Tea Cup Promises by Glenn Quigley

Happy Wednesday everyone. I hope you are having a great day and a wonderful week. Today I’m happy to share that my good friend, author Glenn Quigley (learn more about Glenn here) has a new book coming out on March 16, 2024.

Here are the details:

Andrew Peacock is turning forty, sleeping with an older, straight, married man, and tired of the lies. So what better time to drag everything into the open than at a party for his lover’s wedding anniversary?

Told across six instalments, three decades, and one pandemic Teacup Promises charts the key moments in the relationships of Andrew, his boyfriend Jack, Jack’s wife Harriet, and Harriet’s lover, Stephen.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Clever, unique, and emotionally compelling with rich character development" — BJ Toth, editor

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "What a story! ... I was gobsmacked how well Glenn Quigley brought the whole story together." — Goodreads review

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "…a shock I never saw coming!" – Goodreads review

Pre-order your copy here.

That’s all for now, until next time have a great week.

Why ‘Ownvoice’ Writing Matters for Readers?

Happy Wednesday Scribblers, today I’d like to talk about ‘ownvoice’ writing. ‘Ownvoice’ writing refers to books or stories that are written by authors who share the same identity or experience as the characters they write about. An example is a novel about a transgender person written by a transgender author, or a book about a refugee or migrant written by a refugee or migrant. ‘Ownvoice’ writing is not a genre, but a way of highlighting the authenticity and diversity of voices throughout the literary world. ‘Ownvoice’ writing is not about gatekeeping topics from being written by non ‘ownvoice’ authors.

Why is ‘ownvoice’ writing important for readers?

  • ‘Ownvoice’ writing can challenge stereotypes and biases in a way that non ‘ownvoice’ writing can. Many books that feature diverse characters are written by authors who do not belong to the group they are writing about (this is not a bad thing, in fact, doing so keeps stories reflective of society.). However, showing diverse characters in this way may rely on stereotypes, clichés, or inaccurate portrayals of those characters. Leading some in these communities to feel frustrated, unheard, and unseen. This can reinforce harmful assumptions and prejudices about marginalized people and erase the complexity and diversity of their experience. Non ‘ownvoice’ writing may also show these groups in an unrealistic or unnatural way that can be harmful to these people.  ‘Ownvoice’ writing, on the other hand, can offer a more nuanced and realistic representation of diverse characters, and challenge the dominant narratives that often marginalize these communities.

  • ‘Ownvoice’ writing can promote empathy and understanding. Reading ‘ownvoice’ books can help readers learn more about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences that they may not be familiar with, or that they may have misconceptions about. By reading stories that are told from the inside, readers can gain a deeper insight into the joys, struggles, hopes, and fears of diverse characters, and empathize with their emotions and situations in a real and honest way. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can also help readers discover the common humanity that connects the reader with people who are different from them and fosters a sense of respect and appreciation for diversity.

  • ‘Ownvoice’ writing can empower and inspire. Reading ‘ownvoice’ books can also have a positive impact on the readers who share the same identity or experience as the characters. For many marginalized readers, finding ‘ownvoice’ books can be a rare and precious opportunity to see themselves reflected in literature, and to feel validated and affirmed by their own stories. Celebrating their community. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can also provide role models and inspiration for marginalized readers, who can see characters overcome challenges, achieve goals, go on grand adventures, find and experience love, and celebrate their identity. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can encourage marginalized readers to tell their own stories and to contribute to the diversity of voices in literature.

‘Ownvoice’ writing is not only important for readers but also for writers, publishers, and society at large. By supporting and promoting ‘ownvoice’ writing, we can create a more inclusive and diverse literary landscape, where everyone’s stories are welcomed, valued, and heard. ‘Ownvoice’ writing can enrich our reading experience, broaden our horizons, and transform our world by bringing forward writers and novels that we might not have found or experienced otherwise.

Until next time, have a great week.

2023 Year in Review!

Happy 2024 everyone. I hope that you are all having a great start to the new year. I want to share with you my year in review. See where we’ve been and where we are going.

I launched Mu; Legend of a Lost City with my new publisher; Spectrum Books.

For the third year in a row, I had one of my short stories; Thanksgiving Pie shared in the BAQWA Presents anthology.

I released Conspiracy-A New World (Book 3) on audiobook thanks to the talented Steve Connor.

I finished my next novel, a haunting story about a neighborhood tormented by angry spirits.

I began work on my newest story, set in an alternate reality where airships sail the skies.

I continued work on the fourth novel in my Sci-Fi series A New World.

I was a guest at the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce (March 2023) and the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce (Dec 2023).

I participated in the Hayward Lit Hop with the Bay Area Queer Writers Association.

I attended several Pride Events this year: Placer Pride, Davis Pride, Sacramento Pride, and Modesto Pride.

I was a speaker at BayCon 2023.

I continued to meet and interact with several authors, who remind me of why I write.

With respect to my book sales, 2023 was my best year! Thank you to everyone who has continued to buy and support my work.

2023 wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. This year I also lost an aunt, several co-workers and a dear friend from high school.

As to not end this year in review on a low note, my husband and I celebrated 25 years together, and we marked this milestone with a cruise. We experienced the first ever Pride Night at Disneyland and we also enjoyed several other visits to the Happiest Place on Earth.

As with years past, we got together with several wonderful friends and family who we don’t get to see near enough, but we enjoy the time with them when we do get together.

For 2024 I’m planning on more in person and virtual events and I’m hoping to release at least one new work this year.

I’m sure there are several events that I’ve missed, however 2023 was a good year and here’s to 2024 being even better.

Happy New Year!