Winter has half-heartedly arrived here in Philadelphia. The sun hasn’t taken on that syrupy quality yet, and the afternoons are too warm. Most people I know are savoring these mild days before the season really sets in, but I’m not.
I love winter—the sweeping hush and the quiet dark and molasses-golden light. It doesn’t snow like it once did in these parts, and I miss it. So at the very least, I’ll savor the bright, sparkling cold. When the very air reminds you with each stinging caress that you’re made of flesh and bone, it’s much harder to forget that you’re alive. That you’re here.
There’s always been much talk of winter as peace, as solace, as restoration—crackling hearths and comforting meals and hand-spun sweaters. That’s true. It’s undeniable, really, particularly here in the Northeast. But I think for me, winter is more—the peace is only offered because this season leaves you with no doubt you are still alive, still here, for better or for worse. It’s Cailleach I see in the woods on my long, frigid walks, not some sweet Old Man Winter.
I have a book to release and another to write. Best to keep my wits about me. Best to let the cold air seep in through the threshold now and again, if only for a reminder. There is much to be done—and some things are done best in the depths of cold, dark, quiet places where light is scant and the old gods still creep.
BOOK STUFF
My adult romance fantasy, Beyond the Aching Door, is available for pre-order! These hardcover copies will be hand-signed by yours truly—and this link here is the only place to get ‘em. (If you’d prefer a different format, BTAD will be available wherever books are sold on 3.26.24!)
And if you haven’t indulged just yet, don’t forget that by signing up for my newsletter, you get an extra-special sneak peek at BTAD. Click the link here to read an excerpt that’s only available to subscribers!
Speaking of sneak peeks … the amazing @artbysmashley is working on character art of Raegan and the King! I am positively LOSING MY MIND over the sketches she sent me, and I can’t wait to share them with you. As a newsletter subscriber, you’ll be the first to see the completed pieces, too!
THINGS I LOVED THIS MONTH
MX. by ERIS PARFUMS - I know I’ve talked about this niche perfumer before, but my dear partner gifted me a full-size bottle of my favorite scent for the holidays, so I’m falling in love all over again. This scent is to-die-for; it’s not so much genderless as … beyond gender? Top notes of ginger, black pepper and saffron lift the dark, animalic base of vetiver, patchouli and birch tar, lending a ferocious but restrained feeling. It smells like the beautiful thing in the perfect suit at the other end of the bar that looks like a person but is not a person. {Okay, I admit—the King and I probably have similar tastes in fragrance.}
L’APOTHECARIE CANDLES - Listen, I am an absolute sucker for good packaging. So when I picked up the “Nevermore” candle in a lovely little boutique, I was delighted to find the cold scent was pretty solid. Lit, this candle is fantastic. It has all the moody darkness people like us want, but without any cloying or screechy elements. The throw is excellent without being overwhelming, and it never gave me a migraine.
HIGHTIDE DIARY LES AGENDAS - Okay, I know it’s rude to link to something sold out, but most of us stationery fiends already have our 2024 planners, so I’m not really hurting anyone, right? I sized down from a different brand’s planner and really, really love this one. The reviews are correct—I don’t think this paper would stand up to fountain pens, but I don’t use fountain pens for my daily planner, so it’s no big deal for me. The monthly + weekly layouts, ample space for notes and TWO ribbon bookmarks sealed the deal. So far, so good—it’s perfect.
AND ONE MORE THING …
Yes, I’ll be offering advance review copies of Beyond the Aching Door. Some will be offered by invitation, but I’ll also be opening up a Google Form next month. I’ll ask a few basic questions about what you like to read and where you talk about books, as well as your favorite tales. If I think BTAD is something you’ll probably like, I’d be delighted to share it with you! More info to come, but folks have been asking, so I wanted to let you know my plans as of now. As always, newsletter subscribers like yourselves get first access!
until the next dark moon,
Victoria