2026 Author Signings

And a Pirate Princess sneak peekšŸ“ā€ā˜ ļøšŸ‘‘

Surprise! I threw together a January newsletter because we have some news. Then I’m back to wintering while also editing Pirate Princess, a sapphic pirate/princess romantasy (title reveal coming this year and a publication date for 2027!). Here’s a new snippet from Chapter 2 for all you curious folks:

The rushing in Cecelia’s ears faded to a dull roar as the captain’s laugh rang out.

ā€œWhat do you think of my baby?ā€ the Terrible Ross asked, stroking the railing adoringly. The new coat she’d put on was positively ridiculous: frilly, a dark emerald brocade with silver accents. Underneath, she still wore the form-fitting white shirt with large sleeves, one torn. Where had she gotten another coat so fast? No matter—that was the least of Cecelia’s concerns.

ā€œYou did not tell me this was a flying ship,ā€ Cecelia said flatly.

ā€œShe does like to show off.ā€

Cecelia shook her head as if to rid herself from the ridiculousness. ā€œWhat…what happened to my hands?ā€

ā€œThe ship made you hers. That is, you are a part of her now. I tried to warn you.ā€

ā€œYou did not tell me about this!ā€ Cecelia didn’t know where to level her disgust: at the railing, her hands, or the pirate herself. Right before her eyes, the holes in her fingertips were already healing themselves, and the blood washed away. Magick.

ā€œPerhaps you should go back, then.ā€ The captain’s lips twisted with mirth. She leaned back casually, her arms crossing her generous chest.

ā€œNever.ā€ Cecelia said it first in defiance, but then it all came crashing down on her. The weight of what she’d done. She couldn’t return now that she’d broken some very stringent laws—with the deadliest of consequences. Still, she wanted to burn Greenhill to the ground for what they’d done to her. She’d have to grin and bear it.

By the way, the first chapter of this book was published in Bardsy’s first chapter anthology last spring! Stay tuned for more sneak peeks, etc.—I can’t wait to share more about Ross and Cecelia with you this year.

-So, in late fall, I didn’t realize that 2026 events are… very much booked up already (some places are accepting authors for 2027 now 🤯). I’m doing some local events around NJ/PA and I’ve been lucky enough to just be invited recently or accepted! I expect a couple more will come up too. I’ll keep you updated, and I’m also keeping a list on my website under Events! Visit that link for times and ticket info.

The first one I’m very excited about—one of my local-ish Barnes and Noble locations is hosting me on Jan. 25. If you’re nearby, come stop and talk to me about fantasy books and say hi!

By the way, a big thank you to everyone who is reading The Great Tree of Iris this winter and sharing with their friends and family and social media, and reviewing, etc. (I’ve said it before, but reviews REALLY HELP. Even just a star rating). I can’t say it enough. Your recommendations speak louder and spread further than my own ever could. ā¤ļø 

Watching: We just finished rewatching all of the Lord of the Rings extended editions like we do at least once a year, and we’ve moved onto some of the documentaries (which I’ve also watched a thousand times). The music ones are my favorites. It still absolutely blows my mind that Howard Shore created such a masterpiece that is the score of those three movies (I’m very partial to those over The Hobbit, but I do enjoy those movies, too).

I’ve also been enjoying Loot on Apple TV, and it took me a hot second to realize that Arthur is The Swede from one of my favorite shows, Our Flag Meets Death. I literally still can’t believe this is the same actor. Seriously.

Listening: My beautiful friend Zoe made me a Lia and Rory playlist. 🄲

Crafting: I just finished binding (the edges) of a quilt and gifted it and of course promptly forgot to take pictures. This week, I’m hoping to start working on a wedding quilt (with cats on it) for our close friends.

Reading: I ended 2025 with 28 books read, which surprised me. For some reason, the last two winter breaks, I haven’t been motivated to read much. You would think that would be the perfect time, no? But I leaned into some other hobbies/activities (watching tv, Lego, playing video games, and editing my book).

It’s really hard for me to pick up nonfiction most days, but I’ve been re-inspired to finish Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green because it’s fascinating and infuriating all at once.

Me ready to tell you how everything really is tuberculosis

Amber and I will see you in February! Maybe we’ll do a little newsletter about worldbuilding. At least, that’s what I’m thinking. You can always reply and tell me what you want to hear more about!

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