Announcing My Debut Book—and Appearance in Baltimore

I’m excited to announce I’ve sold my first book. My debut book “The Books of Hours,” a collection of 24 poems, will be published by Alien Buddha Press on September 16.

That’s right! For the first time, you’ll be able to buy a printed (hard copy) book that I wrote. This is my first traditionally published book, the first to appear in print, and my first poetry book. So, lots of firsts here! (Just to clarify: I have self-published books before digitally, but never “traditionally” published a book). The book will be widely available online and elsewhere.

I’m super grateful to Alien Buddha for taking a chance on this one. I hope that its fusion of poetry, science, and darkness is unique and offers something new to the world.

What’s the book about? Well, I think the back cover of the book sums it up pretty well:

In “The Book of Hours,” Darius Jones reimagines the medieval devotional text as a 24-hour cycle of Dark Cosmic poetry. Each poem brilliantly channels awe and alienation, culminating in a 24-stanza epic.

With vivid and incantatory language, Jones explores beings from other realms, immortality’s strange toll, and the ecstatic solitude of those who see through illusion. Disassociation becomes revelation, and lightning is both metaphor and tool. 

This debut collection marks the arrival of a cathartic voice in speculative poetry.

The book even has its first official blurb (review) from fellow Horror author, Mercedes M. Yardley:

“The Book of Hours interlaces artistry with science to create a nuanced collection that you can feel in your chest. It’s utterly majestic.” – Mercedes M. Yardley, three-time Bram Stoker Award winner.

Anyway…You’ll be able to get the book online on Amazon, directly from select Barnes & Noble retail outlets in Northern Virginia (details soon), or from me, the author. (You can DM me on Instagram or Facebook, or leave a Comment here on the Blog, and I’ll get back to you).

In fact, I still have a few copies (less than ten now) to giveaway—so if you let me know I’ll send a you a free copy if you are one of these first few to ask.

Ways You Can Help Promote

Here’s an easy four-step process you can use to help me promote the new book (if you so desire):

1. Buy the book.
2. Read the book.
3. Tell a friend about the book.
4. Post a review of the book (on Amazon, Goodreads, Instagram, TikTok, or wherever you dwell digitally).

That last step is absolutely vital. I know it can be a bit strange/time consuming to review a book—but it’s something writers depend on to spread the news.

All I ask is that you review the book honestly. So, don’t worry, I won’t be offended by anything you post. …And thank you!

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Come Catch Me at the Baltimore Book Festival

In some other good news this month, I’ll be appearing at the Baltimore Book Festival on a SciFi/Horror panel. This is my second year appearing at the Festival.

I’ll be joining Nicole Wolverton, Douglas Gwilym, and Lucas Marino for the panel “How Horror Healed Me” Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Peabody Heights Brewery on the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association Stage at the Festival. (BTW, you should check out the rest of the SFWA’s offerings at the Festival, there’s some great stuff there).

If you know me, you know I LOVE bringing some Horror to the world of SciFi – and vice versa. I think science can only make my Horror more compelling. So, for me, they’re a natural fit. This panel represents a great way to nudge those two genres a little closer and also explore how Horror is breaking out of some of its old, well-worn grooves, tropes, and expectations. In fact, if you haven’t checked out Horror writing for awhile, I think you might be surprised at what you find. For example, on the panel we’ll be talking about how Horror can be a cathartic, healing force…Anyway, knowing my fellow panelists—this should be one conversation you don’t want to miss!

Hope you can make it!

Finally, a big “Thanks” to SFWA Executive Director Isis Asare (and the rest of the SFWA staff) for bringing the Horror writers together with the Science Fiction writers for this event. That sort of cross-pollination is so useful for writers.  

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It should be a busy Fall for me with lots of exciting developments. I’ll be back soon to let you all know how the book launch went.

Until next time…

Keep reading, keep writing!

Darius