Presenting at World Con: Seattle

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!

July 21, 2025
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The Dagon Collection Nominated for a 2025 World Fantasy Award

The Dagon Collection

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.

July 8, 2025
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Presenting at the Gen Con 2025 Writer’s Symposium

Hello readers!

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!

May 19, 2025
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Under Construction

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

May 19, 2025
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My 2024 Publications in Review

BooksOfM Logo. A black
2024 has been a wonderful year to rebuild and grow. I’ve re-established a wonderful baseline for my writing practice, presented at the Gen Con Writer’s Symposium and Game Hole Con, taught an online workshop through Clarion West, and began blogging again at FlamesRising.com. I also recently celebrated a partnership with the Corvisiero Agency, too! Additionally, I was happy to explore a year-long theme of journalling prompts through this newsletter while making space to practice my art.

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!



February 18, 2025
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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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