Game Hole Con XIII Schedule, Tarot for Storytellers Update, gen AI, Tattoo and More!

Hello, admirable reader!

I have been in the proverbial swamp these last few weeks. There have been many singing toads—I do love those angry rain frogs—and phew! My schedule has been blowing up. Right after I got back from a wonderful time at the Gen Con Writer’s Symposium, I was dealing with con crud, gardening at the zoo, and work on a new freelance project. No complaints here, though! The last time I was at the zoo, we were carefully selecting edible plants (called “browse”) to freeze for the wintry months. It felt awesome to not only be part of the animals’ welfare, but know that my team’s efforts are making a huge impact.

Following that, I started planning for September. I’ve already booked my tickets for Practical Magic 2, camping, and firmed up plans for Game Hole Con XIII while outlining two books—including an expanded edition of Tarot for Storytellers along with adding an ePub edition to the original listing—writing another chapter in my tarot-powered journalling game Shards of Remorsica, and rebooting Weeks 9-12 for The Artist’s Way to wrap up that program. Plus? I’ve got a new Pinching Tarts adventure, exciting discussions about a new website, a dark fantasy novelette on submission, a special Halloween-related writing prompt I’m working on for you, and more in the works, too!

You may be asking yourself how I have the energy for all of this creative work, and the answer is: “I’m angry.” Every time I log into YouTube to watch America’s Got Talent auditions, I’m bombarded with ads and AI slop. It has been devastating as a creator and even more frustrating that some writing organizations have gone radio silent about gen AI and its effect on our jobs. Social media hasn’t been much better, honestly, and the news has been so, so, so much worse. So, I’m getting offline and channeling my emotions into things that make me happy. Writing? Editing? Making art? Yes, please! I even catered to my Younger Self’s insatiable shiny needs by grabbing an Auryn pendant (seen in The Neverending Story).

I told my crit partner that Gen X’ers were built to fight gen AI. Literally. I even devised a new disclaimer to include in my books whenever possible. Yes, you have my full permission to use this (or a version of this) for yourself, too. You don’t have to credit me, either.

I’m just so angry and frustrated, I mean they’re re-opening Three Mile Island, but that’s not helpful for myself, you, my family and friends, anyone. Being online right now is like standing at the end of a clearance aisle after the shelves have been picked over multiple times. So, my solution is to get offline whenever possible—which is an odd experience considering I use the Internet for work—and make my own fun. I’m the type of person who creates from a place of joy, and that’s happiness I want to share with you.

Speaking of joy? I added a new goal on booksofm @ ko-fi for a tattoo fund. I have NO idea if anyone will jive with the idea or not, but I felt it’d be meaningful to get my first tattoo with your help. I really love collaborating and talking with other creators, and my family said: “Why not ask for help?” If it happens, cool. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.

In other fun-to-me news, I am reconnecting with an old friend and we’re talking about comics. Have you been reading any fun graphic novels lately? I’m a huge Hellboy fan and have had the pleasure of meeting Mike Mignola in the Before TimesTM. At night, we’re being more selective about which shows we’re watching so we can read. I’m re-reading the House of Leaves, which is a spooky, chonky book, and working through some beadweaving and an elaborate loom knitting project. When I am watching TV, I’m booting up Dark Matter, Lanterns, and a Slow Horses rewatch ahead of the new season.

How about you? Do you have any exciting news to share? Are there fun things you’d love to read about in October’s newsletter?

Game Hole Con XIII 2026 Schedule

I’m attending Game Hole Con XIII as a special guest in October this year! I wanted to share my schedule with you, and ask if there’s any seminars you’re interested in or suggestions for books/games I should include in my talk. If an event I'm attending is sold out, please don't be afraid to purchase generic tickets and come anyway. I will also have an author table, so be sure to drop by!

Here is the text-based version of the schedule posted on the infographic.

Thursday, October 15th
Noon CST: Worldbuilding in Faerie Realms Seminar

5:00 pm: Setting design in RPGs

Friday, October 16th
11:00-2:00 pm: Teatime with the Hatter

2:30-5:30 pm: Teatime with the Hatter

8:00-11:00 pm: Drinks with Authors VI: The Reckoning

Saturday, October 17th
10:00 am: Magic and Consequences

2:00-5:00 pm: Teatime with the Hatter