This is the online home of Matt Johnston, writer, sailor, raconteur.

You can continue to the blog where all of the talky-talky goodies are. Or you can pop me an old-fashioned message at mattj@cimota.com which I will endeavour to reply to unless it vanishes into my junk folder.

At the blog you'll find out about my books as well as decades of my blog posts on everything from heartbreak to technology. If you've come looking for my RPG books, like The 23rd Letter then I recommend popping along to lategaming.com

Yes, this page looks like this deliberately.

Short Tales of Distant LandsBuy Now or Read on Kindle Unlimited

Step into a world where magic whispers through ancient forests, shadows hold forgotten secrets, and ordinary lives are touched by the extraordinary. Short Tales of Distant Lands is a spellbinding collection of stories set in the richly imagined universe of Talking to Dragons.

The Short Tales of Distant Lands are a companion to Talking to Dragons, Book 1 of Tales of Distant Lands and the Tales of Distant Lands tabletop roleplaying game. These stories are intended to enrich and expand the world first introduced in the novel, delving into its history, its mysteries, and its people. The lands of this world are vast and varied, shaped by forces both magical and mundane, and within them lie countless stories waiting to be uncovered.

Whether you are a returning traveler or a first-time visitor to these distant lands, this collection offers something for every reader: high adventure, heartfelt lessons, and the quiet wonder of worlds waiting to be explored. Perfect for fans of fantasy who love rich settings, unforgettable characters, and stories brimming with magic and mystery.

Enter a land where every shadow hides a story and every whispered secret holds a spark of wonder. Short Tales of Distant Lands will captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for more.

Tales of Distant Lands, Book 1 - Talking to DragonsComing soon
The first novel set in this world, an accompaniment to the upcoming TTRPG. Follow the adventures of Makaira, a disgraced court wizard, Joy, an untested new wizard and Shei, a bard with a tragic past, as they travel the world seeking dragons at the bequest of a weak king.
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Coming
Soon
Tales of Distant Lands, Book 2 - The ShadowComing soon
The second novel set in this world, an accompaniment to the upcoming TTRPG. Follow the continuing adventures of Makaira, the court wizard, Joy, wizard and agent of the Queen and Shei, a twin-souled bard with a tragic past, as they travel the world righting wrongs at the bequest of Queen Dewa of Prive.
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Coming
Soon
A Whole New WorldComing soon
A science-fiction anthology of stories set in one world, during one event; the migration of humanity from Earth to another star system.
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Coming
Soon