October 2021 Wrap-Up: Queer Witches, Indigenous History, and A New D&D Campaign
Happy Halloween to anyone who’s celebrating!
This month, I read a LOT of books and not much else. Which isn’t a bad thing, but I do intend to broaden my reading and get out more writing in the future – it’s just, well, hard to manage with a baby sometimes. (He’s crawling now and learning to stand 😱). Rest assured that I am still writing and working.
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
These Witches Don't Burn and This Coven Won't Break by Isabel Sterling
Witches was just incredible. It had everything I look for in a contemporary fantasy: a fun and interesting magic system (three types of witches!), casual queer rep, and a fast-paced plot that kept me guessing and had me feeling immensely satisfied when some of those guesses were right. Honestly, I loved it so much that I immediately checked out the sequel from my library.
Which I also loved! It was just such a perfect conclusion to the duology and it had a lot of really clever twists and unexpected developments. I really liked seeing the magic system more deeply explored. And, of course, the casual queer rep was delightful.
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
I was fortunate enough to be able to read a digital arc of this, and I can safely say that it was absolutely incredible. The verse is beautiful without being too bloated or hard to wrap your head around, and Andrea tackles a wide host of topics, from romantic relationships to living with Lyme disease to being queer. Highly recommend checking this out if you’re in the mood for poetry.
Notable Native People: 50 Indigenous Leaders, Dreamers, and Changemakers from Past and Present by Adrienne Keene
I also received this as a digital arc. This collection was full of perfect, bite-sized profiles on awesome indigenous folks, as well as several sections focused on educating readers on specific issues. I also appreciated that it was diverse even within the scope of Native representation, not only because it included a wide variety of tribes/nations, but also because there were several queer people represented, and people of mixed heritage. Highly recommend checking it out!
Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space by Zoraida Cordova and various authors
Yet another digital arc! I really appreciated the variety of stories here, and I think pretty much anyone could find a short story they like. Totally worth checking out, especially if you want to support more Latinx authors or are looking for some fresh sci-fi/fantasy reads.
Other
Critical Role Campaign 3
I. Am. So. PUMPED! Unfortunately I can’t watch the episodes live when they premiere, thanks to timezones (and baby), but I plan to watch each VOD as soon as I’m able to. Without getting too much into spoilers here, FCG must be protected at all costs and seeing a certain someone at the table again is just so perfect. A great addition to the team ❤️
What I’ve Created
Articles
Medium
I’m still working my way through crossposting a bunch of my essays and articles from Vocal over to Medium. This month alone I’ve posted 13 pieces! I would love it if you followed my profile so you can keep up with my reuploads (and, eventually, new pieces) as I post them, and also because it’s a simple, free way to support a small creator like myself. Currently, the magic number I’m aiming for is 100 followers. Any help along that journey is immensely appreciated ❤️😊
And that about wraps it up! Hopefully I’ve offered some reading recommendations you can dig into – maybe you’ll even find a new favourite. If you want to see more from me (especially on more than a monthly basis), check out my Twitter, Instagram, or Medium, which are all @rachaellawrites. And if there’s anything YOU think I should check out, please feel free to let me know in the comments!
This month, I read a LOT of books and not much else. Which isn’t a bad thing, but I do intend to broaden my reading and get out more writing in the future – it’s just, well, hard to manage with a baby sometimes. (He’s crawling now and learning to stand 😱). Rest assured that I am still writing and working.
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
These Witches Don't Burn and This Coven Won't Break by Isabel Sterling
Witches was just incredible. It had everything I look for in a contemporary fantasy: a fun and interesting magic system (three types of witches!), casual queer rep, and a fast-paced plot that kept me guessing and had me feeling immensely satisfied when some of those guesses were right. Honestly, I loved it so much that I immediately checked out the sequel from my library.
Which I also loved! It was just such a perfect conclusion to the duology and it had a lot of really clever twists and unexpected developments. I really liked seeing the magic system more deeply explored. And, of course, the casual queer rep was delightful.
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
I was fortunate enough to be able to read a digital arc of this, and I can safely say that it was absolutely incredible. The verse is beautiful without being too bloated or hard to wrap your head around, and Andrea tackles a wide host of topics, from romantic relationships to living with Lyme disease to being queer. Highly recommend checking this out if you’re in the mood for poetry.
Notable Native People: 50 Indigenous Leaders, Dreamers, and Changemakers from Past and Present by Adrienne Keene
I also received this as a digital arc. This collection was full of perfect, bite-sized profiles on awesome indigenous folks, as well as several sections focused on educating readers on specific issues. I also appreciated that it was diverse even within the scope of Native representation, not only because it included a wide variety of tribes/nations, but also because there were several queer people represented, and people of mixed heritage. Highly recommend checking it out!
Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space by Zoraida Cordova and various authors
Yet another digital arc! I really appreciated the variety of stories here, and I think pretty much anyone could find a short story they like. Totally worth checking out, especially if you want to support more Latinx authors or are looking for some fresh sci-fi/fantasy reads.
Other
Critical Role Campaign 3
I. Am. So. PUMPED! Unfortunately I can’t watch the episodes live when they premiere, thanks to timezones (and baby), but I plan to watch each VOD as soon as I’m able to. Without getting too much into spoilers here, FCG must be protected at all costs and seeing a certain someone at the table again is just so perfect. A great addition to the team ❤️
What I’ve Created
Articles
Medium
I’m still working my way through crossposting a bunch of my essays and articles from Vocal over to Medium. This month alone I’ve posted 13 pieces! I would love it if you followed my profile so you can keep up with my reuploads (and, eventually, new pieces) as I post them, and also because it’s a simple, free way to support a small creator like myself. Currently, the magic number I’m aiming for is 100 followers. Any help along that journey is immensely appreciated ❤️😊
And that about wraps it up! Hopefully I’ve offered some reading recommendations you can dig into – maybe you’ll even find a new favourite. If you want to see more from me (especially on more than a monthly basis), check out my Twitter, Instagram, or Medium, which are all @rachaellawrites. And if there’s anything YOU think I should check out, please feel free to let me know in the comments!
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