Matt Dinniman, author of the popular *Dungeon Crawler Carl* series, has announced exciting developments regarding his latest work and upcoming events. Known for his unique blend of fantasy, science fiction, and gaming elements, Dinniman’s series began in 2020 as a self-published endeavor. It follows a Coast Guard veteran and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, as they navigate a perilous intergalactic game show. With over a million hardback copies in print since Ace Books took on the series in August 2024, Dinniman’s storytelling continues to captivate audiences.
On September 22, 2024, Dinniman will join actress and author Felicia Day for a special appearance at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles. This event is hosted by DIESEL, A Bookstore, and promises to be a highlight for fans eager to engage with the author behind the series.
New Releases and Future Projects
Dinniman’s upcoming book, *This Inevitable Ruin*, marks the seventh installment in the *Dungeon Crawler Carl* series. In this latest adventure, Carl and Princess Donut face new challenges on the much-anticipated ninth floor, where they will confront various armies and the return of the quirky talking love doll head, alongside a shark character named Jamal.
Additionally, Dinniman is set to release a standalone sci-fi novel titled *Operation Bounce House* in February 2025. This narrative centers on settlers on a distant planet who have spent decades attempting to establish a transfer gate back to Earth for instant communication and travel. Unfortunately, this breakthrough triggers an aggressive response from Earth, which hires a mercenary company to gamify the eviction of the settlers, leading to an intriguing conflict.
Insights into Reading and Writing
During a recent Q&A session, Dinniman shared insights into his reading preferences and influences. He mentioned that his favorite book often changes, but currently, he regards *Tigana* by Guy Gavriel Kay as a top choice. His current read is *The Third Rule of Time Travel* by Philip Fracassi. Dinniman also reflected on his childhood reading experiences, stating that *Harriet the Spy* by Louise Fitzhugh was the first book he revisited multiple times, igniting his passion for literature.
Dinniman is not shy about his reading habits. He shared that he often has a towering “to be read” (TBR) list but prefers to mix genres with each selection. When asked about a book that resonated deeply with him, he cited *Boy’s Life* by Robert R. McCammon, emphasizing how it perfectly aligned with his life experiences at the time.
While he enjoys a variety of genres, Dinniman admitted to being somewhat reluctant to delve into romance novels. Instead, he gravitates towards horror and science fiction, expressing a desire to explore more classic mystery titles in the future.
Dinniman has expressed gratitude for the librarians who shaped his love for reading during his childhood. Having moved frequently due to his father’s military career, he found solace in libraries, where countless librarians played a pivotal role in nurturing his literary interests.
He concluded the discussion by sharing his thoughts on what makes a book appealing. For him, character development is paramount. “Cool plots are a dime a dozen, but without interesting characters, what’s the point?” he asserted.
As a final note, Dinniman revealed an intriguing fact about his writing process: the first draft of *Dungeon Crawler Carl* was penned in the second person, showcasing his creative approach to storytelling.
For more details about Dinniman’s upcoming event and other projects, interested readers can visit the DIESEL website.