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Dead Star Press is an independent publisher of speculative fiction, sci-fi, social commentary, and anything weird enough to abduct the mind.


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Thought and Other Absurdities: Volume 2 is a collection of modern witticisms, thought provocations, and other absurdities from the mind of Joseph D. Newcomer, author of Darkest Day, Diminishing Return, and & El Camino Blue, founder and owner of Dead Star Press, and creator of The Unmotivational Life Coach.

These brief essays are a continuation of the social commentary and compassion-invoking prose of the first installment of Thought and Other Absurdities. It picks up right where Volume 1 left off, takes you through the past four years of Thought and Other Absurdities blog posts, and ends with a year’s worth of all-new, previously unpublished pieces. This new collection is, once again, designed to offer the reader daily vignettes of societal considerations to engage the mind well beyond the few moments it takes to read each thought-altering and painfully relatable entry.


HELP US GET MORE WEIRD OUT INTO THE WORLD

Send us your weird stories. As an independent publisher, we want to hear from you.


Upcoming Events

25
July2026
Firecreek Coffee Pop Up MarketWe’re bringing the bookmobile to one of the coolest coffee shops we’ve ever seen. There will be a bunch of other vendors and all the caffeine you can drink.
11 am – 3 pmFirecreek Coffee
1618 E. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85006
7
August2026
First Friday Melrose MarketWe had a blast at the last Melrose First Friday, so we’re back in August. Here’s what the event runner has to say about Melrose First Friday: Join us on Friday, August 7th for First Friday Melrose Market! Shop in the open air of the Lyceum Park, located in the heart of the Melrose District. Local Vendors, Food Trucks, and more!
Melrose is rife with energy during the monthly First Friday when Melrose hosts the First Friday Melrose Market. The Melrose Market serves as a platform for artists to showcase and sell their works, while providing an opportunity for attendees to enjoy art, drag, music, food, and more in a safe, walkable environment. This curated event features locally made items from Arizona artists, including handmade crafts, fine art and vintage items, as well as food vendors, pop-up galleries, drag performances and other arts-related initiatives. With up to 25+ vendors monthly, the First Friday Melrose Market provides a special spotlight to celebrate local arts and culture.
7 pm – 10 pm Lyceum Park (Thunderbird Lounge)
4330 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013
8
August2026
The Market on MillerWe had a blast at our first Scottsdale event, so we’re running it back a few more times in August and September.
6 pm – 9 pm4140 N. Miller Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
15
August2026
The Market on MillerWe know it’s hot, but not too hot for Scottsdale, are we right? I hope we’re right.
6 pm – 9 pm4140 N. Miller Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
22-23
August2026
Firecreek Coffee Pop Up Bookstore ALL WEEKEND!We’re back at Firecreek for the Market on August 22, but this time we’re inside and staying until close on Saturday, and we’ll be there all day on Sunday as well.
Sat. 7 am – 7 pm
Sun. 7 am – 2 pm
Firecreek Coffee
1618 E. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85006
29
August2026
The Market on MillerWe know it’s hot, but not too hot for Scottsdale, are we right? I hope we’re right.
6 pm – 9 pm4140 N. Miller Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
5
September2026
The Market on MillerIf you see the pink-and-black bookmobile, you’re in the right place for Weird.
6 pm – 9 pm4140 N. Miller Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
12
September2026
AZ Derby Dames Season OpenerWe’re back for another season of AZ Derby Dames Roller Derby!!! We’ll be in the back lot with the food trucks for all regular-season matches and the playoffs. We’re stoked to be a proud sponsor for a second year in a row.
4:30 pm – 9 pmHall of Dames
 2517 W McDowell Rd, Ste 118
Phoenix, AZ 85009 
19
September2026
Fairytale After Dark Bookish MarketYour story begins here ✨
The Storybook Pass is your general admission ticket to our Bookish Night Market, where pages come to life for one magical evening.
Wander through a curated collection of bookish vendors, handmade goods, and literary treasures while soaking in cozy, story-filled vibes under the night sky.
Whether you’re a fantasy lover, romance reader, or just here for the aesthetic — this is your chance to step into a real-life storybook.
✨ Access to 100+ curated vendors
✨ Immersive, book-inspired atmosphere
✨ Photo ops, themed experiences & more
Click here for tickets Fairytale After Dark Bookish Market Tickets
5 pm – 10 pmGoodyear Ballpark (Lot 4), 1933 S Ballpark Way, Goodyear, AZ.
26
September2026
The Market on MillerWe’re back in Scottsdale. Stop by and get some books.
6 pm – 9 pm4140 N. Miller Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
3
October2026
AZ Derby Dames Roller DerbyValkyrie’s v Brides. We’ll be in the back lot with the food trucks for all regular-season matches and the playoffs.
4:30 pm – 9 pmHall of Dames
 2517 W McDowell Rd, Ste 118
Phoenix, AZ 85009 
9
October2026
Sound Bites Music and Food FestivalBLUES TRAVELER, SPIN DOCTORS, & WYVES!!! We’re so there. We used the unrenovated bookmobile for this festival last year, so we’re thrilled to come back with the fully realized version this year, plus we get to see Blues Traveler! What more could anyone ask for? Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sound-bites-music-food-festival-2026-tickets-1990912508908?aff=oddtdtcreator
4:30 pm – 10 pmGilbert Regional Park
3005 E. Queen Creek Road
(Higley and Queen Creek Roads)
7
November2026
Uptown Farm & Artisan MarketWe’ve never been to Casa Grande before. Let’s hope they need some cool books.
10 am – 2 pm1116 E. Florence Blvd
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
14
November2026
AZ Derby Dames Roller DerbyBombshells v Valkyries. We’ll be in the back lot with the food trucks for all regular-season matches and the playoffs.
4:30 pm – 9 pmHall of Dames
 2517 W McDowell Rd, Ste 118
Phoenix, AZ 85009 
21
November2026
WayneFestWe’re coming back to Wayne Fest with the bookmobile! Wayne Fest is such a great event. There are fantastic bands and food trucks and all of the lovely humans from the historic Coronado Neighborhood. We’re stoked for this one.
5 pm – 9 pmCoronado Park
1717 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
5
December2026
4 Peaks Mittwinternachtmarkt Four Peaks Brewing hosts a fantastic market every winter at the Wilson Tasting Room location. Great beer, food trucks, and vendors. Get some X-Mas shopping done and have a few drinks while you’re doing it.
3 pm – 9 pmFour Peaks
Wilson Tasting Room
2401 S Wilson St, Tempe, AZ 85282
9
January2027
AZ Derby Dames Roller DerbyBeauties v Valkyries and Minors Mashup. We’ll be in the back lot with the food trucks for all regular-season matches and the playoffs.
4:30 pm – 9 pmHall of Dames
 2517 W McDowell Rd, Ste 118
Phoenix, AZ 85009 
6
February2027
AZ Derby Dames Roller DerbyBombshells V Brides. We’ll be in the back lot with the food trucks for all regular-season matches and the playoffs.
4:30 pm – 9 pmHall of Dames
 2517 W McDowell Rd, Ste 118
Phoenix, AZ 85009 
27
February2027
AZ Derby Dames Roller DerbyValkyries v Draggers. We’ll be in the back lot with the food trucks for all regular-season matches and the playoffs.
4:30 pm – 9 pmHall of Dames
 2517 W McDowell Rd, Ste 118
Phoenix, AZ 85009 
20
March2027
AZ Derby Dames Roller DerbyBeauties v Brides. We’ll be in the back lot with the food trucks for all regular-season matches and the playoffs.
4:30 pm – 9 pmHall of Dames
 2517 W McDowell Rd, Ste 118
Phoenix, AZ 85009 
10
April2027
AZ Derby Dames Roller DerbyDraggers v Bombshells. We’ll be in the back lot with the food trucks for all regular-season matches and the playoffs.
4:30 pm – 9 pmHall of Dames
 2517 W McDowell Rd, Ste 118
Phoenix, AZ 85009 
1
May2027
AZ Derby Dames Roller Derby PlayoffsPlayoffs. We’ll be in the back lot with the food trucks for all regular-season matches and the playoffs.
4:30 pm – 9 pmHall of Dames
 2517 W McDowell Rd, Ste 118
Phoenix, AZ 85009 
22
May2027
AZ Derby Dames Roller Derby ChampionshipsChampionships. We’ll be in the back lot with the food trucks for all regular-season matches and the playoffs.
4:30 pm – 9 pmHall of Dames
 2517 W McDowell Rd, Ste 118
Phoenix, AZ 85009 

  • Home Merchandise Available

Phoenix Magazine’s Best of the Valley Best Author 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

We’re also excited to announce, for the 4th year in a row, that Joseph D. Newcomer, founder and CEO of Dead Star Press, has been voted Phoenix Magazine’s Best of the Valley Best Author!

Thank you all for voting.


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DeadStarPress@gmail.com