Bubble & Squeek

Bubble and Squeek for 8 Jan 2024. I’m so deep into the weeds of not only writing this current Shadowrun novel, I’m editing a different Shadowrun novel by another author who writes very densely. It’s a hell of a good read, too.

50 Things: In case you missed it, 50 Things I Have Learned in 50 Years, Part 1 (Emotions).

BackerKit: I am launching a kickstarter for in late March 2024 called “Dear Penpal, Belgium 1980.” It is a cozy, Middle Grade appropriate, ghost story, loosely based on fictionalized me at ten years old while living in a 300-year-old manor house in Belgium. Won’t you be my penpal?
—–BackerKit PR: In Amazing Stories. It’s always a thrill to see my stuff in SF magazines.

Interview: Exclusive Interview: “The Reinvented Detective” Editors Jennifer Brozek & Cat Rambo by Paul Semel. This was a fun interview.
—–Interview: Here’s a YouTube blurb for the interview that I think is quite snazzy.

Review: Review of The Reinvented Detective from Richard Pearce Moses on Bluesky: “Twenty three short stories that with a noir take set in the future. Some exceptional pieces in here, and all of them worthwhile take on the genre.”

Shout-out: This was an unexpected shout-out to me from Brian C.E. Buhl. It almost made me cry. I remember some of the comments I made. Jennifer Brozek Made Me a Better Writer. This is one of the reasons I keep teaching, helping, editing other authors.

Support: As always… if you appreciate my work and would like to support me, I love coffee. I am made of caffeine. This is the quickest way to brighten my day.

BackerKit: I am launching a kickstarter for in late March 2024 called “Dear Penpal, Belgium 1980.” It is a cozy, Middle Grade appropriate, ghost story, loosely based on fictionalized me at ten years old while living in a 300-year-old manor house in Belgium. Won’t you be my penpal?

Fun Fact: I have been a member of the HWA for 10 years now. https://horror.org/

Good-bye: Good-bye Pharaoh. Pharaoh, our beloved Egyptian Mau, has gone to the clearing at the end of the path.

Interview: Cat and I were interviewed by Arley Song for Clarkesworld on how we edit together on the Reinvented Anthology series. I think it turned out SO good.

Panel: DECEPTIONS & DEATH: TALKING THRILLERS with Thriller Authors, recorded on YouTube. It was a good time and full of tips on writing thrillers.

Publication: I have a new story in the latest Valdemar anthology, Anything With Nothing. It is called “Needs Must When Evil Bides.” This was one of those stories that made me want to write more about the character.

Publication: The Reinvented Detective anthology has been released! Get at your favorite store now. On Amazon and Barnes&Noble.

Shoutout: The Reinvented Detective anthology edited by me and Cat Rambo got a shout out in Gizmodo.

Support: As always… if you appreciate my work and would like to support me, I love coffee. I am made of caffeine. This is the quickest way to brighten my day.

Anthology Forthcoming: December 12th release date, The Reinvented Detective anthology with fabulous people like Premee Mohamed, Seanan McGuire, and Harry Turtledove!

Class: Last class of the year: Class: Body Language and Description As Genre. This is one of my most popular classes. Excellent for short fiction and long. Spots and scholarships still available!

D&D Campaign Ending: It was an epic end to a multi-year campaign. As told by players in the game on BlueSky (must be logged in)… Wing’s perspective and Seanan’s perspective.

EVENT – Reading: I will be reading with David D. Levine at the University Bookstore on Nov 21. I will be representing the Reinvented Anthology series, The Reinvented Heart and The Reinvented Detective. David will be reading from his new book: The Kuiper Belt Job. Here’s the EventBrite event listing and the Facebook event listing.

Local Bookstore: I finally had the chance to visit Brick & Mortar Book store in Redmond. The store is beautiful and friendly. The staff is a delight. This is where to get my signed books for the holidays. Personalized, even.

Shoutout: I highly recommend Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi. I am savoring this book like a woman who savors a favorite cocktail—with great appreciation without being too serious. (Though, I am pondering some of the techniques Talabi uses as a writer to steal.)  

Virtual Panel: December 4th! Deceptions and Death: Talking Thrillers. It includes me and other fabulous authors.

Support: As always… if you appreciate my work and would like to support me, I love coffee. I am made of caffeine. This is the quickest way to brighten my day.

There are many, many projects in progress even if it seems calm above the surface of the water. You know I’m padding like hell underneath.

Article: Stop Multitasking by Cat Rambo. I say “Multitasking is doing many things badly.”

Classes: You know that I teach online classes at the Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers, right? Did you know the academy has a long list of on-demand classes?

Release: Shadowrun: The Kilimanjaro Run ebook novella. YA Shadowrun goodness set in Tanzania! The Transporter meets E.T. in the Sixth World.

Release: The Many Deaths of Jennifer Brozek ebook. First time in ebook format. Just in time for spooky season!

Laud the Artist: This Ukrainian artist, Kateryna Shelyhina (SeaStainedGlass on Etsy), has some of the most beautiful works of art I’ve ever seen.

Shout out: Fabulous Raven Oak has a new kickstarter. The Bell Ringer is filled with holiday stories and art written and drawn by her!

Support: As always… if you appreciate my work and would like to support me, I love coffee. I am made of caffeine. This is the quickest way to brighten my day.

It’s after Gen Con and projects are picking up speed as predicted. Have some Bubble and Squeek.

Blurb: I got the most fantastic blurb from Wole Talabi (author of Shigidi And The Brass Head Of Obalufon) on my forthcoming Shadowrun YA novella The Kilimanjaro Run (release date Aug 22). Cover reveal soon! “The Kilimanjaro Run is a wildly entertaining story that takes us on a supernatural road trip from the urban sprawl of Dar es Salaam to the rocky slopes of Africa’s tallest mountain with a motley and lovable group of characters. It’s thoughtful, it’s fun, it’s The Transporter meets E.T. set in the fascinating world of Shadowrun served with a healthy portion of its own special sauce. Readers are in for a good time.”

Comic: Comic 233 by Akimbo Comics – The perfect illustration of why I write dark fiction. I’ve been thinking about this comic for the last couple of days. I wish I could have it on a poster. I keep losing it. So I’m posting it here.

Instagram: Leeloo and Miss Lemon… Sometimes she decides she’s going to be in my lap and that’s it. Singapura kitties are stubborn as hell.

Interview: I was interviewed for Writer Wednesday over at Gareth L. Powell’s blog on substack…

Review: Haunted MTL reviewed A Secret Guide to Fighting Elder Gods. They liked it with some caveats.

Twitter: Illustrator Jon Kubina drew me and my fellow panelists from the panel I moderated at Gen Con. How fun!

Support: As always… if you appreciate my work and would like to support me, I love coffee. I am made of caffeine. This is the quickest way to brighten my day.

Life continues to move on. A lot good. Some not-so-good. Busy working in the background. Have some Bubble & Squeek!

Conventions: My Gen Con Writers Symposium panel and workshop schedule. Take a look and if you are interested in the workshops, sign up. They tend to sell out quickly.  I also have a signing and a “meet the pros” gathering.

Conventions: Look who is the Editor Guest of Honor of OryCon in November. (Spoiler alert: It’s me!)

On Demand Class: Self-Editing: From First Splat to Professional Finish by me is available on demand at Cat Rambo’s Academy for Wayward Writers along with a whole host of other classes.

Pin Release: Originally a convention exclusive but now available online, this is the Good Omens pin me and Alina Pete designed. Head to Sevenish Magpies to take a look. It’s so pretty!

Review: A lovely review of my Bram Stoker nominated YA zombie novel, Last Days of Salton Academy.

Support: As always… if you appreciate my work and would like to support me, I love coffee. I am made of caffeine. This is the quickest way to brighten my day.

Wishlist: As someone who flirts with the idea of audiobook narration and podcast narration…and the idea of reading my antique occult collection online, I am in lust with the idea of this: the Studio Brick acoustic booth.  Isn’t it magnificent?

It’s been a busy couple of weeks. I’ve hosted the fabulous Marie Bilodeau and I’ve attended Norwescon as both a vendor and as a panelist. It was good time made all the better by Marie’s effervescent presence. Now my brain is mush. Have some bubble & squeek as I put it back together.

Audiobook: The Reinvented Heart anthology audiobook is about to be released! The pre-order link is live. You are going to love this.

Consideration: Hugo award nominations are happening. They close on April 30th. I would be pleased if you would consider me and Cat Rambo for short form editor. “Jennifer Brozek and Cat Rambo, The Reinvented Heart anthology, Publisher: CAEZIK SF & Fantasy, http://arcmanorbooks.com/caeziksf”

Opportunity: HOLOSTREETS. This one is for all of you who have ever asked me how you could write for Shadowrun. This is one way. It’s not canon, but it might suit your desires. ALSO, keep an eye out here. There might be more Shadowrun writing opportunities in the near future.

Release: The omnibus of NEVER LET ME, my acclaimed Melissa Allen trilogy has been re-released by Speaking Volumes. In Print, and for the first time, in ebook omnibus form. Cover art by the fab Peter Tikos.

Review: Horror Addicts reviewed Tales of Nightmares anthology. They liked it! Several stories got a shout out including my story “Twenty Questions.”

Support: As always… if you appreciate my work and would like to support me, I love coffee. I am made of caffeine. This is the quickest way to brighten my day.

For your amusement: a certain Pharaoh would like to speak to the manager because I was gone.

I’m knee-deep in some behind-the-scenes stuff and about to do another round of decluttering of my wardrobe because I’ve put it off for two years and it shows. Also, it’s the Spring Equinox!

Audiobooks: Trendane and Liisa are working on my BattleTech Rogue Academy trilogy. Coming soon-ish. More details when I have it but I’m stupidly happy to have Tren and Liisa working on this series.

Book Club Pick: I love it when one of my books is selected at a book club (The Reinvented Heart anthology). It happened to Last Days of Salton Academy, too.  

For Consideration: Hugo award nominations are happening. I would be pleased if you would consider me and @Catrambo for short form editor. “Jennifer Brozek and Cat Rambo, The Reinvented Heart anthology, Publisher: CAEZIK SF & Fantasy, http://arcmanorbooks.com/caeziksf”

End of an Era: Ralan.com has closed after 26 years. So much sadness. It was the one place I always recommended. It was the site I put up my first call for submissions as an editor.

Pre-order Release: The Tears of Perseus omnibus is up for pre-release. This mosaic novel is a single space opera story told from six different points of view across three hundred years.

Recommendation: For cozy YouTube watching: Max Miller on Tasting History for food and historical context. This guy is binge-worthy.

Support: As always… if you appreciate my work and would like to support me, I love coffee. I am made of caffeine. This is the quickest way to brighten my day. 

Wrapping up stuff that happened at the end of 2022 and started this year. Releases, reviews, and interviews!

Miscellaneous: I finally made a linktr.ee site. https://linktr.ee/JenniferBrozek Just cause.

Release: My new FiveFold Universe novella, Truumeel’s Light, has been released!

Review: Review of Truumeel’s Light. They like it. Yay!

Review: A lovely compliment about me as a BattleTech author. Sometimes all you need is a brief, unexpected compliment to make an author’s day so much better.

Release: My latest Shadowrun YA novelle! Shadowrun: Unrepairable. This is my third standalone YA Shadowrun novella. Gotta tell you, things don’t look good for the home team in this one.

Support: As always… if you appreciate my work and would like to support me, I love coffee. I am made of caffeine. This is the quickest way to brighten my day.

Video Interview: This was on GenConTV with Rem Alternis interviewing the entire FiveFold Universe author crew. It was good fun.

Today’s Bubble & Squeek is brought to you by the letter “E” for edit because that’s what my main focus is on right now.

Publication: Tales of Nightmares anthology edited by Loren Rhoads with my story “Twenty Questions” in it. It’s getting some nice reviews!

Pre-Order: Truumeel’s Light. Space opera novel. Part one of the Tears of Perseus story written with five other fabulous authors, including Kevin J Anderson.  

Review: What a lovely and in-depth review of The Reinvented Heart anthology from http://www.llamareadsbooks.com/. I really do like this anthology.

Review: Cannonball Read reviews The Reinvented Heart anthology and likes it! Another good one.

Review: A great, detailed review of Tales of Nightmares anthology. One of my oldest stories is reprinted in this one.

Support: As always… if you appreciate my work and would like to support me, I love coffee. I am made of caffeine. This is the quickest way to brighten my day.