Monsters, Magic, and Machines 💖⚙️📚
Bookish updates and writing through storms
Hello!
Wherever you’re reading this from, I hope you’re safe and well. If you’re new here, hello! I usually send out weekly newsletters on Wednesdays, but last week was storm-filled across the Midwest. My family is fortunate in that the only damage we had was fallen branches. Other towns in Iowa were not so lucky. I hope those communities have smooth recoveries, though there’s much work to be done.
Between the severe weather and end of the school year activities for my children, this spring has been off to a busy start! I’m continuing to make headway on my revisions for the next draft of my latest steampunk romantasy.
Though right now my story looks like it’s a hot mess as I restructure the format to dual POV, I actually love this part of the writing process. Making all the plot pieces fit together is challenging but so rewarding! (This work is also very grounding. It’s exactly what I need right now.)
Between revisions, I’ve been rereading and thinking about my two anthology stories. The Hazel Fae was my steampunk Cinderella retelling featured in the limited anthology, Once Upon a Winter, and is no longer in print. A Tail of Two Worlds is a prize-winning short story in the Mirror, Mirror anthology. It’s a sapphic retelling of The Little Mermaid featuring an inventor mermaid, an adventurous heiress, and an alchemist sea witch.
Both stories are near and dear to my heart, and since I have the rights to both now, I’d love to do more with these worlds. It’s something I’ll be considering this summer between rounds of revisions for my current work in progress.
Before I make any major decisions, I’m off to the Nebula Conference next week! It’s hosted by SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association) and I’m excited to have the chance to connect with other writers! (I’ll also be taking all the notes when I’m listening in on panels. I’m a huge believer in lifelong learning.)
After the conference, I’m mostly staying put this summer to work on finishing my book and going on adventures with my family. I can’t wait! 💖
If you’re a new subscriber or visiting, here are some of my favorite previous newsletters:
First look at my next book: more about my current WIP!
5 Reasons you should attend a steampunk con: new to conventions? Start here!
Shenanigans at the Chicago Steampunk Expo: Behind-the-scenes of one of my favorite conventions.
Clockwork Tales on the Fantasy Romance Podcast: this was a fun podcast episode! I got to talk about con shenanigans, romantasy, and steampunk
How to Help Books Get into Libraries: if you’ve ever wondered how to request a particular book at your local library, read this.
Steampunk 101 Recommended Reading: new to steampunk? This ever-evolving list includes a variety of books that go beyond gears and cogs.
Happy reading!
Kelsey
