What's going on at Casa Siamese this month? My hair is partially purple, I still have no tattoos, and there's a half-built LEGO set on my dining room table. I'm in the midst of multiple projects, I'm planning multiple trips, and I just ordered a ton of Girl Scout cookies. So, no complaints here. Let's … Continue reading September Wrap-Up & October Goals
August Wrap-Up & September Goals
Some new changes in the format this month! Don't be scared, all the cool stuff you're used to is still here. I've had a great month, and I'm excited to share all my news with you. The first good news: Steel Shadows has been released into the wild! This is the fifth book in the … Continue reading August Wrap-Up & September Goals
July Wrap-Up & August Goals
Priority number one for August is to celebrate! Seriously, on August 8, I'm publishing my fifth book in five years -- Steel Empires Book 5: Steel Shadows. That's a pretty awesome accomplishment, and while it would be easy to focus on all the other projects I have (and am behind on), I shouldn't let this … Continue reading July Wrap-Up & August Goals
Con Report: In Your Write Mind 2019
Last weekend, I spent four wonderful days at one of my favorite places on Earth. In Your Write Mind is a writing workshop hosted by alumni of the Seton Hill University Writing Popular Fiction graduate program, of which I am part. It's the time of year when I recharge my writing batteries by surrounding myself … Continue reading Con Report: In Your Write Mind 2019
June Wrap-Up & July Goals
I just got home from another fantastic visit to Seton Hill University for the annual In Your Write Mind workshop. I had a blast. I'm exhausted. Let's do this. In case you missed it, the cover reveal for Steel Shadows (Steel Empires #5) was announced this month! Isn't it beautiful? Pre-orders are now available, and … Continue reading June Wrap-Up & July Goals
May Wrap-Up & June Goals
So much reading! So much traveling! So little writing! Don't look at me like that. You're not shocked either. May Wrap-Up My progress toward Steel Justice this month was super nebulous, but I did figure out where my hang-up was. There is a plan in place toward overcoming it, and I'm cautiously optimistic. I had … Continue reading May Wrap-Up & June Goals
Con Report: Balticon 53
I had another fantastic weekend at my "local" convention, Balticon, over Memorial Day weekend! This convention was my first time manning a table in the dealer room for the entire event, which was both exhausting and fun, and definitely offered a different perspective on the convention experience. Luckily, I had friend and author Cara McKinnon … Continue reading Con Report: Balticon 53
Con Report: StokerCon 2019
If you're here to find a copy of my alternate history presentation, you're in the right place! Scroll, read, and enjoy. I might not be a horror fan, but you won't find a nicer group of creative people. I was immediately welcomed into the fold at StokerCon 2019, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I … Continue reading Con Report: StokerCon 2019
April Wrap-Up & May Goals
I definitely had a productive month, just not in the way I originally thought. I also got to see some great friends and read some great books, so no complaints here. I'm in the middle of reading some pretty awesome book series that I'm alternating with each other, which just makes me want to read … Continue reading April Wrap-Up & May Goals
March Wrap-Up & April Goals
I'm feeling pretty positive about how this month turned out, even if (as usual, these days) I did not accomplish all my goals. I did get to spend lots of time with awesome people and read cool books, which also have to be priorities in life. A person cannot always "exhale" productivity; sometimes you have … Continue reading March Wrap-Up & April Goals
Con Report: Cleveland Concoction 2019
March means a return to one of my favorite events of the year: Cleveland ConCoction! This year, I took the Tesla on her first official road trip, which involved stopping at multiple supercharger stations. We had a blast, and I am officially never taking a long trip without navigate on autopilot ever again. FRIDAY I … Continue reading Con Report: Cleveland Concoction 2019
February Wrap-Up & March Goals
Ack, where did February go? I guess this is what happens when I try to reduce my workload but still end up ridiculously busy. The good news is that I got a lot of stuff done. The bad news is that I still didn't manage to complete all my goals. Oh well, March is another … Continue reading February Wrap-Up & March Goals
Con Report: Farpoint 2019
Growing up as a military brat, I always had this sense that once I left a place, I would never be back. While looking for a house in the Baltimore area before sixth grade, my family briefly stayed at a hotel, the Hunt Valley Inn. Therefor, it's always a bit bizarre to be back there … Continue reading Con Report: Farpoint 2019
Farpoint 2019 Schedule
I'm thrilled to return to Farpoint 26 next weekend for my second year! I had a blast last year and made some excellent friends. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with them and other local fans. Here's where you can find me on the official schedule: Friday 10 PM: Farpoint Book Fair Saturday 10 AM: Alternate … Continue reading Farpoint 2019 Schedule
January Wrap-Up & February Goals
Okay, kids. Something isn't working, and I'm pretty sure I know what it is. I have reached that point where I have so much to do that I'm getting overwhelmed and not doing any of it (as evidenced by the 11 books I read this month). Time to re-evaluate and change a few tactics. Because … Continue reading January Wrap-Up & February Goals
Build Report: Hogwarts Castle
Since I acknowledged that I'll never have room for the largest LEGO set ever, I set my sights slightly smaller -- on the second-largest LEGO set ever. I also thought this dream was unattainable, even though it was my number one wish-list item for the 2018 holiday/birthday season. Even though my birthday is 6 days … Continue reading Build Report: Hogwarts Castle
Build Report: LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2018
I had so much fun with the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar in 2017 that I had to do it again! Below is a quick summary of all the cool things I added to my collection. LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2018 (75213) -- 307 pieces First, the holiday-themed elements! Christmas Moisture Vaporator, A New … Continue reading Build Report: LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2018
December Wrap-Up & January Goals
Another year, come and gone. As with any year, I've had some major successes and minor disappointments. On the writing front, the success was my fourth book published, which means that my series is officially over halfway complete. The fifth book is also in the midst of the publication process. Unfortunately, on the disappointment side, … Continue reading December Wrap-Up & January Goals
Free Copy of Steel Victory! (Today Only)
My publisher decided to give everyone a fabulous gift this holiday season. Today is the last day to pick up a copy of the first book in the Steel Empires series for free! Grab your electronic copy of Steel Victory here, and remember: Feel free to share the link far and wide! I hope everyone … Continue reading Free Copy of Steel Victory! (Today Only)
November Wrap-Up & December Goals
This month, it feels like I wrote all the words, read all the books, and went to all the conventions. Okay, it's actually about 32k words, 15 novels, 8 short stories, 3 graphic novels, and 2 conventions. Still a hell of a month. Obviously, that 32k words means that I did NOT "win" NaNoWriMo. As … Continue reading November Wrap-Up & December Goals