Those of you who follow me on socials know that I recently attended Maryland's biggest Halloween book festival earlier this month.
I had a wonderful time, made some sales, and met a bunch of fellow indie authors.
Check 'em out below...

with Jo Miles, science fiction and fantasy writer

with J.S. Living, urban fantasy writer

with K.M. Hogenson, dark epic fantasy writer

with Loni Lynne, paranormal romance writer

with Renee Marski, murder mystery, fantasy, and romance writer

with S.K. Hera, fantasy and horror writer

with Tim Paggi, office horror writer

and, last but not least, I finally got to meet a long-time internet friend, Vesper Doom, in person!

For the third time in my life, I am reading The Voice That Is Great Within Us, which was the first "grown up" collection of poetry I read as a kid. 

The book was tucked away on a shelf in my maternal grandmother's attic. I found it one summer when my brother and I were bored and looking to amuse ourselves among her various collection of Things she had stowed on the top floor of her house. 

When I presented her with my find, she said I could certainly read it, but that it had to remain where I found it upstairs; I was not allowed to take it home. 

Over the years, I would pick it up, discover a new poet or two, then put it back in its place. 
​
When she died, the original copy went to my parents' house, where I believe it remains to this day.

During the pandemic, I once again found myself overcome with boredom, and this collection came to mind. (Divine intervention? Fate? I'm not smart enough to put a name to why this specific book of poetry landed back in my life.) I ordered my own copy via bookshop.org and it's been on my shelf ever since. 

What strikes me the most about this book is not the words contained therein, though they are pretty important to me. As I am revisiting the poems, I can't help but think about how much I would have missed if I had not been bored that summer afternoon all those years ago. 

Perhaps I should welcome boredom more often in the future...

Introduce your current favorite character – who are they and why do you prefer them above all others at the moment?

My current favourite character is the love interest in the tragic romantic horror novel I’m currently editing, Woman of Sorrow and Blood (set for release in spring 2026). Her backstory is one of the most tragic I’ve written (which is impressive if you know anything about my existing books) and I’ve loved diving deep into her anguish. There’s a deep, sorrowful poetry to her chapters—one reflected to a lesser extent throughout the entire book—and I can’t wait to break
readers’ hearts with it.

Who is harder to write – an interesting hero or an interesting villain?

Personally, I have a harder time with heroes. Writing villains tends to come easily to me because I have a deep fascination with the darker side of human nature, the experiences and mentality that lead people to do terrible things with little to no guilt. Heroes are important, of course, but I just don’t have the same level of drive to explore their psyches.

You’re trapped in an elevator with your main character. What are you discussing?

Does she know I’m the writer? Because if she does, there’s a good chance I’m getting murdered, not having a conversation. I put my characters through a lot!
​
What is the most challenging aspect of writing for you? How do you conquer it?

Two things come to mind immediately: naming things and editing.

When you write fantasy, you have to name about 5,000 things. And if you’re using Earth names, you need to consider what the existence of that name implies about your world. For most of my settings, I use BehindTheName.com to help me choose names from whatever culture the story setting is based on. For others, I’ll throw together random combinations of syllables until I find something I like. And for Moonshadow specifically, I’ve created naming conventions (like always having vowels at the beginning or ending of a feminine name) to guide me as I name new characters and places.

As for editing, well, the only thing to do there is push through it. I try to set aside big chunks of time for it—at least two hours—so I feel like I’ve accomplished something at the end of every session, and I reward myself for hitting big milestones.

If you could write a cross-over with another book/series, what would it be and why? (Or, if cross-overs don’t interest you, why?)

Hmmmm. I think the necromancers of Moonshadow would have some really interesting conversations with the Abhorsens from the Old Kingdom. Their forms of necromancy are similar in many ways, yet have clear differences as well.

In your opinion, what is the purpose of storytelling?

We tell stories to share pieces of ourselves, whether that’s through literal memories or through fictional stories we pour our souls into, hoping to reach others who can connect to those pieces of ourselves. Sometimes we hope that connection will teach them something or help them somehow, sometimes we just want to entertain, but we always want to connect.

Ok, last but not least… Tell us a bit about what made you want to become a writer and why you write what you write.

I grew up immersed in stories, but as a little kid I thought all writers were Old And Dying, that writing was something you were only allowed to do when you were retired from your first life. At eight years old I discovered that some of the writers I loved were, in fact, in their thirties instead of their 80s, and that they had actually made it into their careers. I knew from that moment that I wanted to become a novelist, and while I’m still a long way from making it my primary career, I’ve never stopped pursuing the dream.

As for what I write, I’ve always loved fantasy and horror, so it was natural for me to fall into writing them. I love how every work in these genres is in conversation with what came before it and I enjoy having the opportunity to either lean into existing tropes or subvert them to push the genre’s boundaries. In some books I try to do both!

My parents were also storytellers, building their own worlds for a homebrew TTRPG. Moonshadow originated as one of those worlds, and I’ve got other projects in the pipeline that come from worlds I created with my dad through our own version of that homebrew TTRPG. My dad died when I was very young, and writing in these worlds feels like giving him the legacy he deserves.

Here's where to find Dianna:
Website: authordiannagunn.com
Bluesky: @diannalgunn.bsky.social

I had the absolute pleasure of being a part of the Write Women Book Fest this past weekend. While I was excited for the event, it managed to exceed my expectations in ways I never imagined.

There was an overall energy about the place that was captivating and invigorating. I immediately felt welcome, and everyone I met was not only friendly, but kind. The attendees were also amazing – so amazing, in fact, that I sold out!
​
A huge thank you to the organizers and volunteers who made this event very special!

As someone who lives in an apartment and moves frequently, I’m not able to buy physical books as much as I’d like. I did, however, grab the e-books of three fantastic authors I was able to meet in real life at the book fest:

I don't have a huge budget for books, but I do want to support fellow indie authors when I can!

When I got the email letting me know I'd been accepted as an exhibitor at Awesome Con 2025, I almost couldn't believe it. I had applied with zero hope of actually being chosen. As an indie author with a minuscule following, this was an absolute dream come true. It was an incredible, wonderful, and exhausting experience -- and I'm really hoping I get invited back next year!

A few of the many wonderful con attendees who walked by my booth.

Ok, that title is a bit much—but I can’t help myself. The alliteration was right there!

Let me back up…

About two weeks ago, I was putting together a quick social media post for #thirstythursday and realized--to my horror—that I had somehow used the same adverb twice in one paragraph in my first book, Gathering of the Four.
(Confession: I had an adverb problem. I’ve known about it for years and still struggle to overcome it in all of my drafts.)

Y’all I was mortified!

If I had allowed this to slip through, what else had I missed?

I cringed so hard! I’ve sold my books at cons! Given out review copies! I worked so hard to get my book where I thought it needed to be, but somehow missed what I now perceived as a great error.

Ack!

I posted about this on Bluesky. I hung my head in shame. But then I decided to do a reread of the entire book. I figured this would help me in two ways: I’d (hopefully) discover any lingering typos, and I’d get reacquainted with a part of my saga that I hadn’t really sat with since 2022.

As y’all know, I’m working on Book Three, which is going to be another chonker. I adore my thick books, but I don’t recall every detail—who could?—so a refresher was in order.

And I was right! Yes, there were a few more typos and a couple of run-on sentences I wound up correcting, but I was also reminded of a few crumbs I dropped and had forgotten about. Whew!

I also experienced something unexpected.

I…became proud of my work!

Gathering of the Four was first published in 2021 and while getting it out the door did fulfill a life-long dream of mine, I did rush things and wound up with a bit of a mess on my hands. I fixed what was wrong, but the process took a toll on my self-esteem. I did my best to fake it, but I didn’t consider myself a real author.

“But Bennett!” You might be thinking, “You’ve published five books since then!”

Well, yeah. That’s true. And I think I’ve improved with each one—but I still didn’t have faith in myself as an Actual Author.

Even when I hit and surpassed 1,000 subscribers to my newsletter. Even when I was sitting at my very own table at my first con last summer.

Every time I thought about my writing, my mind returned to the same thought: Every other indie author out there is better than you. You are not the real deal.

Well, I’m here to tell you that I no longer think that. Sitting with my first book again after so much time away from it made me realize that the five star reviews I’ve gotten aren’t lying.

I am an author.

My story is good.

And I’m proud of myself!

I now have plans to do the same with my second book, Test of the Four. I’m actually excited about it.

There’s a lot of bad stuff happening out in the world right now, so it feels really, really good to (finally) have faith in my art.

It took me years to get here, but I have arrived.  

(Also, if you’re interested in a, ahem, typo-free review copy, go ahead and reach out to me via my contact page!)

Until next time…stay safe and well, y’all!

“Self-trust is the first secret of success.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of the ways I’ve been dealing with ... everything right now ... is curling up under a big ol’ thick blanket and losing myself in shows where the stories are sweet, the stakes are low, and nothing really bad ever happens.
 
All Creatures Great and Small

This lovely show just returned for its fifth season and I am torn between binging it all at once or savoring it slowly. (The entire new season is available through PBS Passport.) My husband calls this my “crying show” because every episode makes me tear up with happy tears. I have become very invested in the characters over the years and just finished a complete rewatch of all previous seasons during the holidays.

For those unfamiliar, this show follows veterinarian James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) and other residents of Yorkshire and is loosely based on his books (which I devoured as a child). The latest season takes place in 1941, when the characters must not only deal with the difficulties of farm life, but World War II, as well.

I’m drawn to this show not only because I’m attached to the characters, but because each episode features wonderful shots of the gorgeous, sprawling English countryside. Wonderfully acted, beautifully shot, and one of my must-watches.
 
Shrinking

I’ve enjoyed most of what I’ve watched on AppleTV, but this one is really sticking with me. I didn’t think a show about therapists would affect me so deeply (yes, this is another “crying show” for me) – and season two, in my opinion, has upped both the humor and drama.

Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) is a therapist and single dad raising a teenage daughter in Los Angeles. Early on, we learn his wife was tragically killed fairly recently. The show follows him, his daughter, and a close circle of co-workers and friends who are all trying to navigate their grief. Sounds like a downer, I know—and there are scenes that do make me sob—but, just as it happens in real life—the characters go on living and find joy while dealing with pain.

The writing and performances have really hooked me, and I really hope we get a third season.
 
Somebody Somewhere

I began this show not knowing what to expect and am so, so glad I took a chance on it because it’s one of those shows I can’t not binge.

Advertised as a comedy, but actually more of a dramedy, I was taken in by the realness of the characters, who make me both laugh and cry. While main character Sam (Bridget Everett) initially comes off as a care-free goofball, we learn she, like a lot of us, uses humor to mask intense pain.

The show takes place in Manhattan, Kansas, which in and of itself stood out to me, since the Plains aren’t often a setting for shows that aren’t Westerns. (I did in fact live in Kansas as a very young child but have very few memories of the place.) We follow Sam after she returns to her hometown following a family tragedy. It is both a treat and sometimes upsetting to watch her forge new relationships and reestablish old ones, because Sam, like a lot of Millennials, is kind of a mess.
​
I also really appreciate the queer rep, especially when it comes to showing queer folks in church and having faith. This is something I haven’t seen a lot of on TV and it really struck a chord with me (though I am of no particular denomination or organized religion myself). I’m sad HBO canceled this show, but I’m happy we got three full seasons of this.

I’m back. I’m here. And I’m ready for the new year!

2024 was…difficult to say the least. Unexpected challenges in both my day job and personal lives left little time for me to write, and sometimes just getting through the day was a slog. But the year did come to its inevitable end, so it’s time to start anew.

I’m happy to report that this past December was my best month for sales yet! As you might have seen on my social accounts, all three of my romance novels were discounted to $0.99, which was apparently appealing to a lot of folks. I am certainly going to keep this in mind for the future (wink, nudge). I do have plans to participate in more indie author sale events in 2025, so make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter if you’re not already to get the latest info on that front.

I’m also excited to share that Book Three is coming along. I have plans to finish the fourth chapter of my first draft this week. My progress is going slower than I’d like, but I am determined to be patient and kind to myself this year while sticking to a loose schedule that should hopefully get this behemoth into the hands of my editor later this year.

That being said, I’m shifting my focus when it comes to reading for fun. Y’all know I have been an avid supporter of indie books for years now. While this is not going to change, I’ve found lately that I want to read more non-fiction, and I’ve been finding comfort in exploring the physical books my local library has to offer. So, I am not giving up reading and reviewing indie books – I could never do that! I’m an indie author myself! But you might see more traditionally published books pop up in my currently reading social posts. The mind wants what it wants. And I’ve learned to listen to my brain…most of the time.

I think I’ve typed enough for now. It’s snowy and cold here in the DC-area today and I’m planning to head outside as little as possible. From the Serrulata Saga desk, this is Bennett, signing off for now!

Pen Name: Brittany M. Willows
Pronouns: she/her
Book Series/Latest Book Published: The Cardplay Duology

Introduce your current favorite character – who are they and why do you prefer them above all others at the moment?

I love all of my brain children dearly, but I can’t lie, Iori—my cat-eared, ink-wielding protagonist of Bloody Spade—holds a very special place in my heart. He’s become a real comfort character to draw, write, and I just love watching him spin around and around in the microwave of my brain. I’m not sure what it is that makes him stand out from the rest. Perhaps it’s that I relate to him in a few key ways, or that he has a depth to him others haven’t quite reached. Maybe he just ticks a bunch of my favourite quality boxes. Whatever the case, I’m glad it’s him, and I’m glad he’s endeared himself to many readers too!

Who is harder to write – an interesting hero or an interesting villain? 

An interesting villain for sure. This is a part of my writing I’m actively working to improve, as I often feel in hindsight that I’ve fallen short with them. Part of my personal challenge, I think, comes from wanting to keep their motives secret from the reader, leaving those twists and lore drops for later. Villains typically don’t get the same page time as the heroes either (especially if you’re trying to keep their motives/actions somewhat secret from the reader for a while), so you have to find ways to make them interesting in a fraction of the words afforded to the protagonists.

You’re trapped in an elevator with your main character. What are you discussing?

If Iori knew who I was, he would either be giving me the silent treatment or grilling me about all the awfulness I’ve put him through. And probably the only thing stopping him from kicking my ass would be the fact I gave him Ellen and a decent life at the end of everything haha.

If you could write a cross-over with another book/series, what would it be and why? (Or, if cross-overs don’t interest you, why?

Ooh, good question. I enjoy the concept of cross-overs, but my characters feel so embedded in their own worlds that it’s hard for me to envision them in anyone else’s or having anyone else’s characters’ enter theirs (for anything beyond a one-off scene, at least). It’s why I used to struggle to insert them into forum-based RPGs, where a bunch of us would toss our OCs into a brand new world together. I always found my characters acting wildly out of character in those scenarios.

I am, however—in a somewhat similar vein—a big fan of creating AUs (alternate universes)!

In your opinion, what is the purpose of storytelling?

For me personally, the purpose is mainly to entertain (myself first and foremost, and others second). I just want to tell a good story that’ll make people cry and laugh and yell at my characters for making bad life choices. That doesn’t mean there isn’t any meaning to be found within my stories, just that I’m not writing with the intent to share any specific message or anything like that. Whenevr someone does resonate with my characters or themes, though, that’s massively rewarding! 

Ok, last but not least… Tell us a bit about what made you want to become a writer and why you write what you write.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had characters bouncing around inside my head. I’d draw them all the time, but that wasn’t enough. I needed more space to tell their stories, and for a while I toyed with the idea of creating video games or comics, but later realized both were too ambitious for me. It was only after I began reading the Warrior Cats books that I decided to pursue novelwriting, and I’ve been nurturing my love/hate relationship with that process ever since haha
 
As for why I write what I write: because I’m a sucker for it. Everything I write is super self-indulgent. I love exploring worlds beyond ours, or worlds that are similar to ours but with a twist, so I write scifi and fantasy. It’s fun to imagine the ways in which life may succumb to or adapt to catastropic change, so I often add in a dash of post-apocalypse for good measure. Anything that makes my brain go brrrr--that’s my reason for writing it.

Here's where to find Brittany:

Website: https://brittanymwillows.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @BMWillows
Instagram: @brittanymwillows