I have always been good at wanting what I cannot have.
Right now, what I want is autumn. Or really, just for summer to end—for something to give, change, molt. The high heat and even higher humidity is a constant reminder of how stifled and suffocated I feel. Sometimes I think I might already be rotting from the inside out, insects laying claim to my flesh, mushrooms crowning my skull like a death mask.
But when I look in the mirror, my skin is pink, elastic, alive. How strange to be one way on the inside, and something entirely different on the outside.
It is no surprise that spring and autumn—the changeling seasons—come much easier to me. I thrive in liminal spaces: where the meadow becomes forest, where bolt cutters bite doors into the chain link fence, those quicksilver moments between one season and the next.
So like all good unearthly things, I lie in wait.
BOOK UPDATES
There’s nothing 100% concrete I can share with you folks just yet, BUT I’ve lightly touched base with my dream cover artist, who is very excited about possibly working together. I’m working on finding the perfect editor and solidifying page count + book layout before anything like a release date is decided, but things are happening! It’s wild to me that this is all finally coming together. I can’t wait to share Beyond the Aching Door with you in 2024 <3
STUFF THAT HAS MADE ME FEEL SOMETHING (ANYTHING) LATELY
THE PRINCESS & THE SPY series by LISETTE MARSHALL:
This quick, fun trilogy brought me more delight than I feel like I should even admit to, honestly. All the silly little tropes, all the silly little banter, all the silly little characters. More than once, these books had me kicking my feet like a small child with excitement. Just take my word for it. If you need some pure (well, okay, more like smutty) joy, add these to your TBR.
LAVENDER SYRUP by MONIN: Please do not ask me why I thought spending $11 to have my favorite flavor easily accessible at home was such a luxury, but until recently, I never took the plunge. Do not make the same mistake, I beg you. Being able to make an iced lavender cold brew whenever I damn well please has probably helped me to stay at least 10% saner than I would have otherwise. Also, lavender lemonade!!!!
PERKEO FOUNTAIN PEN by KAWECO: I recently purchased a wonderfully impractical shimmery ink from Ferris Wheel Press, and as such, I wanted to pick up a broader nib to showcase the ~prettiness~. Kaweco is always my go-to fountain pen brand for great quality AND affordability. The Perkeo does not disappoint! I think it’s actually my favorite fountain pen ever. The all black is super sleek, and the pen itself is the perfect size for longer handwriting sessions, like six-page long feral letters to unsuspecting friends.
{That’s all for now. Until the dark moon returns & the next story blooms. Yours, V.}