Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) chats with Tess Carletta (she/her) about writing a quiet and reflective moment of queer joy to rejuvenate those who are fighting to survive.

The Kings of Oak and Holly have woven their fates together in an unbreakable bond. The further adventures of Wren Lofthouse, Shrike the Butcher of Blackthorn, and their friends continue in this collection of short stories, including…

Bruises Bloom in Blackthorn Briar
…wherein a moment's comfort is sought between Cemetery Gate and the Solstice Duel.

Sentiment
…wherein the Oak and Holly Kings return to Wren's ancestral home to retrieve certain articles of a sensitive magical nature.

Bookseller & Bone-Setter
…wherein an unfortunate accident forces Hullvardr to reveal certain fae truths to his mortal beloved, Mr Ephraim Grigsby.

The Unveiling of Daniel Durst
…wherein Daniel shows his true self to his guardian for the first time.

A Quiet Solstice
…wherein the Oak King yields to the Holly King.

Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com

JP Rindfleisch IX (he/they) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about the appeal of cozy fantasy, from spiteful inspiration to the hidden sharp edges beneath slice-of-life stories and the eternal question of who a character is if not a hero.

JP Rindfleisch IX (he/they) writes cozy fantasy about grief, transformation, and queer joy wrapped in found families, botanical magic, and the occasional raccoon familiar. His works include the novels Mosswood Apothecary and Mandrake Manor, amongst other titles. You can learn more about them at their website: jprindfleischix.com

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com

From Game of Thrones to Baldur's Gate to The Church of the Mountain of Flesh, a roundtable of indie authors discuss how fantastical religions can enhance the verisimilitude of imaginary worlds.

Carolina Cruz (they/them) is the author of the vampire horror romance Blood in the Water and the queer fantasy series The Creed of Gethin (beginning with The Unwanted Prophet). You can connect with them on instagram @ninawolverina

Luna Daye (she/her) is the author of the Fated Fae romantasy series as well as the epic fantasy series the Thoraius Saga. You can connect with her at her website: lunadaye.com

Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website: neshamapublishing.com

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com