Last year was intentionally quiet publishing-wise so I could shore up my part-time gig with Writing the Other, investigate opportunities for my prose, and identify what I need to continue making art in the volatile world of publishing. Luck, as it happens, is not the only thing needed for any storyteller right now. I’ve been quietly applying and looking at fresh creative (or creative-adjacent) opportunities to create more stability for my practice. Stability allows me to weather uncertainties occurring in publishing so I can spend my time on bigger projects. What I’ve heard from multiple sources is that publishers are erring on the side of caution right now for a number of reasons, and that’s extended the overall publishing cycle. Secondarily, both freelance writing and editorial gigs are being impacted and, in some cases, eliminated by generative AI programs.

Oh, I did write last year, but the words flowed more slowly than they typically do. For example, I wrote a dystopian science fiction novella about the intersection between AI, water abuse, and activism that’s currently on submission and pecked at a couple of short stories with my crit partner. I also worked with the fine folks at R Talsorian Games on UNTOLD TALES for The Witcher RPG announced at Gen Con. And, starting laying the groundwork for more of my own workshops, games, and supplements.

Overall, however, I’m okay. I needed last year’s trips and visits, but that kind of schedule isn’t sustainable. While I’m not pleased there are some pieces that are taking longer than others, I’ve got my whiteboard and a To Do list to that keeps me busy. If you do hear of opportunities that’d be a good fit for me, feel free to reach out!

Published Books in 2025

Following the success of my Tarot for Storytellers workshop at Gen Con, I released an expanded edition of Tarot for Storytellers: A How To Guide. Now available through DriveThruFiction!.

What’s next for me? I’ll be returning to the Gen Con Writer’s Symposium and Game Hole Con this year as a guest and presenter. For the rest, stay tuned and find out! For life in my world, you can subscribe to my newsletter. Cheers!

Tarot for Storytellers is a full-color eBook written by author, narrative designer, and FlamesRising.com contributor Monica Valentinelli (World of Darkness, Cyberpunk RED, Shadowrun: Court of Shadows, etc.). The eBook is jam-packed with prompts, guidance, and examples to teach you how to develop new characters, plots, and setting using a deck of tarot cards.

Tarot for Storytellers includes:

* 10 writing exercises
* Lots of examples
* Brief history of tarot
* Tarot card meanings
* Shapes of narratives
* Additional uses for games
* Recommended resources
* …and more!

Inspired by my popular writing workshop presented at the Gen Con Writer’s Symposium, the Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers, and Clarion West, this how-to book is beginner-friendly and can be used by authors or game masters.

Download Tarot for Storytellers on DriveThruFiction.com, DriveThruCards, or DriveThruRPG!

Please note: A deck of tarot cards is not required to use this book. In the Resources section, links to free online tarot card decks are provided.

In just a few days, at the Gen Con: Writer’s Symposium, I’ll be running my popular Tarot for Storytellers writing workshop. I’ve ran this workshop at Gen Con and online through Clarion West and the Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers.

I’ve had a great response and wonderful feedback! So, I wrote an eBook inspired by this workshop! The draft of Tarot for Storytellers will be available to my patrons through patreon.com/booksofm in August. I’ve also shared the draft with my fabulous crit partner, too.

If you’d like to join my Patreon, you’re more than welcome! If not, I’ll be sure to make an announcement when the eBook is edited, laid out, and available for purchase.

Cheers!

I have confirmed I will be presenting at World Con: Seattle this year. I’m pleased to share a draft schedule with you. I may have additional panels or other events, but so far these are confirmed.

Wednesday, August 13

Researching the Occult and the Paranormal
4:30-5:30 p.m. How can we research practices such as Witchcraft, Santeria and paranormal phenomena to incorporate into our stories? Reading books is one thing, but respect is paramount and caution is necessary.

Thursday, August 14

Table Talks 22
Come and chat with me and a bevy of wonderful creators from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Writing for Games Workshop

Writing for games sounds appealing – but how do you get started doing so? What do you need to know about how game systems work? What if you want to adapt your own work into a game? I’ve planned this session, which lasts from from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., to accommodate attendee’s needs so they feel confident entering the world of game writing. Does include a break!

Friday, August 15th

Gamifying your IP

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. You’ve published a book, a series, a saga… and now you’d like other people to be able to play in your world. What does it take to translate a book or video game to a Table Top RPG? I’ll be moderating this one!

If you’d like to schedule a meet-up, please reach out before the show. Thank you!

Edited by Nate Pedersen, The Dagon Collection has been nominated for a 2025 World Fantasy Award in the anthology category. In 1928, Federal agents raided the lodge of the Esoteric Order of Dagon, a notorious cult that had taken over the town of Innsmouth, Massachusetts. What they discovered there shocked and dismayed them in equal measure. Strange, curious, and devilish items from all over the world had been gathered by cult members on voyages across all the known ― and unknown ― seas. Priceless art, books, weaponry, jewelry, nautical instruments, and coins were all found, along with objects both prosaic and uncanny, with uses that could only be guessed at.

If you’re keen on picking up a copy, PS Publishing is sold out at the moment. You can find the hardcover tome at bookstores and libraries though! Congrats to Nate and my fellow contributors!

Want to read other works by all the nominees? Reactor Mag has the full list of 2025 World Fantasy Award finalists.

I am pleased to announce that I’m returning to the Gen Con Writer’s Symposium, and will be presenting two workshops, a koffee klatsch, and multiple panels.

Events are selling out fast, so be sure to sign up here: GCWS Events with Monica Valentinelli

Thursday, July 31st

How to Develop Your Writing Process – 11:00 am EDT

Have you ever wondered what your writing process is or why it’s important? Join us as we discuss, from idea to finished product, the different processes used and what to pay attention to in your own.

Tarot for Storytellers* – 1:00 pm EDT

In this workshop, Monica Valentinelli will show you how to use a deck of tarot cards as a storytelling tool for your stories. Includes writing exercises.

* This is a paid workshop.

Outlining 101 – 5:00 pm EDT

In this introduction to outlining, we’ll talk about all the pros and cons to the ones your know and love, why they’re important to have and the myths about pantsers and plotters.

Meet the Pros – 6:00 pm EDT

Join the creatives, editors, publishers, and agents of Gen Con’s Writers Symposium for a night of socializing, networking, and merch signing.

Friday, August 1st

Media Tie In – 11:00 am EDT

How do you get involved with tie in work and what does the process look like? Join our panelists as they discuss their media tie in work.

Writing Without Othering – 5:00 pm EDT

Want to write inclusive fiction with diverse characters but worry you’ll get it wrong? Join panelists as they discuss how they write outside their own identities and life experiences.

Saturday, August 2nd

Coffee Klatch with Monica Valentinelli and J. B. Garner – 2:00 pm EDT

Bring your own beverage and converse with a small group of like minded fans, peers, and guests of the Writers Symposium!

Pitch Us Your Game! – 4:00 pm EDT

You are a game designer who’s working on a new game. We are a panel of gaming experts who are here to help shape your draft. Come pitch us your game and get ground floor feedback!

On the backend, we’re working on a new website! There’s been a lot of changes in website design and programming, and I need to modernize. So please, pardon my dust while we chip away at a new site!

In the meantime, you can sign up for my monthly newsletter here: booksofm.beehiiv.com

Personally, 2024 was a great year to focus on my mental and physical health. I’m incredibly lucky and happy that I have lots of support. Now that I’m gearing up for the next phase of my nefarious career, I’ve decided to pull back from volunteering with the exception of local efforts. Onwards and upwards!

Published Books in 2024

Following last year’s debut of my poetry collection, I released a print edition of into shadow: a poetic exploration of personal fears. Additionally, two collections featured my fiction. Both books are available wherever fine works are sold.

“Mythica D’Argent: Treatise Pertaining to the Mysterious of Silver”, The Dagon Collection, 2024, PS Publishing

“Crossed for Gold,” GO HARD OR GO HOME, a Car Warriors Autoduel Chronicles Anthology, 2024, Three Ravens Publishing

Published Games in 2024

This year, I participated in PocketQuest, an indie game design jam sponsored by DriveThruRPG.com. This program spurred me to create an Alice-in-Wonderland themed game called “Pinching Tarts” and two gaming aids. When I first wrote this recap, back in December, I mentioned how I learned a lot from this experience and publishing my own game has factored into my goals for next year. Those goals may shift and change, however, depending on what happens to the seeds I’ve planted.

LEVEL ONE 2024 Volume 5, “Help BD738 Slash Run,” 2024, 9th Level Games

PINCHING TARTS, 2024, BooksOfM

GUARD CARDS for Pinching Tarts, 2024, BooksOfM

CREATURE SHEETS for Pinching Tarts, 2024, BooksOfM

What’s next for me? Stay tuned and find out!

Sending you a brief note that I have migrated my newsletter, which includes posts and subscribers, to a new provider called Beehiiv. The design is “in progress,” but the links should be set up. Current subscribers have received an email shortly notifying them about the change. My Substack will remain active for 30 days and will then be deleted on Wednesday, March 5th. If you are a new subscriber, you can click here to follow me on that platform.

I also wanted to let you know that I am working with a developer on a new website. I anticipate that’ll launch sometime this year–hopefully, before convention season begins.

Warmly,

Monica

Hello excellent and admirable readers! I will be attending GameHole Con 11 to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Dungeons and Dragons! This year, I’m speaking on panels, running adventures I designed for Pinching Tarts and Scarred Lands 5th Edition, and a fun DMsGuild.com adventure called Sweet Dreams are Made of Cheese by the amazing Jamie Chan. I can’t wait to play D&D and enjoy a little cheesy fun!

Game Hole Con XI Event Schedule – Valentinelli

All times listed are in CST. For more information, or to register for an event, please visit the Game Hole Con website.

Thursday, October 17th, 2024

10 am: Save Alice from the Red Queen for Pinching Tarts (2 hours)

1 pm: Eyes of Spiragos for Scarred lands 5th Edition (3 hours)

Friday, October 18th, 2024

10 am: Running Games at Conventions (1 hour)

2 pm: How to Speak Creator (1 hour)

7 pm: How Did You Get Published (1 hour)

Saturday, October 19th, 2024

10 am: One Page RPG Indie Game Design Jam – Dragon theme! (2 hours)

2 pm: Eyes of Spiragos for Scarred lands 5th Edition (3 hours)

7 pm: Sweet Dreams are made of Cheese for D&D 5th Edition (3 hours)

Sunday, October 20th, 2024

11 am: Save Alice from the Red Queen for Pinching Tarts (2 hours)

Hope to see you there!