Aah, my bookshelf is getting way more bulging, and it’s not even Christmas yet…  I have contributor copies on the way of 2022 Best of Utopian Speculative Fiction, which includes my story “Song of the Balsa Wood Bird” from Fireside Magazine. 

And Apparition Literary Magazine has released paperback versions of their issues, which are on sale this month for only $4, so don’t delay in ordering!  I’ve always loved their covers and am so happy to have physical copies. 

And some of my friends have recent releases!  I went to the launch party for the anthology Winding Paths, which is themed around games and includes a choose-your-own-adventure narrative option.  I know several of the contributors, and getting their work in one place is such a treat. 

Also, my friend and frequent workshop co-teacher Elizabeth Beechwood has released a collection called Strange Memories.  As soon as it’s back in stock, you bet I’ll be getting myself a copy. 

And finally, earlier this year when I took the train home from the AWP Conference in Seattle back to Portland, I was seated next to a remarkable young woman named Mariia Kharytonova.  We spent the whole four or so hours talking, and it felt like we’d known each other for much longer than that.  She’s from Ukraine and has co-published an anthology with Sofia Vasylenko called 24, available through Impact Ukraine.  This anthology includes interviews with twenty-four people whose lives have been upended by war, along with some of Mariia’s stunning artwork. 

On that note, I’m wishing you all a holiday season of peace, health, and never taking things for granted in life.