My 2019 List of Publications

Hello everyone! 2019 was quite the interesting year. Instead of waxing poetically about it for hours on end, I am summing it up with an image of a big fish. Said fish has eaten several other fishes, and is currently being skewered in the gut by a fisherman, whilst other fishermen, who are mere peasants enjoying the spoils of their own efforts, witness said undertaking in their tiny boat. The illustration is by Pieter Bruegel the Elder and is literally called “Big Fishes Eat Little Fishes” (1556).

Pieter Bruegel the Elder | Big Fish Eat Little Fishes | 1556 C.E.

My list of publications is short this year. I published two stories, one of which included the backdrop for a solo card game–super fun! Plus, a fun character for charity-related purposes. Had a blast overall, especially with A. Happy Gnome!

Stories

“Arrows, Blood, and a Long Overdue Cat Nap”, TALES OF EXCELLENT CATS for Monarchies of Mau, 2019, Onyx Path Publishing/Pugsteady

“Only the Strongest has the Heart of a Wizened Queen”, PROVING GROUNDS card game, 2019, Renegade Games

Games

A HAPPY GNOME for ExtraLife Charity, Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, 2019, DMsGuild.com

Thus far, it does look like I’ll be light on announcements through the end of 2020 as the calendar winds down. More news as winter ripens. Hope you had a fantastic year! And, if you didn’t, I hope you’ve retained your inner fire. We’ll all need it to get through the elections.

Update on Make Art Not War Challenge and Future Plans

Make Art Not War Challenge eBook

It’s been about two years since I self-published the Make Art Not War Challenge: Rules, Essays, and 31 Creative Prompts ebook following a year’s worth of posts to help keep people motivated and focused on making art, and approximately a year since we booted up a micro-community with this spirit in mind. I’ve had some time to think about my next steps for this program that I wanted to share with you.

Right now, it doesn’t make sense to give this a huge push as an online movement. A lot of online spaces are experiencing a ton of changes for reasons ranging from algorithmic bias to a drop in types of usage, etc. So many people feel so overwhelmed, they’re sticking to the basics and exploring local, existing, private spaces. I suspect we’ll see this happen even more going into an Election Year. Mind you, my intent was never to make this Monica’s MANW Challenge, because that’s not the reason why I started this.

My dream for the Make Art Not War Challenge is to create spaces where the arts are accessible for people to explore music, literature, art, etc. regardless of their identity or income while getting guidance to learn how to build a career or seek employment in the arts. I am not the only one who has this vision; to put something like this in motion (on the scale I’m picturing) I’d need a significant amount of resources/money to build (both on and with) existing programs that exist for specific arts and verticals. It doesn’t make sense to create something brand new that doesn’t take into account the work wonderful community leaders, educators, and professional organizations are already doing.

This is not the time for that initiative, either. I’ve come to the realization that no dream of mine can be realized until I finish securing my own oxygen mask. There may come a point when I have the resources/money available, either through a donor or other means, to turn that around but for now? It’s just a gentle whisper until the time is right.

If you’re reading this and you’re struggling, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Though I’ve been keeping my head down on Twitter (and I’m mostly off of Facebook other than the occasional, ridiculous quip), I do pay attention to the vibe. If it’s any reassurance, what’s happening in the world is having a profound effect on everyone in both small and big ways from feelings of guilt for pursuing your dreams to being shell-shocked by the increasing amounts of vitriol online and off–not to mention all the personal stuff everyone has going on. It’s a lot for anyone to manage!

That’s it for me right now. In closing, I want to add simply this: if you can’t find the light in the darkness, become one. Shine.

[Upcoming Appearance] Writer Guest of Honor at RadCon!

Hello readers,

I’m pleased to announce that I’m the Writer Guest of Honor next year at RadCon, a science fiction and fantasy convention in Pasco, WA. I’m really looking forward to this–Washington State is so beautiful and I rarely get to visit during the winter months.

Right now, I’m proposal panels, figuring out what I want to read, and prepping a keynote for the show. I’m really grateful for this opportunity to connect with a lovely segment of the community, and hope to see you there!

Join My ExtraLife Fundraiser and Help Sick Kids!

Hey readers! This is the second year I’m pledging to play games and raise funds for kids at my local children’s hospital. Last year was the first time I played D&D live! For this year’s events, I will be in full costume for the Guiding Light Streaming Game for Extra Life with Satine Phoenix and have obtained a fabulous gnome hat (and new forest friend!) for the D&D Live event with Mike Mearls. For times and dates, please visit my GameHole Con 2019 schedule.

This year, I’ll be filling the shoes of two unique D&D characters. The first character is a brand new concept the fabulous Annie Chen (http://theyarnmission.com) helped me devise. I’ll be playing a wild elven sorceress who’s under the mistaken impression she’s been blessed by the fae. Sporting a single horn, Moondust “Dustie” Sylvanwood thinks she’s a 4,000-year-old magical unicorn. Unfortunately for Dustie, her power comes from an infernal source–a mysterious demon who she has yet to encounter. Her past shrouded in mystery, Dustie is convinced her magic is destined to help her party members be the heroes they were meant to be.

The second character debuted last year. I’ll be stepping back into the role of A. Happy “Hap” Gnome with a new forest friend–a hedgehog named Maze! The hedge, Maze, and Hap are bound to embark on hilarious adventures with a new crew!

For more information and to see my pledged rewards, visit: Monica Valentinelli’s 2019 ExtraLife Campaign page.

My GameHole Con Guest and Streaming Schedule

Heya, Halloween weekend is just a few weeks away! I’m so pleased to share with you my schedule for GameHole Con. It’s packed this year, so be sure to say hello! I’m super excited about this year’s convention, and I’ll be posting updates as I get my Extra Life page sorted. This is only the second? Third? Time I’ve streamed for roleplay, so hopefully you’ll have a great experience watching us play.

Thursday, October 31st

Noon in Waubesa: Drawing Narrative Skills into 5E

2:00 p.m. in Mendota 2-119: Legendlore Demo – Into the Realm (2 hours)

6:00 p.m. in Monona: Gilding Light Streaming Game for Extra Life with Satine Phoenix DM (2 hours)

Friday, November 1st

10:00 a.m. in Waubesa: What’s Up with 5E and Onyx Path?

1:00 p.m. in Waubesa: Introduction to DMs Guild

3:00 p.m. in Mendota 2 – 126: Legendlore Demo – Into the Realm (2 hours)

6:00 p.m. in Monona: DnD Live with Mike Mearls DM (4 hours)

Saturday, Saturday November 2nd

2:00 p.m. in Waubesa: Worldbuilding 101

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Looking for Monica’s books and games that are still in print? Visit Monica Valentinelli on Amazon’s Author Central or a bookstore near you.

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