary](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54493401-project-hail-mary) **And now, for the Realms updates. Is this still a thing?** ----------------------------------------------------------- Of course! I have been busy with a new job, applying to grad schools, and working on new, non-fiction stuff at my other publication, . I am keen to get back to other worlds, however! This month, I hope to have a short story for you. And in the coming months, a fan-fiction in one of my favorite universes…Alien! But with these stories come new changes to the publication… Free subscribers, you’ll still get: ----------------------------------- * Short stories (no audio / podcast) * Reviews for books, TV, film, video games, and more that I think is worth your time **Paid subscribers get:** ------------------------- * Short stories with podcast/audio version * Reviews * Deep-dive essays into SFF topics ### But why? Nothing crazy here. I’d just love to get paid for my hard work. It’s that simple. ### What’s the cost? Subscriptions cost $5 a month, or $50 for a whole year. 80+% goes directly to me! The rest, to Stripe and Substack. If you buy more than one subscription (in what’s called a group subscription), you’ll get a discount. There’s also a “True Realmwalker” tier that’s just for bragging rights. If you’re not sure you want to subscribe, or you’re new here, there should be the option for a free trial. [Subscribe now](https://zacharyroush.substack.com/subscribe?) PROVE IT’S WORTH IT YOU HACK! ----------------------------- You’re right. Here’s some of my most popular work: ### My Commitment to You My dearest Realmwalkers, there are over 250 of you. Some of you are family and friends and other internet-borne supporters, and for you I am so grateful. I am a creative working hard on all these words and it feels like I’m seen and heard. And that’s more than enough for me. With the launch of paid subscriptions, I expect the commitment between us to be stronger. I will do my best to provide value to you through the written word, helping you escape to new worlds every month. I will reserve November-December for time off, as this helps me recharge my batteries and spend quality time with the people I love (hence $50/year and not 60). I want to thank [Eric Goebelbecker](https://www.ericgoebelbecker.com/) for being the first paid subscriber, before any of this was a thing. And he did so with no extra benefit to him! I hope you all enjoy the work moving forward. Let me know your thoughts! [Leave a comment](https://zacharyroush.substack.com/p/realms-where-are-you/comments) Until next time, Realmwalkers… --- *Originally published on [Realms](https://paragraph.com/@realms/realms-where-are-you)*