Book 8 of 2026: "Lotería" by Cynthia Pelayo

You are invited to a magical array of stories from 31 fantasy and horror authors from around the world! Of Enchantment, Enigma, and the Infinite is our magic-themed anthology, edited by @jendiagammon.bsky.social, @garethlpowell.bsky.social, and @scarlettralgee.bsky.social. #fantasy #books

Deadline extended! Do you want to work on your novel with me? We’ll have one full year and we will meet in StoryStudio Chicago’s cozy living room each month and talk all things writing.

Happy Saturday! If you procrastinated so hard, you missed the Novel In A Year deadline, we have good news! We're extending the application deadline until next Friday, Feb. 27. So you have six more days to apply! Here's all the info: buff.ly/CXTfdAt #writingcommunity

Next week, Feb 28, I'll be signing at the Barnes & Noble Grand Opening Event at Old Orchard, IL

I have not updated my newsletter because I’ve been busy disassociating given world news. I'll get back to it next week. Reminder: The greatest act of rebellion you can make right now is to reclaim your time; find joy, community, create art, laugh, sing aloud, dance in the street. Be whimsical.

Final book cover of something in my inbox that I think many of you will enjoy. We'll share it within the next few weeks. Here's a hint, Alebrijes, which come from Mexican folk art. They're fantastical multi-colored creatures.

Asking authors that you admire to read your new book is a scary proposition. BUT when you do, and they say yes, well, it's still pretty frightening! Thank you, @cynthiapelayo.bsky.social ! You guys can now pre-order THE SIREN OF GROVES PEAK! www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Si...

Do you want to work on your novel with me? Join my in-person cohort in #Chicago. We start soon! Details at the link below.

Tomorrow! Get your applications in now for any of three Novel In A Year cohorts by tomorrow at midnight. The application takes only about 15 minutes and there's no fee -- so you still have plenty of time. Write your novel in 2026! buff.ly/CXTfdAt

Novel pass pages.

Congratulations, Johnny! If you want to read about Chicago's Hull House ... and the legend of the Devil Baby ... you will find my story here in 2027.

We are thrilled to share that Titan Books will be publishing the brand new horror anthology WHERE DEVILS STAND in September 2027! 🖤😈 Edited by Johnny Compton, this is a chilling anthology of 20 original stories about making deals with devils...

"The film, titled Porto Rico, is an epic Caribbean western and historical drama led by Benito “Bad Bunny” Martínez Ocasio ... in his first leading film role." deadline.com/2026/02/bad-...

Zando announced a new imprint called Evil Twin. It will include the anthology Haunted Minds: Tales of Possession edited by Nick Roberts, which will also include a short story from me. www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...

We're thrilled to see ✨IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND💀 by @cynthiapelayo.bsky.social on Bloody Disgusting's list of "26 Upcoming Horror Books We Can’t Wait to Read In 2026"! https://loom.ly/mWJMCbI

Chicago organizer, Civil Rights Movement legend

Jesse Jackson

🥳 💚🖤💫

🥰

We're just over a month away from the release of You Have to Let Them Bleed by @annieneugebauer.bsky.social. Pre-order wherever books are sold.

💘 www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/803654...

I’m so mad with what’s going on in the world. I have to remind myself & you not to fall into that dark pit of despair. Continue to be good people, to love people, to know that what matters is each other. That’s true wealth—each other, community, art, wisdom, beauty. Don’t get lost in the darkness

“Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday that as soon as the ships return, “we will send more support of different kinds.” Her administration noted that it still plans to send 1,500 tons of beans and powdered milk.” apnews.com/article/mexi...

Novel In A Year applications are due TWO WEEKS from today -- February 20 for these 3 cohorts:. ✏️ Novel in a Year: Mystery and Thriller w/Abby Geni (online) ✏️ Novel in a Year: First Draft w/Julie Ironuanya (online) ✏️ Novel in a Year: First Draft w/Cynthia Pelayo (in person) buff.ly/pqDDwxO

Some people feel discomfort when they see Latino joy. They’re only comfortable with us when we fit into their narratives of suffering. This is part of the negative response to Bad Bunny. Not only did you see Latino joy, but you saw it exhibited authentically and centered on Latinidad.

Preorder MUÑECA by Cynthia Gómez. Available June 2nd www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/788211...

Hello, new followers! I'm Cynthia. I write horror and other spec fic; I love themes of revenge, retribution, and resistance. You can get my ACAB horror collection and pre-order my sapphic Gothic witch novel at cynthiasaysboo.wordpress.com.

Primero Sueño Press authors with Puerto Rican roots who you should follow ❤️🇵🇷 Keila Shaheen Mayra Cuevas Denise Soler Cox Cynthia Pelayo Natalie Caña

Primero Sueño Press authors with Puerto Rican roots who you should follow ❤️🇵🇷 Keila Shaheen Mayra Cuevas Denise Soler Cox Cynthia Pelayo Natalie Caña

He showed you who we are. Don’t allow others to twist that.

I sobbed when I saw the sugar cane field. My grandfather was a sugar cane farmer in Puerto Rico. Incredible to see this. 🇵🇷❤️

For those unaware about the significance of the light poles during the song El Apagón it’s because of the Puerto Rican power system and the constant black outs. There have been a lot of protests on the island over this.

I’m very proud to be Puerto Rican. Thank you, Benito ❤️🇵🇷

Together, we are America. Well done, Bad Bunny.

This is what you call a real man here.

(2/2) - Not only did he prove to the world just why his talent has taken over the music industry, but the absolutely beautiful heart that he has and the love that he has for everyone shone through immensely tonight. Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin were also phenomenal surprises. 🇵🇷#SUPERBOWL #BENITOBOWL

(1/2) - Bad Bunny just delivered one of the most heartfelt, beautiful and -important- Half Time shows that the Super Bowl has EVER seen. It was an incredibly thought out love letters to his ultimate love, Puerto Rico and to the people of Puerto Rico. 🇵🇷 #SUPERBOWL #BENITOBOWL

Bad Bunny’s closing messages during his Super Bowl performance: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love” “Together, we are America”

Happy Bad Bunny Day! What Bad Bunny represents to us is massive. 10 year ago he was bagging groceries on the island. Today, he takes a global stage. They’re mad because we see how much he puts our island and our culture first. They’re mad because we see ourselves in him. We see possibility.

Early reviews say my next novel is depressing. I mean...have you not read me before? "This book literally feels heavy, the emotions are very dark and probably not something you’re going to want to read if you’re in a bad place emotionally."

Tomorrow, I get to see a Puerto Rican perform at the Super Bowl 🇵🇷❤️

This sounds amazing.

One time my dad went to pick me up at a fancy event I was attending. The manager asked who he was looking for and he said his daughter. The manager said she’s probably in back washing dishes.

And we have a Slack group and bring snacks each class! And we have non-mandatory meetings outside of class where we go to author readings and bookstores. My last class hosted a Thanksgiving dinner. It’s nice 😊 Thank you!

Thinking of committing to writing a novel? @cynthiapelayo.bsky.social is an extraordinary writer and teacher. A class not to be missed!

My last Novel In A Year class ended last week. I am so sad to see it end, but I'm so very proud of the wonderful work everyone accomplished. If you're in Chicago, join me for my next Novel In A Year. Plus! We meet in StoryStudio's cozy living room. My past students ranged in genres and styles.

No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition. Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Up late. Over 2,000 emails in my inbox. Almost caught up 😩 The world is exceptionally mean, because so many lack basic humanity. I had long known that. I’m sorry if you’re now learning that. There are some good things I hold dear to get me through the days like today, my kid is almost my height 😊