Of Racebooks and Harmattans
Essay-ing, Touring & Whatnot
I’ve been guilty in the past of burying the lede, so let me start with the biggest news, which is that Racebook: A Personal History of the Internet, my essay collection about the Internet, VR, video games, anime, and how online life both fractures and reassembles our personal identities, now has a cover. Kasiq Jungwoo blessed me and my book with his trademark brilliance, and I could not be more grateful to the Cover Gods. My website’s been updated with pre-order links, but let me also leave a few here and here.
Racebook is out on Oct. 21, 2025, and the date cannot come soon enough. The last time I had two books come out in one year was 2020 with Riot Baby, my adult debut, and Rebel Sisters, the final book in the War Girls duology. I was a much younger man five years ago, and a body gets tired easily these days. Nonetheless, there is joy in the release of a book, no matter the aftermath. The publishing of one’s work is something I have done my best not to take for granted. But now, a little about the first of the two books I’ll be publishing this year.
Harmattan Season drops on May 27, 2025, which, by my count, is…less than two weeks away. My how the time goes by.
I’ll be launching in my home state at RJ Julia in Madison, CT and there will be signed copies, which you can also order! (With added personalization!)
Thursday, May 29, I’ll be at Charis Books in Decatur, GA, having what is sure to be a lovely conversation with Olivia Johnson.
The next day, May 30, me and the homie Jason Reynolds will be chopping it up at Loyalty Bookstore in DC. Expect much gushing and laughter. If you’re in the area, please do stop by for what is sure to be a good time.
But, wait! We’re not done!
I’ll be inaugurating June with an appearance at the Lost Weekend Festival, hosted by Greedy Reads.
Lastly but most certainly not least-ly:
I’ll be a Guest of Honor along with Sarah Gailey at the 2025 Locus Awards in Oakland, CA. An honor among honors. Nothing like this’s ever happened to me before, but I’ll do my best to carry myself in a way that’d make Mom proud. It’ll be a chance to celebrate some really wonderful work and to fellowship with fellow scriveners-in-arms, and that’s all a part of the gig I enjoy.
That’s all that’s locked down for now, though there may be more to come as the year progresses.
Fair warning: there can be a strong emotional and psychic whiplash in moving too quickly from novel-writing mode (the latest project was finished in April) to a Person Promoting Things, so forgive any instances of rhetorical or emotional incoherence. Also, a new Sleep Token album has finally dropped, so I may be in my feelings for a bit.
Currently reading: The Sword of the Lictor - Gene Wolfe
Currently listening: Look to Windward - Sleep Token