Hey awesome,

A lot has happened since we talked last! The ever fabulous Kacey Ezell and I finished a book, new secrets have been hatched, I went to DeepSouthCon, the fall weather kicked in hard, I seriously contemplated trading one of my feet in for a better model, read new books...I mean, maybe there was sleep in there somewhere?

So fully out of order:

I went with some of my favorite people to DeepSouthCon in Helen, GA (during Octoberfest!) and met a whole bunch of new-to-me, awesome folks. We sold books, we chatted, we learned more about Jordan Con (because oh yeah!! Melissa Olthoff and I will be attending that fabulous con in April of 2025!), we bought things from other folks, and we had Many Adventures (some of which are pictured here!). It was a delight, and if you're trying to figure out your 2025 nerdery plans, I'd like to suggest Jordan Con (in Atlanta) and DeepSouthCon 63 (it's in New Orleans in October speaking of my favorites!!. You're bound to have an awesome time.

I did not take good pictures of all the fall desserts I made after going apple picking with Kacey (including an amaaaazing apple crisp thanks to the incredible D.T. Read), but besides baking, we did finish a book - and were almost immediately rewarded with this gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous cover:

It's by Sam Kennedy (he of the fabulosity of the covers of Beyond Enemies and the preceding Ashes of Entecea books), and it is squeal worthy. Also, because you deserve nice things, look at the full art:

Yeah, nothing squirrelly going on in this court...I'll share more about this book soon (it comes out January 10!), but basically: if you're lucky enough to write well with one of your best friends in the world, and you have a chance to write another one, even if it's a potentially bonkers deadline? Do it!! Do it. We had so much fun, and I'm so proud of this book - so excited for you to get to spend more time with Careline and Isonei!

And if you're thinking, "aw shucks, I wish I could read something sooner than January 10th" WELL. Never fear:

That's the latest hotness, new in the world of Jon R. Osborne's Milesian Accords, from rising freaking star H.Y. Gregor. Reka's Grasp comes out tomorrow, Friday October 18th, and it is urban fantasy done so dang well. "Myth and magic right outside your window" is one of their taglines, and it's spot on. Check it out tomorrow, and get ready for a RIDE - the trilogy is done and the next books will follow over the next few months.

Speaking of a ride, and completed trilogies:

Yeah. That's Kevin Ikenberry, who did actual tank stuff, writing ACTUAL TANKS (ok, future-y tanks, but aaaaa it's so good). I heard the first chapter before he'd finished everything and I may or may not have yelled at him. "Dammit Kevin" is a thing for a reason... I doubt you'll be sad about this either, if you love milscifi, incredible characters, fantastic action...and a heart-rend or two (five). Steel on Target is out now, and the next two books are done and will be out soooon.

As for the next secrets...well, they're still secreting, but there will be plenty more to come.

In the meantime, do you have any fun adventures coming up before the winter cometh? My foot is still rebelling, so I would like to live vicariously through your awesomeness...

Til next time,

Marisa