Hello dear reader,

I don't know where to start this newsletter, because I had written thoughts about community, and then yet another politically-motivated murder happened. Yet another. Writing about community seems almost trite at this point. We have communities, but the soul of America is not just bruised and battered—it's ripped in half.

Without realizing it, I was doomscrolling and my stress crept up on me. Partly, because I was already low-key stressed because I was on deadline and experiencing the Blue Screen of Death. I wound up getting a new laptop much earlier than planned, and quite p'oed about it. Planned obsolescence suxx. I'm almost caught up on emails, though, and am working through the WorldCon backlog this week before tackling other administrivia. That said, I am feeling palpably tense and am actively seeking joy right now. I am extremely grateful I continue to move forward, slowly but steadily, in areas for personal and professional growth. I’m “midwestern fine” overall, considering, but am working through my stress and have the support I need to do just that.

I’ve been diving into Genshin Impact again, and am playing the Nod-Krai Archon storyline. There’s hints of the end game in Snezhnaya poking through, and I have a feeling there’s a massive twist coming in the Russian-themed land. I’m also playing Cats and Soup on the ipad, because it’s extremely cute and GoodTM. I haven't been making art, beadweaving, or knitting lately, partly because writing and spending time outside have eaten up a fair chunk of my time.

My garden, however, is not well tended. This year it did its own thing. During the first harvest, I used the paper bag trick to cut herbs, wash, and then dry them. I successfully grew lavender for the first time because I a) got a plant instead of seeds and b) left it alone. Strawberries, too! I am hoping to visit a few farms this Fall to pick apples and pumpkins. Frustrated, though, because my succulents are so leggy they could audition for the Rockettes, and those pesky, tiny gnats have taken up residence in my other houseplants. Meh.

Volunteer efforts are ongoing and that’s been a source of joy and respite. I’ve met some wonderful people along the way, and I am happy to say that I was inspired by my conservation experiences to write a novella. It was a bizarre-to-me writing process, because when I started writing it, the punitive aspects were fictional. Now? Not so much. The story is currently sitting with my crit partner and a couple of beta readers; can’t wait to tackle any necessary revisions before subbing it. I’m also working on a short story, too, but I’m noodling on the specifics. I have the core established, but there’s a lot of different ways it can go. Oh! I did get my notes back for my Tarot for Storytellers eBook, and am addressing those while adding new content, too.

Gaming-wise, I finished an adventure draft for The Witcher TRPG. (Announcements happened during Gen Con! You can read them on the RTalsorian website.) This was super exciting for me both as a fan and as a writer, and it’s great to work with the Pondsmiths again. Next up, I am working on my Wonderland-themed adventure for GameHole Con.

So yeah, that’s it for me right now. I am sending you peace and love. Most importantly, the peace and calm of a blessed day.

Monica

My Game Hole Con 2025 Schedule

My schedule at GameHole Con is now available! Some of the events are sold out already, so if you're thinking about registering for Game Hole Con now’s the time. If you’d like to get my games or books signed this year, please note I’m bringing bookplates. Huzzah!

Thursday, October 16 - 2:00 pm

Tea Time in Wonderland: During Tea Time in Wonderland, you and your friends play the creatures in Wonderland. Suitable for two or more players, childlike adults and children, this tartacular game from veteran game designer Monica Valentinelli is inspired by PINCHING TARTS, her PocketQuest debut. Whether you play a duck, a dodo, or a dormouse it matters not, for each creature has their own talents, specialty, and heart. Gathered together, you form "les pièces de résistance," a ragtag band of thieves who have targeted none other than the head-chopping Red Queen.

Friday, October 17

10:00 am: Tea Time in Wonderland

8:00 pm: Drinks with Authors and Game Designers IV

Saturday, October 18 - 9:00 am

The Indie Game Design Jam: This game jam is a four-hour challenge to create your own game from start to finish. Led by veteran game designer Monica Valentinelli, you'll learn how to design a game based on a random prompt, and use time at the table to playtest and work out the kinks. Walk away with a finished game!