Newsletter 10/31/26

October: that was a lot! (Hence this being a little late.)

  • Writing wise, I am sad to share that Archive of Our Own is down for the next few weeks. So, now is a great time to explore my paperbacks and ebooks. You can also explore my full AO3 backup. Vegas locals or visitors: I still have select signed titles available through Mad Red Books. Constructive feedback is still more than welcome, and please do still poke me about my writing progress throughout the month. I’m still hosting my regular Discord write-ins as well.
  • In October, I taught “Contract Systems” for Wicked Grounds. Thanks to everyone who attended, and the Wicked Grounds team as always! If you missed it, never fear, you can always find my class recordings online.
  • In November, I’m teaching three brand new classes! One will be for the Leather Leadership Conference virtual series on November 16th: “We’re Aware, Now What? The Next Generation of Activism”. Two will premiere during the virtual FLAIR conference, November 20th-22nd. I’ll also be teaching “Anticipatory Service” for Vegas Toolbox locally on November 12th.
  • The Board is still hard at work on the 2027 Leather Leadership Conference. Come and Lead With Hope with us in Portland, Oregon, February 25th-28th, 2027! Remember to get your tickets and book your room. And don’t forget about our updated sponsor prospectus or our 2028 logo contest. This month, we launched our 2027 hotel offer: your LLC registration now includes one complimentary night at our host hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland, when you book at least three nights total (two paid by you) before January 15th, 2027. We want to see you in Portland: don’t miss out!
  • FLAIR Forbidden is happening this month! Once again: November 20th-22nd, 2026. Join us for a virtual conference all about celebrating women+ in authority and those who love them. Get your tickets!

Other updates from this month:

  • Here are some of my favorite photos from this month.
  • I had such an incredible weekend at Eastcoast Bound 2026 in Toronto! So grateful I got to attend. It was a blast to serve as this year’s Presenter Support Coordinator. Thank you to everyone who made this awesome event happen!
  • My favorite October reads were Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich. My goal is to spend at least thirty minutes learning/reading every day. Keep up with my reading on StoryGraph! And please drop any recommendations for me in the comments.
  • In October, I also worked ten straight full days of early voting as a voting machine monitor! (That’s over a hundred hours at the polls!) There’s still time: Americans, don’t forget to vote! Every last vote truly counts this election.
  • It was also a joy to host Devyn Stone for a week while he was in town teaching for Vegas Toolbox.
  • My tarot card for October was the Queen of Wands. I went into this month anticipating strong, healthy connections. Read as part of my annual Zodiac spread, this card is in the position of Libra, which speaks to our relationships. I spent so much time with friends and family old and new this month! My card for next month (November/Scorpio) is the 7 of Cups Rx. I’m looking to make grounded, focused choices about opportunities throughout the month. (Coming up: my December card is the 10 of Cups Reversed.)
  • October gratitude: my election worker crew, creative energy, and beautiful sunsets!

Thanks for everything this month; have a happy, healthy, and safe November!

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Newsletter 9/30/26

September: lots of good things!

  • Writing wise, I posted Chapters 9 and 10 of Bloodsick Girls, as well as “The Service of Absence“. Constructive feedback is always more than welcome, and please do poke me about my writing progress throughout the month.
  • Via the Neon Cactus Wordsmiths, I hosted four Discord write-ins this month. While our group is Vegas-based, we welcome writers of all ages from all over for our virtual events—join us!
  • As of early September: I am so, so excited to partner with Mad Red Books! Las Vegas locals (or anyone passing through), if you’ve been meaning to pick up one of these titles, you can now get your (signed!) copy in person from this amazing independent bookstore. If you’re not local, or looking for another one of my fourteen works, fear not—they’re still available online.
  • On October 1st, I’m teaching “Contract Systems” for Wicked Grounds via Zoom! See you there!
  • FLAIR Forbidden is happening November 20th-22nd, 2026. Join us for a virtual conference all about celebrating women+ in authority and those who love them. Get your tickets before prices go up tomorrow! Our full schedule is now live!

Other updates from this month:

  • Here are some of my favorite photos from this month.
  • From October 9th to 11th, I’m off to Eastcoast Bound in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! I am so honored to serve as your 2026 Presenter Support Coordinator. Who will I see there?
  • In September, my favorite reads were The Joy Reset by MaryCatherine McDonald and The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle. My goal is to spend at least thirty minutes learning/reading every day. Keep up with my reading on StoryGraph! And please drop any recommendations for me in the comments.
  • This month, I’ve also been prepping for the next election as a voting machine monitor! Almost every state has some form of early voting in October—so, my fellow Americans, get out there and vote!
  • I am super excited to be hosting Devyn Stone in October as he teaches for Vegas Toolbox October 15th-17th. Join Toolbox for some great education!
  • My tarot card for September was The Hanged Man (Reversed). I went into this month anticipating a pause and a fresh perspective. Read as part of my annual Zodiac spread, this card is in the position of Virgo, which speaks to our routine work. I purposefully kept the second half of this month relatively quiet in anticipation of a big October! My card for next month (October/Libra) is the Queen of Wands. I’m looking forward to a month of strong, healthy connections!
  • September gratitude: good food, time outside, my family, and local libraries!

Thanks for everything this month; have a happy, healthy, safe, and spooky October!

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Newsletter 8/31/26

August: wow, what a month!

  • Writing wise, I posted Chapter 8 of Bloodsick Girls. Constructive feedback is always more than welcome, and please do poke me about my writing progress throughout the month.
  • Via the Neon Cactus Wordsmiths, I hosted one Discord write-in this month. As of September, I’m mixing up my schedule: my Discord write-ins are now every Sunday from 3-5PM Pacific. While our group is Vegas-based, we welcome writers of all ages from all over for our virtual events! Join us for those and more.
  • In August, I taught “Tarot Reading as a Service” for Service Chats, and spoke on the “Ask A Leatherperson” panel by the Doll House. Thank you to everyone who attended, and to the lovely organizers!
  • FLAIR Forbidden is happening November 20th-22nd, 2026. Join us for a virtual conference all about celebrating women+ in authority and those who love them. Get your tickets before prices go up 10/1! We’re still announcing presenters, so stay tuned.

Other updates from this month:

  • Here are some of my favorite photos from this month.
  • Spent a week in Denver! My wife and I took a roadtrip out there, stayed with a friend, and got to unwind and soak up the beauty of Colorado.
  • In August, my favorite reads were Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber and Checkmate by Ben Mezrich. My goal is to spend at least thirty minutes learning/reading every day. Keep up with my reading on StoryGraph! And please drop any recommendations for me in the comments.
  • My tarot card for August was the Wheel of Fortune (Reversed). I went into this month anticipating change and disrupted cycles. Read as part of my annual Zodiac spread, this card is in the position of Leo, which speaks to our passion (for people and activities). I definitely mixed things up by having fun away from home for half of this month! My card for next month (September/Virgo) is The Hanged Man (Reversed). I’m prepping for a pause and a fresh perspective.
  • August gratitude: beautiful views, good music, scented candles, and rainy days.

Thanks for everything this month; have a happy, healthy, and safe September! 

Newsletter 7/31/26

July: doing all the things!

  • Writing wise, I posted Chapter 7 of Bloodsick Girls and Chapter 3 of the collab Pair Juice and Poison. Please do let me know what you think, and feel free to poke me about my writing progress throughout the month.
  • We had one Las Vegas TNG (The Next Generation) event this month: one of our usual munches, thanks to a wonderful guest host! Thank you to everyone who attended.
  • In August, we’ll have another munch on the 17th, also by a guest host! If you happen to be 18-35 and local to the Vegas area, join us.
  • For the Neon Cactus Wordsmiths, I hosted two Discord write-ins this month. Thanks to everyone who attended! 
  • In August, I’ll be hosting one Discord write-in on the 19th. While our group is Vegas-based, we welcome writers of all ages from all over for our virtual events! Join us for that and more.
  • FLAIR Forbidden is happening November 20th-22nd. Join us for a virtual conference all about celebrating women+ in authority and those who love them. And yes, FLAIR’s early bird registration also ends August 1st! We’ve started announcing presenters, so stay tuned!  

Other updates from this month:

  • Here are some of my favorite photos from this month. (I’ll post pictures from my trip once I’m home!)
  • I’ve gotten back into a groove with donating plasma (when I’m home in Vegas). It’s a great cause and a surprisingly relaxing time, and I encourage everyone to look into donating!
  • In July, my favorite reads were How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and The Cure for Burnout by Emily Ballesteros. My goal is to spend at least thirty minutes learning/reading every day. Keep up with my reading on StoryGraph! And please drop any recommendations for me in the comments.
  • If you’re interested in helping out with my travel funds, check out my updated support page.
  • My tarot card for July was The Fool. I went into this month anticipating lots of fun with people I consider family. Read as part of my annual Zodiac spread, this card is in the position of Cancer, which speaks to our home and family. Did I mention the blast I’m having with my Board fam? My card for next month (August/Leo) is the Wheel of Fortune (Reversed). I’m prepping for some change, cyclical elements, and run ins with fate!
  • July gratitude: special travel opportunities, medical progress, and floating in my pool with my people.

Thanks for everything this month; have a happy, healthy, and safe August! 

Newsletter 6/30/26

June: that was at least three months, right?

  • Writing wise, I posted Chapters 5 and 6 of Bloodsick Girls. And, the first two chapters of my new collab, Pair Juice and Poison, are now up—I’m so pumped to be working on this with a wonderful human! Please do let me know what you think, and feel free to poke me about my writing progress throughout the month.
  • Teaching wise, in June, I taught The Literal Servant Leader for Wicked Grounds. Thank you to everyone who attended, and the Wicked Grounds folx as always. If you missed it, the recording is always available.
  • We had one Las Vegas TNG (The Next Generation) event this month: one of our usual munches, thanks to a wonderful guest host! Thank you to everyone who attended.
  • In July, we’ll have another munch on the 20th, also by a returning guest host! If you happen to be 18-35 and local to the Vegas area, join us.
  • For the Neon Cactus Wordsmiths, I hosted three Discord write-ins this month. Thanks to everyone who attended! 
  • In July, I’ll be hosting two Discord write-ins on the 8th and 22nd. If you happen to be a Las Vegas based writer, join us for those and more. We’ve got a lot of special events planned for July!
  • FLAIR Forbidden is happening November 20th-22nd. Join us for a virtual conference all about celebrating women+ in authority and those who love them. And yes, FLAIR’s early bird registration is still live! 

Other updates from this month:

  • Here are some of my favorite photos from this month. 
  • In June, my favorite read was The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower. My goal is to spend at least thirty minutes learning/reading every day. Keep up with my reading on StoryGraph! And please drop any recommendations for me in the comments.
  • In the beginning of the month, I worked my last four days of early voting, plus Election Day, here in Clark County. It was an incredible experience to do my part for democracy, and I am so grateful for the new friends I made!
  • I also made more cookie sales this month. A website is still in the works, but if you’re a local who has seen any of the social media posts and are interested in ordering some of my cookies, please reach out! 
  • I went to so many great events and spent so much time with friends this month!
  • My tarot card for June was the Page of Cups (Reversed). I went into this month anticipating some emotional-relational work and new ideas. Read as part of my annual Zodiac spread, this card is in the position of Gemini, which speaks to our communication. I did publicly launch that new writing project, and have been doing a lot of work with my nervous system. My card for next month (July/Cancer) is The Fool. I’m anticipating some fun, especially around the house or with my family!
  • June gratitude: my swingset, lowkey ping pong games at home, our new vacuum-mop bots (Wall-E and Eve).

Thanks for everything this month; have a happy, healthy, and safe July! 

Newsletter 5/31/26

May: what do you mean that wasn’t six months?

  • Writing wise, I posted Chapter 4 of Bloodsick Girls. This was a slow writing month for me due to lots of travel days and time at the polls, but I’m still super excited about this project! I’ve also been working on a new writing collaboration—more to come! Please feel free to poke me about my progress throughout the month.
  • Teaching wise, in May, I taught my Contract Systems class for the Portland Leather Alliance! Thank you to everyone who attended, and the PLA team.
  • In June, I’ll be teaching “The Literal Servant Leader” for Wicked Grounds virtually on 6/21. See you there!
  • We had one Las Vegas TNG (The Next Generation) event this month: one of our usual munches, thanks to a wonderful guest host! Thank you to everyone who attended.
  • In June, we’ll have another munch on the 15th, also by a guest host! If you happen to be 18-35 and local to the Vegas area, join us.
  • For the Neon Cactus Wordsmiths, I hosted one Discord write-in this month. Thanks to everyone who attended!
  • In June, I’ll be hosting two Discord write-ins on the 10th and 24th. If you happen to be a Las Vegas based writer, join us for those and more.
  • FLAIR Forbidden is happening November 20th-22nd. Join us for a virtual conference all about celebrating women+ in authority and those who love them. And yes, FLAIR’s early bird registration is also live! So is our presenter application.

Other updates from this month:

  • Here are some of my favorite photos from this month. 
  • In May, my favorite read was If You Don’t Like This, I Will Die by Lee Tilghman. My goal is to spend at least thirty minutes learning/reading every day. I also did some buddy reads this month! Keep up with my reading on StoryGraph! And please drop any recommendations for me in the comments.
  • I did take a little Disneyland trip, and I went to so many amazing events this month. I really enjoyed my contemporary dance class at the Millenium Dance Complex and my aerial silks class at the Las Vegas Circus Center. We also went to San Francisco for my sister in law’s baby shower! I can’t wait to meet my new nephew. I also got to spend Mother’s Day with the best mom ever!
  • I spent 7 of the last 9 days (~11 hours a piece) working early voting, with more to come! It’s been an incredible experience to do my part for democracy.
  • I also made several cookie sales this month! A website is still in the works, but if you’re a local who has seen any of the social media posts and are interested in ordering some of my cookies, please reach out!
  • My tarot card for May was The Moon (Reversed). This card speaks to working through our own negative illusions and limiting beliefs. Read as part of my annual Zodiac spread, this card is in the position of Taurus, which speaks to our more material world. This month, I found out I can do a lot more (gainful) work than I thought! My card for next month (June/Gemini) is the Page of Cups (Reversed). I’m anticipating some emotional-relational work and new ideas!
  • May gratitude: my election worker friends, opportunities to try new things, and you, dear reader!

Thanks for everything this month; have a happy, healthy, and safe June! 

Newsletter 4/30/26

April: interesting month!

  • Writing wise, I set out to log about forty minutes of focused drafting time per day, minus travel days. I stuck to this goal except for taking three hours off at the end of the month to focus on getting Bloodsick Girls (chapters 1-3) all posted (typing, editing, formatting, AO3 setup, etc.)! I’m so excited to be working on something new. I also posted What Comes After the Tower and What I’ve Almost Become (parts of the What We’ve Almost Forgotten series), as well as an essay: Fawning vs. Submission, for a total of almost 20,000 words this month.
  • In May, my goal is to log about forty-five minutes of focused drafting time per day, minus travel days. I might edit this goal once I get my election worker schedule for early voting, so I can prioritize my hours at the polls. You can always keep up with my progress on TrackBear! Please feel free to poke me about my progress throughout the month.
  • And if you haven’t heard: I’m currently actively seeking writing partners! Check here for details.
  • Teaching wise, in April, I returned (virtually) to Wicked Grounds for my positions class. Thank you to everyone who attended, and the Wicked Grounds team as always!
  • In May, you can catch me teaching my Contract Systems class for the Portland Leather Alliance! Get all the details here.
  • We had one Las Vegas TNG (The Next Generation) event this month: one of our usual munches, thanks to a wonderful returning guest host! Thank you to everyone who attended.
  • In May, we’ll have another munch on the 18th, also by a guest host! If you happen to be 18-35 and local to the Vegas area, join us.
  • For the Neon Cactus Wordsmiths, I hosted two Discord write-ins this month. Thanks to everyone who attended! (My third write-in for this month was cancelled due to heading to the ER instead—but all is well!)
  • In May, I’ll be hosting one Discord write-in on the thirteenth. (My other usual slot is also pending my early voting schedule.) If you happen to be a Las Vegas based writer, join us for those and more.
  • We’re super officially gearing up for the 2027 Leather Leadership Conference. Come Lead With Hope with us in Portland, February 26th-28th, 2027! Now is the time to get your early bird tickets. I’m honored to be the 2026-2027 LLC returning Board Secretary, Communications Director, and new Community Engagement Chair.
  • FLAIR Forbidden is happening November 20th-22nd. I’ve been at work with the FLAIR team on Operations and Marketing! Join us for a virtual conference all about celebrating women+ in authority and those who love them. And yes, FLAIR’s early bird registration is also now live!

Other updates from this month:

  • Here are some of my favorite photos from this month. 
  • In April, I really enjoyed Intentional by Chris Bailey and Looking Up by Matthew Cappucci. My goal is to spend at least thirty minutes learning/reading every day. Keep up with my reading on StoryGraph! And please drop any recommendations for me in the comments.
  • And yes, I did go back to Disneyland, this time for a day trip with friends! I went to some other amazing events this month as well.
  • April gratitude: baths, pancakes, so many great events, and the good folx at the ER!

Thanks for everything this month; have a happy, healthy, and safe May! 

Newsletter 3/31/26

March: so much fun!

  • Writing wise, March was a slow month for me. I think I’m rested up, though, and excited about my next big project! Meanwhile, I’ve been making some edits on both AO3 and Amazon.
  • In April, my goal is to log about forty minutes of focused drafting time per day, minus travel days. You can always keep up with my progress on TrackBear! Please feel free to poke me about my progress throughout the month.
  • On April 26th, I (virtually) return to Wicked Grounds with my positions class! Find out more here.
  • We had one Las Vegas TNG (The Next Generation) event this month: one of our usual munches, thanks to a wonderful new guest host! Thank you to everyone who attended.
  • In April, we’ll have another munch on the 20th by our January/February guest host! If you happen to be 18-35 and local to the Vegas area, join us.
  • For the Neon Cactus Wordsmiths, I hosted two Discord write-in this month. Thanks to everyone who attended! 
  • In April, I’ll be hosting three Discord write-ins on 1st, the 15th, and the 29th. If you happen to be a Las Vegas based writer, join us for those and more.
  • We’re now gearing up for the 2027 Leather Leadership Conference. Come Lead With Hope with us in Portland, February 26th-28th, 2027! It might sound far away, but now is the perfect time to get your early bird tickets to save money and prevent last minute stress (for you, and for us on the LLC Board).
  • FLAIR Forbidden is officially happening November 20th-22nd. I’ve joined the FLAIR team to help out with Operations and Marketing! Join us for a virtual conference all about celebrating women+ in authority and those who love them.

Other updates from this month:

  • Here are some of my favorite photos from this month. 
  • In April, I enjoyed Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy. My new goal is to spend at least thirty minutes learning/reading every day. Keep up with my reading on StoryGraph! And please drop any recommendations for me in the comments.
  • Disney, Disney, Disney! Four park days (and change) in Anaheim for this solo trip. Ate prime rib right on the water at the Blue Bayou! Went on the Women Who Make The Magic tour and got a VIP viewing spot for the Paint The Night parade and Wondrous Journeys Projections/Fireworks show! Finally got to hang with an Internet friend! Had so much fun, I think I’ll go back pretty soon with a local friend for more. (Check out the photos link for visuals.)
  • Got to see Penn & Teller with my wife and friends!
  • Loved spending time with Indivisible Las Vegas this month. And, I’m super excited to be working the polls for both Election Day and Early Voting for the primaries. For everyone in the USA, remember to check on your voter registration and vote!
  • March gratitude: DisneyDisneyDisney—plus, spring weather, my people, and my cats!

Thanks for everything this month; have a happy, healthy, and safe April! 

Newsletter 2/28/26

Let’s talk about February (and what’s coming up in March)!

  • Writing wise, I originally set out to post ~14,000 words. I realized mid month that my focus needed to be with the Leather Leadership Conference, so I posted a little over 5,000 words across my projects. I posted a class adaptation for The Literal Servant Leader (now fully available with recording), and “By the Roll of the Dice”.
  • In March, having recalculated, my goal is to log about twenty hours of focused drafting time. You can always keep up with my progress on TrackBear! 
  • We had one Las Vegas TNG (The Next Generation) event this month: one of our usual munches, thanks to the same wonderful guest host from January.
  • In February, we’ll have another munch on March 16th by a lovely new guest host!
  • For the Neon Cactus Wordsmiths, I hosted two Discord write-in this month. Thanks to everyone who attended! 
  • In March, I’ll be hosting two Discord write-ins on 4th and the 18th. If you happen to be a Las Vegas based writer, join us for those and more.
  • This was the month! After a lot of prep work, I was in Los Angeles for the 2026 Leather Leadership Conference from February 27th to March 2nd. (And I’m still catching up!) This was my fourth LLC, and my first year on the Board instead of presenting. This year, we Fortified Our Foundations for the Future. Next year: Leading With Hope in Portland! Thank you to absolutely everyone who helped this weekend happen, especially my Board family, Jane and Dina. I love you both! I learned so much from the classes, had a blast reading for the Saturday Night Entertainment, did so much dancing, ate so much great food, and loved connecting with everyone, especially while facilitating the TNG Roundtable. Here are some of my favorite photos from this event.

Other updates from this month:

  • Here are some more of my favorite photos from this month. 
  • In February, I’ve been studying and savoring The Imagineering Story by Leslie Iwerks. I cannot wait to get back to Disneyland in March for the Women Who Make the Magic Tour (among other things). My goal is to spend at least fifteen minutes learning/reading every day. Keep up with my reading on StoryGraph! 
  • February gratitude: a wonderful Valentine’s Day, so much time with my people, and everything LLC!

Thanks for everything this month; have a happy, healthy, and safe March! 

Newsletter 1/31/26

Happy New Year!

  • Writing wise, I took this month to recharge, work on other areas of my life, tie up some writing loose ends, and see what new fiction projects emerged. Our Secrets and Our Silence and What We’ve Almost Forgotten are officially live in Kindle and paperback format!
  • I’m excited to be back to writing in February! My goal is to post ~14,000 words. While I have a new idea I’m excited about and planning, my February words will most likely be companions for old favorites. You can always keep up with my progress on TrackBear!
  • We had one Las Vegas TNG (The Next Generation) event this month: one of our usual munches, thanks to a wonderful new guest host.
  • In February, we’ll have another munch on February 16th by the same host.
  • For the Neon Cactus Wordsmiths, I hosted one Discord write-in this month. Thanks to everyone who attended!
  • In February, I’ll be hosting two Discord write-ins on 4th and the 18th. If you happen to be a Las Vegas based writer, join us for those and more.
  • Teaching wise, in January, I returned (virtually) to M/s 301 to speak with Joshua Tenpenny about our journeys. Thank you to everyone who attended!

Other updates from this month:

  • Here are some of my favorite photos from this month. 
  • In January, I read The PARA Method by Tiago Forte, Julie and Julia by Julie Powell, Tell Me Exactly What Happened by Caroline Burau, and The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix. My goal is to spend at least fifteen minutes learning/reading every day. Keep up with my reading on StoryGraph!
  • The Leather Leadership Conference is in February! I can’t wait to see everyone. I’ll be hosting the TNG Roundtable in addition to other Board duties!
  • In January, my mom and I had the happiest birthdays on earth at… guess where!
  • January gratitude: the ability to connect long-distance, cookies, and all things Disney.

Thanks for everything this month; have a happy, healthy, and safe February!