Contact
To reach me, hit me up on Twitter @wlgoodwater
Short Bio
Walter is a writer, fencer, software developer, book-lover, and dad. His work has appeared on Tor.com, Crime Reads, and Barnes & Noble. He is the author of the Cold War Magic series, the latest book of which was nominated for a Dragon Award. His newest book, THE LIAR OF RED VALLEY, is a story of magic, monsters, and secrets in a small rural California town, much like the one he grew up in. Today he lives on the coast with his family, cats, and overflowing bookshelves.
Longer Bio
Walter was born in northern California, in a small, hot town called Red Bluff. He started writing at a young age, writing often about magic, history, detectives, and swords. He went to college to study Computer Science at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and fell in love with the mild climate and decided to stay. While in college, he competed with the Cal Poly fencing team, who won league titles nearly every season. After college, he coached the fencing team for the Dunn School in Los Olivos to multiple championship titles.
While he loves to read and write fantasy, he especially enjoys books that span genres. His first novel, BREACH, took the chocolate + peanut butter approach of merging fantasy with a Cold War spy thriller, to create a world that benefits from the power of both kinds of stories.
His latest novel, THE LIAR OF RED VALLEY, was inspired by that small, hot town and the secrets and lies that always cling to tight-knit communities. It is a little bit horror, little bit thriller, little bit fantasy.
When he isn't writing, Walter is a software engineer specializing in user interface design. He loves books, the beach, and Birkenstocks. Root beer floats are also pretty great.
Publishers Weekly
”Electrifying. Chilling monsters, excellent interiority, and shocking twists make the pages fly.”
The Times of London
“As satisfyingly episodic as an entire series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Goodwater is one of [the genre's] finest modern exponents.”
Den of Geek
“A masterwork of world building…and a riveting page turner for all.”
Apple Books
"Thoroughly engrossing and with relentless pace, The Liar of Red Valley takes the reader through unexpected plot twists and false turns towards a surprising and dramatic endgame."
Christina Henry, author of the Black Wings books
"Walter Goodwater is a writer who deserves a massive audience. His plotting and worldbuilding are second to none. This is one of my favorite books of the year."
Publicity for
THE LIAR
OF RED VALLEY
Reviews (REVOLUTION, Cold War Magic #2)
Publishers Weekly
“Humorous, suspenseful, and deeply disquieting, this meaty thriller will keep readers on the edges of their seats.”
Booklist
“A thrilling alternative version of events. This fast-paced spy fantasy will entice history buffs and have series fans anticipating another installment.”
Library Journal
“Hits all the right notes. The fun and thrilling fantasy/thriller mashup will remind readers of Jim Butcher or Lev Grossman with a little Robert Ludlum or John le Carré thrown in.”
Previews (BREACH, Cold War Magic #1)
Amazon
”Best Books of the Month: Science Fiction and Fantasy”
Barnes & Noble
”Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books of November 2018”
Kirkus
”November’s Best New Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror”
Den of Geek
”It's being described as The Magicians meets Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which sounds amazing…We're already deeply intrigued.”
Press Pass LA
”W.L. Goodwater’s debut ‘Breach’ should have you very excited! The truth about this Berlin wall is a secret you’ll want to discover.”
Reviews (BREACH, Cold War Magic #1)
Publishers Weekly
”Goodwater sprinkles powerful truths about the nature of power into this entertaining tale of magic and espionage.”
BookPage
”…a cinematic suspense story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.”
Man of la Book
“Very entertaining”
Interviews
Publicity for
COLD WAR MAGIC
Photos
