I’m a few months late on this, but it’s now been over two years since I began writing–a drop in the pond in the grand scheme of things–but it’s still mindblowing to look back and see what I’ve accomplished in that time, and I look forward to what the future brings both in upcoming projects and in general. I’m only going to get solemn for a moment. Still, it’s a gift to actually be excited looking ahead, rather than dread and crushing uncertainty that follows as depression’s shadow. I still struggle, especially recently with some health flare-ups, but it’s not as daunting as it once was.

Putting that aside, I’d like to cover the publications I was part of this year, along with a few thoughts on each.

[lock-on] 003 – Skies of Arcadia Retrospective

My first article to be published physically, and I couldn’t have dreamed of a better home than a Dreamcast special issue of a gorgeous gaming magazine, Lost In Cult’s [lock-on]. Skies is my favourite game and I wrote about how much it means to me. This mockup was featured heavily in promotion for the Kickstarter campaign, so seeing it would always give me a huge boost of confidence. Also, look at that accompanying art by Bani-chan, isn’t it perfect?

REWIRED: Divergent Perspectives in Horror

The first anthology my work appeared in, and I was quite surprised by the acceptance, to be honest! GENESI was a story I wrote for a different call originally, but it fit with RE:WIRED quite well. Several aspects of the story were taken directly from my bout with COVID, an incredibly awful experience. Channelling that and the way I hyperfocus on tasks… it’s a very personal story. The fact that my first TOC was specifically for neurodivergent authors means a lot to me.

Hear Us Scream: The Voices of Horror Volume II

(Featuring my cat Beeb!) I’ve been a writer for Hear Us Scream since they began, but I was just a little too late to submit to the first Volume. I was ecstatic to be included in Volume II, with a personal essay recounting my history with horror films and acceptance of the weirder side of myself–plus my love for Possessor and Hellraiser. In November, I got a Hellraiser tattoo, so my dedication is now on my sleeve!

Inside Out

My debut novella had a bit of a rough start in life, so it feels like a miracle to finally have it out in the world. I cut ties with my first publisher due to disagreements (I am Anti-NFT and the second closed shop unexpectedly, leaving me and a few others to scramble for new homes for our books. I sent IO to Andrew with Darklit Press, and he really enjoyed it! It’s so, so relieving to have a publisher who is dedicated to their authors–Andrew is one of the hardest working dudes in the indie book world and just an all-around amazing dude. It’s a bonus that he’s located in Canada like me. 

The response to my novella has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m glad to spread the Goop Love to the world.

In 2023…

I’ll be in [lock-on] 005, which is raising funds right now. Check it out!

A trans lesbian coming-of-age story will be featured in an anthology.

Currently working on a story for Ruth Anne Evan’s OOZE anthology of gross horror, which I was delighted to be invited to. Submissions are open through the end of the year.

My debut as an editor will hit shelves in April: Bound In Flesh: An Anthology of Trans Body Horror. These stories are so, so good. I can’t wait for you to read them. Also, check out this cover reveal we did recently:

Finally, I’m working on two projects for Darklit Press: A pirate horror novella with Shelley Lavigne, and a GOOP TROOP short story collection with Shelley and Eric Raglin.

I’d like to thank everyone for making this year so incredible. It means the world to me.