Hey awesome,

The heat has definitely followed us north this year - whew. It's been hot for what feels like forever, and I'm not sure I've ever missed having central AC (or...any AC) more than I have these last few weeks. Olive has some opinions about it being hot, too.

Though, bright side, I have gotten a LOT of writing done, so I guess I'll take my wins where I can. What are you favorite ways to stay cool when summer gets a little crazy? Please share your secrets! My fan and I could use backup...

I have managed a few (slightly sweaty) adventures - like this trip with fabulous fellow authors and wonderful friends Trisha Wooldridge and Kacey Ezell to the New England Botanic Garden, which was gorgeous.

In book news, I'm SO excited to tell you that it's real, it's done, and it's coming out next Tuesday (July 23rd!): the kickoff of the Valkyries, Valkyrie's Chosen, and the cover!!

A whole different kind of whew. In this book you'll get to spend more time with Bryn Siegmund - maybe you remember her from 'Dear Cynthia' in the Valkyries Initiative? or her cameo in The Spider? And if not, you can meet her for the first time in this very book next week. She's snarky, she's smart, and she's in a world ripe for shenanigans (ok, and some hard times. But a fair amount of hope in there, too!). I hope you check it out, and let me know what you think!!

Last week the latest installment in the 4HU came out - a Peacemaker anthology!

Bureau 42 has an excellent round up of tales about Peacemakers tackling galactic cold cases - all of which are housed in what has come to be called Bureau 42. There's insight, there's triumph, there's...definitely not triumph. My story in here is about Balin, my favorite crotchety gentle-phidae, just trying to do good before his body remembers its countdown is done. It's a super fun collection, and I hope you get a chance to dig in! (yes, that is a Balin pun...)

In other book-coming-soon-news:

Last year I got to join up with the awesome crew Cabbit Crossing Publishing for their second anthology, Monsters, Myths, and Miscreants, and it was so much fun I not only jumped at the chance for the next round, I also yoinked the incredible Melissa Olthoff along with me!

There's a kickstarter for the new anthology, Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore: Fairy Tales, Folklore, and Fables Reimagined, and it's already funded - and working on the stretch goals for a second, bonus anthology!

That will contain the super fun story Melissa and I wrote about changelings, magic, sisterhood, shenanigans...you know. I'm so pumped about all the other stories, and if you like twists on fairy tales and a plethora of awesome authors, you just might enjoy this!

You also might enjoy:

They are just about the only fully fan-driven award out there. Fans nominate, fans vote, fans decide. Totally free, you just need an email address (and DragonCon doesn't spam you, so that's nice!) - nominations close 7/19, and there are categories for just about anything your nerdy heart desires. Below are some of the things I'm voting for, and if you have nominations for other categories I'd LOVE to hear them because I am behiiiiiiind in reading and watching things:

BEST SCI-FI NOVEL:

• The Queen’s Fixer by Kacey Ezell

BEST FANTASY NOVEL (Including Paranormal):

• Lord of a Shattered Land by Howard Andrew Jones

BEST YA/MIDDLE GRADE NOVEL:

• Death Lord Arcanist by Shami Stovall

BEST ILLUSTRATIVE BOOK COVER:

• Beyond Enemies (book by me, cover by Sam Kennedy)

I'm always in favor of a good fan-award, so the more folks who vote for the Dragons, the better. What's been keeping you entertained? My to-be-read and to-be-watched lists can always use more company.

Hm. As can the the words I write. Ahem...

Til next time,

Marisa