One of the most uplifting phone calls I've had over the past two months was from the Bradley Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown. They were calling all of their members to check in and let us know what they're doing for the community during the pandemic. To hear another voice, even that of a near stranger, was something I hadn't known I needed until it happened. I was prompted to reach out on my own, then, to people I hadn't talked to in a long time, to check-in, to see if they needed anything. I've been doing the same thing over the past ten days with all of my friends who might need to hear my voice right now. Community is how we get through trying times.
I donate a substantial portion of my book sales to both the Bradley Sullivan Center and to the William Way Center down in Philly. Both centers are doing all they can for their community during both the pandemic and the current protests, and their support sends a message so many need to hear. Not 'We can do this' but 'We are doing this.'
That's how we celebrate Pride.
With the parades we planned to attend being canceled, my family and I will otherwise be celebrating at home this year. We're going to make a rainbow pizza and video chat with friends. My wish to you is that you're safe, happy, and healthy. <3
LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION IN ROMANCE
Our panel, LGBTQ+ Representation in Romance, was amazing! A big thanks to all who joined us live and asked questions. If you missed it, the recording is available on YouTube. But, just so you know? I hesitated to share the link because, wow, I move around a lot when I talk. I had no idea. How did I get to 52 without anyone telling me THIS? Also, yes, I do still have quite an Australian accent.
Shoulder movements and head-bobs aside, we had a great conversation. Check it out!
BUILDING FOREVER IS IN AUDIO!
The Cheez-It book is now in audio and narrator Austin Jay captures the first scene, and Charlie's voice, perfectly. He also does a great job with Simon and the rest of the cast. To me, though, Charlie was the one he had to get right because Charlie does a lot of talking and thinking. His voice is the one that carries the book.
Want to win a copy? I have two download codes to giveaway. Opening this newsletter entered you in the drawing. For a second chance to win, come join us in my new reader group, Kelly's Keepers. I'm giving away another code in there this week. Look for the post with the cute cat and dog. <3
LET'S CONNECT
Thank you to everyone who has left a comment, or emailed me about the serialized novella, Let's Connect! I wasn't sure how it would all go. If you would like the story; if you'd become engaged. Everyone who has reached out has let me know it's going well, and I couldn't be more thrilled... and inspired to start writing a sequel!
Need to catch up? Here are the chapters published so far.
So as not to spam folks who might not want weekly newsletters from me, I'm only forwarding new chapter links to people who opened and read the first chapter (last month's newsletter). If you're not getting chapter updates and would like to, reply to this email and I'll make sure you're on the list!
That's June! Don't forget to check your inbox on Sundays for chapter updates for Let's Connect. As a reminder, if you'd like to read the chapters a day early, you can join my reader group.
Because I didn't get to it in this newsletter, next month, I'll share some details about my current WIP, The City Without End, which should be fully drafted!
Until then, happy reading!
Kelly
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Kelly
