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Jason Denzel

@jasondenzel.com
616 followers 505 following 180 posts

🧙🏻‍♂️ SF/F novelist, explorer, dad 📚 Author of the Mystic Trilogy 🐲 ** NEW BOOKS IN PROGRESS! ** 🤜🏻 Choy Li Fut kung fu 🌋 Founder of @dragonmount.com ♾️ Forever a Wheel of Time fan. 👋🏻 he/him jasondenzel.start.page

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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 05/02/2026
Today, I finished drafting a new book. This is the 5th novel I’ve written and the beginning of what I hope will become a sprawling, fulfilling series. It’s a science-fantasy story: a fusion of near-future technology mixed with the wonder and mystery of unknowable magic. 🧵
An image with black text that reads:

"The End

Initial draft complete of Book 1 of a new science-fantasy series

~THE HYDRA CHRONICLES~

Word Count: 178,148 words
Printed Manuscript Pages: 906
Chapter Count: 62

Manuscript Begun: Jul 13, 2025
Completed: Feb 5, 2026

“Maybe there was a better way. Perhaps it would come from a dream kept alive by a middle aged woman’s conspiracies and rebellion.”Hand-painted stormy ocean scene with towering cliffs under dark clouds as several cybernetic creatures fly low over crashing waves, blue energy trails streaming behind them.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 03/11/2025
Today's the 10 year anniversary of MYSTIC's publication. 😱 Naturally, I have thoughts. Also, to celebrate the occasion, @torbooks.bsky.social has put the eBook on sale for $2.99 this week. What better time to check it out if you haven't experienced it yet? open.substack.com/pub/jasonden...
A promotional graphic featuring the book cover to the novel "Mystic". Large text proclaims "10th Anniversary." The cover itself features a young woman standing dramatically in a lush, mystical forest while the sun steams through the canopy. Her cape billows dramatically across her body. Two sparkling birds encircle her.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 15/08/2025
I’m at Seattle WorldCon this week. Yesterday I ran into the legendary Terry Brooks.
Myself and Terry Brooks, who is it elderly gentleman, post for a photo together. Terry is wearing a magenta collared shirt with rolled up sleeves. I am wearing a cyan colored dress shirt with roller sleeves.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 27/07/2025
Somebody got to go on an adventure today.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 25/07/2025
Showing off my new edition of Hyperion, a true classic of dark science fiction. This edition is from @thebrokenbinding.bsky.social with art by Raymond Swanland & art direction by @petrikleo.bsky.social. I love the new design, but I also love that it came with a 2nd slip cover w/ the original cover!
The front cover of the new edition of Hyperion by Dan Simmons. Features a mostly black cover with an ominous and foreboding figure looming over the silhouettes of several wanderers trudging over sand. Inside cover of the special edition featuring a fantastical sailing ship that sails across an ocean of grass.The edges of the book pages are sprayed black with a stylized design of white light and stellar-like diagrams. The alternative dust jacket featuring the original book cover. A spiked figure in black armor stands on the hill of an alien world overlooking a sea of grass where a single sailing ship approaches.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 22/07/2025
I realized it’s been a while since I introduced myself, so 👋🏻 hi! I’m Jason, an epic fantasy author writing stories full of wonder and transformation. Glad you’re here. Sign up for my newsletter for more behind-the-scenes content. jasondenzel.substack.com
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 08/05/2025
Pope Seagull I. His first order is that all communion wafers will be full bread chunks.
A screenshot of a CNN headline declaring that a new pope has been elected. The image shows the purple chimney with white smoke coming out. On top of the chimney sits a seagull.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 01/03/2025
I’ve watched Back to the Future for 40 years and I just recently realized upon my 1,000th viewing that when the lady says “Save the clock tower!” she’s trying to preserve the clock in its BROKEN/melted state. I always thought she was raising money to FIX it. 😂
An image showing two faces from the movie Back to the Future. On the left is a smiling middle-aged woman with gray hair holding out a change collection tin. On the right is a young Michael J. Fox holding a pamphlet that says “save the clock tower” on it.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 24/02/2025
Damn, I’d forgotten how truly great the #Watchmen graphic novel is.
A space scene from Watchmen shows a distant star, a reddish-brown planet, and a small moon. Two blue speech boxes contain Dr. Manhattan’s philosophical reflection on life’s rarity and unpredictability, saying: “Come… dry your eyes, for you are life; rarer than a quark and unpredictable beyond the dreams of Heisenberg; the clay in which the forces that shape all things leave their fingerprints most clearly.

Dry your eyes…”
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 23/02/2025
Did I wake up at 4am to be among the first people to pre-order the @subpress.bsky.social limited edition of Hyperion? Yes, yes I did. The Shrike approves… I think. (Excellent cover art by Raymond Swanland)
A screenshot of the limited edition book cover of "Hyperion." It's mostly black with striking lines and ominous figures and text. A looming, red-eyed, mysterious figure dominates the cover, along with a planet that appears in eclipse shadow. The pages of the book are painted black.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 16/02/2025
Today is D&D day and the party has no idea what’s about to find them. #DungeonMaster (Art by Dave Melvin from the 5E Planescape adventure module)
A sinister piece of art showing a giant spider crawling across its web toward a terrified modron (a cute rounded robot) who is stuck. The modron is holding a lantern, which provides the only light in the darkness.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 13/02/2025
The little girl from Pixar’s Monster’s Inc would be 26 years old today.
The little girl from the movie Monster’s Inc. light skin, dark hair tied in pigtails. She’s sitting up in a large bed under the covers. She looks sleepy and sad and cute.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 08/02/2025
Robert Jordan's widow Harriet McDougal called me shortly after WD aired. She was ominously distraught. She kept her cool, but I could tell she was seething. She asked what I knew about the project. She thanked me for the little I knew & said she had an army of lawyers. I always felt so badly for her
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 08/02/2025
"Ten years, Betrayer. Ten years your foul master has wracked the world." -- Happy 10-year anniversary to the infamous Winter Dragon ashcan film. #WoTSkies #WheelofTime
A still frame from the ultra low-budget film "Winter Dragon." It's a close-up shot of a disheveled man with long hair and a beard, played by actor Billy Zane, who stares ominously at an unseen opponent.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 06/02/2025
I received a fun package today! My @torbooks.bsky.social editor @rdavis.bsky.social offered me this framed piece of art featuring mass market paperback cover from the 1980’s. This hung on the walls of the Tor offices for many years. Recognize any of these titles? Tell me your favorites!
A close-up image of the picture frame. It consists of 36 total book covers, most or all of which are from the 1980s. There are too many titles and authors to list, but some highlights are books from Fred Saberhagen, Orson Scott Card, Isaac Asimov, Greg Bear, Andre Norton, Gene Wolfe, and others. Collectively, the covers are vibrant and colorful, and filled with artwork representative of that classical era of science fiction and fantasy.A wide shot of the unpackaged picture frame leaning against the wall of my house. The frame is 36“ x 24“ and framed with a solid plastic black border. An off-white Matt surrounds the evenly distributed 36 book covers.A photo showing the half unwrapped UPS package with packing tape strewn around on the floorA photo of the unopened UPS package leaning against my wall. It’s a oversized brown box heavily wrapped in packing tape.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 25/01/2025
Here we have an authentic, unfiltered photo documenting the rugged state of a feral writer deep in #amwriting revisions with a looming deadline. Observers are encouraged not to make contact during the weekend-long “revision phase”, but tossing snacks is relatively harmless.
A selfie of Jason wearing black-rimmed glasses and a rumbled gray beanie. He’s presumably sitting on a couch and wearing a plain t-shirt. He’s smiling and generally looking like a hard-working (but tired) dork.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 20/01/2025
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 19/01/2025
Was that the actual error message that you saw? Cause that’s some BS propaganda right there that T**** will save everyone. I received a more generic error message.
A TikTok error message that states “ TikTok is temporarily unavailable. We’re working hard to resolve this issue. Thanks for your patience.”
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 19/01/2025
I 3D printed and painted an 8-inch tall statue for my son after we finished watching Attack on Titan. Who else has watched the show? #attackontitan
A painted and detailed statue of a colossal Titan from a popular anime show called Attack on Titan.A tall tan figurine being printed on a 3-D printerA close-up of the face of the printed figure. The entire thing is made of flat tan plastic.A photo of the completed 3-D printed figurine still standing in the 3-D printer
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 24/12/2024
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths is the Way.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 18/12/2024
I don't track my reading on Goodreads very well... I read *way more* than 2 books this year. But both of these books shown here were EXCELLENT. An old classic ("Forgotten Beasts of the Eld") and an awesome brand new Arthurian novel, "The Bright Sword."
My "Goodreads Year in Books" graphic showing that I read 2 books this year. 909 pages total. The 2 books are "The Forgotten Beasts of Eld" which features a white cover with a young woman on it surrounded by fantastical animals like a lion and unicorn. And the other book is the Bright Sword by Lev Grossman which features a turquoise cover with a sword emblem surrounded by a pair of antlers.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 12/12/2024
Pleasantly surprised to see that Monument Valley 3 is out! I love these games so much. Powerful vibes, great visuals, and surprisingly moving story with almost no dialogue. #monumentvalley
A screenshot from Monument Valley 3. A red Sorceress holds her staff aloft, creating a mesmerizing lattice of celestial light. A short purple-skirted apprentice, the protagonist, watches.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 11/12/2024
I have a 19-page story timeline filled with short bullet points that chronicles every event in my novel, including backstory. Today I had to make a necessary “small change” that shifted everything. It felt like when MS word mucks up your whole doc after you nudge a simple graphic.
An intentionally blurry screenshot showing a ridiculously long timeline bullet point list. Blue background, white text. Nice orderly columns. The text can’t be read due to spoilers.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 08/12/2024
And that’s a wrap for Dragonsteel Nexus 24! Always a pleasure to see old friends. #dsnx24
Brandon Sanderson and I posing togetherA group photo of Brandon Sanderson and I and my booth helpersDragonsteel creative Director Isaac Stewart and I posing for a selfieDragonsteel editor Peter Ahlstrom and I posing for a selfie
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 06/12/2024
I’m at Dragonsteel Nexus for the next few days but FYI my short story “The Stone Golem of Qual’Jom” is now available as a standalone ebook. Low price, check it out if you enjoy epic stories! The Stone Golem of Qual'Jom a.co/d/fMiPH7C
A slate gray book cover, depicting the silhouette of a rocky golem, holding a torch a loft. The book title and author are displayed. “The Stone Golem of Qual’Jom” by Jason  Denzel
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 04/12/2024
OMW to Dragonsteel Nexus! If you’re going, come by booth 419 to say hi. #dsnx24
A selfie of myself at the airport. Wearing a hat and a sweater and a backpack. tired smile.A picture of an advanced copy of wind and truth, the new Brandon Sanderson book released today
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 03/12/2024
Christmas tree is up with the traditional Lego Voltron topper.
An illuminated Christmas tree standing beside a full bookshelf and an evening-dark window. An 18-inch LEGO Voltron figure sits at the top of the tree in place of a traditional Star or Angel.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 03/12/2024
Mystic Skies // Blue Sky 🤷🏼‍♂️ 🧙🏽 ✨ #Mystic on @bsky.app
Two stacks of books stand in front of a cozy fireplace. The books are all the same and are titled “Mystic Skies.” The cover has predominantly blue tones and features an old Mystical woman with dark skin standing at a cave entrance. Her arms are uplifted and magical energy swirls around her.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 29/11/2024
I’m delighted to return to Dragonsteel Nexus 24 next week! If you’re attending, stop by Booth 419 where I’ll have all of my published fiction for sale including NEW EDITIONS of my popular short story, “The Stone Golem of Qual’Jom.” Thread… #DSNX24
Two men, MJ Loren and Jason Denzel are featured in this graphic promoting Dragonsteel Nexus 24 with the caption “see you there”A graphic showing Jason Denzel’s author photograph with the caption “I am part of the story.” at least Jason‘s specific schedule for the convention. Friday 12 PM Tor Books booth signing. Writing good side characters Friday 5:30 PM. Wheel of time panel Friday 6:30 PM. Author meet and greet Saturday 1 PM. Jason can be found at both 419.A promotional graphic for a short story called “The Stone golem of Qual’Jom” … The caption reads “the highly acclaimed epic short story. Now available in print and digital.”
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 16/11/2024
Who likes my new hat?
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 25/10/2024
Sent the book to my agent and to alpha readers. Also, I printed it because that’s awesome. 10 point font. 1.2 line spacing. 0.5” margins. 380 physical papers. Why am I so excited about printing a PDF? UGH. Help.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 18/10/2024
Yesterday I revealed a part of my soul and wrote it into the ending of my 4th novel, a magnum opus epic fantasy. Today I scrubbed the shower.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 18/10/2024
Today I completed the manuscript for my 4th novel, a standalone epic fantasy that contains a piece of my soul. I'll have a lot more to say soon, so check out my newsletter. Also, happy heavenly birthday to my late friend and inspirational mentor Robert Jordan. #writers #amwriting #epicfantasy
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 04/10/2024
I’m completely captivated by BLOOD OF THE OLD KINGS by @sung-il-kim.com. Superb so far. It hits stores next week from @torbooks.bsky.social
The book cover to “Blood of the Old Kings” features a multi-eyed dragon, a dark sword, a necromancer and legions marching.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 02/05/2024
New advance reading copy of this beautiful book from @jennlyons.bsky.social and @torbooks.bsky.social just arrived. I’m here for it!
A picture of a physical book called The Sky on Fire featuring a syllabus dragon and mountain riding above an equally stylish mountain/city.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 21/01/2024
Being a Dungeon Master means doing 20% adventure preparation and 80% cleaning your house for guests to come over. 🏡 🧼 😥🐉
A photograph of two dungeons and dragons books opened to reveal complicated monsters statistics. The books are on the kitchen table beside a feather duster.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 05/01/2024
New author photo? What do you think?
A selfie of me sitting in front of a cheerful mural for children featuring a happy moose. Its antlers appear to stick out of by head in a goofy manner.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 05/01/2024
IYKYK. Where are my Linux friends at?
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 03/01/2024
Today would’ve been J.R.R Tolkien’s 132nd birthday. I joined a fun Zoom call with members of the Tolkien Society and had a lovely chat with some fans from across the world. Happy birthday, Professor! (Photo taken by Pamela Chandler, 1966.)
A photo of JRR Tolkien, taken by Pamela Chandler, 1966.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 31/10/2023
A Wizard is never late to Halloween!
Me, dressed as Gandalf. Gray floppy hat, gray robes, and a wizard staff. Close up selfie
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 18/10/2023
My 8-year old niece is going to be one heck of a book agent someday! 😂
A series of text messages from my niece that say, in order:
Hello 
How is your new book going
Hi same as before. 
THE BOOK!
WHY!
Hi How is it going?
Book
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 30/09/2023
Cool, windy evening. Light breeze. Outdoor patio lights. Headphones on. 2,000+ words written. Good start to the weekend.
Photo of my backyard patio with lights and a cozy couch. A rose bush with wilting buds can be seen in the background.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 28/09/2023
Finally saw the Barbie movie. Yes, I wore a hot pink shirt. I am Kenough.
Goofy selfie of me wearing a pink shirt in front of a tv screen where Ken and Barbie are looking in the same direction. I’m also looking in that same direction
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 21/09/2023
Oh hey look at that, me casually sharing a screen credit with @neilhimself.neilgaiman.com 😄🤩 (It’s from the Kickstarter credits on the 2018 documentary “Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin.” It’s a great film and you should watch it!) www.imdb.com/title/tt1002...
Rolling, white-lettered movie credits rolling over a black background. There are hundreds of names. Neil Gaiman’s name and my own are highlighted.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 19/09/2023
A picture of me with Robert Jordan from 2003. San Diego Comic-Con. Mannnn. Look at my hair and smooth-cheeked face!
I’m young and tall and standing behind Robert Jordan while he signs books for fans.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 03/09/2023
Found & purchased this used gem at a local gaming store. #DnD #DungeonsAndDragons #ForgottenRealms
The Forgotten Realms Atlas from the late 80’s, written by Karen Wynn Fonstad.
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Jason Denzel @jasondenzel.com · 31/08/2023
I’ve seen the first 4 episodes of #TheWheelofTime season 2. Real talk: this season is a massive MASSIVE positive leap from s1. There are still notable changes from the books, but they’re acceptable because they feel right.
A mysterious, middle-aged noble woman, sits quietly in a wealthy parlor with sunlight streaming over her. Screenshot from the show.
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