Refilling the Well, YouTube Live, Convention Schedule, and... ⚙️💖📚
MY BOOK IS UP FOR AN AWARD! 🎉
Before I dive into all the fun things, I want you to know that I’m deliberately keeping this week’s newsletter light because the world feels so heavy right now. I promise there is nothing but cat pics, art, games, books, and whimsy below to brighten your day. 💖
Whenever possible this winter, I’ve been refilling my creative well, and it’s already made a huge difference in my revisions process! I’ve played board games and solo TTRPGS, spent possibly a little too much time on the Animal Crossing update, participated in the Strong Women-Strange Worlds Holiday Extravaganza, attended virtual book club, tried new recipes, searched the Folklore Society’s archives, and made a long over-due visit to the Des Moines Art Center (I hope to be back soon!)
I also started attending classes at the local YMCA to break up my workday. Last week, I learned how to use barbells in new-to-me and interesting ways. It was a revelation and I loved it!
I hope you’re finding ways to recharge, too. For me, that means a blend of community and time alone, movement and stillness.
With that said, I’m so excited to share some upcoming events and news! (And yes, I’m still smiling about the fun award my book is up for!)
Charmed Chats & Happily Ever Sprints
On Thursday, February 5th, at 5 pm Central time, I’m joining S.D. Huston live on her YouTube channel for Charmed Chats & Happily Ever After Sprints! We’ll be discussing writing craft, romantasy, play games, and spend some time writing. You can watch at the link here (click the notification bell for a reminder.)
2026 Convention Schedule
I’m in the process of updating the Events page of my website for this year’s convention line up. I’m not done yet (revisions are calling my name as I type this newsletter), but here is my schedule so far for 2026! If you have the opportunity and it is feasible (and safe1) for you to travel, I’d love to see you at any and all of these conventions!
DemiCon 37 May 1st-3rd
The Nebula Awards Conference June 3rd-7th (this one is more for writers of all types of speculative fiction)
Chicago Steampunk Expo June 12th-14th
Fables and Flames: Romantasy Gala November 6th-8th
TeslaCon November 12th-15th
Want to participate in steampunk and bookish events virtually? This weekend, the BrassGears Adventurers Society is hosting a cooking class, Tea Time Treats - Take 2, via Zoom on Saturday, January 31st at 2 pm. You can RSVP and find the list of ingredients on the event page here. (I have a family commitment or I’d be there, too. I loved the first Tea Time Treats event!)
On February 15th at 6:30 pm Central time, Temporal Textual Talks: A Book Club is meeting virtually to discuss “Rust in the Root” by Justina Ireland. You don’t have to finish the book to participate in book club, but do know that there is the potential for spoilers. I always love the discussions led by Madame Askew and Bill Bodden!
On that note, my book, Forsaken Beauty and the Etherbeast, is up for a Tippy Golden Teacup Award! These whimsical awards are hosted by Madame Askew and the Grand Arbiter. The categories range from makers to cosplayers to books from last year’s book club list. To vote in the Bibliomancy Award (the book-related category), visit this page by February 9th. (Do check out the other categories, too. They look so fun!)
Happy reading!
Please bear in mind that this schedule is subject to change, but I’ll be making every effort to attend within reason because I believe strongly in community.
There is no such thing as too much time spent on video games. ;)