Look, mom! New side business!
I’m (hopefully?) moving out of my burnout era and into my ANN reviewer era. Special thanks to the McElroys for this year’s theme, “Twenty-ThunderDrive: Faster Than Fear,” which motivated me to try writing again. Absolutely not thanks to being unemployed for three months, which also motivated me, but in a much less fun way.
Love and the highly sensitive person
I thought I’d start my career as an ANN reviewer with some easy BL nonsense, but wow, it’s actually a very thoughtful and kind dramedy about a socially anxious guy with sensory processing sensitivities that made me cry a little! Add a perfect cat and this heartfelt one-shot has crossover appeal that would make it a welcome addition to the bookshelves of a variety of readers.
Helena and Mr. Big Bad Wolf – Volume 1
Despite its title, this series has less in common with fairy tales and more with classic children’s literature, with brave orphans, gruff but kind adults, and alarmingly sad stories. A found-family story and love letter to picture books that’s creatively drawn and incredibly charming, when it’s NOT about Wile E. Coyote-style plummeting in Tragedy Canyon anyway.
hereditary triangle
There’s a thoughtful maturity to much of this short series, as its cast explore complex emotions and questions with no easy answers. It almost lost me halfway through, but thankfully it came together in a quietly moving story about loss and change. Very excited to see more of Fumiya Hayashi in the future!
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