WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH?
Welcome to the monthly newsletter with all of the latest updates about my books, projects, blog, featured artwork, news, and more! This month’s newsletter is a little bit late due to traveling for an event in southern Indiana over the weekend.
About the photograph featured in the heading: I pulled this photo from my archives. It was taken in 2006.
GENERAL UPDATES
May kicked my butt with all of the traveling I’ve been doing to multi-day Renaissance faires! While I did make some progress on the line edit and new map for Book IV, I definitely didn’t feel as productive as I would have liked.
In addition to a LOT of extra time traveling, I also had to deal with the muddiest event I’ve ever done, which meant spending even more time hosing off my equipment and supplies, doing laundry, airing everything out, etc.
My schedule should be lightening up now, and while I do enjoy going to themed events like Ren faires, I’m relieved to be focusing on the local scene again with mostly one-day events for the next couple of months. That will hopefully give me more time to push Book IV through the final phases of publication.
BOOK UPDATES
Chronicles of Avilésor (Book IV: Lab Rat)
I’m about halfway through the line edit under the watch of an adorable supervisor who sometimes interrupts me for pets, snuggles, and cat naps. Editing and proofreading can be a bit tedious, but they’re a necessary part of the process to make sure I’m producing a high-quality book. I do not have a target publication date yet but am still hoping to have the novel out in the next few months.
As a reminder, the Book IV preorders are still LIVE on my website! These preorders are for a special collector’s bundle that includes a numbered hardcover from the first print run, a bookmark featuring the cover image, the five buttons I designed for the novel, and a mini Ghost Realm candle by Old Soul Artisan.
NOTE: if you select the local pickup option at HotSpot Café, Square might tell you that your order is ready. This is not correct. Preorders are technically a paid upgrade feature that I don’t have, so Square doesn’t know these are preorders rather than regular orders. (Hence why I put PREORDER in all caps in the title so customers know even if Square doesn’t.)
For more information about preordering Lab Rat, be sure to check out my blog post.
Inked: An Author’s Advice & Inspiration for Writers
No updates to report since my focus has been completely on Lab Rat.
Cobblestones
No updates to report at this time. So far, I’ve gathered 30 drawings, 20 photographs, and 15 poems. I received an old-fashioned typewriter for my birthday, and I think I’m going to type the poems on the typewriter rather than the computer to give it a little extra charm!
NEW AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS
I'm excited to announce that I've recently been accepted as an affiliate partner for Bookshop.org and Libro.fm!
These two distributors support independent bookstores by sharing the profits from book purchases, audiobook downloads, and subscriptions. Customers can select their preferred local bookstore to support. If they don't choose a specific shop, then the profits go into a pool that’s divided among participating bookstores.
All three of my novels are available for purchase through Bookshop.org. You can visit my affiliate page here.
My first book, A Fallen Hero, is the only one that's been produced as an audiobook so far, and it's available on Libro.fm.
These two options are fantastic alternatives to Amazon/Audible since they put money back into communities by supporting indie bookstores. If you haven't heard of them before, I definitely recommend checking them out!
The links to these product listings on my website have been updated to affiliate links so I receive extra commission on these purchases as well.
BOOKMARK CHARMS
I’ve added a new feature to my build-your-own bookmark station at my booth! Now, you have the option of adding a cute little charm to your tassel.
NEW EVENT-EXCLUSIVE CANDLE SIZE
I recently received a shipment from Old Soul Artisan to restock the large 12oz candles and small 4oz candles of the custom Ghost Realm fragrance inspired by the Chronicles of Avilésor series.
(I do still have a few 4oz left from a slightly defective batch, which are on sale for $5 in my booth until I run out. The candles still smell as wonderful as ever, but the defective ones don’t burn as strongly as they should, so they’re prone to tunneling and/or burning out and needing to be relit.)
Included in my shipment for the first time are cute little 2oz mini versions that I requested! For now, these have replaced the tea lights, which means customers who purchased the Book IV collector’s bundle will receive a candle upgrade. You’ll be getting a 2oz mini candle instead of the little tea light.
DISCONTINUED PRODUCT
Unfortunately, I made the difficult choice to stop carrying puzzles of my art prints.
This decision is partially because they take up too much storage/display space and partially because my supplier decided to switch from the metal tins to cheap cardboard boxes (while charging me the same price... which I am NOT going to do to my customers). So, if you've been wanting one of my prints as a puzzle, don't wait! I won't be replacing the prints after they sell.
While I’m admittedly a little disappointed about phasing out the puzzles, it’s not all bad news. I’m currently working on some potential new products, collaborations, and display ideas that I’m really excited about… but can’t share quite yet while all of the pieces are still falling into place.
ARTWORK OF THE MONTH
Project Alpha Floor Plan (Phase 3) © 2025
I’m progressing on the new map that will be included in Book IV.
Earlier this year, I shared the Phase 1 concept sketch. In May, I advanced through Phase 2, which involved measuring out the guidelines and creating the pencil linework of the final dimensions, and Phase 3, which was tracing the lines in ink, scanning the drawing into Photoshop, and making minor adjustments to ensure that lines are parallel/perpendicular, spaced correctly, etc.
Next, in Phase 4, I’ll be duplicating the linework to show walls and doors in a style that will be similar to the Saros Manor floor plan I drew for Book III. The final phase will be text labels. Patreon subscribers will continue to receive progress updates and behind-the-scenes details about the new map as I work on it.
PATREON UPDATES
Subscribers get exclusive content emailed straight to their inbox every time I publish a new post! I offer three membership tiers with varying perks: Human ($5), Kálos ($10), and Alpha ($15). New patrons, depending on their tier, can unlock over 400 posts! Here are the latest posts since the last newsletter:
• Upcoming event announcements
• Author Q&A: Why did you decide to write YA?
• Early announcement about the discontinued puzzles + patron-exclusive discount and first dibs to have puzzles set aside for purchase before they sold out
• Behind-the-scenes video walkthrough of the line edit for the prologue and first chapter
• Art in progress of the Project Alpha floor plan
• (Coming up… a patron recently requested that the second chapter of Lab Rat be posted, so I’ll be sharing that very soon!)
$5 a month isn’t much, but these small subscriptions really do add up and help me cover the publishing costs for upcoming books in the series along with other business expenses such as vendor fees, website costs, and more. Thank you to my subscribers for your support!! 🖤
For more information about the membership tiers and how subscriptions/donations support my business, check out this FAQ page on my website.
RECENT BLOG POSTS
4 Affiliate Programs for Authors to Earn More Money with Their Books
I share inside tips about how to build your website for successful affiliate marketing and author-friendly programs to apply for bonus commission when people shop for your books.
Preparing for Outdoor Events: List of 15+ Essential Supplies
Tips to face the challenges of outdoor events, including rain, wind, sun exposure, and other unpredictable factors in addition to prepping for the basics.
RECENT EVENTS
May 10-11: Royal Stagg Renaissance Faire in Marshall, MI
May 17: Chesterton European Market in Chesterton, IN
May 24-25: Southern Indiana Renaissance Faire in Seymour, IN
June 1: Rebel Art Fest in South Bend, IN
UPCOMING EVENTS
My 2025 calendar is still falling into place with pending applications! Be sure to check my website for the most up-to-date list.
To receive event reminders, you can join my Discord server, follow me on Facebook or Buy Me a Coffee, or become a Patreon subscriber. Here's the current schedule of events:
KZOO PRIDE
Saturday, June 7, 2025
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Arcadia Creek Festival Place
Kalamazoo, MI
PRIDE FEST
Saturday, June 14, 2025
1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Guy Foreman Amphitheater
Michigan City, IN
ROXX MUSIC FEST
Friday, June 20, 2025
3:00 pm - 12:00 am
Saturday, June 21, 2025
3:00 pm - 12:00 am
Portage Mall
Portage, IN
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Saturday, June 28, 2025
3:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Central Park
Mishawaka, IN
CHESTERTON EUROPEAN MARKET
Saturday, July 12, 2025
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Broadway & Third Street
Chesterton, IN
BATTLE CREEK PRIDE
Saturday, July 19, 2025
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Leila Arboretum
Battle Creek, MI
ARTS IN THE STREET FESTIVAL
Saturday, July 26, 2025
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Historic Downtown
Plymouth, IN
CHESTERTON EUROPEAN MARKET
Saturday, August 2, 2025
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Broadway & Third Street
Chesterton, IN
OUTFest
Saturday, August 16, 2025
4:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Downtown Lafayette, IN
MICHIANA REN FEST
Saturday, August 23, 2025
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, August 24, 2025
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
St. Joe County 4H Fairgrounds
South Bend, IN
BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
Friday, August 29, 2025
12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, August 30, 2025
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday, August 31, 2025
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Monday, September 01, 2025
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Centennial Park
Plymouth, IN
SUNFLOWER FAIR
Saturday, September 20, 2025
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Michigan Avenue
La Porte, IN
WOLF HOLLOW WITCHES MARKET
Saturday, October 4, 2025
3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Boone County Fairgrounds
Belvidere, IN
LODGE CON
Saturday, November 1, 2025
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, November 2, 2025
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Will County Fairgrounds Atrium
Peotone, IL
20th ANNUAL GARDENING SHOW
Saturday, January 31, 2026
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Porter County Expo Center
Valparaiso, IN
KALAMAZOO COMIC-CON
Friday, April 10, 2026
12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 11, 2026
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday, April 12, 2026
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Kalamazoo Expo Center
Kalamazoo, MI
SHOP
If you can’t catch me at a local event, my website is the next best place to shop! Many of my products are available online, including notecards, keychains, buttons, postcards, bookmarks, stickers, mouse pads, novelty CoA merch, and autographed books. Some products, such as my canvas prints, puzzles, resin book holders, and build-your-own bookmarks, are still event-exclusive.
Browse my custom designs on apparel and accessories produced and shipped by Spring. Shop for Chronicles of Avilésor designs plus others inspired by reading and writing (and my popular banned books graphic).
In 2020, I partnered with Old Soul Artisan — a small USA business operated by an amazingly creative woman — to make a custom candle fragrance inspired by my book series. Ghost Realm is a blend of apple, cedar, chrysanthemum, and green leaf that captures the essence of Avilésor. Online purchases help to support wolf conservation!
