I’m not going to jinx anything. I’m just going to lay out all the delicious writing adventures I have coming up, as well as some publication news that came this month.

First, let’s talk about the writing retreats/workshops I have been accepted to and will be attending this year.

• Ghosts, Witches, and Craft: A Salem Writing Retreat!
  • This retreat has been put together by two amazing women authors, Nova Ren Suma and Holly Hughes. I’m so excited to attend this retreat, as I got to attend last years in Charleston, SC called Ghosts, Haunts, and Haints: A Paranormal Writing Retreat!, which was absolutely amazing. Not only did we get to do some fun walking tours and visit cemeteries, but I walked away with several new pieces! Generative retreats are literally my favorite retreats and add some ghosts!? I’m there!
• Elk River Writers Workshop
  • I was fortunate enough to get to attend the inaugural workshop in 2015. This will be the first retreat since then and I’m sure they’ve tweaked some things to make it even better than the first one (which was amazing). Montana is absolutely beautiful and they have horses at the lodge we are staying at! Plus, I’m looking forward to sharing my work with peers and absorbing all the tips, tricks, and recommendations they have to offer!

Second, and I can’t believe this is even happening, I am beside myself with excitement. I was accepted into Melissa Marr’s 6 month mentorship program. She will be accepting only 4-5 mentees for this program and I can’t wait to meet all the other participants and learn what they are writing about.

After law school, when I absolutely had lost my love of reading, having had to do so much unwanted (LOL) reading, Melissa Marr’s “Wicked Lovely” series was one of the series that brought me back to reading for enjoyment. I would have never fathomed I’d have an opportunity like this back then!

Lastly, in my list of exciting news, understanding that the list was not created in any form of ranking! As of January, I have two upcoming works being published!

• January 14th I was notified that my drabble, Diabetic Apocalypse, had been accepted into the 100 Word BIGGER Zombie Bites. This is the first drabble I’ve ever written and is a story close to my heart, having a chronic illness and a love for zombies. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book! (For those of you who don’t know, a drabble is 100 words!)
• January 15th I was notified that my short story “Cherry Street” had been chosen to be a part of Fantasia Divinity’s best of anthology. Excuse me, what?! Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled/honored to be included in “Ghosts of the Past!”

So, that’s how it’s been so far. I am a happy bean. I look forward to what else 2020 has in store for me.

Until the next post! Peace and voodoo dolls! -Chanelle