Category: News

New Work Coming Soon

~ M. L. Rio

Yesterday we got to share some great news on Publisher’s Marketplace. Now that the ink is dry, I’m excited to say that we have another book coming. In fall 2024, my first novella, Graveyard Shift, will hit the shelves.

We’ve been working on this for about six months, and I turned the first draft in to my editor last week. It’s been a delightful adventure in a new form, but I think–I hope–it will feel pleasantly familiar and refreshingly different from Villains. I’ll be sure to share cover and pre-order links as soon as we have them, and if you want to keep up with where we are in the publication process or you’re just curious what goes on behind the scenes in the book business, now’s a great time to subscribe to my newsletter on Substack. That’s where all the gory details will be.

Stay tuned. More news in the new year.

M

End-of-year updates

~ M. L. Rio

Hard to believe 2023 is almost over, but here we are. Before we go gentle into that silent night of the holiday break, a few updates from Team Rio to close out the year:

  • Events: I’ll be in conversation with Olivie Blake to discuss The Atlas Complex, hosted by A Novel Idea here in Philadelphia on January 11. It’s a ticketed event (we’ll both be signing books), so if you want to be sure to get a seat, snag one soon. Details here and on the Events page.
  • Interviews: I had a long, in-depth conversation with the On the Write Track podcast a few months back, and it’s one of the most thorough “behind-the-scenes of publishing” interviews I’ve done recently. If you’re an aspiring author, just curious about how the business works, or interested in IWWV’s long, strange journey, it’s worth an hour of your time. Listen here or find it on the Links page.
  • Newsletter: If you’ve been seeing fewer posts here, it’s because I’m migrating most of my longer-form writing to Substack. That’s where you’ll find my thoughts on craft and the industry, plus travel updates, content recs and roundups, and opportunities to post comments and ask questions. I recently started a series on one of my favorite (and every other writer’s least favorite) subjects: revision. If you’re curious, you can read the first post here. Subscription is free, for now, and it’s the best way to stay up-to-date. Now’s a good time to subscribe, because we have some big things coming in 2024. I can’t talk about it yet, but I’m really excited to do that when the time comes.

Finally, don’t forget that supply chain issues are still a thing. If you want to gift books to friends and family this year, here’s your nudge to order them now, and your reminder to be patient with booksellers. They’re under a lot of pressure. Give them the benefit of the doubt. And support small businesses and indie bookstores whenever you can.

More soon.

M

Introducing Discursions

~ M. L. Rio

Hello, lovely readers. This is a short post to introduce you to a new writing venture of mine. If you’re at all “online” you’ve probably heard other writers talk about Substack, and I am officially jumping on the bandwagon. You can read a little more about why in my first post, and I hope you’ll consider subscribing.

What’s the difference between Discursions and this old-fashioned website? Basically, it’s two different kinds of content. If you’re already on the mailing list here, you’ll get updates and announcements about events, interviews, new writing, etc. Substack is a little more casual; it’s where you’ll see longer posts on craft and industry, and more regular on-the-ground updates about where I am in the world and what I’m up to. It won’t be too overwhelming, probably a post a week, maybe two. I hope you’ll consider joining me on this little adventure.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

M

Fresh Ink

~ M. L. Rio

You might have seen it on socials yesterday, but in case you missed it: new writing from me for the first time in a long time coming 2023.

In These Hallowed Halls: A Dark Academia Anthology

I don’t normally do short stories, but I thought I’d make an exception as a thank you for all your support over the last few years. You can pre-order the anthology from any of the retailers listed here, or here if you’re in the UK.

More to come.

M

London Calling

~ M. L. Rio

Writing with a quick update to say we’ve added a second night at Waterstones Trafalgar Square next week, since so many people missed out on the first batch. You can snag tickets for my Wednesday appearance here.

Hope to see you soon! But if you can’t make it, don’t worry–I’ll be leaving signed stock with a couple other bookshops around the city. Follow me on socials for the most up-to-the-minute updates.

M

IWWV Screen Adaptation

~ M. L. Rio

Some big news today.

My agents and I have been working on this quietly for some months, and it’s surreal to finally be able to share. We waited a long time for the right offer from the right people, and this promises to be an incredible collaboration.

To be clear, an option is just that–an option–but it’s a pretty groovy one and I’m excited to be a part of the team trying to bring this thing to life. You can read more about the project and the team here, here, and here, but the best way to keep up with news is to follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

More to come.

M

First Look at 5th Anniversary Edition

~ M. L. Rio

We’re excited to give you a glimpse at the illustrated anniversary edition of Villains, which will be published in the UK by Titan Books this fall. It’s a beautiful hardback, signed by me, and illustrated throughout–including the gorgeous colored endpapers pictured below. You can pre-order it here (yes, international shipping is available). Because there is a limited quantity, if you can’t stand to miss this one, place your order soon.

More to come.

M

Ebook Sale

~ M. L. Rio

Good news for anybody loading up their ereader for summer travel: If We Were Villains is on sale for $2.99 across platforms today through July 3. Grab it from your favorite digital retailer!

M

Signed 5th Anniversary Edition

~ M. L. Rio

Some news! It’s hard to believe the fifth anniversary of the publication of Villains is upon us, and even harder to believe there are enough people out there who have enjoyed it to justify a new edition. If you missed out on the special edition released last year, now’s your chance to grab a beautiful new hardcover with my little scribbles inside.

If We Were Villains 5th Anniversary Edition

You can pre-order the book here, or buy from any good bookshop.

M