If anyone else is happy to see this year conclude, I am right there with ya. Though I think we’ve been saying this since 2020. It’s been a tough few years. Lots of good, and lots of not-so-good happening in a lot of places. Hopefully this newsletter can bring you some good things for the new year.

Book Things

If you’re like me, you’re looking forward to the holidays with an eye toward reading - a lot! So, grab your kindle and your favorite warm beverage, and settle down with this list of fantasy reads on KU. (Click the image.)

I’m also doing a book blog tour! Until recently, I did not know that this was a thing. I’m extremely excited to be working with Silver Daggers Tours. From Dec 21-Jan21, 2023 I’ll be working with their media team to schedule interviews and blog posts about the Mythical Desires Universe. If you review, blog, vlog, or pod, feel free to sign up using this link. If you’re reading this newsletter, you know I can talk about a lot of things, so sign up!

You can also check out my latest reads and recs along with my “next in queue.” I’ve set a challenge for myself for my extended holiday time to start learning Spanish, get a massage and acupuncture, have a spa day, and read at least fifteen books from my TBR.

Based on how fast I read or DNF, I might get to more, but my average is three books a week, so I’m sticking to that for January and we’ll see what happens. If it works, I might do it for the rest of the year. I’ll leave space for new stuff, of course, but definitely work on reading what I have already.

The Saint George Chronicles: The Dragon’s Lance

I did it! I finished my first edit pass and sent it to my editor. I’m super excited about this next installment of The Saint George Chronicles. It’s just as spicy hot as the previous book, and there’s a lot more of Xavior in his dragon form. You can check out the blurb and the preorder sale link here.

And for anyone that’s interested, I’ll be doing an ARC sign-up right after the new year, and a virtual release party in March.

If you haven’t read the first book, now is an EXCELLENT time to pick it up. I’m having a sale on all my books until the end of the year, especially on Smashwords! Check my queer books and others on the non-Zon platform. (Click the image.)

Exciting NEWS! If you have access to a library in Brooklyn, NY or Central TX, you can now check out The Saint George Chronicles and Death Warmed Over via OverDrive! If your library has access to OverDrive, all you need to do is request the books through your library and mention that they are available via OverDrive. My books are on sale right now so its a great time to have your local library purchase them.

Movies & Media

Everyone’s been raving about their Spotify wrap-ups, but I ditched that platform (which I’d been on for YEARS and paid for, too!) and picked up Tidal. They pay artists better and I’d rather support a platform that is less exploitive. Speaking of which, Twitter is still alive and kicking, and that’s great for those of us that like to use the platform to keep in touch. Sucks for the employees that were laid off. Though it does show the resiliency of the platform that it can remain mostly functional during a crisis.

I finished the first editing pass on the next volume of The Saint George Chronicles, which feels amazing. I’ve added more words to several WIPs and come up with more ideas as well. The year will hopefully end on an upbeat for me, which is all I can ask for given the state of everything.

When I’m not reading, writing, or working, I’ve been watching documentaries. I go through this kick once or twice a year and it will be all I watch for a few weeks. Here are a few that brought all the feels.

“Good night, Oppy”

This was a great story about Nasa Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity. There are so many great stories about the engineers and scientists that built these two robots to only last 90 days and ended up going on a fifteen year mission with them. I really connected with this story and how much these rovers inspired generations of engineers and scientists.

“Love, Lizzo”

Gah! So many great behind the scene moments of concerts and recording music. High points of her career taking off, and low points of dealing with the pandemic and how it impacted the rising start that is Lizzo. Full of affirmations and self-love, along with critical reflection. If you love her music, you’ll love this look behind the scenes.

“Oprah & Quinta Brunson Interview”

Biggest takeaways: Neither of them have ever had imposter syndrome! They are all about intention and making things intentional. They were both inspired by teachers. And - one of the most important things - don’t dim yourself for anyone.

I can’t say I’ve never had imposter syndrome - I wish that was the case, but whew, self-doubt gets you in the worst ways sometimes. Doing things with intention and building a direction and career that was years in the making, that I understand. I don’t think I aspire to Oprah or Quinta levels of success, but building something with soul, with heart, that I can call my own, I very much identified with as a writer.

“Sr.”

There are so many small and great moments in this documentary with Robert Downey Jr. and his dad. The long history of filmmaking both of them have, and the sunset of a parents life was interwoven into a story that can resonate with anyone with aging parents, and self-discoveries.

It inspired me to write a very personal blog about it and some of my own experiences of discovering myself and growing up. For whatever reason, I made a strong connection with this movie and my journey toward understanding myself as a fat, bisexual, polyamorous woman.

There is one moment where Jr. talks with his therapist about what’s happening with his father, and wow, if that wasn’t a familiar conversation. They don’t apologize, they don’t gloss over the past, they don’t forgive for what happened. They make every effort to live in the present and document the relationship. It’s definitely worth watching.

And if you’d like to read about my self discovery, you can check it out here.

Bits & Bobs

Were you curious about Azul? My gaming group played the chocolatier version, and I posted the results on Twitter. Then I found out that Next Move has collectable tiles. I am so very tempted.

And now, this~

Urban Fantasy Playground Newsletter

EOY - Period.