Have the queerest of holidays, and stay warm and safe with a good book.
Happy Holidays
queer romance
Kicking off Adventure
The Kickstarter for The Voice of Wild Places begins in one week! Let’s talk about it.
The Voice of Wild Places was borne from my love for history and a need for more queer historical fiction. What was originally supposed to be a fun and quick archaeological story in an urban fantasy world swiftly evolved to a story far beyond anything I imagined, and definitely not urban fantasy.
Yes, there is romance, but this is also a story of adventure, fighting to be who you are in a world that begs you to be anything but yourself, finding the truth, and discovering your value.
The early 20th century has always called to me, but when I first dove into this era I had no idea the feelings that would surface. As I wrote, I discovered many of the issues my characters faced are similar to the ones people face now. It provided me with a way to cope with the changes our world is enduring, and it is my hope that others can find the same comfort in it that I found writing it.
Blurb:
Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.
Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.
Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.
Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.
But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they’ll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind.
After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.
Travel with Cornelius and Watt as they journey from Philadelphia to New York City, to Brazil’s coast and her interior. Visit the places of their past such as Michigan, France, Egypt, Columbia, and more as they two untangle the threads of their lives, and what made them into the people they are now.
With years of research devoted to this project, you can find reality in the details. Listen to the music in the queer speakeasy Maxine’s, which lay in the heart of what would become the Gayborhood. Cruise on the S.S. Eastern Prince, which ran from New York City to Rio de Janeiro, and witness the construction of Christ the Redeemer.
And we cannot dismiss the less savory parts of history, such as the production of antivenin, the threat of civil war, colonialism, and discrimination.
In addition to ebook and paperback editions of The Voice of Wild Places, adventure boxes will be available. These include a signed paperback, stickers, art prints, bookmarks, and my digital backlist. The digital backlist contains The Voice of Wild Places, and will have its own tier as well.
Lastly, I am offering annotated adventure boxes, which include everything in the regular box but with a signed and annotated paperback of The Voice of Wild Places. Prepare for historical notes in the margins, my favorite lines, and lore behind the scenes such as ones that nearly didn’t make the cut.
Stretch Goal 1: Post-Story Short – $ 3,800
Want more Watt and Cornelius? How about Severino and Joaquim? Ah, how about the interns? You know what, let’s hear more from all of them. This stretch goal unlocks short story following our main characters, and new perspectives from their friends. Plus, Cornelius owes Watt a certain tutoring session. This will be in the form of an epub, delivered in December.
Stretch Goal 2: Special Edition Hardback – $ 4,700
Crossroad Art has graciously accepted the challenge of illustrating a special hardback cover for The Voice of Wild Places. If we reach this stretch goal, extra content such as the previously unlocked short story, and a look into the life of Cornelius’ brother, Jimmy Tremblay, will be added to the special edition.
Stretch Goal 3: Audiobook – $ 7,200
Sam Stark, a talented narrator, voice actor, sound designer, and podcaster, has agreed to narrate The Voice of Wild Places! You may recognize them from Pretty Dogs by Riley Nash, or The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch. I highly recommend checking out some more of their work!
Accessibility is incredibly important to me, and I strive to make all of my books as accessible as possible. I would love to have this story transformed into an audiobook and available in libraries. I cannot feasibly do this on my own, or using a royalty share program like ACX, as they reserve exclusive rights to Amazon for seven years.
If this goal funds, those who supported the Kickstarter will receive a copy of the audiobook for free, if they desire.
I don’t know about you, but I always love to do some extra research after reading a historical fiction. The Voice of Wild Places was three years in the making, and required research that spanned books, websites, articles, video footage, and other paraphernalia. If you’d like to peruse the links or the books I read while researching, and others I highly recommend for further information on exploration during the late 19th century and early 20th century, check out the research page.
And if you enjoy music with your books, here is The Voice of Wild Places playlist.
Big thanks to Benedetta Massaro for all of the character busts and extra artwork to help promote this story!
The Voice of Wild Places is a work of historical fiction, the interpretations of the people and places referenced therein are fictional. Ultimately, this is a story of hope, finding yourself and your people, but the road is rocky and there are content warnings to be aware of.
This book contains elements of transphobia, homophobia, discussion of a transgender person being outed in the past, alcoholism, racism, colonization, discussion of the Canadian Indigenous Peoples residential schools, ableism, serious injury, drowning and resuscitation, medical experimentation on animals, snakes and snake bites, post traumatic stress, depression, wartime flashbacks, swearing, and smoking.
Paperbacks in the Sun
I have some beautiful paperbacks of the Adventures in Levena books, and of The Rebel Foxes, available in my bookstore! They are signed, and come with art prints. You can find them here.
Adventures in Levena is a cozy urban fantasy series that follows a group of friends as they learn how to love and live later on in life.
The Rebel Foxes is a standalone dystopian fantasy with shape-shifting mutants, a trans polyamorous romance, and eating the rich.
Lesbian Visibility Week
Lesbian Visibility Week is here, and I have a collection of sapphic books to keep you going. There are many ways to be a lesbian and not one label fits all, so please keep that in mind.
WIP Wednesday: Wizard of Gay
Ta-da! I’m now offering free short excerpts on my website and Pareton. Today’s excerpt is from The Voice of Wild Places, a queer historical fiction. Enjoy a brief introduction to Cornelius’ nemesis, Andrea Carmine. You can read chapter excerpts on my Patreon, and all sorts of different things.
And so Cornelius began to tell the story of where they’d been. Only then did Watt realize the man had smoothly avoided the earlier question regarding their future. He listened as Cornelius spoke of the wondrous French architecture of Rio, the industrious São Paulo and the Butantan Institute, and the growing Cuiabá.
Their encounter with Senhor Galvão, and in this Cornelius modestly admitted his wrongdoings in regards to not trusting Severino. Cornelius was subdued but informative when telling them about their stay with the Bacairy, and by the time it was all said and done the group was fully enamored with him. All except Andrea, that was.
“And tell me dear Cornelius, were you able to broaden your horizons during your journey? Adopt a love for something new besides … oh, what was it you read all the time back at Ur? Oh yes, that children’s novel, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
“Oh, I love that story!” Nair exclaimed, which brought a hesitant smile to Cornelius’ lips.
Ana looked between Nair and Cornelius. “I’m afraid I haven’t. But a Wizard? That sounds interesting.”
Cornelius nodded. “I find there’s nothing wrong with old favorites, and adults can find much to learn from children’s stories. Some of us may have missed the lessons the first time.”
Mochizuki and Xlato Cover Reveal
Introducing the gorgeous cover to Mochizuki and Xlato, third book in the Adventures in Levena series. Cover art done by the fantastic Crossroad Art.
Archeon Mochizuki will force the silver moon to show its dark side, no matter the consequences.
The vampiric witch has been biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment. But now death has come to claim his father, the first person to propose life on the silver moon, and the first to be mocked perpetually for it. To restore his father’s honor before he dies, Archeon will do anything.
Until his machine backfires in the attempt, destroying university property and wiping out Levena’s entire power and communications grid. With his reputation in shreds, he takes a deal in order to secure his job, and freedom. A deal that will change his life forever, if he can handle working with someone as egotistical as he is.
Proteus Xlato has believed in true love since the day their soulmark burned like the birth of a star, an aspect that none of their other kin share.
They meticulously craft a persona to impress a certain astrophysicist, giving a lie for a name. But not only does Archeon have no interest in Proteus, he throws the ‘intern’ out of his laboratory after months of working together.
Determined to show Archeon what he’s missing out on, Proteus abandons all future disguises and plans. This time they will be petulant, meticulous, and brash. Like their soulmate, Proteus will be unabashedly themself. Or as much as they can without revealing their true origins; the world isn’t ready for that much of a shake up.
Or is it?
Mochizuki and Xlato releases on October 28th, 2025.
✨ And here’s the whole Levena family all together. ✨
Adventures in Levena is a cozy urban fantasy series following a group of friends as they figure out life, fall in love, and heal from their past. Each book follows a different couple, and I like to think of the first book as an introductory stepping stone.
Phantom and Rook is available in ebook, print, and audio.
Matsdotter and Adrastus is available in ebook and print.
Mochizuki and Xlato releases October 28, 2025.
The novellas are available in ebook and print, and newsletter members get them for free.
Phantom and Rook, Mochizuki and Xlato covers done by Crossroad Art.
Matsdotter and Adrastus cover done by Foxglove Faun.
Matsdotter and Adrastus Cover Reveal!
“Most people don’t have a great whirlwind romance that’s an end all, be all. Or maybe they did, in the beginning, but for one reason or another it didn’t work out. But that doesn’t … that doesn’t make those relationships less important. A person’s first may not be their last, but that doesn’t take away from the impact of that first love.”
“Like a stepping stone,” Elochian says quietly, watching me.
“Right, yeah. That’s the bit I was working on last night. I don’t have all the pieces, just a vague idea. A character, kind of. I don’t know, I think we need more stories that focus on the big picture. The stepping stones, and the person they bring you to.”
Elochian smiles, then looks away. The movement hollows me out, and I have no idea why. When he looks back, there’s that safety guard. He’s still paying attention to me, but there’s … I don’t know, distance. He says, “I like it. I think you’re onto something.”
And then he changes everything. His fingers twitch, and his black painted nails trace against the back of my own fingers.
❄️🏳️🌈📚✨
Happy Cover Reveal Day!
Big thanks to Foxglove Faun who did a fantastic job bringing these guys to life.
Matsdotter and Adrastus is the second novel in the urban fantasy Adventures in Levena series, and releases on January 2nd, 2024.
Blurb:
Elochian Adrastus is the pinnacle of demon nobility, and he hates it.
When he’s not leading an aristocracy, in therapy, or rebelling against his birthright by running the most famous bar in Levena, he’s solving a millennia old mystery with his newfound friends. He’s particularly fond of the man he’s only known as an author, learning that there’s much more to the human than meets the eye.
For the first time in over a century, Elochian feels tempted by the prospect of finding his own happy ending. He’s also terrified that any future endeavors will end in death, like they did not so long ago.
Quentin Matsdotter has one goal in life, and that’s to blend in. Unfortunately for him, that’s impossible when you’re a certifiable genius, an author, and are friends with some of the most unique people in the town. He’s got everything a man could want, except for someone to call his own.
Quentin hasn’t been able to trust his heart to anyone again after experiencing an abusive relationship years ago, but there’s no mistaking how he feels for the enigmatic archdemon. As the snow builds, so does their friendship, and it’s only a matter of time before they open their hearts to each other.
If only the past didn’t come back to haunt them.
Be prepared to stand up for what you believe in, reveal the truth, and protect those you love, no matter the cost.
Week One of the Phantom and Rook Read-Along
‘There is a certain beauty in being the first and last of your kind, but no one can argue it’s fucking boring.’
We’re officially one week into the Phantom and Rook Read-Along, and I thought it’d be nice to have one place to organize all my thoughts. In case you didn’t know, I’m hosting a Read-Along that goes until the end of November. I’m doing this because I wanted to celebrate the one year anniversary of the book’s release, and to prepare for the sequel’s release in January. You can get free ebooks by joining the Fable Book Club, and there’s also a Storygraph challenge. I’ve been sharing my annotations on Goodreads, and my thoughts on social media.
Without further ado, here is the summary of week one’s thoughts.
October 31st. Original Announcement Post.
On November 2nd, 2022, I published the book closest to my heart. While it is a cozy fantasy, Phantom and Rook explores deep topics like mental health, learning how to live long after you’ve become an adult, and falling in love despite all the things that might go wrong.
Since then an audiobook narrated by Kirt Graves was produced, and numerous libraries and bookstores put Phantom and Rook on their shelves, not only the print but ebook and audio versions as well. There are over 125 reviews on Goodreads, and over 30 on Amazon and Storygraph.
My ultimate goal was to provide an accessible story about happy queers, and I feel like I’ve done that and more. To celebrate, I’m hosting a read-along which starts tomorrow to coincide with the treasure hunt inside Phantom and Rook. I’m also giving away free ebooks for anyone who wants one, you don’t have to participate in the read-along to claim one. The link expires on November 1st.
You can participate in the read-along in any fashion you like. I have a Fable Book Club which has a place for members to discuss and share their annotations. There is also a Storygraph challenge with When Witches Sing as a bonus. I’ll be sharing my thoughts and annotations in the club, on social media, and Goodreads. If you simply want to read without sharing, that’s fine too! The schedule is simply a suggestion, and is the way it’s set up in Fable.
You can find all the links you need in my linktree and more, including a playlist for Phantom and Rook.
Thank you so much for supporting me, I appreciate each and every one of you.
November 1st.
“Let’s go out sometime, I owe you that much for making a mess of your things.”
He balks and the slightest bit of green swims to life in his eyes. A mischievous smile takes hold, but then he shakes his head, and the smile away. “Can’t, but thanks. Enjoy the festival.”
I open my lips but the owl chirps, a bizarre noise, and cracks open a yellow eye to glower at me. The man rolls his eyes at the bird, then glances back at me with a renewed emerald glow ringed around his irises.
He makes to leave, but I wring my hands and blurt out ridiculousness first. “I’d enjoy it much more with a local to show me around. I’m not … looking for anything, just a friend.” I manage to squeak out. Oh dear stars, am I blushing?
All I earn for my awkwardness is a seconds-long sly grin, then the back of his head as he walks away from me. Again.
I become a stone in the river, allowing the crowd to part around me. I wonder when the last time was that I experienced embarrassment. Have I ever been truly embarrassed?
Well, I certainly have now.
🍁🎃📚🏳️🌈✨
Day one into the Read-Along and I’m two chapters in! We’ve been introduced to Arlo’s life and his desire to move out and become a ‘real person,’ as he’s been healing from something in his past and hasn’t felt ready until now. After enchanting a group of children in the orphanage with a legend about a mysterious treasure hunt, he takes off for the market before meeting up with friends.
We’ve also met Thatch, the mysterious and wealthy immortal who delights in the little things. After purchasing a bookstore due to pure sentiment, although he’ll have us believe it’s practically, he goes for a walk through the market. He compares the town as it is now, to how it was decades prior. He becomes distracted by the festival decorations to the Scarlet Illusionist, the creator of the treasure hunt, and crashes into Arlo.
The immortal reminiscences over the witch he used to know, cataloging all the ways he’s changed, and prays to the powers that be that Arlo will remember him.
But he doesn’t, and the witch turns down Thatch’s offer for a night on the town. So begins the push and pull slow burn that is Phantom and Rook.
“I want to see the world. Took me so fuckin’ long to even think about it. ‘What would mama say?’ you know? She always said this place was enough, and it is, but … I want more. I want to go on adventures, Mr. Phantom, that’s why I want to sell. Silly, isn’t it? Leave this behind for some fantasy, at my age.”
I stare directly into his eyes. “Doing what you love isn’t silly. I admire you, Gleason, and I think you should do it.
November 2nd.
I am having the absolute best time, it’s a good mixture of pointing out clues and roasting the characters. I visited the local coffeehouse today, so I had to take obligatory book pictures to pay homage to Thitwhistle’s.
I find a lot of inspiration in people and places, especially cafes and libraries, and bookstores.
You see, for a brief moment in time, you get to exist with these people at the same place, the same time, despite having different lives and schedules and what have you.
You are allowed a momentary glimpse into other people, the way they take their coffee, or what books they tilt their head at a funny angle to look at. You can learn so much about someone in an act as simple as whether they left or a tip or held the door for you.
And this is all without speaking. Find the courage to actually speak with people, and you can expand your perspective even further.
Easy to say, not so easy to do.
Air whooshes out of me and time stops as I stare deep into them, right down to his soul, one that clearly does not remember me but calls to my heart all the same. It stings more than I thought it would.
November 3rd.
A comfortable silence rests between us as the world turns, oblivious to the qualms of queers hopelessly in love with their best friends.
🏳️🌈📚✨🍁
I love this line so much, I thought I was so clever when I wrote it. Is it okay to love your own writing so much?
I’m reading The Fire In Fiction by Donald Masses at the moment, and it talks about storytellers versus status seekers. Why authors write, and the feeling of reading something you can tell was passionately written. It is the highest achievement.
So yes, I think you can, and should, love your own writing. Because if you don’t, who will?
The thing is, I truly contemplated his offer, which in the past is something I’d never do. Sex with strangers is off the table for me, and love … love nearly killed me twice, and I’m not about to break myself open again. I give myself props for even thinking about it, then chastise myself for being such a coward. Lindsey’s probably right, he most likely wanted someone to show him around. If that ended in a quick fuck, would that have been a bad thing? Yes. I don’t think like this about people. And I know enough about myself to know that even a one night stand would crack its way into my heart and feelings would spill out onto the floor like they did before.
November 5th.
“I don’t know, I’m just … tired of everyone worrying, waiting for me to fail. What’s the point in trying to … live if no one thinks you can do it? You can’t keep smothering me, Caspian, and you have to stop taking blame for what I did. I’m serious, I’m my own person.”
🏳️🌈✨🍁💊
We’re officially three chapters into the readalong, and in the tail end of Qualms of Queers, Arlo talks about his depression and previous attempt to take his life. One of the things that was important to me while writing this story was to portray mental health in an honest way, because I think we all need more stories with characters who are ‘invisibly’ struggling.
I pass by pictures of when Tobias and Caspian first started dating, two months after he and I stopped. I smile at the sight of Kitt and I photobombing them. The kids snore in my arms when I stop, looking deeper into my grinning face beside Kitt’s, both of us holding up bunny ears behind the couple’s heads. On closer inspection I note the date, frowning. Six years ago. There was nothing different about my face, except my cheeks were slimmer than they are now. I look away, avoiding the next span of years where I progressively look shittier, if I’m there at all. The two years before I ….
Phantom and Rook now in audio!
Phantom and Rook, narrated by Kirt Graves, is now available on Audible! Readers have called this book a captivating love story, a warm hug, and somewhere people want to live. Tomorrow it will be available on Spotify, Libro.fm, and pretty much everywhere else. You can find all the links right here.
In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek from the POV of the immortal who everyone is bound to forget. Even his soulmate.
Here’s what you can expect.
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
⛈️ Forgotten Memories
🏳️🌈 Misfit Found Family
✨ Immersive Modern Fantasy
🧹 Witches
🪙 Treasure Hunt
❤️🔥Slow Burn Mutual Pining
🎧 Dual POV
💊Mental Health and Disability Rep
🎨Magical Tattoos
❤️ Idiots to Lovers, lots of facepalming
Book Blurb:
Arlo Rook has decided it’s time to move out of Garren Castle, home for orphans of all races, magical or not, at 100 years old. It’s not the first time he’s left home, but after a setback that landed the Hedge Witch in the hospital a year ago, he ended up right back at square one.
But now he’s ready to strike out on his own, despite his friend’s worries that he’s not ready for the real world.
Thatch Phantom is an immortal, the last of his kind and perpetually bored. When he’s not closing inter-dimensional rifts and corralling demons, he’s visiting his favorite city of all, Levena.
Centuries ago, when life was particularly dull, he set up a scavenger hunt for a starving village, providing them with a year’s worth of supplies. Once again, Thatch is listless, and has decided to throw a wild card into this year’s game. Whoever discovers him will win one wish of their choice, no restrictions. Aside from the obvious, such as no falling in love, murder, or resurrection.
What he didn’t anticipate was crashing into the one person whose soul mark flares like a beacon when Thatch is around, teasing the immortal with the one thing he wants most: someone to call home.
What follows is a wild chain of events filled with magical coffee shops, villains with vendettas against cheese makers, moving tattoos, grand puzzles, and second chances at love and life.
When Witches Sing
A glitter and glue covered witch calling the man who took him under his wing Dad for the first time.
A riverside vigil held for a man thought lost to time, arranged by a witch filled with chaos.
A dancing witch who hides in plain sight, protecting others like them from a violent and unfamiliar Levena.
A swamp witch comprised of moss and a lonely heart, who finds out how many ways a heart can be stretched.
A clumsy immortal, returned home to the hedge witch who has waited eleven years to hold his soulmate again.
There will be screaming goats, long nights filled with nightmares and the comfort of a lover once lost to time, burnt breakfasts and dancing in kitchens. Fireplaces will crackle to life in cottages filled with bones, crystals, paintings and books. The snow will fall lazily outside windows that are decorated with strands of citrus garland. The silver and golden moons will be full, and they will all dance around a bonfire to massive drums beat upon by kindred spirits.
And when the night melds with dawn, those who have been separated for far too long will reunite under candle light, accompanied only by the sounds and sensations of the person they’re with. Their person.
The witches will sing, and there will be so much love and life, that there can’t possibly be another Yule quite like this one.
Sign up to the Crew of Misfits newsletter to get this novella for free on December 21, or you can pre-order the ebook. Paperbacks will be available on the day of release.
Neshama Publishing 