It's time to populate our MARCH Cozy Quill/Traveling Tomes Newsletter with all your creative inspirations! Hopefully you were able to glance at the newsletter sent out yesterday and get an idea of what we're building. It will continue to grow and sharpen up, but it felt so meaningful! Thank you to all who submitted in February.

Our March theme is: A GENTLE THAW🍃. The Spring season is upon us and with it comes a thawing and an awakening. I wanted to feel that in the newsletter this month, so feel free to fill it with any examples of light entering, growth happening, and all the good things blooming.

Feel free to share: 

• A small sign of growth or change in your life (big or tiny) that made you smile this month.

• A cozy ritual, hobby, or creative moment that helps you feel lighter as winter thaws.

• A book rec, piece of writing, or project that has a theme of blooming or becoming.

• A photo of something emerging, blooming, or just quietly beautiful around you.

• A recipe that suits the spring.

If you'd like to submit a piece for the newsletter, I'll be accepting through Friday, March 27th. The newsletter will be released to all of our Cozy Quill tiers at the beginning of the following month.

If your submission isn't chosen due to space limitations or whatever reason, please know we'll be creating a channel in the Discord to share those as well if you permit.

All the info you need is in the form below, but please don't hesitate to comment below with any questions. xx, Meg

Ready to submit?
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE GOOGLE FORM

Hi friends! There are many new faces here after announcing we'll be gifting ARCs to our paid members. First of all, thank you so much for being here and for championing this book! We're THRILLED to have you in this cozy community and are so excited to get this story in your hands as soon as we can.

That being said, I have an official update on WHEN those books will be released to you. According to Bindery, the ARCs will be going out to paid members who subscribed before that March 3rd deadline the FIRST WEEK OF JUNE! 🎉

This means that you'll be some of the first to read Twig's Traveling Tomes before it hits shelves in September! Shire Sprouts, you'll be getting an email with the e-ARC link. Second Breakfast Club members, you'll also get that link, plus some special book mail with that physical copy (US only).

Thank you again for being such a lovely part of this community, it means the world to both me and our author, Gryffin Murphy.

Be on the lookout for updates on the publishing process and a live interview check-in event with Gryffin this month! Details to come. Stay cozy, friends!

xx, Meg

Carnalis by Tiffany Morris

You know I was obsessed with Tiffany's Indigenous sapphic swamp horror novella Green Fuse Burning, so I cannot wait to dive into Carnalis!

Wealthy party girl Lauren hungers for human flesh. Her girlfriend Alex, a recently injured dancer, is trapped in Lauren's toxic and deadly spiral. The looming threat of capture may prove to be less dangerous than Lauren herself and the lengths she will go to satiate her needs. Will Alex be next on the menu?

Rich bitches? Cannibalism? My favorite!

The Curse of Hester Gardens by Tamika Thompson

We Need to Talk about Kevin as if written by Jason Reynolds and Tananarive Due meets Model Home by Rivers Solomon in an innovative twist on the haunted house novel: about a mother desperate to protect her sons from the twin specters of gun violence and otherworldly menace in their public housing project.

Haunted house horror in the projects? Are you kidding me right now?

Also, blurbed by one of the greats: “Ringing with lyricism and suspense, The Curse of Hester Gardens is a compelling vision of the horror of trying to raise sons in public housing haunted by violence. Despite ghosts and the uncanny, the true terror is the trap of poverty, which tests a mother's love to its limits. Tamika Thompson's sharp characterization and insightful storytelling make this a must-read.” —Tananarive Due, Los Angeles Book Prize and Bram Stoker Award winner, The Reformatory

Indigent by Briana Cox

Live-in handyman Xavier seems to be the only one who notices. Or cares. After a chance encounter with the culprit leaves him infected with something horrifying, Xavier is thrust into a surreal nightmare of starvation and consumption all too familiar to his gentrifying Atlanta neighborhood.

Succumbing to his infection, Xavier is drawn into the cobbled-together family squatting in Leigh Pierce's basement. People who, through a myriad of doomed roads, fell into the same self-destructive cycle of indigency, harboring dark secrets... and darker appetites. Trapped in a dynamic of codependency and complicity, Xavier and his family- new and old- are forced to confront the cost of survival in a world that has disregarded them.

A horror that goes after healthcare? Yeah. Sign me up right now.

Aviary by Maria Dong

A young woman undertakes a terrifying journey―and a terrifying transformation―in this genre-blending speculative suspense novel set in South Korea and the US which mixes fantasy, gothic vibes and queer longing, with a shot of feminist body horror.

This is a horror about violence, power, exploitation and transformation. NEED.

The Sea Hides Its Dead by Megan Bontrager

Trapped in an underwater cave, a group of academics must face a series of deadly, supernatural trials—each one demanding they confront their darkest sins—in this chilling aquatic cult horror debut

Academics studying a sea cult? Trials underwater in a cave to survive? Inject it into my veins. This is crazy.

Will you be adding any of these to your TBR?

As a reminder, any book purchased through my bookshop this month, benefits Black Walnut Books, an Indigenous, Woman and Queer owned bookstore. Check these books out below!

Non-fiction

• "To the Lake" by Kapka Kassabova
  By exploring on water and land the stories of poets, fishermen, and caretakers, misfits, rulers, and inheritors of war and exile, Kassabova uncovers the human destinies shaped by the lakes.

• "Free" by Lea Ypi
  Family and nation formed a reliable bedrock of security for precocious 11-year-old Lea Ypi. She was a Young Pioneer, helping to lead her country toward the future of perfect freedom promised by the leaders of her country, the People's Socialist Republic of Albania. Then, almost overnight, the Berlin Wall fell and the pillars of her society toppled. The local statue of Stalin, whom she had believed to be a kindly leader who loved children, was beheaded by student protestors.

• "Indignity: A Life Reimagined" by Lea Ypi

  The author of Free returns with an extraordinary inquiry into historical injustice, dignity, truth, and imagination.

Poetry

• "Negative Space" by Luljeta Lleshanaku

  Personal biography disperses into the history of an entire generation that grew up under the oppressive dictatorship of the poet's native Albania.

• "Haywire" by Luljeta Lleshanaku
  In Haywire she turns to the fallout of her country's past and its relation to herself and her family. Through intense, powerful lyrics, she explores how these histories intertwine and influence her childhood memories and the retelling of her family's stories.

Fiction

• "A Girl in Exile" by Ismail Kadare
  A Girl in Exile, first published in Albanian in 2009, is set among the bureaucratic machinery of Albania's 1945-1991 dictatorship. While waiting to hear whether his newest play will be approved for production, playwright Rudian Stefa is called in for questioning by the Party Committee. A girl - Linda B. - has been found dead, with a signed copy of his latest book in her possession.

• "The Palace of Dreams" by Ismail Kadare
  A dystopian novel often interpreted as a critique of totalitarian regimes.

• "Misinterpretation" by Ledia Xhoga

  In present-day New York City, an Albanian interpreter reluctantly agrees to work with Alfred, a Kosovar torture survivor, during his therapy sessions. Despite her husband’s cautions, she soon becomes entangled in her clients’ struggles.
  
  
  🗺️If you want to see more book recommendations from all the countries in the world, check out my Reading the World Spreadsheet.
  
  And if you want to support this project, consider becoming a paid member of my Bindery!

Hi everyone,

I’m so so excited to reveal the cover for my queer dystopian novella THIS IS HOW THE WORLD ENDS, publishing on 16th September. It’s available for preorder now, via the link!

Cover designed by the incredible Drew Huff.

I love it so much!

Here’s the blurb:

Run the race. Or die.

Britain is at war, isolated by a digital blockade. 

Dissidents run a deadly race for the public’s entertainment, while the flood-ravaged country falls apart. The Cartwright family tries to soldier on, refusing to give in to fear. But when catastrophe looms, Emma Cartwright flees – only to find that life beyond the border is anything but safe. 

The fight for survival has begun. 

This is how the world ends.

I’m still pinching myself, I still can’t quite believe this is happening!

Love,

Disco

JOIN US HERE: Zoom link for March 16th @7pm EST

Ring in the publication of Susan J. Morris' WAYWARD SOULS, the eagerly anticipated sequel to STRANGE BEASTS, with the Inky Phoenix family! Bring your favorite snacks and bevvies, and if you haven't read WS yet, try to before the call (also, if you haven't reviewed it online, please please do so!).

Can't wait to see you all and celebrate Susan!!

When I decided to read the longlist for the Women's Prize for Fiction, I didn't realize how many I'd have already read and loved! That confirms my commitment to read the rest (most of which haven't been published in the US, or at least not yet). Here are my thoughts on those I've already read. I think that every one of these has earned it's placed on this list, and has important things to say about our world today.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy 5/5 Stars This was my first Charlotte McConaghy. I loved the balance between an intriguing plot and well-drawn characters.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans 5/5 Stars One of my favorite books I've read so far this year. The characters really come to life through this epistolary novel.

Heart the Lover by Lily King 5/5 Stars This made me ugly cry. I love Lily King's writing.

Moderation by Elaine Castillo 4.75/5 Stars This one I was most surprised to be on this list, but it's a very pleasant surprise. I need more people to read this dystopian book on the future of content moderation. It also has a lot to say about immigrant labor.

A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar 4.5/5 Stars I'm still thinking about this one. This is not a happy read, but a necessary one.

Audition by Katie Kitamura 4/5 Stars Katie is one of my favorite authors but this is actually my least favorite of hers. This one is unique and will leave you thinking.

Flashlight by Susan Choi 3.75/5 Stars This is a well-written book with a plot that is a little clunky. Not surprised it's on this list.

Dominion by Addie E. Citchens 3.5/5 Stars I'm happy to see this book on this list, though it was a hard read for me with my background in the evangelical church.

A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang 3.25/5 Stars I think I read this at the wrong time for me. I did enjoy the discussion of living with memory loss.

Hey gang!

Write below the 1 book you think would get the most people into reading and the reason why!

We're using this for a future video 😊

Hi all! Although I originally wasn't planning on reading a witchcraft related book together immediately, and instead had plans for some non-fiction reads (which we will still get to), I just started reading Ancestral Tarot and it is a perfect book for discussion.

A practical, hands-on guide for using tarot to connect with your ancestors and gain access to their insights for healing, self-protection, and personal powers.

With a tarot deck in hand, readers will learn how to identify and access ancestral gifts, messages, powers, protectors, and healers.

Tarot expert Nancy Hendrickson guides readers through the basics of finding recent ancestors, and navigating the confusing maze of DNA and ethnic heritage. As a longtime tarot enthusiast, she shows readers how to incorporate a metaphysical tool into a world of tradition.

Ancestral Tarot spreads are included in relevant chapters. Each chapter includes three journal prompts that lead readers into self-discovery around ancestral gifts, wounds, and patterns they may have inherited. The better we know our ancestors, the better we know ourselves.

I've already read the first few chapters and there are a number of spreads that aren't overly complicated. I'd love to hear what others' experiences are with it. The readalong schedule will coincide with the seasons, as that is how my life is operating these days, but you can read at your own pace, with the seasonal outlines being a guide or deadline if that helps keep you on track.

Now through March 20: through Chapter 2

March 21 - May 1st: through Chapter 4

May 2 - June 21: Chapter 5

June 22 - August 1: Chapter 6

August 2 - September 22: Chapter 7

September 23 - October 31: Chapter 8 & 9

November 1st - December 21: Chapter 9 & 10

December 21 - February 1: through the end

There will be a discussion channel in Discord so join there if you haven't already and would like to discuss as you read. I will also be making posts about my own experiences as I read.

There is a bit in the book about choosing which ancestors to work with first, so some chapters may be read only for information vs completing exercises, so with that in mind, we may finish the book sooner than this above timeline depending on how people work through it.

Looking forward to discussing this one with you!

I had the worst reading month in February that I've had in a long time. Anyone else?

I only managed to read 5 books!

What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne (reread, ebook, arc) I knew that the arc was going to go up on NETGALLEY, GO REQUEST NOW! so I wanted to reread so I could experience the all the fun and horror with all of you. (Yes, I will very likely reread in October before release!)

The book was so much fun to read a second time, picking up on all of the little details I missed. What a crazy, bonkers, imaginitive world. I just love this book so much and I can't wait to read it again. And I can't wait for it to be turned into a horror movie franchise. Who said I can't predict the future?

Speaking of buzz, I finished Buzzard (ebook, arc) by Inez Ray, this is the third book coming out from Michael Laborn's imprint Left Unread. This is a dystopian tale following the last midwife, who is in prison for giving abortions. This is an uncomfortable read that pays off in all the ways you want it to. Incredible storytelling. Current. Gut wrenching. This absolutely should be made into a television series. Add it to your TBRs, right NOW!

Lost Girls of Hollow Lake (audiobook) by Rebekah Faubion this is a solid Yellowjackets comp. Fans of the show will enjoy this. I had a good time with this one. I really wanted more of the island. The relationship with the dog really saved this one for me.

The Trees (audiobook) by Percival Everett was an unexpected read. I saw this on a bunch of horror book recommendations list and while there may or may not be something supernatural going on, I'd say this book leans more literary. Despite the miscategorization, this was a phenomenal read. It follows two detectives in Mississippi investigating some brutal murders in a very racist town. Historical, beautiful, brutal. A must read. If it's on your TBR, move it up immediately.

When Devils Sing (audiobook) by Xan Kaur, YA southern gothic, diverse. A rich town that preys on poor people like their survival depends on it. A deal made with demons. Multi-pov that really works. Moody, atmospheric, thoroughly enjoyable.

Overall, while I didn't read much, I did enjoy what I was able to read. Hoping to double my reads in March!

What was your favorite read in March?

As a reminder, any book purchased through my bookshop this month, benefits Black Walnut Books, an Indigenous, Woman and Queer owned bookstore. Check these books out below!

Happy Tuesday, mis internet amigxs,

A nationwide book ban has been proposed by the House of Representatives targeting LGBTQ+ books. Action items can be found on Instagram and Tik Tok. Further news and action items coming this week.

The world is feeling HEAVY right now, so I wanted to bask in a moment of Latine bookish joy with you and tell you about upcoming March 3rd Latine releases, before that, I wanted to begin with a GIVEAWAY.

Our March book club selection, Now I Surrender by Alvaro Enrigue, releases TODAY and I've got ONE MORE HARDCOVER COPY UP FOR GRABS EXCLUSIVELY FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES AND COMMENTS ON THIS POST (US address only). If you're a Librito or Lector member, you have another chance at another copy here. I'll email the winner on Wednesday and you'll have 24 hours to get me your mailing address to claim your book!

Also, reminder that our non-fiction sidequest read March through April is Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here by Jonathan Blitzer (audiobook). Several people who have the paperback have mentioned that the font is VERY small, so if you have vision issues or don't like to read small font, please keep that in mind.

This is a busy week of releases so let's get on with the show...

TRANSLATED LITERARY FICTION & MARCH BOOK CLUB PICK

Now I Surrender by Alvaro Enrigue and translated by Natasha Wimmer (Audiobook)

Diorama by Carol Bensimon and translated by Zoe Perry and Julia Sanches (Audiobook)

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Estela, Undrowning by Rene Pena-Govea (audiobook)

If We Never End by Laura Taylor Namey (audiobook)

BILINGUAL PICTURE BOOK

Gooool! A Bilingual Book Of Soccer by Mike Alfaro and illustrated by Gerardo Guillen:

NONFICTION

Red Stones: A graphic account of the Salvadoran Civil War by Ernesto Saade:

El Paso: Five Families and One Hundred Years of Blood, Migration, Race, and Memory by Jazmine Ulloa (Audiobook)

AUDIOBOOK RELEASE FOR GRAPHIC NOVEL

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares (audiobook)

xoxo,

Carmen

As I was perusing the Women's History Month 20% sale on bookshop.org (as one does on a book buying ban), I saw that included is Good People by Patmeena Sabit, our April Leans Literary book club pick! If you want to pick up a personal copy, now would be a great time to do so, saving 20% with code WHM26.

Good People is the story of an Afghani immigrant family...told entirely from the outside. Because everyone has an opinion on how immigrants should live their lives.

You can pick it up from my bookshop . You may also see our May and June book club picks.