New! Dagon, Class, Cover Reveal, Organic Badges Permission, and Smol Projects

A pile o' gold in this week's newsletter

Phew! I have a lot to share with you, so I’ll jump right to it. I’ve separated out my content using headers and added cover images when available, so you can quickly skim to the bits you’re interested in.

The Dagon Collection Available Now!

My new book, The Dagon Collection*, edited by the fabulous Nate Pedersen is now available from PS Publishing. This is a fantastic “found artifact” that I loved writing for so, so much. It’s “an auction catalogue of items recovered in the federal raid on Innsmouth, Massachusetts” with a wonderful, dare I say out-of-this-world, list of contributors including Gemma Files, Ramsey Campbell, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and many more.

Creature Sheets Also Launching April 1st

Heya, today I wanted to share the cover for Creature Sheets! This new title is a game accessory compatible with Pinching Tarts and will also release on April 1st. Creature Sheets is a pay-what-you-want title that includes instructions, examples, and creature sheets that include trackers for hearts, tarts, and foes!

Update: After *much* hilarity, found out this morning my file cleared pre-media. I just ordered a proof so with any luck, I can unlock a color edition before Gen Con.

New! Writing the Other Class with Stant Litore

On April 7th and 8th, author Stant Litore is presenting a two-day worldbuilding workshop through WritingTheOther.com called Write Lore Your Readers Won't Forget. I will be administering this online webinar to facilitate questions and to help Stant—I’d love for you to come!

Take 10% off this inspiration-and-knowledge packed class when you register. As my newsletter subscribers, you can use the code mailinglist to sign up for Write Lore Your Readers Won't Forget.

You will NOT be disappointed in this worldbuilding workshop. Stant is a caring, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic teacher. If you need a kick in the butt, sign up!

Organic Artist and Writer Badges

I also wanted to mention that I’ve had a couple of folks ask if they can share the 100% Organic Art badge I designed. For your convenience, I’ve also designed a 100% Organic Writer badge as well. If you agree with the sentiment and put it into practice, I give permission to use it. Credit would be lovely, but it’s not required in this case. To make things crystal clear, I’ve added a Creative Common license for both images.

100 Percent Organic Art by Monica Valentinelli is marked with CC0 1.0

100 Percent Organic Writer by Monica Valentinelli is marked with CC0 1.0

Smol Goals and How They Can Help

With all that sorted, it’s time to get back to smol goals! This month’s topic of discussion is about smol projects and how they can help you achieve your larger goals.

One of the conversations I often have with people who struggle to get things done is that they’re intimidated by either starting or finishing a new project. I completely understand what that’s like, because if you’ve never done something before (or if you haven’t finished anything in a while) it can be daunting to finish a project and then submit or offer it for sale.

Over the years, I’ve learned that the pressure we put on ourselves combined with our personal flavors of neuroses, whether that be anxiety or imposter syndrome or what have you, can stand in our way of getting things done.

This, dear Reader, can lead to writer’s block or, what author Kathy Steffen once labeled as “writer’s resistance behavior.” We, sometimes, stand in our own way and that prevents us from moving forward.

I’m reminded of the advice that a friend once gave to me long, long ago. “One foot in front of the other gets you to where you’re going.” To me, that’s what a smol goal is. Whether that goal is to come up with a title, write a sentence, name a character, draft that email, etc. That smol goal is something manageable; it’s a minor blip that you have no trouble completing. Then, when you’re done knocking off that goal? Take a deep breath and proceed to the next step.

After a while, you’ll notice that all those smol goals (or steps) have helped you progress further toward an even larger goal. Maybe you’re getting caught up so you can start your big project or you’re knocking off the manageable pieces before facing the hard parts. Smol goals can also help build your confidence and remind you that yes, you are doing The ThingTM.

Lastly, I do want to point out that being a creator is never easy. In this chaotic era? It can feel downright impossible. If you’re struggling, take a look at your support networks. Do you have the support you need to stay motivated? Accountable? Enthusiastic? Heard? If not, think about developing those kinds of connections so you can make the art you dream of. Being a creator can feel very isolating, so if you’re feeling alone take that as a sign to reach out. (In other words, yes you might feel Kenough, but at the same time? It can be helpful to connect with others who share your struggles.)

Next time, I’ll be sharing links for Pinching Tarts and Creature Sheets along with shareable images and a badge for you on April 1st. Following that, it’ll be time to launch April’s journalling prompts.

Until then, I hope all is well in your world.

- Monica

(*): Yes, that’s an Amazon affiliate link. Yes, capitalism sucks. Yes, I am sharing it because I get a kickback if you order through that link. Screams in ‘writer’!