A lot of you have mentioned wanting to see the “what I love” posts return, and I am excited to say that I agree — plus I’m making these free-for all posts from here on out. Each month, I’ll share a dozen* things I’m loving right now, with reasons; plus news and find-Fran updates. You’re welcome to share this post as it’s free for all!

All the books mentioned are on my shelf at Bookshelf.org

Here we go!

Books: Lovely Creatures - KT Byrski (coming from new publisher Psychopomp on May 14) — if a gothic house was raised by a traveling circus, or vice-versa, it would be this book. Someone You can Build a Nest In - John Wiswell - (out now!) - Monster hygge: found family, an epic quest, and so many good, crunchy bits. Cinderwich - Cherie Priest - spooky mystery wrapped in Appalachian Lore and family secrets (coming from Apex - June 11). Draw Every Day — friends, this is bringing me joy when I’m stressed. Grab some markers and join me. Order of Time - Carlo Ravelli - physics! I am feeling smarter already. And finally - the May/June Uncanny coming May 7, with stories (the Arkady Martine is especially exquisite), essays, and poetry (Ali Trotta! Me!).

Podcasts, Blogs, Apps & Decks: Alltrails — find new big and small hikes, right in your backyard; plan quests! I love the downloadable maps. Ologies - Allie Ward - I talk about this all the time, but, friends, she asked the lemur expert if they really do like to move it move it so we get to cheer about it again. Mandy Brown’s A Working Library — I’ve been following her since I was writing code (aka a LONG time ago) and this week was a banger — gossip, perjorative framing of women’s communities, and HILD. Woodland Wardens - a gorgeous oracle deck that I found with the help of my local indie (happy belated independent bookstore day) and I already love it, even if I have no idea *(yet) how to use it properly. Just look how pretty…

For more, visit Fran’s blog