The summer that was the end of the beginning

Reading, writing, and content creating updates from yours truly.

Sep 04, 2025

Endless thanks to my pal Jason at ThisDadReads for snagging an extra High Republic poster for me - and getting it signed!

Hello there! It’s been *checks calendar* about a month since my last post. Don’t worry, it’s not you — it’s me. And summer, too.

Summer is my least favorite season. I’ve lived in Florida my entire life, and summers here are, I’m convinced, one of the circles of hell. The heat and humidity combo is oppressive and draining. I’m also typically less busy work-wise in the summer — no teaching jobs means I pick up contract writing projects. But this summer was…weird, to say the least.

I’ve had little desire to create new content — on here and on my social media pages. It doesn’t feel like burnout (after over a decade in journalism, I know what that feels like), but it does feel like a big change is happening. I still love my Space Wizards Book Club — here, on Instagram, and TikTok. Threads, you’re alright. But my priorities have shifted from feeding the algorithms with pretty pictures of books and reading guides to sharing content and updates that feed me.

Is this shift happening because my husband and I have been grieving another heartbreak and struggling with infertility for the last four years? Yes, I’d say that has a lot to do with my lack of energy for content creation and the horrible reading slump I’ve been in since June. Audiobooks, horror, and Star Wars movies have been my lifesavers.

At the same time, my writing career is thriving. I’m still working on my space history book, and I’ve been working on other projects that are quite literally life-changing. I’m going to pitch more to Star Wars Insider soon, and I’m prepping an academic article pitch related to Star Wars and the media. Then there are all the things I’m brainstorming and manifesting — a fiction novel, going back to school for a graduate certificate or doctorate program, and an official book about the news media in our favorite fictional galaxy. This year has been all about shooting my shot, so I’ll keep firing away.

As for teaching, I’m not in the classroom this semester. But I’m still advising my university’s student newspaper, and I could not be more proud of the work they’ve already done in the two weeks since the semester started.

All of that work feeds me. Reading does too, of course, and crocheting (I taught myself this summer!), strolling the aisles of my local library, and learning to be a better plant parent. It’s a bucket of buttery, salty popcorn every weekend at the movie theater and monthly book club dinners. It’s yarn shopping and crafting things with my own hands. It’s thrifting again, and the high of finding any vintage mid-century item. It’s the lightness I feel after therapy and drinking a crisp, cold Diet Coke. It’s seeing the students I mentor get excited about the journalism they’re doing and the opportunities their hard work affords. And yes, it’s Taylor Swift’s album announcement and her engagement to Travis Kelce. I love love, okay?

All this to say, I’m still here. The Space Wizards Book Club is still here, and it will continue to be a source of Star Wars book content. I’ll still post book announcements and updated reading guides as well as book reviews. I’d love to include more author Q&As and go on more of my friends’ podcasts. But I also plan to share more professional updates like a ~real author~.

The end of The High Republic was the end of the beginning. I owe so much of the last five years to The High Republic and Star Wars books, so the era’s ending feels like my own as well. But it’s not really the end, because the things we love are never truly gone. It’s only the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one.

Oh, and I have this crazy goal of getting to 1,000 subscribers by the end of the year. As of this post, I have 942. Totally doable, right?

MTFBWY✨

Reading updates

Remember when I said I’ve been in a reading slump since June? (Thanks, Trials of the Jedi) Well, I’m slowly clawing my way out of it thanks to reading a bunch of horror and thrillers the last few months. Still, my current reads reflect the chaos that is my brain trying to find a good book to latch on to.

Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson: I started the fourth Stormlight Archive book months ago, but it wasn’t until the last couple of weeks that I truly started reading it. It’s far from my favorite, but there are a ton of five-star moments. And the chapter intros are making me itch to start Mistborn era 2. SOON.

Her Rabid Beasts by E.P. Bali: A smutty shifter why-choose romance series that is perfect for fans of Zodiac Academy and CW paranormal dramas. This is book two of five.

The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown by Tessa Gratton: I finally got sent a copy of this book, and I’ve occasionally picked it up to read a couple of chapters here and there. After Trials of the Jedi, reading High Republic era books is difficult. I wish the audiobook were already out — it doesn’t release until the end of October. Still, full review coming soon!

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due: A chilling historical horror story inspired by the real-life history of Florida’s Dozier School for Boys. The audiobook narrator is the same one who did the Legendborn Cycle, so it’s excellent. It’s dark and heartbreaking, so I’ve had to put it down a few times.

TBR:

Dark Age by Pierce Brown: Great news — I finally, FINALLY finished Iron Gold last month. Like with all of the Red Rising books, I was hooked in the first third, struggled in the middle, then flew through the last third. But I’m worried about how I’ll fare with Dark Age because of its reputation for being so bleak. Still, it’s next up after I finish Rhythm of War. Or maybe sooner.

Rose in Chains by Julie Soto: I think I need a good dark romantasy based on fanfiction, and Rose in Chains seems like the perfect story to scratch that itch.

Star Wars: The Last Order by Kwame Mbalia: Can you believe I have a digital review copy of this book already? I’ve had it since the end of July, and the book doesn’t come out for another month. I’m so excited to read the first story set after The Rise of Skywalker. Full review coming October 21.

News: Master of Evil gets two special editions

Thanks to Inkstone Books for sharing early images of their special edition of *Star Wars: Master of Evil.*

Star Wars: Master of Evil by Adam Christopher will get not one, but two gorgeous special editions in November.

Inkstone’s edition will be signed with a stunning red lightsaber sprayed edge and red foiling of Darth Vader on the hardcover. Preorder emails are staggered this week. Those who ordered other Inkstone Star Wars books will get to preorder on Sept. 4. Those who subscribe to their newsletter can preorder on Sept. 6, and the general sale opens on Sept. 8.

Goldsboro’s will be signed and numbered with black sprayed edges and a red lightning design on the edges and the hardcover. This edition is available to preorder now.