Clockwork Alchemy 2024

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are all having a wonderful week. This past weekend I attended Clockwork Alchemy (click here to learn more) in San Mateo, CA. The con was an absolute ball, and I was thrilled to be part of three different panels as well as having space in the author alley. Today I thought I would share some of my thoughts and photos from the event and the panels I was on.

First off, a huge thank you to everyone at Clockwork Alchemy, especially B.J. Sikes (learn more here), for having me and ensuring everything was running smoothly for us authors. 

Over the weekend, as I mentioned, I was on three different author panels. All three groups were well attended and facilitated terrific and meaningful conversation. The panels I took part in were:

Own Voice Story Telling

In this panel, we discussed the importance of celebrating, promoting, and encouraging Own Voice Creators. It’s important to remember that Own Voice Creators, are not there to gatekeep, but they are there to remind everyone of the importance of opening up the creative communities to all and not limiting story telling or creating to a small group of people who may not fully understand our diverse community members. We reminded everyone in the panel that representation matters. This panel was absolutely wonderful, and I learned a lot.

Book Marketing and PR

Where to start with this panel, there are so many factors to keep in mind for book marketing and PR. It’s hard to nail this topic down, but the important points from this discussion were to open up yourself to trying new avenues of promotion within the realm of what is cost effective for you. As with all marketing and promotion, what you can comfortably afford should always be front and center in your planning. Some basics are:

  • Have a Press Kit

  • Start a Website and Social Media platform

  • Have a newsletter (however this can be hit or miss, so use your judgement)

  • Start marketing yourself and your book(s) right away

Book Publishing

What didn’t we cover in this conversation? We chatted about the different types of publishing (indie, traditional, communal, highbred, etc.). Part of our conversation landed on does and don’t and things to avoid (watch out for snake oil salespersons). We offered suggestions on the craft of writing (editing, cover art, basics around starting your brand, and how to deal with unflattering reviews). My fellow panelist and I endeavor to be as encouraging and as straightforward as we could be, within the time allotted. We all agreed that we could have talked for hours on the subject. To end the discussion, we reminded our audience that they are all authors and to start thinking of themselves in that regard.

Also, I shared my YouTube channel with the audience, letting them know I have almost 40 videos posted there, all about writing tips and tricks for authors. All the information is free and available for everyone to view. If you’re interested, find the videos here.

Those were the panels I participated in, all topics that I believe I have a lot to offer my fellow authors. When I wasn’t at my panels, I was staged in the Author Alley meeting and greeting readers as well as chatting up my fellow writers. I had a wonderful time. I managed to get down to the Artists’ Bazaar and caught up with wonderful vendors I know. I may have made a few purchases as well.

For a hit of trivia, for those of you who have read any of my books (especially The Calling series, click here) there is a side character named Fredrick Bisset. Mr. Bisset is the owner of the Los Altos Beaux Vêtements. He is a lovely and wonderfully talented man who makes all his clients look amazing (no matter who they are or what they look like). In short, he’s fantastic. This weekend I was thrilled to chat with the man that this character is based on, Mr. Alan Jeffries, of Fine Gentlemen’s Apparel (find him here). After, perhaps, buying a few pieces, I told him about how he inspired Fredrick and how Fredrick pops up in some form in all my books. We had a good laugh, and he thanked me for the compliment. So, here’s to Mr. Alan Jeffries, the real-life Mr. Fredrick Bisset.

Well, there you go. Clockwork Alchemy was so much fun and a terrific time. I’m hoping to go back next year. In the meantime, if you’re in the area this weekend, April 27th at 5pm. I’ll be at Books on B, in Hayward, CA for the Hayward Lit Hop. It’s always a lot of fun, so I hope you can come out and join us. Until next time, have a great week.

The Long Journey to You - by Vincent Meis

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are all doing well and are having a great week. Today I’m thrilled to bring to you another wonderful book, but author buddy of mine Vincent Meis (learn more here). Vincent is a lovely writer and I’ve had the pleasure of reading several of his works.

Here are the details about his newest novel:

Nathan doesn’t know how to stop dwelling on the failures and tragedies that have plagued him since the last time we saw him at the end of The Mayor of Oak Street, a twenty-one-year-old happily in the arms of the handsome young doctor he had pined for since he was twelve. Many years later, what could mend Nathan’s heart after the latest tragedy and stop his deep dives into the past? After a chance meeting on the street with ER nurse, Mateo, a big chunk of Nathan’s reminiscing is now devoted to that encounter. Will he seize the day or continue wallowing in the past, having lunch with his BFF, and writing poetry?

He has traveled the globe and survived a disease that people once thought was a death sentence. There are moments with Mateo he is convinced that his whole life led him to this great love. At other times, he’s ready to kill him. Mateo, for his part, must take care of his ailing mother while he works full time in the emergency room. The practical aspects of starting a new relationship are challenging. Above all, this novel is a story of healing and finding true love.

"In this romantic and engaging novel, Meis presents an authentic story of an older man reflecting upon his past and facing an uncertain future. An emotionally honest love story featuring a tragic history and a new beginning." —Kirkus Reviews

I hope you’ll check out the Long Journey to You (find the book here) as I’m sure you will not be disappointed. Until next time have a great week.

The World Continue to Crumble as the Unicorn Horn Thrives

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, I hope you are having a wonderful week and I trust you all had a happy Easter. This week I’m pleased to share my review of J. P. Jackson (learn more here) newest short story; Skin Sessions: Stitched up Tight (find out more here). This is the fifth short story in Jackson’s Skin Sessions series. This is a dark and sexy story and not for the faint at heart, consider yourself warned.

Here is my review:

This is the fifth installment of Skin Sessions a short story series, by J.P. Jackson. If you aren’t familiar with J.P. Jackson’s work this is a dark and sexy series that has a way of boring into your skin and not leaving. Stitched UP Tight continues the story of the Unicorn Horn, a male brothel that finds itself owned by an Incubus Taz-rial. The demon has been true to his word so far, but we get hints that there is more coming, I’m not sure if Taz-rial is going to be all he appears to be, but for now he seems to be a demon of honor and doesn’t want anything to happen to his brothel or the men who work there.

If you enjoy mm sex then you are in for a treat as there are pages and pages of sex, however the scenes are written in a honest way that most authors in the mm romance/erotica genre can’t seem to grasp. In general, in not interested in reading the sex scenes (you’ve read one you’ve read them all) so I skimmed through them sadly make this story very short, (did I mention there are pages and pages of sex scenes), however I did have a pay some attention as Jackson wrangled story and plot elements into these scenes making them important to the plot (darn you Jackson!).

If you enjoy dark sexy stories this is another must read by Jackson.

Well, there you go. My thought on J.P. Jackson’s fifth installment of Skin Sessions (find the book here). Until next time have a great week.

Interview on WROTE Podcast (YouTube Channel)

Happy Wednesday everyone! This week I’m excited to share the interview I did on WROTE Podcast (learn more here), we talked about my newest novel Mu; Legend of a Lost City (get your copy here), how I came up with the idea, the legends that support the story, and the characters that inhabit this world.

We have a great conversation and a lot of fun talking about what I read as a kid, who inspires my writing and what are some of my favorite things. I hope you’ll give the 30 minute interview a watch and show some love to WROTE Podcast, because they are amazing.

Check out the interview here:

I hope you enjoy the interview. Until next time have a great week.

The Hencha Queen by J. Scott Coatsworth

Hello, Happy Wednesday everyone. I hope you are having a wonderful week. Today I’m thrilled to share that my good buddy, J. Scott Coatsworth (find out more about Scott here) has a wonderful new book out; The Hencha Queen. This is the third book in his The Tharassas Cycle.

Here is the blurb for The Hencha Queen:

SILYA COMES INTO HER OWN, BUT WILL SHE BE ENOUGH?

Silya finally has everything she always wanted. She's the Hencha Queen, head of the Temple, and is working to master her newfound talents. So why does the world pick now to fall apart?

Her once-nemesis Raven is off riding dragons, and their mutual friend (and her ex) Aik is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, a new threat menaces the Heartland from the East, and if she can't convince a reluctant Gullton city council to prepare for the worst, she may lose everyone and everything she's ever cared about.

As she uses her magic-like abilities, wit and sheer determination to try to save the city, she's joined by Raven and his new friends. Will their help tip the scales? And will they finally find out what happened to Aik as a dark storm threatens to sweep them all away?

Forget messy. Things just got apocalyptic.

Buy your copy here.

Here is the series blurb:

The Tharassas Cycle is a four book sci-fantasy series set on the recently colonized world of Tharassas. When humans first arrived on planet, they thought they were alone until the hencha mind made itself known. But now a new threat has arisen to challenge both humankind and their new allies on this alien world.

That’s all for today. Until next time have a great week.

Tea Cup Promises by Glenn Quigley

Happy Wednesday everyone. I hope you are having a great day and a wonderful week. Today I’m happy to share that my good friend, author Glenn Quigley (learn more about Glenn here) has a new book coming out on March 16, 2024.

Here are the details:

Andrew Peacock is turning forty, sleeping with an older, straight, married man, and tired of the lies. So what better time to drag everything into the open than at a party for his lover’s wedding anniversary?

Told across six instalments, three decades, and one pandemic Teacup Promises charts the key moments in the relationships of Andrew, his boyfriend Jack, Jack’s wife Harriet, and Harriet’s lover, Stephen.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Clever, unique, and emotionally compelling with rich character development" — BJ Toth, editor

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "What a story! ... I was gobsmacked how well Glenn Quigley brought the whole story together." — Goodreads review

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "…a shock I never saw coming!" – Goodreads review

Pre-order your copy here.

That’s all for now, until next time have a great week.

Why ‘Ownvoice’ Writing Matters for Readers?

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, today I’d like to talk about ‘ownvoice’ writing. ‘Ownvoice’ writing refers to books or stories that are written by authors who share the same identity or experience as the characters they write about. An example is a novel about a transgender person written by a transgender author, or a book about a refugee or migrant written by a refugee or migrant. ‘Ownvoice’ writing is not a genre, but a way of highlighting the authenticity and diversity of voices throughout the literary world. ‘Ownvoice’ writing is not about gatekeeping topics from being written by non ‘ownvoice’ authors.

Why is ‘ownvoice’ writing important for readers?

  • ‘Ownvoice’ writing can challenge stereotypes and biases in a way that non ‘ownvoice’ writing can. Many books that feature diverse characters are written by authors who do not belong to the group they are writing about (this is not a bad thing, in fact, doing so keeps stories reflective of society.). However, showing diverse characters in this way may rely on stereotypes, clichés, or inaccurate portrayals of those characters. Leading some in these communities to feel frustrated, unheard, and unseen. This can reinforce harmful assumptions and prejudices about marginalized people and erase the complexity and diversity of their experience. Non ‘ownvoice’ writing may also show these groups in an unrealistic or unnatural way that can be harmful to these people.  ‘Ownvoice’ writing, on the other hand, can offer a more nuanced and realistic representation of diverse characters, and challenge the dominant narratives that often marginalize these communities.

  • ‘Ownvoice’ writing can promote empathy and understanding. Reading ‘ownvoice’ books can help readers learn more about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences that they may not be familiar with, or that they may have misconceptions about. By reading stories that are told from the inside, readers can gain a deeper insight into the joys, struggles, hopes, and fears of diverse characters, and empathize with their emotions and situations in a real and honest way. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can also help readers discover the common humanity that connects the reader with people who are different from them and fosters a sense of respect and appreciation for diversity.

  • ‘Ownvoice’ writing can empower and inspire. Reading ‘ownvoice’ books can also have a positive impact on the readers who share the same identity or experience as the characters. For many marginalized readers, finding ‘ownvoice’ books can be a rare and precious opportunity to see themselves reflected in literature, and to feel validated and affirmed by their own stories. Celebrating their community. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can also provide role models and inspiration for marginalized readers, who can see characters overcome challenges, achieve goals, go on grand adventures, find and experience love, and celebrate their identity. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can encourage marginalized readers to tell their own stories and to contribute to the diversity of voices in literature.

‘Ownvoice’ writing is not only important for readers but also for writers, publishers, and society at large. By supporting and promoting ‘ownvoice’ writing, we can create a more inclusive and diverse literary landscape, where everyone’s stories are welcomed, valued, and heard. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can enrich our reading experience, broaden our horizons, and transform our world by bringing forward writers and novels that we might not have found or experienced otherwise.

Until next time, have a great week.

2023 Year in Review!

Happy 2024 everyone. I hope that you are all having a great start to the new year. I want to share with you my year in review. See where we’ve been and where we are going.

I launched Mu; Legend of a Lost City with my new publisher; Spectrum Books.

For the third year in a row, I had one of my short stories; Thanksgiving Pie shared in the BAQWA Presents anthology.

I released Conspiracy-A New World (Book 3) on audiobook thanks to the talented Steve Connor.

I finished my next novel, a haunting story about a neighborhood tormented by angry spirits.

I began work on my newest story, set in an alternate reality where airships sail the skies.

I continued work on the fourth novel in my Sci-Fi series A New World.

I was a guest at the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce (March 2023) and the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce (Dec 2023).

I participated in the Hayward Lit Hop with the Bay Area Queer Writers Association.

I attended several Pride Events this year: Placer Pride, Davis Pride, Sacramento Pride, and Modesto Pride.

I was a speaker at BayCon 2023.

I continued to meet and interact with several authors, who remind me of why I write.

With respect to my book sales, 2023 was my best year! Thank you to everyone who has continued to buy and support my work.

2023 wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. This year I also lost an aunt, several co-workers and a dear friend from high school.

As to not end this year in review on a low note, my husband and I celebrated 25 years together, and we marked this milestone with a cruise. We experienced the first ever Pride Night at Disneyland and we also enjoyed several other visits to the Happiest Place on Earth.

As with years past, we got together with several wonderful friends and family who we don’t get to see near enough, but we enjoy the time with them when we do get together.

For 2024 I’m planning on more in person and virtual events and I’m hoping to release at least one new work this year.

I’m sure there are several events that I’ve missed, however 2023 was a good year and here’s to 2024 being even better.

Happy New Year!