Of course give credit where it's due but please know it isn't arrogant to own your accomplishments. I get so tired of listening to artists and authors wave away their hard work and success. If we want to be taken seriously we have to take ourselves seriously. (reminding myself and you)

Well friends, that's a wrap on the fifth Blight Harbor book. This one might be called Dear Desdemona. We'll see. One more read though and clean up then it's off to my wonderful editor. I'm excited to share this one with you in 2027. Not sure what's next - time to start playing with new ideas. 🖤

Just watched the first episode of DARK. Holy moly.

Hey #Spokane friends - today's the day to vote for parks and schools. These projects will make our community better. 🖤

My 11 year old just called something "AI slop" with absolutely caustic disdain in their voice and that's how I know we're going to be okay.

Listen, all I'm saying is this fall feels darker than usual. No, I cannot explain. It's just true.

John Francis Murphy (1853-1921), "November"

The interesting thing about not plotting my books is my girls are about to walk into a house and none of us know what they're going to find in there. It also means that what happens there today is likely different than what would happen if I wrote the same scene tomorrow. My process is chaos.

Weird to think I'm writing the last few chapters of what is probably the last Blight Harbor book. Bittersweet for sure.

Small Cat is both a devoted and irritating writing buddy.

I'm raising money for our local Fishline org to feed, clothe, house, and support our neighbors, especially those impacted by the removal of SNAP benefits. My employer will match up to $1,500 of funds raised. Please consider contributing or sharing! Donate here: www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-...

Annual reminder: Don't mourn October. November is truly the spookiest month. Grey and cold and bleak. The lush gold and red are gone. Now the trees are naked and brittle things. Mornings as black as pitch. No baubles hang to catch the light. November is October's nastier, meaner cousin. Enjoy it.

Last night a mom sent me a photo of her seven year old dressed up as the Radix (a sort of infinite source of magic and power) from the Blight Harbor books. Never occurred to me that could be a costume. Writing for kids is the coolest.

Lots of teens out trick or treating tonight. Makes my heart happy. 🖤

Here's a good opportunity to help our neighbors - donations are being matched on this one.

Horror is for everyone, all year long. 🖤

Sharing *13* scary books today in 5th grade for #FirstChapterFriday! @hannaalkaf.bsky.social @claribelortega.com @lorasenf.bsky.social @lindsayncurrie.bsky.social @allymalinenko.bsky.social Learn how to use "If you like" to encourage readers: fromthemixedupfiles.com/if-you-like/ #kidlit

Happy Halloween! To celebrate, let's talk Gateway Horror. To spotlight this vital subgenre, I'll be exploring works by @adamcesare.bsky.social, @lorasenf.bsky.social and others - their stories have shown me the power and variety Gateway Horror can bring! www.michaelfsimpson.com/post/hallowe...

Spending Halloween day on the couch under a blanket with my sharkey lap desk (stolen from the Boy Child) drinking tea and writing middle grade horror as the universe intended me to do. Not pictured: circling cat who will soon be on my feet.

This is the first year my kids' Halloween plans don't involve trick or treating with me. Oof. I'm fine.

A second 🌟 review for PENNIES! Don't know how I missed this one from Booklist. "Alive with atmosphere and character, this creepy, captivating read will appeal to both longtime fans of the established series and newcomers alike.' www.booklistonline.com/products/981...

Pardon the self promo but it's that time of year. If you're looking for spooky season gifts or are holiday shopping for spooky kids (or grownups) I have some books that might interest you. If you buy any of my books as gifts I'm happy to send you stickers, a bookmark, & a note to go with them.

AI reviews & promo emails are getting more convincing but you can (thankfully) still spot them. They're usually full of effusive, over-the-top praise but empty of any kind of meaningful detail about the book they're referencing. If there IS detail, it can be found in jacket copy or other reviews.

Hey friends it's my last signing event of the year! I'll be at Auntie's Books until 3:00 and then I'm scooting out to go see Paranorman in 3D. If you're in the area stop by and say hi!

The proofreader for UNNAMED BONES is a badass. Thank God for proofreaders. That is all.

I have this bananas idea for an anthology that's wrapped up and tied together in a novel structure. It would require about a dozen brave, bonkers authors to play along. Is this even a thing??

Tomorrow!! I'll be at Auntie's from 11-3:00 hanging out and signing books. It's my last scheduled event of the year so if you're in the area stop by and say hi! After this I crawl under a blanket on my couch to read, write, and edit and don't reemerge until sometime next spring.

TW: terminal illness Advocating on someone else's behalf is... enlightening. It is so obvious to me that insurance companies drag their feet in the hope that by the time treatment for very ill people is approved, it's too late to be of benefit. Maddening.

It’s getting spooky around here… @lorasenf.bsky.social

Pass pages for UNNAMED BONES have arrived! I love this part, when a manuscript starts to look and feel like an actual book. This survival-creature-cosmic YA horror is out next summer. Can't wait for you to spend the day with Harrow and her friends. More to come soon!!

Halp. Does a 503 Service Unavailable error mean something is wrong with my website in particular or is it a bigger problem?

At some point the checks and balances are going to start checking and balancing, right?

Gosh they look good together. 🧡💚💜

🖤🎃🖤

Friends, if you're out tomorrow be safe and smart. 🖤

All set up for Halloween XSpo!! See you this weekend 🖤

Tomorrow! I'M SO EXCITED.

Oh damn I think I have an idea for the new anthology call everyone's talking about.

Welp. Just had my first school visit cancellation because "district requirements for clearance are too burdensome." I know I'm fortunate this is the first time it has happened to me but damn let kids and authors connect. I promise we aren't dangerous. Unless ideas and creativity are dangerous...

It's almost time for my favorite event of the year! Halloween XSpo is this weekend, October 18 & 19. I'll be hanging out at my table in Artist Alley all weekend so if you make it to XSpo come find me. 🖤

We're at the stage of writing this book (apx 85% done) where I have to pause and reread the whole thing because I have No Idea What I've Written. Happens every time.

Publishers should be invested in promoting the books they publish.

Sigh. One of those mornings that reminds me that #ParentingIsFunAndEasy

I've been watching Fight Club pretty constantly off and on for the last 26ish and I JUST realized Live's Ed Kowalczyk has a cameo. You learn something new every day.

Now for something completely different.

🖤🖤🖤

I just discovered the Wrong Station podcast. It has been around a long time. Spooky stories well told. Good stuff.

I'm seeing more folks than usual share effusive, glowing reviews they've received. They almost all read like AI. Maybe I'm just too edgy about AI so am seeing it where it isn't? I don't look at my reviews anyway but if AI is taking over the review space there's seriously no reason to bother.

Hi #Spokane friends! Today I'll be at B&N Spokane Valley from 11-3:00 hanging out and signing books. If you're in the area stop by and say hi! 🖤

TW: cancer, terminal illness Chemo didn't do much for Dad and they threw everything they could at him. So he's supposed to be starting radiation therapy. It has been weeks. The delay was, I thought, with the clinic. Of course it isn't. Of course it's United Healthcare.