Join me and Elly Bangs, Lauren Beukes, E.D.E. Bell,
A Y Chao, and Anne E.G. Nydam at this live reading of speculative fiction stories by women and nonbinary authors.
May 1, 2026 at noon EDT!
Free Event on Zoom
#SWSWQR
Tag: reading
-
Strong Women Strange Worlds QuickReads
-
Did I Really Do All That Last Year?
One of my non-writing goals for 2025 was to work through my “to be read list.” There are still many books in that pile, but I did read 36 of them.
Here are the ones I finished in the order they were read .
You may notice some repeated authors.
Everything Changes: An Anthology of Climate fiction – Angie Dell
The Collapsing Empire – John Scalzi
Autonomous – Annalee Newitz
In Our Own Worlds: 4 Novellas by Margaret Killjoy, Ellen Klages, Kai Ashante Wilson, and Jy Yang. My favorite was Passing Strange by Ellen Klages.
Dark Touched: Book 1 of the Glass Star – Elle Lewis
A Language of Dragons – S. F. Willimson
Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy – Tui T. Sutherland
Dragonfruit – Makiia Lucier
Wings of Fire: The Dark Secret
Daughter of Darkness – Terry Brooks
Wings of Fire: The Brightest night – Tui T. Sutherland
Wings of Fire: Moon Rising – Tui T. Sutherland
Burning Down the House – Jean Marie Ward
Artificial Condition – Martha Wells
Gold Dust – Catherin Asaro
Sister of Starlite Seas – Terry Brooks
The Calling – Ken Altabet
Ink & Bone – Rachel Caine
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night – Amelie Wen Zhao
Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White – Amelie Wen Zhao
Maus: A Survivor’s Tale I – Art Spiegelman
Maus: A Survivor’s Tale II – Art Spiegelman
Wings of Fire: The Hidden Kingdom – Tui T. Sutherland
The Wings Upon Her Back – Samantha Mills
The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
Lilith’s Brood – Octavia Butler
The Study of Storms & Magic – Maria V. Snyder
Stain of a Nation – Bishop O’Connell
A School for Dragons – Amy wolf
For the Good of the Realm – Nancy Jane Moore
The Death of a Maven – Kathryn Johnson
Rogue Protocol – Martha Wells
Exit Strategy – Martha Wells
Fugitive telemetry – Martha Wells
Manufactured Witches – Michelle Rene
Network Effect – Martha Wells
I also:
Participated in 7 Conventions/Conferences.
4 Book Festivals/ Markets
1 Podcast
Published 2 books
I think that’s a pretty fine literary year.
Don’t forget to check out these books:
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
It’s Hanukkah, and Dragon is helping his family celebrate.
Have you ever made latkes or played dreidel? Come join the fun as Dragon makes latkes and lights the menorah. Then play the dreidel game and see where it lands!
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
-
Come see me at Seattle Worldcon 2025
Seattle Worldcon 2025!
Building Yesterday’s Future–For Everyone
August 13–17, 2025
Here is my Schedule:
Prop Up That Costume with a Prop
Room 335-336, Wed. 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Props can often make or break a costume. Learn what works and how to make those little special items, hopefully without breaking the bank.
Selena A. Naumoff (M), A. L. Kaplan, Pierre E. Pettinger, Jr.
Room 428, Wed. noon–12:30 p.m.
A. L. Kaplan
Meet the Authors—YA and Middle Grade
Room 347-348, Thu. 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Come meet the writers who are crafting the stories for you! A selection of YA and middle grade authors are available to answer questions and talk about stories.
Marta Murvosh (M), A. L. Kaplan, CJ Hosack, Kate Ristau, L.J. Melvin, Shana Targosz
Teen
Room 347-348, Sat. 3–4 p.m.Decide who will win each contest from our bracket of various characters and determine who will take home the crown!
A. L. Kaplan (M)
Animal Companions in Middle Grade/YA
Room 320, Sun. 4:30–5:30 p.m.
It’s dangerous to go alone! The loyal animal (or monster) companion is a common feature of kids’ stories. These companions do more than tag along—they reveal character, deepen world-building, offer emotional support (or challenge), and sometimes even steal the show. Let’s discuss our favorites and find out what makes these furry (or scaly) friends so great.
Deva Fagan (M), A. L. Kaplan, Jenna Lee-Yun, Kathryn Sullivan, Maya Prasad
-
Hey, Authors, Time to Share Your Books!
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
-
It’s Not Too Soon To Start Your Holiday Shopping
Give the gift of reading.
Start your shopping
at the
October 7, 2023
701 COCOA AVE
Hershey, PA 17033
1:00 – 5:00 PMGrab a great book, some chocolate, and begin your adventure!
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
-
MY SCHEDULE FOR BALTICON 57
Balticon is one of my favorite Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions. It is held on Memorial Day weekend an comprises of four days of fantasic programing. I’m loaded up on programing this year. Here is where you can find me.
When Muses Collide (Sat 10:00 AM) Balancing your WIPs when you have more than one kind of creativity. How do you decide what you want to do? A. L. Kaplan moderator, Heidi Hooper, Sarah Pinsker, Eric Hardenbrook, Ariel Burgess
Am I a Real Writer Now? (Sat 1:00 PM) At what point does a writer become a real writer? How does a person go from having a novel or a few stories to being a real Writer? What can people with a few things written do to make this a career? Early career writers talk about what they have done. Joshua Bilmes moderator, Jack Campbell, A. L. Kaplan, Elektra Hammond, Bjorn E. Hasseler
Limits on YA (Sat 5:30 PM) There is often a problem with defining YA and it often boils down to whatever the publisher declares is YA. But are there limits to YA? Is there anything that cannot be included in YA or whose presence makes the book not YA? Dr. Jim Thorne, Michael A. Ventrella, A. L. Kaplan, Michael M Jones
I’ll also be working as a judge’s clerk for the Masquerade Saturday night.
Autographs (Sun 11:30 PM) A.L. Kaplan, Leah Cypress
Is SF/Fantasy Mere Escapism? (Sun 1:00 PM) Many critics dismiss SF/Fantasy as unrealistic and escapist. Is this true? Is there SF that rises above escapism? Or is entertaining the reader/viewer enough? Carl Cipra moderator, Ken Schrader, A. L. Kaplan, Walt Boyes
Readings (Sun 4:00 PM) A. L. Kaplan, D. H. Aire
Out of Control Characters (Sun 5:30 PM) Some authors tightly control their characters, requiring them to follow an outline. But other authors say there are things their characters won’t do. What do authors do when their characters go off script? Do you try to regain control (and how?) or go where the characters take you? Jennifer R. Povey moderator, Alan Smale, “Amy” A. L. Kaplan, Scott Edelman
When I’m not busy on a panel or volunteering, You can find me wandering the halls with Fifi or helping out at the Maryland Writers’ Association table.
May 26-29, 2023
Renaissance Harborplace Hotel
202 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Hope to see you there.
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
-
My Saturday RavenCon Schedule
RavenCon 16 is this weekend at the Virginia Crossings Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Glen Allen, Virginia. Three days of fun.
Here is where you can find me on Saturday, April 22, 2023:
1 pm – 2:30 pm (Workshop/Presentation) Can Cows Have Wings? / Buckingham (Jefferson Building, 2nd floor)
Having a great story isn’t enough. If the world your characters live in isn’t believable, it won’t hold your readers. Learn how to create an environment that will grab your audience even if you have a purple cow flying over Washington, DC. (This workshop is geared toward adults and/or teen writers. Participants should bring writing materials.)
5 pm (Panel) Creating Memorable Character Names / Henry (Jefferson Building, 3rd floor)
The naming of things is complicated. It gets even more so when you are naming your characters. Our panelists will talk dos and don’ts and how to make your character names memorable, but also reflective of who your character is at heart. Panelists: Jude-Marie Green, A.L. Kaplan (M)
6:25 pm – 6:50 pm (Reading) Fairfax Library (Jefferson Building, 2nd floor)
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
STAR TOUCHED
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
-
Everything Tastes Better With A Good Book
Come find some great reads and meet fun authors.
The Chocolate Town Book Festival
Hershey Public Library.
October 1, 2022
1 – 5 PM
701 Cocoa Ave
Hershey, PA 17033
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
-
Book Signing at Hyperspace Rocket Designs and Tea Bar
Swing by Hyperspace Rocket Designs and Tea Bar
Sunday, September 18, 2021
I’ll be reading and signing books
4 pm – 6 pm
Pick up a cup of tea and a copy of my latest story, Mark of the Goddess.
400 N. Center St. Westminster, MD 21157
Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
One step toward understanding.
One stride toward survival.
One leap toward flying free from the past.
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
