Holiday Wishes, Monster Love, and Big Plans for 2024
Hey babes,
First off, I hope you’ve all been holding up okay because wow, what a year this has been. Between the chaos of real life and the cozy worlds we escape to in fiction, I’ve had my hands full—but I’m finally popping back into your inbox with updates, reflections, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next.
The Election and Why Writing Monster and Alien Romance Matters
Let’s just rip the band-aid off: the recent U.S. election was…a lot. Like many of you, I was horrified by the results, and it’s made me reevaluate everything—from the stories I write to the life my husband and I are building together.
A bit of raw honesty—we were planning on having kids, but we live in a red state and it’s clear now that this isn’t a safe place for women or children. I spent a few weeks devastated, then I realized I needed some way to re-focus.
Because it’s also a reminder of why storytelling matters. As authors of monster romance, alien romance, and fantasy love stories, we craft narratives where femme agency and pleasure take center stage—something the real world could use a hell of a lot more of right now.
In my other life as a masculinity historian, the election has also lit a fire under me to finish my dissertation, Futurian Masculinity. It’s about mid-century science fiction fandom and how ideas of manhood were shaped by those who dreamed of the future. (Yes, this involves a deep dive into nerd culture. Yes, I’m living for it.) It feels like the right time to double down on exploring how people use storytelling to imagine better worlds—or reinforce the worst parts of this one.
Cozy Orc/Elf Romance for the Holidays
On a lighter note, I’ve been channeling my energy into a project that’s pure joy: Garlands & Gauntlets, my ten-year anniversary gift to my husband.
If you love monster romance or alien romance, you’ll adore this cozy, festive fantasy. A towering, soft-hearted half-orc noble and a snarky, sharp-tongued half-elf thief cross paths during magical Yuletide festivities; the elf is a black cat type, the orc a golden retriever (just like us). What starts as a holiday scam turns into found family, stolen kisses, and maybe (definitely) falling in love.
It’s got size difference, cozy dinners, festive chaos, and just enough spice to keep you warm this winter. If you’ve ever wanted to spend the holidays in a D&D-inspired world with mistletoe, magic, and mayhem, Garlands & Gauntlets is for you. It’s as much a love letter to my husband as it is to the chaotic campaigns we’ve shared over the years.
What’s Next for 2025: More Monsters, More Aliens, More Love
Now…for 2025—which is a bit embarrassing as I look at my end-of-year goals back in 2023. In the past, I’ve packed my schedule with preorders and lofty goals, only to realize halfway through the year (or a quarter…or right away) that I need to pivot. This time, I’m giving myself grace to embrace spontaneity.
What I can tell you is that I’m excited about a current project involving (drumroll, please) a library planet. Imagine a sprawling archive of magical books, political intrigue, and, of course, swoony romances featuring characters that are a little monstrous, a little otherworldly, and a lot irresistible.
I’m also brainstorming new ways to combine my love of monster romance and alien romance with fresh, daring stories. Think: tentacles, claws, tails, and tender hearts wrapped in epic love stories that celebrate the beauty of the strange and the power of connection.
So, here’s to going with the flow, dreaming big, and staying grounded. Thank you for sticking with me through every twist and turn. I can’t wait to see what stories we create together in 2025.
Happy holidays, and may your year ahead be full of love, light, and maybe a cozy orc/elf romance to keep you warm.
Peace,
Chloe
