BTS of the Nebulas, Chicago Steampunk Expo Pics, and... 💖⚙️📚
🎁 Open for access to my latest panel slides & details about Des Moines' newest bookish event!
Hello! I’m back from a whirlwind two weeks of traveling back and forth to Chicago for both the Nebulas and the Chicago Steampunk Expo. I had the best time! (I’m also still very much catching up with my messages, revisions, and sleep, so if you’re waiting to hear back from me, I promise that I’m getting there.) If you want to see pics and have access to my panel slides, you may want to open this email in Substack in order to see everything. I have lots of fun stuff in this week’s newsletter!
Behind the Scenes at the Nebula Awards Conference
The Nebula Awards Conference was fantastic! I got to see old friends and met a few new ones. I had a memorable lunch with some speculative poets, who told me about selling poetry at punk events. Learning from panels on everything from contracts, comics, neurodiversity, playwriting, and more was amazing. (I love learning from writers of all types. Keeping a beginner’s mindset is dear to me, and things like this help.) The speeches at the ceremony were also incredibly powerful.
I came away feeling inspired and ready to get back to my projects (and added another one after a few talks with a new friend/mentor.) I can’t wait for next year’s Nebulas in Seattle on June 3-6, 2027!
As usual, I didn’t take enough pics, but here are a few from the Nebula Awards Ceremony:
Pics and Panels from the Chicago Steampunk Expo
I’m so, so grateful for everyone who made my boys feel welcome at their first ever steampunk convention!! They loved nerf dueling, hamster wars, tea dueling, and teapot racing! My oldest is all about the Difference Engine, alt history, and learning during the magic lantern show. My youngest was so excited about getting to cosplay, seeing everyone’s outfits, and is excited to make clothes for his plushies. Watching them have fun for different reasons was an excellent reminder that there is no wrong way to enjoy steampunk. Both of their reasons for enjoying the Expo were valid.
As for me, I had a wonderful time. I’m so thankful for everyone who stopped by my table or attended my panels (especially those of you who ended up standing during Saturday and Sunday’s panels!) Scroll down for access to those slides. (I don’t have audio on them yet, but you can still see all the visuals. My commentary, like on the bit about the fraud photographer who P.T. Barnum testified against, will have to come later on when I’m uploading panels online. One tech issue at at time, first, though.)
I can’t wait to go back to the Chicago Steampunk Expo! More details are still coming, but the next theme will be Space 1893. It’s going to be awesome!
Chicago Steampunk Expo 2026 Panel Slides
Click on the pics or the buttons for access to my slides:
I can’t wait to be back at the next Chicago Steampunk Expo! Details are still coming, but the next theme is Space
2026 Convention Schedule
Here is the full list of my upcoming conventions through the end of the year. Booked in Des Moines is a brand new romance book event coming September 26th organized by the owner of Shelf Love DSM. (Sarah has extensive experience running events. This is going to be a blast!) If you have the opportunity and it is feasible (and safe) for you to travel, I’d love to see you at any and all of these events!
Booked in Des Moines September 26th (Tickets available today! Pre-order books here)
Fables and Flames: Romantasy Gala November 6th-8th
TeslaCon 16: Oz November 12th-15th
Happy reading!
