Superstition

I mentioned last month that it had been a rough winter in my household. This wasn't the weather, but a wild string of bad luck. Just a few days after I sent that newsletter out, I decided to get an evil eye manicure, for warding, just in case.[1]

Well, it's been a Rough Winter in the Spector Household, during which I was lucky enough to have no writing or editing that had to be done. It's a long story, but know that numerous sicknesses and ailments descended upon us.

So, a rather late and scattered update. But it does include a custom cocktail, an amazing musical number, and one of may favorite manicures yet.

The Rotfelsen Winter

First of all, I did something silly and commissioned my very talented friend Mattie Lubchansky to draw me as the medieval Jewish Manticore that I love so much. So, here's that:

Also, pre-order Mattie's book, Boys Weekend! I read an early copy and it rules.

Why "The Jewish Manticore"?

If you've been wondering what the name of this newsletter is supposed to mean, here's your answer:

On Becoming the Queer Jewish Monster I Was Destined to Be

Photo: Jack Cavicchi

It really happened! Only a month short of ten years from when I started writing it, Kalyna the Soothsayer is actually, finally, out in the world.

Order Kalyna the Soothsayer if You Haven't Yet

You could say that supply chain issues caused by the intersection of COVID-19 with the unrealistic expectations of global capitalism delayed my debut novel. Or you could say that I got to do two launch events!

I'll be doing an AMA (Ask Me Anything) over at Reddit's r/Fantasy tomorrow! When the post goes up, the link will also be shared on my Instagram and Erewhon's Twitter.

How will the AMA format interact with my compulsive need to overshare? We'll see!

Past Events

Welcome!

Since supply chain issues have pushed back my debut many times by now, and since I'm just not built for Twitter (it's my own weakness), this newsletter is the best way to keep up with the evolving release dates of my novels.

I'll also use it to highlight other writing or events of mine that pop up, and soon I'll explain why "Jewish Manticore" in the first place. (Basically, antisemitism is bad; monsters are good.)

If you're interested in more essays or writing from me here, just let me know! If you don't want this newsletter to be anything but periodic updates, let me know that instead!