Tris Talks... February Newsletter!
I don’t want to write this newsletter.
I’m stating that in the interest of being as open and honest as possible. I’ve been procrastinating it for a week, in part at least because I’m not sure what to say.
I look back on the month and my brain is like well, things happened. But quantifying them—or feeling proud of them—is kind of rough.
I’m not entirely sure where February has gone. Didn’t it just start? I mean, yes, it’s a short month, but it seems to have flown by even faster than expected.
In terms of life in general, there has been a lot of chaos. Car trouble on multiple fronts. Trying to do what we can to stop our tiny cat (versus large void cat) from being snuffly all the time. Kid things—doesn’t matter that they grow up, when they need their parents, we drop everything for them, y’know? Travel to Boskone.
It’s just been… busy.
Convention Report
Boskone was an absolute blast, and I cannot WAIT to go back next year. It was wonderful getting to see folks in fandom that I haven’t seen in 10-15 years in some cases (sometimes longer!).
I was on four panels, and every single one was amazing. I got to meet new people. I got to talk about found families, and queer rep in media, and drafting fight scenes, and what I love about alternative publishing. Every single panel had some fantastic moments, and I really enjoyed chatting with attendees afterward—both in the panel rooms and back at the Duck Prints table where I was hanging out when I could.
It got me thinking about panel expectations versus outcomes, and how to better read a panel description and determine whether I’m a good fit for a panel. Again, trying not to listen to the little voice in the back of my brain as I sign up for future conventions. Yes, my insecurities are hanging out this month; my apologies as you see my dirty laundry.
New Publications
Ah yes, this one is a bit embarrassing. There’s… nothing. I talked about seeing Argylle and Bob Marley: One Love and that’s it. I have been silent online, so no new blog posts. And no new publications, either.
I focused on getting things ready for the publication of FTR, working with my artist, and learning how to use Vellum. I’ve produced an ARC, which I will send out when there are places to post reviews properly. I’ve been taking names, and am excited to have people who are interested in reading this book.
I have a lot of ideas for blog posts, and if anyone has anything they’d love to hear me natter on about, please feel free to reply to this newsletter with suggestions. Replies come to me!
Authorly Progress
I am currently trying to focus on finding a way to bring back my joy in writing. Which means, in part, finding something I both want to write, and that doesn’t get buried under the “well, I should be writing that instead” thought process. This weekend I spent some time with my ideas, and some tarot decks, and did some brainstorming readings and made notes. At least one of them definitely needs to become a short story; I’m hoping the others work out as well.
I’m noodling around with the idea of writing a set of stories centered around the topic of death. I’ve already got one short story I need to revise on the topic, and another one halfway to written. It’s a topic that comes up a lot these days, and I’m thinking that treating the word in as many different ways as I can might help me reach a point where it is simply a word. Where it no longer holds the ability to fill me with terror, and send me into a shuddering panic attack.
I’m probably wrong—I’m not sure that the sheer amount of baggage I carry around the idea of death can be let go so easily—but at the same time, writing can be therapy, right? Might as well try.
On the things I know I need to do—edits for Twinned, new PHU and new 7Lakes books—I have made little progress. The imposter syndrome demons have made beds within my brain, and I struggle to evict them.
Next Steps…
For March, I have a many-pronged attack plan, in hopes that at least some of these options might bear fruit.
I have started working through a year-long daily Zen journal. I have given myself leave not to do it every day, so I do not feel guilty when a day gets away from me before I’m able to fulfill a prompt.
I’m working through the course of The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I’m not certain if everything within it will be something I can hold on to, but there are already pieces that I have found useful. Centering. I remain hopeful that there might be nuggets I can utilize to regain control over my creative side. Or at least lure it out from under the crushing imposter syndrome.
I continue to have editing to do for the Twinned trilogy, and I need to settle in and do that; it eludes my ADHD brain and has become a mountain I need to climb. I know it shouldn’t be that hard, or even take as long as I think it will, but starting is the hardest part.
I’d love to do plotting for both short stories and for the next books. I need to be writing again.
Upcoming Appearances
My next convention appearance will be Balticon, in Baltimore, Maryland. I’m working on submitting panel selections now! I’ll send more information when I know where you can find me at the convention.
I will not be with the press there, and I will not have a table in the dealer’s room. However, I will have books with me, for anyone who happens to be looking to pick up a copy!
Next conventions after that include the NASFIC in Buffalo, in July, and Fandom Fest in Schenectady in August.
If you’re curious to see snippets as I work, all levels of my Patreon are treated to early chapters of PHU when it is posting, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at works in progress.
And find me on social media if you want to chit-chat or just hear me natter on about life, writing, and fandom. I’m tryslora everywhere!
Thank you for reading Tris Talks...!
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