Now Available! Level 1 Volume 5 2024 Anthology of Indie Games

A man wearing a VR headset sits at a keyboard illustrated in a green palette | Level 1 Vol 5 2024 anthology of indie RPGs from 9th Level Games

The indie RPG scene is a diverse, fascinating, and vibrant part of the TTRPG community. With Level 1: The Indie RPG Anthology, 9th Level Games brings together choice games from the world of indie RPGs in an annual collection published in time for Free RPG Day.

The 2024 edition of Level 1 is themed around “Command Line.” This year’s designers take us to the internet, the future, and other worlds. We have abandoned Discord servers, viruses, robots, and even golems. We have hacking simulations and a simulation of hacking. You can become a god, an outer space pet, or, as predicted, a hacker.

So strap on your keyboard, and get ready to jack into the net, chummer!
Download for free Level 1 Vol 5 2024 today!

With games by Richard Kevis, Josh Feldblyum, J.D. Harlock, Null Set Tabletop, Alex Koeberl, Christian Young, Gabriel Slye, Brian Hartwig, Alex Gickler, Eden Collins, Nick Grinstead, Tim “Strato” Bailey, Glenn Dallas, Carlos Hernandez, Jon Maness, Calvin Johns, Jonathon ‘Starshine’ Greenall, Monica Valentinelli, Luckycrane, and Michael Cremisius Gibson.

August 15, 2024
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New! Online Writing Workshop at Clarion West

Are you the type of writer who loves creative exercises? Do you want to collaborate with other writers and concoct amazing plots? Then my online workshop, “How to Use Tarot for Storytellers,” is perfect for you.

This two-hour workshop will be conducted online on Sunday, September 29th and will have a seasonal theme. This experience is geared for serious writers and will include both individual and small group exercises to lean into your creative instincts and help nurture collaborative skills.

Just in case you don’t know, Clarion West is a fabulous nonprofit literary organization that runs an acclaimed six-week residential workshop every summer, online classes and workshops, one-day and weekend workshops, a reading series every summer, and other events throughout the year.

For more information and to learn how to register, visit How to Use Tarot for Storytellers on the Clarion West website.

Hope to see you there!

August 14, 2024
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New Interview! Sitting Down with Canvas Rebel

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Canvas Rebel Magazine to talk about my process and creative works.

In some ways, I am not the typical writer, because I’ve always been writing. I started submitting and entering writing contests when I was very young and had my first publication–“Ella’s Story”–when I was nine or ten in a local newspaper. Then, in college, I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a Creative Writing Emphasis, because it allowed me to have more flexibility choosing my own courses centered on the craft of writing and study of narrative.

My first, biggest struggle post-college was figuring out how to continually build my portfolio and career by completing saleable, submittable projects. Finishing “a” project is great, but finishing quality work on time, consistently, is what many career writers do. The production aspects of learning the craft is very different from learning “a” form of writing. — from “Meet Monica Valentinelli” on CanvasRebel.com

This interview will give you some insight about how I’m faring, what I hope to create, and what I’m focusing on. Enjoy!

August 14, 2024
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New Fiction Release! Go Hard or Go Home: A Car Wars Autoduel Chronicles Anthology

Go Hard or Go Home a Car Warriors Autoduel Chronicles anthology

The big events may get most of the limelight, but that’s not where all the action happens.

This collection of fast-paced, action-packed stories highlights the road warriors who struggle to survive, without the glory of the duel. Caravan guards, gun bunnies, insurance adjusters, mechanics, reporters, scavengers, and more!

If you can’t keep up, maybe it’s time to head back to the garage…

So… what’ll it be?

Will you Go Hard or Go Home?

GO HARD OR GO HOME: A Car Warriors Autoduel Chronicles anthology includes nine high octane stories filled with betrayals, high speed chases, and so much more.

The story Monica wrote is called “Crossed for Gold,” and it’s about a desperate character named Edge who’ll do whatever it takes to save her niece, Tessa.

Here’s an excerpt about a car featured in the story:

“To cough up five grand in a day or two, I’d sell my one true love: a vintage Shelby kit car that, when assembled, was worth about 50 grand. Original or not, an ultra-rare 1965 Shelby S/C Cobra CSX Series 6000 was the kind of mid-20th century car many nouveau riche collectors would be proud to own—with or without weapons modifications. Except, kit cars were as common as algae. I needed an immediate buyer for mine.”

— from “Crossed for Gold,” a Car Wars Autoduel Chronicles story by Monica Valentinelli

If you haven’t checked out this heart-pumping anthology yet, what are you waiting for? Vrooom… VROOOOOOM!

Affiliate links will take you to Amazon. You can also pick up this collection wherever books are sold.

July 25, 2024
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GenCon: Indy Writer’s Symposium Schedule, Events, and Workshops

This year, GenCon: Indianapolis takes place Thursday, August 1st through Sunday, August 4th. I’m presenting this year at the GenCon Writer’s Symposium and am offering a couple of workshops for ten dollars along with several free-to-attend events.

In addition to these events, I’ll have some wares on hand. I’m bringing print copies of Pinching Tarts, into shadow: a poetic exploration of personal fears, and earrings I designed specifically for GenCon!

Thursday, August 1st

Rediscovering the Magic in Magic – 2:00 p.m. – Marriott: Ballroom 4

Description: Join our panel of experts as they discuss the development of magic systems in the context of the new, the fresh, the global, the invigorating, and shall we say – the magical. Featuring: Marie Bilodeau, Brandon Crilly, Brian Duckwitz, Daniel ‘Doc’ Myers, Monica Valentinelli

Using Tarot as a Storytelling Tool – 4:00 p.m. – Marriott: Ballroom 3

Description: In this Tarot for Writers workshop, award-winning author and narrative designer Monica Valentinelli will show you how to use a deck of tarot cards as a storytelling tool. From inspirational prompts to building characters and scenarios, you’ll come away with fresh ideas to help you brainstorm narrative elements ranging from character relationships to plot twists. In addition to a lecture and slides, you’ll also perform short creative exercises–so get ready to be inspired! Featuring: Monica Valentinelli

Meet the Writers – 6:00 p.m. – ICC: Wabash 1

Description: To kick off the Writer’s Symposium, you can visit with all of the amazing guests, presenters, and panelists in this three-hour event.

Friday, August 2nd

Book Signing and Meet and Greet: Monica Valentinelli and Gini Koch – 1:00 p.m. – Exhibit Hall : Author Signing Tables (Back of Hall)

Description: Swing by the back of the Exhibit Hall to meet the panelists of the Writers’ Symposium and get your books signed. Or, buy a book or game – and get it signed on the spot. Or, just stop by and say hello!

Saturday, August 3rd

How to Write for the Ear – 3:00 p.m. – Marriott: Boston

Description: Join our panelists as they discuss how the way a story is consumed changes by the way you write it, how a story written specifically for the listener is different than when written for the visual reader. Featuring: Jennifer Brozek, Daniel ‘Doc’ Myers, Jordan Jones-Brewster, Lucien Soulban, Monica Valentinelli

Squeak and Geek – 5:00 p.m. – Marriott: Boston

Description: Ah! It’s Gen Con! Join Featured Speakers of the Gen Con Writers’ Symposium for an evening session of just seriously *geeking* about books, games, manga, and whatever else is on their minds! It’s super chill – join us? Featuring: Jessica Walsh, Briana Lawrence, James Farner, Mary Fan, Monica Valentinelli

Sunday, August 2nd

Adapting Stories to Games for Authors – 9:00 a.m. – Marriott: Boston

Description: Are you an author hoping to turn your novel into a game? Have questions about how the gaming industry works with authors? Glean insights from a 20-year veteran to achieve your goal. In this business-centric workshop, Monica Valentinelli will help you navigate different pathways to show you how you can transform your stories into games. You’ll walk away with a plan and the means to navigate the space more confidently. Featuring: Monica Valentinelli



May 23, 2024
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