Last month was Queer the Shelves. How is it already mid-July?

Queer the Shelves was incredible. Held on June 27th, the sold out book festival featured loads of new authors and a few old faces, too. There was SO much laughter and joy, and it was an incredible reminder of how important spaces like these are. Books were sold and signed, we had a number of social media folks in the room, and it was quite simply a fantastic day. Be sure to join us on June 26th, 2027 for the next one. (Sign up for the Global Wordsmiths newsletter if you haven't already so you can be sure to get tickets--they've sold out three months ahead of time for the last two years.)

One of the things that struck me most about QTS this year was the importance of sharing stories. Those of the books we've written, absolutely, but also our own stories as authors, and those of the readers who joined us. In sharing our stories we also share parts of ourselves, and there's amazing power in that.

Along those lines: Tonight I begin writing a new story. The Mistress of Wild Things will be a high fantasy (my first) dragonrider tale featuring all kinds of creatures and relationships. Can I just tell you: the pieces of this story have been falling into place like snowflakes piling up on my shoulders. Bits of it have come to me here and there, and I can't wait to share this story with you. If you're on social media, I'll be sharing plenty of moments from this writing journey over on IG and TikTok (I promised not to bombard you with newsletters when you signed up, so come over there for bombardment!).

Exciting new venture!

Speaking of stories: Queer the Shelves Infinite is waiting for you.

Later this year we'll be launching Queer the Shelves Infinite. It's a new streaming service strictly for LGBTQ books! Like KU, it will be a monthly subscription where you can find and read queer books without having to search through the mire of the billionaire's toy chest to find something written by and for our community.

This is a HUGE undertaking and we NEED your support to make it happen! Not only is this going to be a reading app for our community, it will also give back: authors will make more than they do on the big A, and the company is set up so that 65% of our profits will go back into the LGBTQ community, helping to support organizations and writers around the world. Sounds awesome, right? Get involved and help us make this the kind of success that shows just how strong our community is.

Audible news

The Sister Act by Helena Harte is out on audiobook next week! This fabulous fake-dating with a twist romance is one you're going to want to listen to. Riley Jackson is an excellent narrator and the story? So much fun.

She's faking it for one sister . . . but will she end up falling for the other?

Leoni is a professional at taking on roles, and her latest gig is simple: play the perfect butch girlfriend for a socialite's family getaway. She's there for the paycheck, not the drama. Until she meets the client's sister.

Aspen Hartwell thrives on control and family expectations, but Leo is a wildcard she never saw coming. She shouldn't be attracted to her sister's partner, yet the magnetic pull is impossible to ignore. As the fake relationship blurs into real desire, both women must choose: play it safe in their carefully constructed worlds or risk a scandal for a love that's anything but an act.

Echoes of the Heart is out

This isn't a standard romance; I have to admit that some of my Brey-ness may have seeped into the edges of this one, which includes an irksome ghostly roomate. But I had a blast writing it, and I hope you'll enjoy it too.

One woman lives by the rules. One woman lives by the stars. And one night is about to change everything.​
Marina Fuentes has built her life around one simple rule: win at all costs. With a promotion to partner finally within reach, a relationships isn’t in the cards. But a chance encounter at an art gallery introduces her to a distraction she can’t afford but also can’t resist.
River Rigel lives by instinct, spirit, and the beating heart of her South Side community. All she needs now is someone to love her for who she is. On a random night out, she finds a woman who just might be her destiny.
As opposite worlds collide, something real starts to grow between them. But when Marina’s new client puts River’s world in the crosshairs, they could lose everything, including each other.
​A sapphic opposites-attract romance about ambition, community, and destiny. Perfect for fans of ice queens and slow-burns.

Where can you hang out with us?

We're really excited to be doing Newquay Pride next month! We've never been there before and we can't wait to meet lots of new readers! If you're down in Cornwall, come see us!

We'll also be at Derby Pride in September, which is coming up faster than we're ready for! Again, we haven't been there before and we're looking forward to a totally new experience.

Thanks for sticking with me. I'm looking forward to a full year of stories, travels, coaching, and adventures.
Also, I'd love to hear from you. So much of writing is solitary, and hearing from readers reminds me that I'm not alone at my keyboard.