On Writing Dates, Libraries, and... 💖⚙️📚
🎁 Open for the newest Strange Happenings book + convention news!
Hello!
Currently, I’m very deep into revisions and prepping for upcoming conventions, but one thing that has been helping me lately is a new writing ritual my sister and I started to support each other’s projects. We’re meeting weekly in-person for writing dates to keep each other updated on projects, co-work, and provide a listening ear.
My birthday isn’t until Sunday, but this week my sweet sister wanted to surprise me early so that I’d have more time to enjoy my presents. She gifted me with the coolest fairy tale coloring book (including info about the stories that inspired the art), a book by one of my favorite authors, and a new-to-me collection that sounds amazing!
While we looked through the coloring book together, my sister mentioned a fairy tale that she thought I’d give justice to with a retelling. That led to me thinking aloud about how I could make this story work in the same universe as The Clockwork Coffin and by Tuesday afternoon, I had a rough outline ready. While I have plenty of WIPs that are in various stages of revisions, I’m excited about the new projects on the horizon as well!
New Strange Happenings Adventures!
Pre-orders are live for Alchemy and Automatons! These stories directly follow the events of Monsters and Machines and feature more Lucille, Rosie, Evelyn, Adam, and a new POV character. The format will be very similar to the previous Strange Happenings Collection, bringing together a series of novelette length stories in one volume.
Author of Monsters and Machines, Kelsey Josephson’s alternate history set in a world with automatons, mad science, and found family.
Returning to the World’s Fair was the last thing Rosie wanted to do…
The year is 1893. Surviving the Columbian Exposition was only the beginning. Rosie must test her mettle once again while working for Nikola Tesla. Lucille finds a fresh start without her creator. Their fragile peace shatters as the past follows them to New York. Worst of all, something far more sinister than Eddison’s men is closing in, threatening to tear Rosie and Lucille apart. They must reunite with old allies and enemies where it all began.
Strange Happenings is a series of short stories set in an alternate timeline, where steampunk technology clashes with the monstrous. The Alchemy and Automatons collection brings together four tales of mystery, horror, and adventure.
It’s National Library Week!
Libraries are some of my favorite places. Between checking out books on my TBR and research materials, I always leave with far more books than I can carry. My kids love the summer reading programs, too!
Here’s a guide on how to help books get into libraries:
Looking for ways you support your local branch? You can:
Write a thank-you postcard for your librarians
Attend events at your library
Stay informed and advocate for your library
I’ve also joined Authors Against Book Bans to continue staying informed and taking action. It’s inspiring to see so many other people caring deeply about books.
More DemiCon Announcements!
The schedule hasn’t been posted yet for DemiCon, but here is the full list of panels I’ll be participating in:
Monstrous Women: Come explore the evolution of monstrous women, starting with their depictions in classic myths and fairy tales and concluding with their roles in modern speculative fiction, comics, movies, and more.
Fusion Worlds: Blending Fantasy and Science Fiction for Unique Narratives: Explore the art of merging the realms of fantasy and science fiction to craft compelling stories. We’ll discuss how genre mashups can complement and enhance each other, creating rich worlds and unforgettable characters.
Reading of Monsters and Machines
Science Fiction from Ancient Greece Until 1890 with Alan Koslow
Writing For Radio with the BrassGears Adventurers Society: Stories presented on a purely audio format have existed for as long as humans have possessed speech, though they are most closely associated with the hey-day of radio broadcasting. Today, many live theatrical, and podcast oriented groups continue making dramas, comedies, and all manner of entertaining fiction in a pure audio format. Join us as we discuss the unique considerations of writing for radio, and help us create an original audio play to be performed by BrassGears Adventure Radio on Sunday of this convention!
Performing in the BrassGears Adventurers Society Radio Play
I’m so excited for DemiCon! I had a fantastic time during my first one last year and I can’t wait to go back. I’m thrilled that the BrassGears invited me to help with their panels, too. You can still buy DemiCon tickets online here.
As always, you can find my full convention list on the Events page of my website here.
Happy reading!
