Shelfie Blog Post

March 7, 2025

I am on the Shelfies blog, talking about some of my favorite books!

https://shelfies.beehiiv.com/p/shelfies-26-alex-shvartsman


Publication: Pollen by Anna Burdenko in Clarkesworld

March 1, 2025

The March issue of Clarkesworld is live and it includes “Pollen” (Пыльца) by Anna Burdenko (translated by me). Check it out. The story is free to read, but you should consider subscribing to support Clarkesworld!

https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/burdenko_03_25/


Unboxing the Beast by Vladimir Mistyukov and Shimun Vrochek

December 22, 2024

Last year I translated a thriller about the hunt for a serial killer who holds a group of young people hostage in an abandoned hospital.

Today I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the book has been published a few weeks ago. The title has been changed and I wasn’t involved in writing the blurb or any other aspects of production, but I stand by the quality of the translation and think this novel will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and of the better slasher movies. Check it out here, or read for free in Kindle Unlimited:

https://amzn.to/49MTogZ


2024 Publication Summary & Award Eligibility

December 14, 2024

No new novels out in 2024, but I’ve had a few solid short stories and a few fabulous translations published. These are eligible for various awards coming up next year. I especially encourage you to read “The Rattler” and “Songs of the Snow Whale,” both of which are available online.

Across the Digital Curtain – The Continental Literary Magazine – April 2024 (short story, science fiction)

The Rattler – Leo Kaganov – Asimov’s – May 2024 (novelette, translation, science fiction)

Doc’s Lucky Day at the City Dump – Wink anthology – June 2024 (short story, science fiction)

Customer Reviews for Mystery Gadget 1.0, Sorted in Chronological Order – Nature – November 2024 (flash fiction, science fiction)

The In-Between Places – The Horror at Pooh Corner anthology – October 2024 (short story, horror)

Songs of the Snow Whale – K.A. Teryna – Reactor – December 2024 (short story, translation, fantasy)


“Songs of the Snow Whale” by K.A. Teryna at Reactor

December 11, 2024

My latest translation is live and free to read online!

https://reactormag.com/songs-of-the-snow-whale-k-a-teryna/

At the edge of the world, on the island of R’evava in the Arctic Ocean, a blizzard rages outside as five people gathered in a small weather station pass the time telling each other stories while they wait for a break in the storm


“Whom He May Devour” TV deal!

August 7, 2024

Acclaimed Short Story “Whom He May Devour” by Alex Shvartsman to Be Developed for Television by Producer Jon Housman

Los Angeles, CA – [August 7, 2024] – The short story “Whom He May Devour” by Alex Shvartsman has been optioned for development as a live action YA television series. The agreement was negotiated by the JABberwocky Literary Agency.

“Whom He May Devour” was originally published in Nautilus Magazine, and was nominated for the Canopus Award for Excellence in Interstellar Writing. It is a space opera story that explores the themes of a clash of cultures, technology vs. religious dogma, and questioning authority. The story is available to read on the Nautilus website.

About Alex Shvartsman: Alex Shvartsman is an author of ERIDANI’S CROWN, THE MIDDLING AFFLICTION, and KAKISTOCRACY fantasy novels as well as over 120 short stories. He’s a winner of the WSFA Small Press Award and a three-time Canopus Award finalist. His website is www.alexshvartsman.com.

About Jon Housman: Jon Housman is an entrepreneur and Emmy-winning producer. He was EP for several television series, among them QUEEN BOSS, CATCHING HELL, THE REAL GIRL’S KITCHEN, and THE MASK, and he produced the ESPN documentary movie CHASING TYSON. He is a partner at Truly*Adventurous, an IP platform and producer of film and television. 


The Digital Aesthete Audiobook Published

July 5, 2024

The Digital Aesthete is now available in audiobook format from Dreamscape Audio. You can get it from any of your preferred audiobook platforms!

Dreamscape official book page:
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com/single-audiobook/?titleid=21735

Audible:
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Digital-Aesthete-Audiobook/B0D3JWHHDZ


New Publication: “Across the Digital Curtain” in Continental Literary Magazine

June 11, 2024

My story “Across the Digital Curtain” is live in the current issue of The Continental Literary Magazine.

This is a glossy high-end literary print magazine which has published the likes of Noam Chomsky, Roxane Gay, and Marianne Williamson but also does not shy away from science fiction. Recent issues include stories by Kelly Link and Ken Liu. Honored to join their company.

My story is in the themed Borders issue and imagines a new Cold War between Russia and the West where the two sides have severed virtually all connections and have their local versions of the internet, etc. (we are already seeing some of that happening now across the globe). This is mixed with a spy story and nods to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, where I visited last year.


Announcing the Dreidel of Dread Board Book!

June 3, 2024

DREIDEL OF DREAD is a funny, irreverent, and heartwarming story that melds the celebration of Hanukkah with the Lovecraftian mythos. Read or listen to the complete short story here.

There are so many Christmas stories, and so many “nerdy gifts” out there that make for wonderful stocking stuffers. But your options are far more limited when searching for a Hanukkah gift that will appeal to someone who loves science fiction/fantasy/horror books and movies. This board book will make for a perfect gift and a fun read all year long!

Also, Cthulhu and  ̶C̶h̶a̶n̶u̶k̶a̶h̶ ̶H̶a̶n̶u̶k̶a̶ Hanukkah are a perfect mash-up since no one is exactly sure how to spell either one of those things!


Written by Alex Shvartsman and illustrated by Tomeu Riera, this hardcover board book will feature 11 spreads (22 pages including cover and backcover) and will be released on November 26, 2024.

A Kickstarter campaign will launch in mid- to late July. To preview a lot more wonderful artwork, snag exclusive extras, and get your copy early please click the link below and sign up to be notified of the launch.

Click here to be notified of the launch.


The Digital Aesthete Audiobook!

April 30, 2024

I’m very pleased to announce that the audio rights for The Digital Aesthete have been acquired by Dreamscape Media and the audiobook will be out this summer. Stay tuned!