M. L. McCortney
I am an author from Western New York. Between in-progress novel- and novella-length works, short fiction, poetry, and digital art, my creative work mainly orbits science fiction, science fantasy, and related subgenres. My short fiction, forthcoming from Penumbric and Bullet Points, appears in Altered Reality Magazine and has earned two honorable mentions from the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest.On this website, you can find links to my published works and more soon to come.
My Writing -- Released and Upcoming Works
Thunderstorm
Novelette
Forthcoming in an online issue from Penumbric in 2026. Previously awarded a Silver Honorable Mention in the L. Ron Hubbard Writer's of the Future contest. Stay tuned for updates.
Mirage
Flash Fiction
Forthcoming from Bullet Points in July 2026. Stay tuned for updates.
Worlds of Paper
Flash Fiction
This flash fiction piece about a smuggler's efforts to provide books for her oppressed people appears online in Altered Reality Magazine.Read for Free
Life In the Dead Forest
Short Story
This short story about a wildlife scientist's misadventures on a lawless planet was published by Curious Curls as a result of winning first place in their annual contest, and is available to read for free.
Read for Free
Star of Revolution
Title Not Final; Currently Under Development
My debut novel, details forthcoming. Stay tuned for updates.
Revolution Lost
Title Not Final; Currently Under Development
A novella, details forthcoming. Stay tuned for updates.
Sentinel Island
Poetry
This poem, through the recommendation of prolific Russian author and poet Dmitri Bykov, was published under my legal name (Miles McCortney) in an exhibition section in the Russian emigre-led magazine Article. The poem appears there both in its original English and Russian (via the work of an anonymous translator).
Read for Free
About Me
I write science fiction and science fantasy, both as short stories and longer works, from my home in western New York. While working to get my debut novel published, I experiment with poetry and other sci-fi subgenres.My main work is Star of Revolution, the first full-length novel I have attempted to publish. I put the first words on paper in June 2023 and completed the first draft by December 2023. Since then, I have made several revisions, with a major rewrite currently in progress. I wrote it intending to create an immersive science fantasy story within a lush world, the potential jumping-off point for a series. I also have a novella early in the submissions process, entitled Revolution Lost.My short fiction has been published online by Curious Curls Publishing (2024) and Altered Reality Magazine (2025), with various other short works under consideration at other literary magazines. My work has earned two honorable mentions (2024, 2025) in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest, with stories also forthcoming from Bullet Points (July 2026) and Penumbric (late 2026).Both Star of Revolution and my shorter works, numbering one novella and 30+ short stories, take place in the same distant galaxy. Outside of writing for publication, I add life to this galaxy through digital artwork and written appendices.I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Rochester.
My Other Work
In addition to writing, I also make original artwork related to my books and stories. More information, as well as my growing portfolio of digital artwork, can be found on my DeviantArt profile under the username BoVCreations.
Contact Me
When I have books to sell, I will create an email newsletter with further information. Until then, you can find all new information on my Twitter/X and BlueSky:
Contact for business purposes only: