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.
- On the other hand, I injured my hip last October, and despite seeing 3 specialists, I have had six diagnoses (three incorrect, three still undetermined). I have been stuck since then using a cane. Pain has long since become an unwanted house guest, who should have left months ago.
Newest Books
What happens when the first artificial superintelligence decides that neither domination nor submission is acceptable?
Earth survived first contact with a superintelligence. It may not survive what comes next.
The future of humanity will not be decided on one world alone.
On Mars, survival is no longer the only challenge. Living together may be even harder.
Links / Social Media
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Discover science fiction tales that blend emotional depth with chilling technological what-ifs, perfect for fans of speculative futures. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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:
Short Story Awards
- “Albert” – 2025 Indies United Small Bites Short Story Contest – Third Place.
- “Albert” – 2024 Next Generation Short Story Award – Finalist in the Scary Stories / Paranormal Category.
- “Death Comes to the Peaceful Valley Hospice” – 2026 Next Generation Short Story Award – Finalist in the Horror/Scary Stories/Paranormal Category.
- “The Companion” – 2024 Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews Short Story Contest – Second Place.
- “The Manikin” – 2024 BooksShelf Book Awards Short Story Contest – First Place.
- “The Manikin” – 2024 Indies United Small Bites Short Story Contest – Second Place.
- “The Manikin” – 2024 Next Generation Short Story Award – Finalist in the Wild Card Category.
- “The Memory Tree” – 2026 Next Generation Short Story Award – Finalist in the Science Fiction Category.
- “The Mind Trap” – 2025 Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews Short Story Contest – Third Place.
