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Donald Firesmith

Donald Firesmith is a multi-award-winning author of speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, paranormal horror, and modern urban paranormal novels and collections of short stories. Due to his strong background in software engineering, systems engineering, and science, his science fiction is well-researched. He relies on numerous science, technology, and military technical advisors to ensure that the non-speculative aspects of his stories are realistic and believable.

Prior to retiring to become a full-time novelist and short story author, Donald Firesmith earned an international reputation as a distinguished engineer, authoring seven system/software engineering books and nearly 300 technical articles and conference papers based on his 40+ years spent developing large, complex software-intensive systems.

Donald Firesmith is also a maker of fine, one-of-a-kind, traditional, hand-crafted magic wands of mystical woods and gemstones. He even wrote the book on the subject, Magical Wands: A Cornucopia of Wand Lore.

He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife Becky and varying numbers of dogs and cats.

News

My current writing projects are:
- My 4-book multi-planet, near-future, artificial superintelligence science fiction series, The Fifth Future. I am currently finalizing the completed manuscript of The Fifth Future: 1 – Discovery. I have finished first drafts of the next 3 books: The Fifth Future: 2 – Exodus, The Fifth Future: 3 – Two Planets, and The Fifth Future: 4 – New Neighbors.
- My third collection of science fiction short stories, Even More Future Dreams and Nightmares.
My second collection of paranormal horror short stories, Another Cauldron of Uncanny Dreams.

I am actively seeking a new literary agent. If you know of anyone you would recommend for a science fiction book series, please let me know.

I have completed a YouTube video featuring narration and illustrations titled “The Companion,” a science fiction short love story about a man, his robot companion, and his girlfriend. You can watch the YouTube video here.

I have updated my “books” webpage.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease a few years ago. Now that I’ve started taking the standard medicine, my typing is better, I am making fewer typos, and my writing is progressing rapidly.

Links / Social Media

Newest Books

Front cover of The Fifth Future 1 - Discovery — *THE FIFTH FUTURE 1 – DISCOVERY*
What happens when the first artificial superintelligence decides that neither domination nor submission is acceptable?

Front cover of The Fifth Future 2 - Exodus — *THE FIFTH FUTURE 2 – EXODUS*
Earth survived first contact with a superintelligence. It may not survive what comes next.

Front cover of The Fifth Future 3 - Two Worlds — *THE FIFTH FUTURE 3 – TWO WORLDS*
The future of humanity will not be decided on one world alone.

Front cover of The Fifth Future 4 - New Neighbors — *THE FIFTH FUTURE 4 – NEW NEIGHBORS*
On Mars, survival is no longer the only challenge. Living together may be even harder.

Book Cover of Even More Future Dreams and Nightmares

Discover science fiction tales that blend emotional depth with chilling technological what-ifs, perfect for fans of speculative futures.

In the slums of caste-bound Westburg, Ash is a Bottom — a nameless scavenger scraping survival from garbage heaps and prejudice. Abandoned at birth, he has no future and even fewer dreams. But a single act of bravery — saving a young administrator from assassination — changes everything.

Speculative Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Political Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, and Found Family

Book Cover of The Adventures of Periwinkle Fae

Join Periwinkle Fae, a spirited young pixie, as she embarks on magical adventures in the Enchanted Forest, where friendship, courage, and creativity bring the community together.

#Children’sBooks, #BedtimeStories, #FairyTales, #Magic, #Adventure, #Friendship, #Nature, #IllustratedBooks, #EarlyReaders, #FamilyReading, #Pixies, #EnchantedForest

Book Cover of More Future Dreams and Nightmares

Nineteen more visionary and thought-provoking science fiction gems take you on a faster-than-light journey to future worlds of dreams and nightmares.

#ScienceFiction #HardScienceFiction #Alien #TimeTravel #Robot #AI #Android #Dystopia

Book Cover of Jimmy and the Halloween Candy Monster

Every Halloween night, the candy monster sneaks into Jimmy’s bedroom and steals most of his candy. And no matter where he hides his bag of candy, the candy monster always finds it. But one Halloween morning, Jimmy has a great idea. With the help of his mother and father, Jimmy will teach that mean old candy monster a lesson.

Multi-award-winning author of speculative fiction, Donald Firesmith, tells the story of how the idea of a candy monster enables his parents to make sure he doesn’t eat too much candy.

#CandyMonster #ChildrensBook #Halloween

Book and Short Story Awards

Book Awards

Donald Firesmith’s books have won the following 28 awards: