Hey there awesome,

How's spring going for you? We're having one of those weeks of absolutely beautiful days and very chilly nights, everything is blooming, and I love it. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a real spring season. I mean, I'm sure the allergies are coming, but for now, it's pretty wonderful.

I am resisting the lure of the beautiful outdoors to get writing done, which is kind of a big deal for me. It helps to open the windows and watch the bird shenanigans at the feeder outside while I write - a little bit of nature to hold me over until I get enough written for an adventure.

Currently I'm nearly halfway through my goal of having all my short stories for the year drafted before we hit the road again. The current story is for the upcoming 4HU anthology, and will be centered on Veska. For those of you who've read Night Song, do you think Nillab should have a cameo?

Speaking of Night Song, for those of you that prefer your stories aimed directly at your earholes, I'm pleased to share that Night Song's audiobook version will be released April 27! Are you more of an audio-, paper-, or e-book person?

My husband Jeremy is audio all the way. I used to be firmly paper, but especially in this RV life, ebooks have been a blessing. Easier to read in bed at night, access to countless library books, and doesn't take up room in the RV.

Granted, I did buy Sanderson's latest in paper form because 1) of course I did, and 2) reading books that long on an ereader makes it hard to flip back when something gets fuzzy or there's a huge twist that makes me need to re-read something. Digital woes, I guess.

As of right now, FantaSci has no digital woes, and is expected to happen in real life. I'm excited to be there and see so many people I adore - and get to talk nerdery for an entire weekend. Whew do I miss talking nerdery for a full weekend.

Excitingly, I should be able to deliver the contest-winning Depik Favor Token at FantaSci as well. That's right - our very first newsletter contest has come to a close, and I'm thrilled to announce that Peacemaker Aaron won the Depik Favor Token! There is much rejoicing.

There will also be more contests in our future, so stay tuned! And given that I'll often ask for opinions and ideas, there should be at least a few chances to earn or win a token in our time together ahead.

Also in our time together ahead, there will be more about my upcoming projects. Next on the docket after Veska are the rest of my short stories, which include:

• a mixed-alien crew using drunken brawls to cover their real target
• a sentient tank and his (or her? I haven't decided yet) girl landing on alien shores and finding more than they bargained for
• a bookseller immune to magic, charged with rounding up all those pesky spellbooks and ancient grimoires left behind when their spellbinder passes

In the meantime, are you looking for something excellent to read for the upcoming weekend? I have a suggestion! As many of you know, I spent many, many years writing Pern fanfiction, and in that time I had the opportunity to write and learn alongside a number of deeply talented writers. One of those fabulous writers has a terrific book available now if you want to get immersed in a fictional historical kingdom full of twisted politics and dangerous undercurrents. So: check out my awesome friend's awesome book:

In a richly-imagined fantasy world, against a backdrop of alliances and betrayals, a young girl grows to a woman.

Jenevra Louvet, the thirteen year old daughter of the Earl of Allandale, travels to the north to be betrothed. Well-born, well-bred and well-trained, she would not embarrass a king.

But no king awaits her.

Instead she will marry the new made lord of a dilapidated castle threatened by war. Far from her family and the life she knows, with little support, she must find a way to grow into the woman and lady her new land and husband need.

Brilliantly imagined fantasy, Lady of Ravensmere chronicles the beginning of Jenevra's journey, a journey that will change her and the world around her.

Let me know what you think, and I'll see you here in a few weeks!

Marisa