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Happy July, aletsen!

In the age of AI, I am getting more and more allergic to things that sound like marketing materials, so let's keep this update to the point: writing news, pretty art, and the pet photo! 🐈

The big and exciting news is that after nearly 3/4ths of a year, the next Peltedverse novel is READY!

I'm launching this one with a big to-do on Kickstarter with signed editions, a hardcover, stickers/magnets, signed giclee/art prints, the works! This will be a special author's edition, with color interiors and an art section. That's coming in a couple of weeks, and you can sign up here to be notified.

If you prefer your launches with less fuss, you can either pre-order at retailers now (retail edition - no art, no color interior), or you can wait for it to go up at my direct sale store (author's edition - color, with art section).

But I think the fuss will be fun and I hope you'll join the party. This story's a big deal, and has so many reveals you've been waiting for (some of you for over a decade!).

That's the novel news. Onto the short story news!

My latest short story is out from Raconteur Press in their "All Will Burn" anthology, about the lengths parents will go to for their children! I'm honored to be the final story in the final volume of this theme, and I'm happy to say my story is funny... which the topic certainly doesn't lend itself toward being. It's a Peltedverse story about the Guardkin (giant telepathic dogs!), there are puppies in it, and hijinx, and I guarantee you'll be smiling by the end of it. Go check it out!

If you enjoy short fiction and missed my other Raconteur Press appearances, here are the other volumes I'm in:

• Space Marines, "Veterans" (new story)
• Space Marines 2, "Game On" (new story)
• Moggies Back in Space, "Constellations" (reprint)
• Goblin Market, "Sister Prissa's Philters" (new story)
• Alien Family Values, "Brass Candy Girl" (reprint)

How about some art?

I found this one while cleaning, and while I never did anything with it, I'm still fond of it. 

Sometimes life feels like an uphill climb, doesn't it? I never thought of the choice as being between 'giving up' and 'making the climb,' but rather (and isn't this the most unicorn thing to say) whether you make that climb proudly and with style, or you trudge your way up while feeling sorry for yourself.

The unicorn way is to struggle while giving light to others so they can take strength - so that when they look up, they see the beacon of your magic and feel a surge of hope in their hearts.

That was my goal, painting this one. I hope it gives you strength today.

The July art: "Never Give Up."

Finally, some wrap-up. Ongoing stuff:

• We are halfway through the gamelit serial on Patreon/Locals! This story will be available later at retail for those who aren't into serials.
• The discord server's read-along is about halfway through the Princes' Game series and welcomes everyone to join them in book discussion! Or if you just want to hang out on the discord, or if you collect discord servers, that's fine too. Here's the invite link.

We conclude the email with the obligatory author pet photo! I know some of you are here only for this furry, floppy collection of limbs and fangs, so here he is. 😆

Look at that toothy smile. Cat is living the best summer life here; I hope you are too. I will see you again in August, with more news!