I am excited to announce I will have a story in Permutations: A Well World Anthology!
This collection, to be released in March 2025 from Arc Manor Publishers, is the first to be authorized by Chalker’s estate since Jack’s passing in 2005, and contains twelve new stories set in the universe created by the late Jack L Chalker and first introduced in the novel, Midnight at the Well of Souls.
That novel recently had a re-release, which you can find here: https://amzn.to/3HY6meI (My Amazon Affiliate link.)
I haven’t had a chance to see the other author’s stories, but I’m really looking forward to it! David Boop, who you may have noticed did the introduction on the reissue of Midnight at the Well of Souls, wrote a “connecting” story to bring the characters from all the other stories together and into the Well World. I did get to read that, and it made me really excited to learn more about the other authors’ stories!
Here is the blurb (that I’ve seen. This far out, things always change!) and the Table of Contents (nothing there should change!). I haven’t seen any cover art yet, but I’ve heard rumours and I am very excited about that!
Permutations: A Well World Anthology revives Jack L. Chalker’s legendary series, bringing together exceptional talent to extend its universe. This collection, authorized by Chalker’s estate, gathers renowned authors like Neal Asher, Catherine Asaro, and S.P. Somtow, each adding their unique flair to the Well World legacy. These stories pay homage to a series that has influenced countless science fiction writers, selling millions of copies worldwide. Fans and newcomers alike will be captivated by the rich, imaginative tales that continue the journey in the Well World, a testament to Chalker’s enduring impact on the genre. This anthology isn’t just a collection; it’s a gateway to rediscovering a world that has shaped science fiction, inviting readers to explore its depths once more.
The passengers and crew of the luxury starship, Euphrates, may come from different backgrounds and class levels, but what they all have in common is secrets. When their cruiser is attacked by Anti-com terrorists, the ship that comes to rescue them, however, contains a bigger secret than all of them combined. A secret that will leave them irrevocably changed physically, mentally, and emotionally. For the captain of the freighter Stehekin is both savior and devil. He’ll be forced to drop them through a dimensional gate to a place where they’ll wake up no longer as human beings. As these cursed souls adjust to their new reality, they’ll find out quickly that, on the Well World, you adapt…or die!
Permutations: A Well World Anthology contains twelve NEW stories set in the universe created by the late Jack L Chalker and first introduced in the novel, Midnight at the Well of Souls. Each tale is written by an author and fan of Chalker’s groundbreaking and award-winning series spanning ten volumes. Set in a time after Midnight, these original short stories are the first to be authorized since Jack’s passing in 2005. Nine vignettes will be bookended by stories setting up the situation that forces these unwitting travelers to be stranded on the Well World, a place that turns you into one of 1560 different alien species.
Conceived by best-selling editor David Boop (who wrote the author bible, as well as the bumper stories), Boop sought out creators influenced by Chalker’s work; many who were also Jack’s friends…and family! Permutations contains a story co-authored by Jack’s daughter, Samantha Chalker! Additionally, you’ll discover adventures by best-selling and award-winning authors such as Catherine Asaro, S.P. Somtow, Jennifer Brozek, Keith Olexa, and Marsheila Rockwell, plus a forward by the legendary Neal Asher.
Table of Contents
Forward – Neal Asher
Introduction – David Boop
1. Aboard the Freighter Stehekin
2. South Polar Zone, The Well World
3. Avrom – (Somtow Sucharitkul – S.P. Somtow)
4. Wuckl – Keith J Olexa
5. Lamotien – Sam Knight
6. Oolakash – Elektra Hammond
7. Dunh’gran – Davis Ashura
8. Betared – Marsheila (Marcy) Rockwell
9. Agitar – Jennifer Brozek & Samantha Chalker
10. Alestol – Arlen Feldman
11. Boidol – Catherine Asaro
12. Above the Borgo Pass
