Hello, friends! The fantasy writer David Eddings once wrote: “Centuries pass when nothing happens, and then in a few short years events of such importance take place that the world is never the same again.” I certainly second that sentiment. I feel like for most of this year I’ve been slowly puttering around and then this past week I’ve had so many things happen it’s hard to believe. Plus with losing Dolly Parton and Tim Curry this has certainly been a heck of a week.

Hopefully you’ll forgive me popping into your inbox but it’s some good news to end your week.

My Friend Magpie

My friend Magpie Swallows, an award-winning Renaissance Faire performer, just released her first album Magpie Knows Best this past Sunday. And I’m on the album! Her song “Crawlin On” has a call and response segment and I and some of Magpie’s other friends recorded ourselves singing the responses. So I can now officially add “backup vocalist” to my list of accomplishments. Magpie’s album is also available wherever you buy music, but if you want to make sure she gets the most royalties you can buy it from her on Bandcamp.

This past Saturday Magpie and I also recorded a couple of episodes for her weekly podcast. One where we talked about my books and she talked about some of her favorite parts, and one going into how the sausage is made with ren faires. If you’re inteerested in seeing those let me know and I’ll send y’all a link when it comes out.

Pledges Closing

This weekend will be the final days to pledge for the Silas & Bundersnoot audiobook. We have some good news on that front as well since Rose, my narrator, has managed to find a job and now since she doesn’t have to worry about insurance she can work on narrating my book. If you want to get a copy of the audiobook before it releases to the general public make sure to pledge before Monday, August 31st.

Upcoming Events

I’ve had a couple of quiet months here but I’ve got some events coming up soon for the rest of 2026 and I’m into planning for 2027. If you know of any book-themed events within a couple of hours of Cincinnati make sure to let me know.

Dayton Book Fest

This will be taking place at Antioch Shrine in Dayton, Ohio on Saturday, September 19th from 12 - 4 PM. I and a bunch of other indie authors will be attending so if you’re in the area be sure to drop by to pick up some great books. You can find out more info here: https://daytonbookfest.com/

Con on the Cob

Con on the Cob is a tabletop gaming convention in Richfield, Ohio (roughly an hour south of Cleveland) and is happening this year from October 7th through October 11th. I’ll be bringing not only my books but also gaming miniatures for sale at this event. And if I do say so, I think the skeletons have been turning out rather well.

If you’re looking to play some games and find some cool things to buy you can get tickets and more info here: https://tabletop.events/conventions/con-on-the-cob-2026

Gothic Market

Grimoire’s Gothic Market is returning to the Dayton Convetion Center this December 5th and 6th. I’ll be bringing my usual selection of books and minis, and my friend Bridgid will be coming along with her art. Tickets for the Gothic Market can be purchased here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-gothic-market-dec-5-6-2026-dayton-oh

All right, that’s all I had for now. (And I’m sure that’s plenty of stuff.) Hopefully this weekend is gentle for all of us.

Your friend in books and trains,

— Kalpar