Inigo Montoya Sums It Up
Not that there’s a lot going on. Except for (waves at world) (waves at world again) (fully flails at world). But a bard of good tidings worth a damn finds a reason to say hi no matter the circumstances, shrugs off ennui to share any good news that hasn’t fallen through holes in their pockets, then boldly says they did something today. Otherwise life’s too much.
So…I’ve got an essay in BLACK SUMMERS, out now from Wayne State University Press, edited by Desiree Cooper. It’s an anthology of creative non-fiction from Detroiters speaking on their memories (or current hopes) of needing, finding, and using outdoor spaces amid concrete and social barriers just as rigid as steel. Consider the book a lovely and loving undertaking.
MOOOORTAL WRITING! TRILOGY? FINISH HIM!
The 3rd and final Khumalo book is DONE. But you already knew that, didn’t you? It’s on Kickstarter as a pre-launch. You knew that. It’s already gained Kickstarter’s “PROJECT WE LOVE” status! Did you know that?!! So cool. And the book is cool. So many treats in it. The Kickstarter doesn’t actually start until October 1st, 2026, but we’re flying the Pre-Launch Flag so folks can beat the rush! Nudge nudge, hint hint link link share share.
(No, there’s nowhere in the book where it says, “Somehow, Twitswaddle survived.” YET STILL EPIC.)
Did you also know that C.S.E. Cooney, my writing sister in fantasy trilogies and life, FINISHED HER EPIC ENDER TOO?! The SAINT DEATH series (of which book 2 was dedicated to me!) is a damn wondrous thing. A beautiful thing. A song and a bonding ring. Claire and I wrote our trilogies in side-by-side go-carts (spiritually), helping each other keep wobbly wheels and steering on track despite whatever rough terrain. First book is Saint Death’s Daughter. Second, Saint Death’s Herald. Final (beautifully, deliciously) Saint Death’s Doorway, coming 2027! Obviously, get some.
WHAT HAVE I BEEN READING?
MARTYR! by Kaveh Akbar is a delight on so many levels it hurts. It reminds me of The Shadow of the Wind, not in content but in effect. Harrowing but loving, poetic but stark, hilarious the way we recall distant heartbreak. I read it when I know I’ll have time for pleasure, not merely consumption.
SEASONS OF GLASS AND IRON by Amal El-Mohtar, kind of a greatest hits collection of shorts spanning her writing career. And that’s pretty much all you should need to run straight to your local book store. Amal’s stories are some of the most human, affecting, and imaginative stories you’re likely to find.
OH, AND I MADE A WONKY BIT OF FURNITURE AGAIN. A Murphy table for a friend who has a powerful need to do some puzzling but limited unused horizontal space. Just some odds and ends put together with the proper fasteners and screws, but it was nice cobbling it together. Even nicer with a puzzle on top. Could this entire cobbling statement of wonky bits apply to writing? We both know the answer to that.
All right. Sum’s over. Fare well. Be at peace.
Enjoy pie.