Monthly Archives: May 2025

3 posts

The Magic Between Us – An Exploration

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Characters

It’s been a while since I talked about my characters, right? I’ve been focusing on writing, and talking about writing/being an author, but there’s always a part of my mind that’s doing deep delves into what makes up my characters and how they reflect the larger world around me. So I decided that June might be a good time to share some of those explorations with you, dear readers.

If there’s one thing that y’all ask me about the most, it’s in-depth questions about the people who inhabit my Fae-infused version of Baltimore. So this month, let’s chat about what makes up each character, why they do what they do, and what they represent. People in this instance may be taken very loosely, as I’m pretty sure The Maithe [and in comparison, the other Houses] may show up in one of these chats.

I’ve got some other answers that will be tucked inside these essays, too, things that have been asked of me before and I’ve had a lot of time–and three books–to think deeply about. Questions like “Why did you choose Merrick to be the main character of In Sleep You Know” and “What will happen to The Ladies” and “Why did the Nyxen pick Denny to befriend anyway?” There’s also always the question, “Did you base X character on someone you know?” I’ve talked about that one before but the truth is always more complicated than you’d guess.

We’ll get started on June 1st! I am very much looking forward to chatting at length about character creation and the complex lives of these imaginary [maybe?] people.

Where to Find Xiane This Summer [2025]

Events Fun

Dear Friends and Faebies, the summer event season has begun!

That means that your intrepid author and general goofball-around-town Xiane [that’s-a me!] will be appearing in many places, sometimes with a hopefully bon mot–or at least a passably mediocre one–and at other times with an armful of books that I’ll be shamelessly shilling. Summer is always the busiest season for me when it comes to this, and this year is no exception.

I have a packed calendar from now until the end of August, but of course there’s always room for a few more events… so if you’ve got something you’d like me to join or contribute to, please do shoot me a line or comment below! In the meantime, here’s where you can find me, at least so far.

JUNE

The Nebula Conference, June 5 – 6th 2025 – I’ll be attending virtually and participating in one panel, on June 6th at 5pm EDT.

Collaboration and Building a Publishing Community with C.J. Lavigne (moderator), Kate Heartfield, Kristin Osani, and Wen Wen Yang.
So often, we can feel alone on our publishing journeys. How do we make friends? Where do we find help and support? Let’s talk about beginnings: How and where do we find our people, especially when we may be battling distances, introversion, and/or imposter syndrome? What are the best ways to reach out to and work with each other?

JULY

The 2025 WriteHive Annual Conference, July 11 – 13 2025 – I’ll be attending virtually and participating in one panel, date/time TBA. Free!

Self-Publishing on a Budget [I’ll list more details when I have them!]

Greater Goods Night Market, July 18 from 6 – 10pm – this is held in the garage at R.House in Remington, 301 W 29th St, Baltimore, MD 21211. Free!

Locally made, high quality handmade goods in a laid-back party atmosphere? Delicious food and drinks right there too? Sign me UP. I’ll be there with all my books as well as some hand-made jewelry and other goods and my goofy face. Please come by and say hello, even if you have my books already?

AUGUST

Book Fair at Bel Air, August 23, 2025 from 10am – 2pm – held at the Bel Air Armory, 37 N Main St, Bel Air, MD 21014. Free!

40+ authors in all genres plus bookish merch, sweet treats, and games and crafts for kids – this is the Book Fair’s second year and I can’t wait to be back. Last year was a blast, with lots of attendees and fantastic reads to stock your TBR shelf. Did I mention that it’s free?
I’ll be there will books, some merch, and lots of free stickers. I strongly recommend this festival!

Keep checking back for more additions to my schedule, including some things I’ll be putting together. I hope to see you at one – or many – of these events!

Come see me at Balticon 59!

Events

It’s that time again! I’ve got my schedule, my books, some snacks and a notebook, and I’m ready for Balticon, happening this weekend at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel at the Inner Harbor, downtown Baltimore. This is both my home con and my favorite con, and there’s so much happening there that anyone could have a good time.

It’s especially great for writers, as there’s a fantastic literary programming track with panels that are a great fit for writers and readers of all types. I’m proud to say that I’m on 4 writing-oriented panels this year!

I’m excited about all of them, but I’m really pleased to have been selected for It’s Never Too Late to Start Your Writing Journey. I have a lot to say on this topic and I’m hoping that the panelists will be able to inspire some aspiring authors to take those first steps.

I also have two–TWO!–readings happening, both on Sunday! I’m going to do something new and different for one of them…I’ll be reading from my yet unpublished near-future sci-fi story, A Small Light in the Darkness. This will be the first time anyone outside of my alpha readers have heard any of the story! I can’t wait to share it along with an excerpt from A Third Kind of Madness with the audience.

When I’m not in a panel or a reading, you might find me down in the atrium, either relaxing or in the art show and artist alley. I’m doing some volunteering with artist alley and I like to spend time in the atrium, where people pass through regularly. Come talk to me about my books, what music I’m listening to, Strong Women – Strange Worlds, where I’ll be next, or just chat about what you’re reading these days.

I’ll be sure to have a post-con wrap-up soon after Balticon! I hope to see you there!