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On the heels of a long stretch of travel, I’ve (mostly) settled in Denver for the summer. It’s been lovely so far. Guppy is certainly enjoying having a playmate.
While I’m in Colorado, I would love to explore more. If you’re a local, please hit reply and let me know all about your favorite cafe, craft store, or writing spot. Or simply something I shouldn’t miss while in the area.
Of course I do have several trips peppered throughout the next few months. I’ll be at the 4th Street Fantasy Convention in Minneapolis this month, and in August I’m heading to Scotland for a Writing Excuses Retreat focused on research, writing, and swordplay. We do still have a few seats remaining, if you’re inclined to join.
Perhaps unfairly, my biggest bit of news is to wait… for the news. We have a big event planned—including an opportunity to see brand new Lady Astronaut artwork (and that’s just the tip of the iceberg).
Keep an eye out for more updates.
Whether it’s in Colorado or further afield, I hope you’re having a wonderful start to your summer (or winter, if you’re based in the Southern Hemisphere).
Mundane Moments with MRK
A quick snapshot of what I’m…
- Crafting: Elsie’s cat bed
- Reading: Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris
- Writing: “The coven was supposed to meet at seven, because someone — and that would be me — had a curfew. I grabbed my backpack from my bed, and my earbuds bounced across the floor. Our floofy gray cat perked up and pounced, knocking one of the earbuds under the bed.”
- Watching: Bridgerton Season 3
- Enjoying: The Library Scriptorium Candle
Featured Read
Each month, I’ll post a new link to a book, short story, or other work I think deserves a read. Sometimes it will be my own writing, other times it will be someone else’s.
This month, I’m sharing When Among Crows by Veronica Roth.
When Among Crows feels real and tangible in a way that makes me recognize Chicago. It is also fantastic in the old sense of the word, in that it feels like a curtain has been pulled away so that I step into a magical backstage. For something without any ordinary mortals, it is so grounded in emotion and intergenerational trauma. I loved it.
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
When Among Crows is swift and striking, drawing from the deep well of Slavic folklore and asking if redemption and atonement can be found in embracing what we most fear.
We bear the sword, and we bear the pain of the sword.
Pain is Dymitr’s calling. His family is one in a long line of hunters who sacrifice their souls to slay monsters. Now he’s tasked with a deadly mission: find the legendary witch Baba Jaga. To reach her, Dymitr must ally with the ones he’s sworn to kill.
Pain is Ala’s inheritance. A fear-eating zmora with little left to lose, Ala awaits death from the curse she carries. When Dymitr offers her a cure in exchange for her help, she has no choice but to agree.
Together they must fight against time and the wrath of the Chicago underworld. But Dymitr’s secrets—and his true motives—may be the thing that actually destroys them.
WHERE TO FIND ME
4th Street Fantasy Convention
June 9th – 15th in Minneapolis, MN
The con runs from the 14th-16th but I’ll only be joining on June 15th & 16th. Programming at 4th Street runs a bit differently than most cons, adopting a very conversational approach where everyone is invited to join in. It is a single track program where you will have a panel moderator and panelists, but with a lot of time given to questions and even comments from the audience!
FEATURED PATREON EVENT
Book Club: Family Reservations with Liza Palmer
June 18th at 8 PM ET / 5PM PT
Once a quarter I host a book club for Patreon members. This month we’ll be meeting to discuss Liza Palmer’s newest release, Family Reservations—a fast-paced story about a culinary legacy up for grabs.
We’ll discuss the novel, then bring Liza in for some interactive Q&A. Book club sessions are always a delight, and I’d love for you to join me! You can do so by joining the class level of Patreon.
ELSIE‘S CORNER
I’ve been working on a new bed for Elsie. At first, I was concerned she may show indifference towards it. Thankfully, that hasn’t been the case.
I used the cat bed pattern from Home Crochet Design and have never been more pleased with anything I have made.
As hard as Elsie played with it yesterday, I just patted it out when she was done and it’s back in perfect condition. She is curled up and sleeping cozily now.
We’re making other small modifications to our current home, with the intention of creating an Elsie-friendly atmosphere.
Most recently, we prevented imminent disaster with our stair rail. Elsie kept jumping on the newel post, so we decided to give her a more cat-friendly climbing option.
Want to start your own communication journey with your animal?
Click this link and use the code “elsiewant” for 12% off FluentPet buttons.
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Welcome to Denver, my favorite city I’ve ever lived in! I can give a few suggestions for fun things to do while you’re here:
1. Meow Wolf Convergence Station – an immersive art installation in which to get lost. It feels a lot like entering an episode of Doctor Who, or a fever dream of a movie directed by Jim Henson. Be prepared to spend a few hours! Best during the week when it’s less crowded.
2. South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market – every Sunday from 9am-1pm, it gets crowded but the live music, food trucks, and vendors are wonderful.
3. Denver Aquarium – our aquarium is quite good! And you get to pet friendly manta rays.
4. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – certainly a must-see for anyone interested in aeronautics and space flight.
We also have a bunch of fun warehouse-turned-community-food-halls-and-shopping-centers that are fun to wander around:
1. Stanley Marketplace
2. Edgewater Public Market
3. Dairy Block
4. The Denver Central Market
I’m sure you’re already all over the bookstore recommendations. A couple of my favorites that aren’t The Tattered Cover:
1. “Second Star to the Right Children’s Books” in Platt Park
2. “Spell Books” in downtown Littleton
3. South Broadway antique row for a number of used and vintage bookstores, such as “Fahrenheit Books,” “The Printed Page,” and “Gallagher Books and Antiques”
I think that’s more than enough suggestions for now. ? But if I think of any more must-sees, I’ll comment again!
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