Summer Vibes: Sales, New Patreon Project, Gen Con, Fountain Pens and More!

Hello excellent and admirable readers!

Last time, I talked about going on a trip to see a dear friend and attending Mo*Con in Indianapolis, Indiana. As soon as I got back, Summer not only kicked into high gear, I had some thinky thoughts about creating in a world of genAI. I had so many wonderful discussions with new and old friends, both out-of-state and amongst my peers locally, but I was seriously depressed about genAI and its impact thus far. I fell into soe immersive narratives; watched the movie VESPER (2022), got about halfway through FOR ALL MANKIND on Apple TV, and finished season one of COUNTERPART. Then, I spent a lot of time in the dirt gardening at home, at the zoo, and on special projects. Ultimately, I decided to politely set all of my concerns on fire by restarting a twelve-week program titled The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I just started Week 3 and plan on offering a run-down of my experiences for July’s newsletter and what’s been flourishing in my creative world so far.

A renewed focus on writing has led to my enthusiastic return to fountain pens. I finally catalogued my fountain pen inks in a color chart book designed by Yasmeen Eldahan. I used a glass dip pen to chart the colors rather than constantly refilling my pens, and I’m really glad I did. Last year, I indulged in Diamine’s Inkvent 2025 Calendar as my holiday gift and fun winter activity—and I’m so glad I did! It was my first ink-themed cornucopia. I was able to explore a lot of inks I wouldn’t otherwise write with, and that’s been a lot of fun. If this is causing you to giggle in delight, I put some new inks, fountain pens, and stationery on my Amazon Wish List to geek out with me.

Of course, no wish list would be complete without fancy pens. I’m drooling over the TWSBI Kai Fountain Pen (M) nib and the newly-released LAMY AL-star Disco (M) nib and Rollerskate (LH) nib pens. So pretty and fun to get all googily-eyed! I’ve never tried the LAMY LH nib before, so needless to say I am curious. LAMY generates a unique sound when I write; I’m this [←→] close to recording the sound of nib scribbling on paper.

Before I head out and add yet another ink or pen to my growing wish list, I’ve got a handful of announcements to share with you today.

• 🐉 Gen Con Indy 2026 Events Are Live 🐉 - Events for this year’s Gen Con opened for registration not that long ago and tickets are going fast. You can click on Valentinelli at Gen Con Indy to find my workshops. If an event is sold out, please don’t be afraid to come anyway. Sometimes, people drop out our schedules shift and I’d like to make time for you. Thank you to everyone who already book tickets for my events; I appreciate it!

• 💀 Onyx Path Anniversary Sale 💀- Every in-print book and game I contributed to, either as a developer or writer, is included in Onyx Path Publishing’s anniversary sale. From Hunter: The Vigil Second Edition and V20 Dread Names Red List to Tales of the Dark Eras and Haunting Shadows a Wraith: The Oblivion 20th Anniversary Edition anthologies, there’s plenty to explore at a whopping 80% off.

• 🔮 Tarot for Storytellers: a How-To Guide June Sale 🔮 - Want to get a jump start on your storytelling this summer? The eBook is jam-packed with prompts, guidance, and examples to teach you how to develop new characters, plots, and setting using a deck of tarot cards. For a preview, visit FlamesRising.com.

• 💎 New! Developing a Solo Journaling Game on Patreon 💎 - Recently, I started unfolding the development of a new solo journaling game through my Patreon. In the game, you play a fantasy creature—but you don’t know which one you are. Intrigued? Read more about Shards of Remorsica on Patreon. Would love for you to join!

I also wanted to share with you K Tempest Bradford’s beautifully-written post in memory of Piper J Drake. I didn’t know Piper well, but it’s clear from Tempest’s words she was a force of nature, a brilliant writer, and she’ll be sorely missed.

I hope you and yours are faring well. Don’t be afraid to reach out and let me know how you’re doing. My schedule is a bit tight until after Gen Con thus far, but I’d love to keep in touch.

😎 Stay cool!

Monica

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