Happy Friday the 13th! Didn’t we just have one of those? Yes, and we’ll see another in November.

At least it shouldn’t snow anymore, right? Right?

New story published today

Encounters with Cryptids released today! The ebook is available now; the hard copy is coming in a week, as of the last update. I’m really tickled because we got our first review of the antho on Goodreads, and my story is listed as one of the reviewer’s favorites. This is a relief, as every time I appear in an anthology, or among the work of other authors, I remember the reviews Krusty got when he performed at that comedy festival…

Don’t forget Little Red Flags

I got my copy and finished reading it yesterday. I was surprised by the variety of stories, the many different ways of approaching the brief. Some are very sad. Some are downright creepy. Of course I think mine is the best, but that’s natural, right?

To those of you who’ve read these, the heartiest thanks! And remember: leaving a review online, requesting a copy from the library, telling anyone who holds still long enough? These are all free and believe me, they are priceless.

Reading now:

Those of us who observe are in the thick of Lent. And while I am going to celebrate Laetare Sunday this weekend with one of those green and pink drinks from that coffee place, I am also reading On Repentance and Repair, by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg. I’ve had this book for a few years now and only just got to the place for reading it. It’s really good. Following Maimonides, it lays out steps for redressing not just harm one human causes another, but greater harms at the institutional and national level. Resonates like a gong, and perfect for this season or any other. I recommend it.

Music rec:

Did you know that they’re making a Broadway musical out of The Lost Boys? I did, but I forgot, because it’s not really my favorite vampire movie and I figured it was gonna be another stupid movie-to-musical cash grab. Then I heard some demo tracks and I don’t know if it’s the state of the world or me being middle-aged, but songs like this one, “Wild,” are making me cry right now, and I’m wondering if there’s a way I can see the show when it starts performances in a few weeks.

Massachusetts Freedom to Read Bill

Before I leave you, I’d like to remind my MA readers to contact their state (not federal!) reps, and urge/demand that they vote in favor of H.3594: An Act Regarding Free Expression. The bill protects the freedom to read and write in the state, and the freedom of authors and librarians to do their damn jobs. It already passed in the Senate, and I believe we can get it into law. Call your reps!

(If you don’t live in MA, ask your state government what it’s doing to protect your freedom to read. The answer may surprise you.)

Wishing all of you the best as Spring creeps into our part of the world,