Hey awesome,

We had our first 60 degree day, with more ahead for the week, and I still couldn't bring myself to type "spring is here" for the title of this email.

How do you feel about jinxes? I was raised a Boston sports fan, so obviously I believe in them, but my husband rolls his eyes every time I knock on wood. It doesn't stop me from knocking, though. Because: jinxes

Maybe that's why I enjoy writing lightly cursed characters so much - jinxes are fun in fiction.

Take one of my latest characters, for example. Dinah can't catch a break. Her dad died with time left on his corporate contract, so she left a job she loved to take over his contract, ship, and deeply reluctant crew. Shockingly, things don't go smoothly for any of them.

Last time I teased an 80s video game tie-in, and here it is - Dinah and her shenanigans exist in the Starflight universe. Did you ever play Starflight? It was one of the first open-sandbox/role playing video games - if not the first - and had a rich in-game storyline.

Three Ravens Publishing worked with the creator of the game, and is putting out an anthology of Starflight stories (including Dinah's!) - and, excitingly, they're looking for EARC readers for the upcoming Starflight: Tales from the Starport Lounge.

If you're interested in an early look, go to https://www.threeravenspublishing.com and sign up as a reader in the sidebar. Make sure to list your preferred genre as Starflight to get on the list.

Next up, I'm running away to the beach as often as possible to enjoy the weather (picture above from this week's adventure), aaaand working on a story for the latest 4HU anthology focused on side characters. I love a large number of secondary characters from the Four Horseman Universe, so I had half a dozen story ideas rattling around.

But then I thought of Veska from Night Song, and that, as they say, was that. Have you read Night Song? If yes, is there anything you hope to learn about Veska during her solo adventure?

We're wrapping up the contest to win a Depik Favor token the end of this month. Wishing you could get an extra entry? You can!

If there are folks in your circle who like nerdy shenanigans and might enjoy hearing from me twice a month, send them to the landing page to sign up, then let me know who you referred. They get entered into the contest, and you get an extra submission!

Til next time,

Marisa