The Nebula Awards and June Musings

First off, welcome new friends! If this is your first newsletter from me, then we probably met at the Nebula Awards Conference in Pasadena, California.

Nebula Awards

The trip and conference were wonderful. It was my first Nebula Awards Conference after recently joining Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) as a full member. Unlike the World Fantasy Awards, this conference was smaller and easier to navigate. As a member, it also felt like I was being welcomed into a community with open arms.

I moderated a panel on Creating Authentic Characters, co-coordinated the LGBTQIA+ Meetup (the most well-attended meet-up of the conference), and did a meet and greet in the hallway. Sure, I sold a few books, but I made some great connections and met some literary heroes, which was so much more important.

On the Stage

I’m currently in rehearsals for a play called Gulag Girls. It’s written and produced locally here in Kansas City, and we’ll be performing at the Kansas City Fringe Festival here in a couple weeks. As the title implies, it’s historical fiction focusing on the lives of women who suffered through Russian labor camps in the early 20th century.

I play all of the male-presenting characters in the show, most of whom are absolutely terrible people. It’s a fascinating challenge to plumb those particular emotional depths. And this cast and direction are fantastic. Please come see it if you’re local to KC.

Writing

While the third book in my Jayu City Chronicles is done (no updates there, sorry), I’ve started writing the first book in an epic fantasy trilogy. Second world, lots of gods, plenty of magic and intrigue. And…that’s all I’m sharing for now.

I can tell you that I thought it would be like shifting gears going from cyberpunk to epic fantasy. Really, it’s more like changing out the entire transmission and possibly the motor while I’m at it. I love a good writing challenge!

Reading

I just started listening to Babylon’s Ashes by James S.A. Corey, so my reading of The Expanse continues! I’m also almost finished with All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders, which is absolutely lovely.

I recently finished Womb City by Tlotlo Tsamaase, Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell, and The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson. I blame the Nebula Awards for putting me on a big SFF kick. That said, I also loved listening to Brittney Griner’s memoir, Coming Home.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more updates. ChrisMArnone is my handle everywhere. Til next time!