Category: Independent Author

Things are Starting to Look Up for 2026!

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Happy New Year! 2026 is already filling up with a slew of book festivals and steampunk conventions!

2026 is approaching, and I am slowly scheduling my book signing events for the year. You can find me and my steampunk and fantasy books from Curious Corvid Publishing, plus some new releases!

Here’s a quick calendar of events for the new year! First up is Daydrift Books & Cafe in Crystal City, Arlington, VA, on January 3, 2026, from 12-3pm. Grab some great coffee and a new book for your TBR for the New Year.

In March, I have two book festivals scheduled. The Williamsburg Book Festival is moving to the College of William & Mary School of Education on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Williamsburg, VA, from 10am to 4pm. That’s followed by the 12th Annual Suffolk VA Authors Festival at the Hilton Garden Inn, March 14, 2026, in Suffolk, VA.

I have two Steampunk Conventions on the books for 2026, starting off with a trip down the rabbit hole and my return to the Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival at the Wyndham Garden York in York, PA, April 17-19, 2026. The 4th annual Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, where clockwork alchemy meets magical curiosity in a world inspired by Alice in Wonderland, join us for a weekend of fantastical frippery and marvelous mayhem!

 If that’s not enough steampunk mayhem for you, come back to the Keystone State in August for the Key City Steampunk Convention at the Wyndham Gettysburg in historic Gettysburg, VA, August 7-9, 2026. Key City Steampunk has evolved into one of the most prominent steampunk conventions on the East Coast.

Click the Event link in the menu to stay up to date on all my 2026 events as I add more book-signing dates to the calendar in the year ahead.

Happy Holidays from the imagination of award-winning indie author Mark Piggott

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Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays to all my readers, fellow indie authors, and any steampunk and fantasy fans out there. I wanted to extend to you all the best this holiday season, wishing you and yours the warmest wishes for a bright and Happy New Year.

I’m going to take a break from posting here so I can focus on finishing my latest WIP. I’m working on the final book in my steampunk fantasy series, The Last Magus. I’m 81,000 words in and nearly finished, so I hope to have my first draft done by the end of the month.

In the meantime, I do have my first book signing lined up for 2026. I’ll be at the Daydrift Books and Cafe in Crystal City, Arlington, VA, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12-3pm. Stop by for some great coffee and award-winning books, including Forever Avalon, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, and Corsair and the Sky Pirates.

In the meantime, enjoy your holidays with family and friends. Maybe sit back and read a good book to pass the time, or even Buy a Book and give one as a gift. Check out all my steampunk and fantasy books and give the gift of adventure this holiday! You won’t disappoint when someone opens a book under the tree this year!

Come out to my last events of 2025, and get ready for steampunk excitement in 2026

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Come out for my last two book signing events of 2025 to get some great gifts for the holidays!

November kicks off the holiday season, and with it, my last book signing events for 2025! This is an excellent opportunity to find some unique steampunk and fantasy holiday gifts for the book lover in your life. On Saturday, November 8, I will be at Barnes & Noble in the Shops at Stonewall in Gainesville, VA, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. I will be signing The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart and Corsair and the Sky Pirates. Stop by, say hello, and pick up a book if you’re so inclined. On Sunday, November 9, I will be attending my last 2nd Sundays Williamsburg from 11am to 4pm on the streets of historic Williamsburg, VA. You will find a variety of artisans, crafters, musicians, and food vendors filling the streets with holiday fare. I will have all my steampunk and fantasy books available for sale, so please stop by my tent, located on the corner of N Boundary and Prince George Street.

Come out for some steampunk excitement in 2026!

Now, for some good news! Looking ahead to 2026, I have already been accepted to two steampunk festivals that I am excited to attend. First up is the Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, taking on the theme of the wonderfully mad Lewis Carroll, April 17-19, 2026, at the Wyndam Garden York in York, PA.

Welcome to the 4h annual Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, where clockwork alchemy meets magical curiosity in a world inspired by Alice in Wonderland! This year, we’re trading ravens for rabbits and madness for marvels as we debut our brand-new location in York, Pennsylvania. Join us for a weekend of fantastical frippery and marvelous mayhem!

Next up is my first visit to the Key City Steampunk Convention, taking place August 7-9, 2026, in Gettysburg, PA, at the Wyndham Gettysburg. I am so excited to be a part of a new convention for the very first time, and I will be debuting a new book

The Key City Steampunk Convention is the yearly gathering of Steampunk enthusiasts. Beginning in 2016 in Frederick, Maryland, the convention has continued to grow and evolve into one of the most prominent events on the East Coast, with attendees traveling from far and wide to join in the festivities. Currently hosted at the Wyndham Gettysburg, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the event continues to feature award-winning makers and panels, vetted and unique vendors, workshops, and most importantly, the opportunity for those in the community to interact and share their love of all things Steampunk.

I have a few more events I’ve applied for that I’m still waiting for confirmation on in 2026, so more dates are to come. However, these two are a significant start for me. I will have more news coming down the road, but in the meantime, I hope you can join me at my last two book signing events for 2025. I would love to see you, talk shop, or just say hello.

Traveling to Scotland for some much needed vacation and inspiration

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Castle Dunnottar in Scotland at sunset.

So, just a note to say I’ll be out of touch for the next two weeks while I’m traveling across the pond to visit the home of Robert Burns, J.K. Rowling, Sir Walter Scott, Braveheart, Outlander, and Princess Merida. My wife and I are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to Scotland. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for both of us. I’ve been to England before, during my Navy career, but never to Scotland. We’re visiting Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Glasgow. It’s going to be a great adventure.

The Kelpies sculptures in Helix Park outside Edinburgh.

Besides the castles, Loch Ness, book stores (a must), the Writer’s Museum (another must), and a whiskey distillery (a major must), I am looking forward to simply walking through the history in the streets and castle walls and experiencing the mythology of this ancient land. The faeries, the kelpies, and other mythical creatures always enchanted me, and walking in the glens (forests), the lochs (lakes), the munros (mountains), and among the stones of these myths and legends that I’ve written about all these years.

On that note, I’ll be taking a break and not posting anything for the next two weeks, except for vacation photos on my social media. I encourage those interested in being ARC Readers for my upcoming fantasy book release, A Dance of Darklings and Demons, to sign up! You can also check out my books at the links above and order copies through the ‘Buy My Books’ link.

My next event is 2nd Sundays Williamsburg on Sunday, October 12, in historic Williamsburg, VA. This will be one of my last Events of the year, so I hope to see you in Williamsburg to end a great 2025.

“Falling into Fair Oaks” brings indie authors and their books to the Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, VA

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Come out to the Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, VA, for “Falling into Fair Oaks,” sponsored by Kojam Productions and the Northern Virginia Writers Club on Sunday, September 14, from 12-5pm!

Fall into Fun at the Fair Oaks Mall’s signature Autumn celebration on Sunday, September 14, from 12-5pm! “Falling for Fair Oaks” is your perfect family-friendly afternoon filled with seasonal food, interactive games, crafters, and live music that captures the spirit of the season.

As part of the special event, the Northern Virginia Writers Club will be on hand with a variety of indie authors and their novels to pick up to add to your Fall TBR list or maybe get an early start on your holiday shopping (it’s never too early). Keep an eye out for me and my steampunk attire to find your way into one of my many otherworldly adventures. From the skies over Europe in a steampunk airship to the shores of eternal Avalon and the wild antics inside the Moonlit Black Cat Tavern, you’ll find your next fantasy read among my books.

Whether you’re here to make memories with the kids or kick off the Fall season with friends, this is the ultimate way to welcome Autumn in Northern Virginia.

Come out to Sojourn Fermentory for an “Authors and Artisans” Special Event in Suffolk, VA

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Get ready for a one-of-a-kind special event! Sojourn Fermentory is a community-focused brewery located in Bridgeport, Suffolk, Virginia, built around intentional brewing, spontaneous connection, and wild fermentation. They also host regular events to bring the community together to showcase local artists and artisans. I am fortunate to have been invited as one of the authors for their first “Authors & Artisans – Book Fest” event on Saturday, August 23, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can see the complete list of Authors and Artisans at the Facebook Event Post Online.

Join us for an unforgettable day of community connection, literary magic, and handcrafted goodness. We’re bringing together 15+ incredible local authors and SEVERAL talented vendors offering the most bookishly delightful goods you’ve ever seen-from literary candles to handmade journals, bookmarks, prints, tumblers, and more. Authors will also have their books for sale and available to sign, 757 is full of wonderful stories!

Of course, you will find me there with my complete collection of award-winning steampunk and fantasy books for you, from the Arthurian legends in the Forever Avalon series, the steampunk fantasy series The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, the steampunk historical fiction Corsair and the Sky Pirates, and my first ya fantasy Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle.

If you live in the Hampton Roads area or are looking for something to do in Virginia before the end of Summer, this is a great chance to spend a night with good books, fine beer and food, plus an assortment of handmade artisan crafts at the first Authors & Artisans – Book Fest. Visit sojournfermentory.com to learn more about the upcoming event.

Take a Glimpse into the world of Ard and my next book, “A Dance of Darlings and Demons”

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Darklings by artist Dennis Saputra

I wanted to give you a glimpse into my next book, which will be released this fall by Curious Corvid Publishing. It’s called A Dance of Darklings and Demons, an original epic fantasy set on the mythical world of Ard.

“While the Titans reigned in the heavens above Ard, Lilith ruled from Kehena below, thirsting for the blood of the innocent to satiate her desires. Lilith sent her darklings from the Tower of Ibris to devour the people in her name until the god Atua sent his warriors, his alchemages…” – From the Book of Ard

When the Olympians subjugated the Titans, the old gods escaped across the stars. A new world called out for help. Ard beckoned the Titans from across the stars to save their world from darkness. They gave magic to aid the people of Ard—Humans, Elves, Animalian, and Nephilim—against the evil of the darklings. These creatures of shadow and death descended from the Obsidian Mountains, seeking to claim magic for themselves. Their world teetered on the edge of annihilation until the Titans begged the god above all, Atua, to intervene and send his acolyte to save Ard—the Alchemage.

These fabled warriors utilized the ultimate power of alchemy and magic. They became shadow hunters, specialists in seeking out and destroying the darklings, but victory came at a cost. The people of Ard shunned the alchemages as heretic demons who had forsaken the Titans for Atua. This went on for over a thousand years as the war continued.

Canaan Treyhawke was among the next generation in a long line of alchemages. He fought at the front lines beneath the Obsidian Mountains, losing his leg to the scourge of the endless war. He continues his fight as a shadow hunter to protect his sister, the woman he loves, and the people of his home in Perdition’s Point. Canaan finds himself embroiled in a mystery that could shake the very foundations of Ard.

A shadow tamer—a human aligned with the Tower of Ibris—is searching for a being born of all the races of Ard known as the Progenitor. This person could be the key to restore Lilith to her former glory. As chaos swirls around Canaan, he travels from the Golden City of Signus Prime to the capital city of Adolphus to discover the identity of the shadow tamer and stop the darkling threat.

You can catch a glimpse of the darlings above thanks to the incredible talents of artist Dennis Saputra. His art will adorn the chapter pages, portraying different creatures within the darling race. Stay tuned for excerpts and a chance to join my ARC readers for this new epic fantasy.

Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers. The Moonlit Black Cat Tavern is a new collection of short stories available on Amazon.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella, take flight in the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, the saga continues in The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, his first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, and the epic fantasy The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series from Curious Corvid Publishing. A Dance of Darklings and Demons is coming in 2025 from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Step into the Moonlit Black Cat Tavern for food, drink, and fun in a magical pub

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It started as a short story. A simple idea for a contest. A tavern situated between two countries that are constantly at war. On a rainy night, the Bradbury Witch wanders into this mysterious watering hole and discovers its secret, which was just the beginning. The short story expanded into several, and now it’s a collection. I put all the stories together into this novella. It was a “passion project” because I loved bringing these stories to life as someone who got his start in fantasy playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Welcome to The Moonlit Black Cat Tavern, where humans, demi-humans, and monsters come together to laugh, drink, eat, sing, and find ways to get along. There’s no fighting, fussing, or killing. Only laughter, love, and companionship between the many races of Kralthorn and Ghelpher. On a stormy night, the Bradbury Witch pays an unexpected visit to the strange tavern and finds more than she bargained for. Follow her adventures within this unique lodging off the beaten path as she discovers more about this strange place.

Take an adventure into a magical place where wizards play chess, goblins make side bets to scrounge drinks, and you’re served by a delightful succubus. It’s a fun romp into the wildest pup you’ll ever walk into. You can pre-order the ebook at Amazon before its release on May 16.

By the way, thanks to Emy Joliaa (@Emyd_Rawz on Instagram) for the Book Trailer video!

Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers. The Moonlit Black Cat Tavern is a new collection of short stories available on Amazon.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella, take flight in the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, the saga continues in The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, his first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, and the epic fantasy The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series from Curious Corvid Publishing. A Dance of Darklings and Demons is coming in 2025 from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.

Reviews for The Prometheus Engine continue to pour in, and a Firebird Book Award too

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Congratulations to The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series on two FIVE STAR reviews and 2ND PLACE in the Firebird Book Awards! I am highly honored by these peer reviews of my epic fantasy novel and the recognition for my publisher and the artists invested in my book.

The Firebird Book Awards are unique in their approach and contribution to indie authors. You are not just an entry but a new friend, and they treat your book submission with the care and attention it deserves. Secondly, every award submission supports the Enchanted Makeovers 501(c)(3) and other shelters for women and children. The awards support the authors who, in turn, support these charities. The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series won 2nd Place for Fantasy, 4th Quarter of 2024.

First up is a review from preeminent book reviewer Jennie Rosenblum, who also happens to be a classmate from my hometown of Phillipsburg, NJ. She has supported my work as an indie author by giving honest reviews of my books since I first started writing. Please follow her website and social media, as her reviews cover various genres.

From the very first page, the story grabs hold and doesn’t let go, immersing readers in a world of action, intrigue, and magic. Hunter continues to grow into his leadership role, becoming not just a warrior but a realistic and personable leader who commands respect and loyalty. His development adds depth to the story, making his victories and struggles all the more compelling. Meanwhile, Mordred’s machinations reach new heights as he takes his scheming to another level against the resistance, raising the stakes like never before. Piggott masterfully weaves together tension, drama, and well-crafted characters, keeping readers engaged until the very last page. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this installment delivers an unforgettable ride full of twists and surprises.

Finally, the Literary Titan Book Awards are a mark of distinction, recognizing excellence in innovative and impactful writing. The opportunity to be reviewed under their prestige is a pinnacle in my writing career. You can read the entire review at Literary Titan, but here is an excerpt.

Mark Piggott’s The Prometheus Engine is an epic fantasy filled with magic, war, and alchemical mystery, all wrapped in Arthurian legend. The novel is set in Avalon, where Mordred, the immortal son of King Arthur, rules with an iron fist. At the heart of the story is the Prometheus Engine, a legendary machine capable of harnessing magical elements to create an all-powerful substance called Promethium. The rebellion against Mordred is led by the children of the late Gil-Gamesh, Lord Bryan MoonDrake, as they struggle to prevent the tyrant from using the engine’s destructive power. With high-stakes action, deep lore, and a blend of myth and steampunk-esque technology, the novel spins a fast-paced and immersive tale.

One of the strongest aspects of The Prometheus Engine is its world-building. Piggott paints a rich, layered Avalon filled with history, political intrigue, and magic-infused technology. The descriptions of places like New Camelot and Alfheimer evoke a grand, war-torn kingdom, and the concept of Promethium as a magical element adds an interesting twist to the traditional fantasy setting. The attention to detail in the engineering of the Prometheus Engine itself is fascinating, it’s not just a MacGuffin but an actual machine with lore tied to ancient alchemists and the fall of Atlantis. That depth makes the stakes feel real, not just another cliché “magical artifact” plot device.

The book masterfully weaves together battle sequences, political intrigue, and moments of introspection, creating a dynamic and multifaceted narrative. The final act, when the Prometheus Engine reaches critical mass, is absolutely gripping, delivering an intense and satisfying payoff. Along the way, the story takes time to explore various subplots, enriching the world and adding depth to the lore. The character development shines brightest with figures like Mordred and the rebellion’s leaders, who bring complexity and emotional weight to the tale. Meanwhile, the supporting characters serve as vital threads in the grand tapestry, helping to drive the action forward and keep the momentum strong.

You can pick up a copy of The Prometheus Engine: Book 4 of the Forever Avalon Series through any online bookseller or Curious Corvid Publishing. Otherwise, come to one of my many book signing Events and get yourself a personalized copy.

Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!

Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.

The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazon and other booksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Lulu and other booksellers.

Cross over The River of Souls in a fantasy novella, take flight in the steampunk historical fiction, Corsair and the Sky Pirates, the saga continues in The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, his first YA fantasy, Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle, and the epic fantasy The Prometheus Engine: Book Four of the Forever Avalon Series from Curious Corvid Publishing. A Dance of Darklings and Demons is coming in 2025 from Curious Corvid. Stay tuned for new fantastic stories from the imagination of Mark Piggott.