iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Book review time! BLACK WATER BONES by @writingwithreed.bsky.social is a must-read. If you have any interest in well-told thrillers with compelling & sympathetic main characters, you have found your next book. LOVED this one!🐊 @stormbooksco.bsky.social www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Black Water Bones, a swampy new thriller from author S.E. Reed. The cover shows sunlight breaking through the dense swamp foliage.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

My upcoming novel THE RETURN OF THE CERULEAN BLUR, a superhero's redemption story, is now up on Goodreads! I would really appreciate if you added it to your Want to Read pile. Please and thank you. 😊 www.goodreads.com/book/show/25...

The Return of the Cerulean Blur
Susan Murphy used to love her life. As the Cerulean Blur, Susan battled supervillains, helped others, and soaked in the public adoration—all at 2,000 mph.

But a tragic mistake ended Susan’s superhero career 17 years ago and she’s never recovered. Susan’s marriage ended, her graphic design career sputtered, and most painfully, she struggled to connect with her teenage son, Troy. Susan is forced to use her powers again—and this opens a dialogue with Troy.

However, it also gets the attention of a deadly villain from her past. Can Susan overcome this seemingly unbeatable foe, repair her relationship with her son, and find happiness (and maybe even romance) after tragedy?

For Susan Murphy to live, the Cerulean Blur must run again.

Coming in October 6, 2026 from Wild Ink Publishing!

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, The Return of the Cerulean Blur’s May publication has been postponed - but it will be out soon! New pub date coming soon - should be this summer. @wildinkpublishing.bsky.social The good news? I’m using this bonus time to polish the text to a shine!✨

Cover for The Return of the Cerulean Blur, a superhero’s redemption story. Retired superhero Susan Murphy races through the streets at super speed on a desperate attempt to save her teenage son from a villain from her past.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Voice actor Tim Maloney has picked my new adult heroic fantasy THE BLACKSMITH’S BOY as his next read on his You Tube page! Now, you can follow the story while at the gym, driving to work, folding laundry, etc. youtube.com/playlist?lis...

Voice actor Tim Maloney reads The Blacksmith’s Boy, a new adult fantasy by Bruce Buchanan

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD (YA contemporary fantasy - 73,000 words). A witchy 1980s nostalgic high school adventure fueled by music from The Cure, Depeche Mode, Siouxsie and the Banshees and more. These Witches Don’t Burn X Pudge &Prejudice X The Cure’s Disintegration album. #posterpit

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” homage poster for The Goth Girl Who Saved The World. Charlotte Sumner (a goth music-loving high school student and new friend Ian Morris sit under the moonlight.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD Witchy 1980s high school adventure: A goth music-obsessed teen unearths a secret coven’s plot to summon a demon king, Charlotte risks her life to save the people she loves, even as confronts uncomfortable truths about them. #posterpit #Q #YA #F

Charlotte & Ian from the YA contemporary fantasy novel THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD, done in the style of "The Nightmare Before Christmas."

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

I didn’t see this coming, but thank you Indieverse Awards! So honored to be a 2026 nominee. 🥲 @wildinkpublishing.bsky.social

The Blacksmith’s Boy by Bruce Buchanan has been nominated in the 2026 Indieverse Awards in the Best Young Adult Novel category!

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Been waiting for this new anthology from @wildinkpublishing.bsky.social - and it’s here! Lots of writer friends in this one! 🦋

Cover of Kaleidoscopic Quill, a new butterfly-themed anthology of stories and poems

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

My March blog post! brucebuchananauthor.com/book-signing...

The Blacksmith's Boy novel on display at Box Turtle Books in uptown Shelby, N.C.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Wow! This review of THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY made me feel so good. Thank you, Chaylee! 🥲

A 5-star review of THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY, a New Adult sword and sorcery fantasy novel by Bruce Buchanan

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

At a team meeting at work, we were invited to bring in something green for a St. Patrick’s Day conversation-starter. The shameless self-promoter in me knew the thing!☘️ If anyone’s in the Shelby, NC area, I’ll be signing THE BLACKSMITH’S BOY at Box Turtle Books - 12-3 pm Saturday!

Bruce Buchanan holding his New Adult fantasy novel The Blacksmith’s Boy

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

A writer's day made! 😊THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY starts w/ a prologue setting up the villain's big scheme. A reader messaged me today to say, "The opening scene of Blacksmiths Boy is AMAZING. I literally said oh my god out loud." This made me feel so good!🥹

The cover of The Blacksmith’s Boy, a New Adult swords & sorcery heroic fantasy by Bruce Buchanan

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Hi, Christina! THE RETURN OF THE CERULEAN BLUR, a former superhero's redemption story, comes out later this year from Wild Ink Publishing. I'd love to talk with you more about it! wild-ink-publishing.com/bruce-buchan...

Susan Murphy runs at superspeed in a desperate effort to rescue her son - and reclaim her life.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Thank you for this opportunity, Sidney! Just sent you my pitch for THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD, my YA fantasy. My agent's guide 👇

The Goth Girl Who Saved the World - a music-fueled YA contemporary fantasy set in the 1980s.

Charlotte Sumner loves 1980s post-punk music - high school, not so much. But while working her after-school job, new classmate Ian Morris alt-rocks her world. Not only is Ian a good witch, but an evil coven operates at their school and plans to summon a demon king! The only thing standing between earth & apocalypse is a teenage girl in black lipstick and Doc Martens.

Meet the Characters: Charlotte - The lonely goth girl finds herself in an ancient rivalry between two covens of witches: one good and one evil. Ian - The mysterious new kid in the Depeche Mode t-shirt. Ms. Moore - Charlotte's mentor and after-school boss. Mrs. Allison - Charlotte's mean trigonometry teacher and Charlotte's anxiety fuel. The Grindylow Coven - the evil witches! Charlotte must discover what they are up to.

Tropes: Unlikely hero. Coming-of-age. High stakes. Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Pretty in Pink. Supernatural Young Adult high school adventure with a 1980s post-punk soundtrack.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Hi, Shari! You've been on my list to sub for quite a while. Thank you for the opportunity! Here are some photos of Felix & Susan, our beloved kitties.

King Felix the Last, the monarch of our home!

Susan, our stray kitty turned loveable goofball

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Today is the day! Check out the cover of my upcoming superhero novel, THE RETURN OF THE CERULEAN BLUR! Love what the @wildinkpublishing.bsky.social team created for it!🦸‍♀️ Coming May 2026!

Book cover for THE RETURN OF THE CERULEAN BLUR, from author Bruce Buchanan. Susan Murphy runs through the streets of Charlotte, NC on a desperate race to save her son from a threat from Susan's past.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Coming WEDNESDAY - the cover reveal for my second novel, THE RETURN OF THE CERULEAN BLUR! The @wildinkpublishing.bsky.social team nailed the visuals for this superhero redemption story, and I can't wait to share it with you in two days!!

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Wild Ink Publishing will reveal the cover of Bruce Buchanan's upcoming superhero novel, The Return of the Cerulean Blur. The novel will be published in May 2026.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Excited to announce my next book signing for THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY! On Feb. 22, I'll be at Folk & Fable Co. in Cary, N.C. Hope to see all my Raleigh/Durham friends - and I hope we have some better weather by then! ❄️

Author Bruce Buchanan will sign books on Sunday, Feb. 22 at Folk and Fable in Cary, N.C. The bookshop is located in Painted Tree Boutiques.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

I had a great time yesterday signing books at Fred and June’s Books in downtown Mooresville, NC! Sold books, talked until I was hoarse & got a lead on something quite cool…

Author Bruce Buchanan signing at Fred and June’s Books. Met lots of great people and a couple of sweet doggies!

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

These Witches Don’t Burn X Pudge and Prejudice X The Cure’s Disintegration album A shy, music-obsessed teen falls for the new guy at school - only to discover he's involved in an ancient feud between rival covens. #Bluepit #Q #YA #F

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Charlotte Sumner listens to Siouxsie and the Banshees at her library job. Ian Morris enters the scene behind her.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

New Year, new-ish book. THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY has been out since August, and you still can get it in all the usual places. The digital version is dirt cheap, too! Unlikely friendships and high stakes - check out this NA fantasy!

Felix, an awesome tabby cat, poses with a copy of The Blacksmith’s Boy.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

Christmas Eve 2025 - enjoying Chinese food with the family. I write about our long-standing tradition in a new Long and Short Review essay. Plus, you can win a free copy of THE BLACKSMITH’S BOY! www.longandshortreviews.com/guest-blogs/...

The Buchanan family on Christmas Eve, gathered around the table for Chinese take-out

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

I'll be writing a guest post about my family's favorite holiday tradition for Long and Short Reviews' 2025 Winter Blogfest! It drops early on Christmas Eve - and as part of the festivities, I'll be giving away a free digital copy of THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY! Check it out on Wednesday....

Long and Short reviews Winter Blogfest. A prize on every post! December 22-26, 2025. www.longandshortreviews.com

Cover of new adult fantasy novel The Blacksmith’s Boy. Bok Omat and Princess Isabella move through the forest, where danger lurks…

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

Wrapping Christmas presents & watching basketball - a holiday tradition of mine!

A half-wrapped gift. The TV on the mantle is tuned to basketball.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

This went so well! Sold way more books than I expected and one reader even wanted to get a photo! 🥳 Oh, and Amy had a great day w/ her art!

Copies of The Blacksmith’s Boy novel on a table with artwork

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

‘Tis the season! Books make great holiday gifts. May I humbly recommend my new adult sword & sorcery novel The Blacksmith’s Boy for the fantasy fans in your life?

Copy of fantasy novel The Blacksmith’s Boy under a Christmas tree

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Did I mention that my book, THE BLACKSMITH’S BOY, is on sale for a freakin’ QUARTER?!? As in twenty-five cents? Even if only are a little interested, what do you have to lose? 😂 payhip.com/WildInkPubli...

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Book Review: Constance Haltwhistle is one of my favorite new fiction characters. Having loved THE BRASS QUEEN, I was pleased to find that GRAND TOUR offers more of the same: Nail-biting steampunk excitement w/ laugh-out-loud comedy. @echatsworth.bsky.social

Green and gold cover of the steampunk novel Grand Tour

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Giving small press/indie books as holiday gifts? Want a NA fantasy w/ a 4.88 rating on GR? Well, do I have the gift idea for you…

Copies of fantasy novel The Blacksmith’s Boy on a bookstore counter

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Didn’t get any good photos from #aewdynamite last night in Greensboro, but we had a fantastic time! The women, in particular, absolutely killed it!

The Blood and Guts cage from All Elite Wrestling. Photo taken in Greensboro, NC

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD These Witches Don’t Burn X Pudge and Prejudice X The Cure’s Disintegration album A shy, music-obsessed teen falls for the new guy at school - only to discover he's involved in an ancient feud between rival covens. #Hopepit #Q #YA #F

Charlotte Sumner listens to Siouxsie & the Banshees while Ian Morris enters the library

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

Heroes come in all forms - even shy, goth music-obsessed teens in black lipstick & Doc Martens. THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD - Witchy 1980s high school adventure with a soundtrack you can dance to alone in your bedroom. #Hopepit #Q #YA #F

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

From The Goth Girl Who Saved the World, 16-year-old Charlotte Sumner works at her after-school library job and listens to Siouxsie & the Banshees on her Walkman. The mysterious new boy at school, Ian Morris, is behind her...

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

Picked up some new followers recently (thank you!) Thought I'd make sure every knows about THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY, my NA sword & sorcery fantasy now out from @wildinkpublishing.bsky.social. 4.91⭐️on GR. 👇

The cover The Blacksmith's Boy, a new adult fantasy novel. Bok Omat (on foot) and Princess Isabella make their way down the road to Osoh Creek, where a mysterious spell is killing villagers and destroying crops.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

I shared a sketch version of this yesterday, but today is Halloween! So here's the full B&W drawing of THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD, my witchy YA Contemporary Fantasy WIP. @emilystmarie.bsky.social did an amazing job! #amquerying

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD These Witches Don’t Burn X Pudge &Prejudice X The Cure After discovering a sinister coven's spell, music-obsessed teen Charlotte risks her life to save the people she loves, even as learns uncomfortable truths about them. #GhostPit #YA #F

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

11 years ago today, this fella showed up in our driveway - and he‘s been our King ever since. Happy gotcha day, Felix! You also have great taste in books!

Felix the tabby cat sitting with a copy of the fantasy novel The Blacksmith’s Boy

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Had a fantastic time at the Witold Krull Postcard Contest (microfiction) in Richmond, Va.! Got to read my piece with this cool cat watching over my shoulder, then we enjoyed cake & indoor mini-golf at the Hotel Greene! So honored to have been a finalist this year.

Bruce Buchanan at the podium of the Hotel Greene, in front of an awesome painting of a lion over the fireplace

Photo of Bruce Buchanan beside the poster for the Witold Krull Literary Award Contest in Richmond, Virginia. He didn't win, but he had an awesome time!

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

WOW! The amazingly talented @emilystmarie.bsky.social created these two concept drawings for THE GOTH GIRL WHO SAVED THE WORLD and I love them! #writingcommunity, which one do you like better?

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

Best review of THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY yet 😭I tried to write a book that 12-year-old me would've loved: "My 12-yo ripped through The Blacksmith's Boy in <24 hours. Had to yell at him to go to bed at like 10 pm the night I gave it to him. 'But it's so good!' he complained."

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Got a great review of THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY from fellow author @rileykilmore.bsky.social: "Debut novelist Bruce Buchanan has delivered the expected tropes—along with some fun, creative twists—to keep fans of high fantasy engaged and turning pages." 😊 @wildinkpublishing.bsky.social

The cover of the New Adult fantasy novel, THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY. Bok Omat and Princess Isabella make their way through a forest, where danger lurks around every turn.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 12/10/2025

Had an amazing time w/ artist Tamara Horton at the Rutherford County Author Fair! Sold some books, met some great writers, and a book club wants to read THE BLACKSMITH’S BOY! (And Mom, far left, joined us.😊) @wildinkpublishing.bsky.social

Author Bruce Buchanan & artist Tamara Horton signing copies of the New Adult
Fantasy novel The Blacksmith’s Boy.

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

So proud of this new review of THE BLACKSMITH’S BOY at the I Love Books and Stuff blog! “This would be a great read for any young adults looking to get lost in an epic fantasy with adventure, battles, friendship, high stakes, magic, doing what’s right, and more!” 🥲

Book cover of The Blacksmith’s Boy - Princess Isabella riding a horse with Bok Omat by her side

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

So proud of my wife, Amy! She’s participating in her first art show this weekend - the opening reception was tonight.

Oil painting of paperwhite flowers in a blue vase, by artist Amy Joyner Buchanan

Oil painting of lemons growing on the branch of a lemon tree, by artist Amy Joyner Buchanan

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

Received this kind review of THE BLACKSMITH'S BOY over at Bezos' place: "Well worth reading for epic action. An evenly-paced, hero's journey in epic swords & sorcery style, perfect for LitRPG fans and lovers of the zero to hero tropes." 🥰 @wildinkpublishing.bsky.social

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Bruce Buchanan @bbuchananwomble.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

So incredibly proud of Amy! My talented wife took up painting a few years back, and next weekend, she's doing her first show! artstocktour.com/artists/amy-...

watercolor painting of a pink peony flower in a blue-and-white vase

Oil painting of a lemon tree branch with five lemons

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