The Shelf Discovery Podcast

What if your past wasn’t just something you remember… but something that actively pulls you back?In this episode of Shelf Discovery, I do something a little different.Instead of interviewing an author, I step into the spotlight and answer the same questions I usually ask my guests—this time about my own magical realism novel, Son of the Axe.The result is a more personal, reflective episode that explores not just the story itself, but the deeper questions behind it: identity, legacy, and the quiet tension between the life we live and the life we feel we were meant to live.A different kind of episodeThis episode is part of Self-Made Stories, where the focus is usually on indie authors building their work outside traditional publishing.But instead of a traditional interview, I walk you through the core ideas behind Son of the Axe by answering a simple set of questions:* What is the book about?* What other books is it similar to?* Why might readers connect with it?* Where did the idea come from?It’s a format designed to give you a clear sense of the story—without overexplaining it.The story at the centreAt its core, Son of the Axe follows Jacob Machado, a man who appears to have a stable, complete life—until something shifts.A midlife crisis, or perhaps something deeper.When Jacob acquires a mysterious axe linked to his 12th-century ancestor, what begins as curiosity turns into obsession. He starts tracing his family history across Portugal, Spain, and Colombia, searching for meaning in the past.But the deeper he goes, the more the line between history and something… less explainable begins to blur.The journey comes at a cost.His work, his relationships, and his sense of reality all begin to unravel.And at the centre of it all is a question he cannot avoid:Do you hold on to the past—or do you let it go?A story grounded in real questionsWhile the novel includes supernatural elements—a cursed object, ghostly visions, echoes of the past—the heart of the story is deeply human.It explores questions many readers will recognise:* Where do I come from?* How much does my past define me?* What does it mean to live a meaningful life?* What kind of legacy am I leaving behind?As I explain in the episode, this is not just a story about a man and an object.It’s about identity.And the tension between the life we have… and the life we imagine could have been.Books that shaped the storyTo give listeners a sense of the tone and themes, I compare Son of the Axe to a few well-known novels:* The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab — for its exploration of memory and legacy across time* The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — for its psychological depth and focus on regret and alternate lives* The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón — for its atmosphere and connection between past and presentEach comparison highlights a different aspect of the novel, from its emotional core to its narrative structure.The personal inspiration behind the bookOne of the most revealing parts of the episode is the origin of the story.Son of the Axe draws directly from my own family history.The novel begins with the real story of my 22nd great-grandfather, a man who fought in 12th-century Portugal. From there, I traced the journey of my ancestors across countries and generations.That research sparked something deeper.A realization that history is not just a sequence of events—it’s a chain of decisions, identities, and unresolved questions that continue to echo forward.The novel builds on that idea, blending real history with imagination to explore how the past shapes the present.A glimpse into the storyThe episode also includes a reading from the opening page, set in medieval Portugal.It introduces the origin of the axe and hints at the long arc of the story—one that stretches across centuries and connects past and present through a single object.Without giving too much away, it sets the tone: atmospheric, historical, and slightly unsettling.Where to find the bookSon of the Axe is available in multiple formats:* Paperback (widely available)* Hardback (via Amazon)* Ebook (including Kindle Unlimited)At the time of recording, the ebook is priced at an accessible level, making it easy to try.For more information, including links and details about the sequel novella What the Axe Did Next, you can visit:dpmartinez.ukListen if you enjoy:* magical realism grounded in real history* character-driven stories about identity and purpose* novels that blend past and present* reflective, slightly darker explorations of meaning* discovering indie books with a personal originThanks for reading Contemporary Fantasy Reads! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

Why do the same books keep showing up everywhere?In this solo episode of Shelf Discovery, D.P. Martinez explores how algorithms influence what readers discover—and what they never see. From Amazon recommendations to BookTok trends, we unpack how popularity loops shape visibility, why certain types of books dominate your feed, and which stories often get left behind.In this episode: How recommendation algorithms actually work Why popular books keep getting more visibility The concept of “popularity bias” and what it means for readers Which books struggle in algorithm-driven systems Practical ways to break out of the recommendation loopA short, thought-provoking look at how modern discovery works—and how to find better books beyond the algorithm. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

When was the last time you read a book of short stories?For many readers, the answer is: a long time ago.Short fiction used to play a much larger role in literary culture. Writers such as Jorge Luis Borges, Edgar Allan Poe, and many authors built lasting reputations through the short story. Yet today, short story collections often feel strangely absent from bookshop shelves.In this episode of Shelf Discovery, I speak with Tom Conaghan, founder of Scratch Books, an independent press dedicated to keeping the short story alive as a vibrant literary form.Our conversation explores why short fiction struggles in the traditional publishing ecosystem—and why passionate independent publishers are working to change that.Why short stories struggle in traditional publishingOne of the themes that emerges early in the discussion is the way publishing trends shape what readers encounter.Many editors and agents believe that short story collections are harder to sell than novels. Readers browsing in bookshops often hesitate when they realise a book contains multiple stories instead of a single continuous narrative. As a result, major publishers frequently prioritise novels or collections written by already well-known authors.This creates a feedback loop:* fewer short story collections are published* readers encounter them less often* publishers interpret this as a lack of demandTom describes this as an ecosystem issue rather than a failure of the form itself. In other literary traditions—particularly in Ireland and the United States—the short story still occupies a central place in literary culture.Scratch Books was created partly to challenge the assumption that readers no longer care about short fiction.The origins of Scratch BooksScratch Books grew out of Tom’s work with the Word Factory, an organisation that champions the short story in the UK.One early project involved collecting interviews with writers about how they constructed their short stories. That idea eventually evolved into a book—and the experience of assembling it provided the spark for launching a small publishing venture.From there, Scratch Books gradually expanded its catalogue, focusing on projects that celebrate both the craft and the creative possibilities of short fiction.Today, the press publishes only two books each year, allowing them to focus on works that feel particularly distinctive and ambitious.A standout recommendation from the catalogueDuring the conversation, Tom highlights a book he particularly recommends: The Unreliable Nature Writer by Claire Carroll.The collection imagines a future shaped by climate change but approaches the subject with subtle humour and restraint rather than heavy-handed warning. The stories move between elements of science fiction, dark comedy, and psychological observation.Tom describes the writing as precise and quietly unsettling—stories that evoke powerful emotional responses through suggestion rather than explicit explanation.This kind of tonal complexity is one of the reasons short fiction can feel so distinctive. A story may be only a few pages long, yet leave readers thinking about it for days.A favourite short story collection outside the pressBeyond the Scratch Books catalogue, Tom also mentions a personal favourite: Pond by Claire-Louise Bennett.The book occupies a fascinating space between a traditional story collection and a fragmented novel. The pieces share a voice and sensibility, creating a loose continuity without following a conventional narrative arc.It is a good example of how short fiction can blur boundaries between literary forms while maintaining a powerful sense of voice.Why short stories still matterOne of the most interesting ideas in the episode is that short stories often deliver something unique that novels cannot.A novel immerses readers in a sustained narrative world. A short story, by contrast, can create a sudden emotional or intellectual impact—sometimes in just a few pages.The form allows writers to experiment with voice, tone, and perspective in ways that feel immediate and surprising.And for readers, discovering a powerful short story can feel like encountering a perfectly crafted piece of literary lightning.Listen if you enjoy:* discovering unusual corners of the literary world* short fiction by innovative writers* conversations about how stories are created* independent presses that champion overlooked genres* finding new authors before they become widely knownShort stories may not dominate bookstore displays the way novels do, but conversations like this one suggest the form is far from disappearing.In fact, thanks to passionate readers, writers, and independent publishers, the short story might be entering a fascinating new chapter.Thanks for reading Contemporary Fantasy Reads! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

What kinds of books struggle to make it through traditional publishing?In this episode of Shelf Discovery, D.P. Martinez explores the kinds of stories that often fall outside the mainstream publishing system—from unusual genre mashups to experimental storytelling and niche historical narratives. These are the books that can be difficult to market but often become some of the most original reads for curious readers.In this episode:Why traditional publishing favors familiar genres and predictable audiencesThe types of books that often struggle to get a traditional dealHow indie publishing allows unusual stories to reach readersWhy some of the most creative books exist outside the mainstream systemA short exploration of how the indie book world expands the kinds of stories readers can discover. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

In this episode of Shelf Discovery, we meet indie author Jesse Karjalainen, whose upcoming historical conspiracy thriller The Broken Crown blends real British history with fast-paced suspense. Inspired by the spirit of The Da Vinci Code, the novel follows an ordinary taxi driver who discovers a mysterious piece of gold that pulls him into a centuries-old secret tied to the English monarchy.In this episode:The story behind The Broken Crown and its historical rootsWhy Jesse wanted an ordinary protagonist instead of a typical CIA/FBI-style heroHow real English history shapes the thriller’s mysteryInfluences including Dan Brown and Steve BerryA live reading from the opening pagePlans for a future trilogy continuing the storyA conversation about indie thrillers, historical intrigue, and writing page-turners that combine action with real-world history. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

n this episode of Shelf Discovery, we go behind the scenes with Daniel Li from Sinoist Books, an independent press dedicated to bringing Chinese-language literature to English-speaking readers through translation. We talk about how the press bridges two very different publishing cultures, what makes a story resonate across languages, and how translation opens new perspectives for readers beyond the usual English-language shelves.In this episode:What “Sinophone literature” means and why it mattersHow Sinoist Books collaborates with Chinese publishers to bring stories into EnglishDifferences between the Chinese and UK/US publishing marketsTwo standout titles from the catalogue, including Old Kiln and Tibetan SkyHow the team chooses books that can connect with Anglophone readersA recommended indie read outside their catalogue: Relearning to Read by Anne MorganA conversation about translation, cultural exchange, and how indie presses help readers discover voices that rarely reach mainstream shelves. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

What happens when the wicked witches of classic fairy tales refuse to accept the roles written for them?In this episode of Shelf Discovery, we speak with indie fantasy author Jennifer Taylor-Gray, whose debut novel The Old Crones Club reimagines familiar fairy-tale villains as complex, rebellious protagonists. Locked away by the mysterious Grimm Brotherhood and threatened with losing their memories, a group of older witches escapes imprisonment and sets out to reclaim their magic, their identities, and the truth of their stories. Along the way, they spark a fairy-tale rebellion.In this episode:A fresh take on fairy-tale retellings from the perspective of witchesWhy older women rarely appear as central characters in fantasy — and why that mattersThemes of identity, memory, and reclaiming your voiceJennifer’s literary influences, including T. Kingfisher and Naomi NovikThe personal inspiration behind the story and its message of resilienceIf you enjoy fantasy that blends humor, emotional depth, and familiar folklore seen from a new angle, The Old Crones Club offers a compelling and original twist on the genre. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

Finding a genuinely good indie book can feel harder than it should be. In this solo episode of Shelf Discovery, I share a practical, reader-first system for discovering high-quality indie fiction without falling into endless scrolling or disappointing reads.In this episode, you’ll learn:Where to look for strong indie books (small presses, indie bookshops, and curated newsletters)How to judge a book quickly and fairly using previews and craft signalsWhich quality indicators matter more than star ratingsWhy covers and blurbs can mislead — and how to read them more intelligentlyA short, actionable guide for readers who want better discoveries, not more recommendations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

In this episode of Shelf Discovery, we go behind the scenes with Aina Marti Balcells, founder of Heloise Press, an independent publisher focused on contemporary fiction by women. We talk about why “women’s fiction” is largely a marketing label rather than a true genre, how Heloise Press began with a strong emphasis on translated literature, and what Aina looks for when selecting bold, stylistically distinctive manuscripts. She also shares standout recommendations from the catalogue and one indie book readers should try beyond her own list. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

In this episode, we spotlight The Terminus of All Things with British indie author Jay Neil. The novel follows an ordinary man who stumbles into Endland, a bizarre realm where forgotten brands, beliefs, and cultural castoffs go when they fade from public attention. Jay talks about his influences (including Robert Rankin), the mix of nostalgia and bureaucracy inside his worldbuilding, and why the book resonates with readers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. He also reads from the opening chapter. This episode is ideal for listeners who enjoy British urban fantasy with humour, heart, and a slightly surreal edge. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

Not all readers jump into indie fiction with enthusiasm — and there are real reasons why. In this episode, we unpack the common objections many book lovers have about indie fiction: concerns about quality, not knowing where to find great indie books, the fear of missing out on what everyone else is reading, and assumptions about the publishing route.Instead of brushing these objections aside, we explore where they come from and how readers can approach indie fiction with more confidence and curiosity. You’ll learn why discoverability matters, how algorithmic recommendations shape reading habits, and how this podcast aims to serve as your guided lens into curated indie reads.This episode gets honest about reader psychology and equips you with practical ways to expand your reading universe — without discarding the books you already love.What You’ll Learn:- Why many readers hesitate to read indie fiction- How industry structures and algorithms influence what we see- The difference between perception and quality in indie books- How Shelf Discovery helps you uncover curated, high-quality indie fictionRecommended For:Readers who want to broaden their TBR, anyone curious about indie books but unsure where to start, and listeners who want thoughtful, quality recommendations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

In this episode, we spotlight Murphy Who Talks, a satirical novel by Irish indie author Ronan O’Shea, published by Indie Novella. Ronan shares the premise behind the book — a silent pub, Anglo-Irish identity, Brexit-era tensions — and talks about voice, comedy, and why Murphy makes such an engaging narrator. If you’re curious about contemporary satire with heart and political awareness, this one’s for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

In this episode, we step into the world of indie publishing with Damien Mosley, founder of the London-based press Indie Novella. Damien shares how the press champions “accessible literary fiction,” the hidden stories that drive their catalogue, and one standout title readers should discover. We also talk identity-driven fiction, indie bookshop success stories, and a must-read recommendation from another small press.Books mentioned and links to Indie Novella's catalogue are Lotte by Martin Raymond, Murphy Who Talks by Ronan O’Shea, Don’t Go to Work, The World’s Ending by Paul Dalton, and Exit Management by Naomi Booth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

In the very first episode of The Shelf Discovery Podcast, we dive into what it really means to be an indie author. If you love discovering books that don’t always make bestseller lists, this episode is your launchpad.We break down the two core paths of indie publishing — self-published authors and authors working with independent presses — and explain how both differ from the traditional Big Five publishing machine. Along the way, we spotlight success stories from indie authors who crossed into mainstream consciousness, including Fifty Shades of Grey, The Martian, and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com

If you love finding books that aren’t plastered all over bestseller lists, listen up. I’m launching a podcast called The Shelf Discovery Podcast, and it’s all about the hidden gems in London’s indie fiction scene.Every week, I interview a self-published author in five quick questions… then I talk to indie publishers and bookshops who know exactly which underrated stories deserve your attention.Think of it as your shortcut to the best books you haven’t heard of yet.First episode drops soon—and trust me, you’ll want this on your reading radar.Follow for updates… and get ready to discover your next favourite book. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dpmartinez.substack.com