I just returned from Seattle. While I was there for WorldCon, I met a lot great people, did a little sightseeing , and had some very tasty meals.

Of the many things I got to do at the con, I was part of a few panels. They all ended up being quite good, but Writing as an Act of Resistance was one that still left me mulling over the ways writing and making art is still very good way to resist.

Art inspires, art provokes, and art helps us envision a reality that is not so distant. This is especially true in areas of fantasy, science fiction, and speculative fiction where what ifs can reimagine the past, present, and future. So I’ve been thinking lately about what I can do both as individual and as part of group in these interesting times.

Past

When I was promoting my first book, The Conductors. I did it in the shadow of the Summer 2020, a summer sparked by George Floyd’s murder and BLM protests as well open conversation about cops, policing, and the depiction of cops in media. One things I noticed as I write and consume mysteries is the presence of cops in these stories and the roles they play. I reflected on all of this in more in an article for CrimeReads. Over the years I have really interesting responses to this pieces plus a rather thoughtful conversations about it on the Shedunnit podcast.

Present

I recently read We Refuse by Kellie Carter Jackson. I picked this up drawn in by the provocative cover that emphasizes the long history of Black Resistance. The book breaks down this history in sections: Revolution, Protection, Fight, Flight, and Joy.

The book has many illuminating insights, there was two big takeaways I took.

First the section on protection, which spoke about the ways Black folks sought protection from violence either through education or social standing. While these aspects show up in my books too, I realized with a start I showed protection in another way, through magic. Protective spells, wards, spells of warning, are some of the most used magic by the main characters. Looking back it’s interesting to me how I subconsciously added this area of resistance in my story.

The second most poignant point, is the coda at the end, in which the author related that lifeguards are instructed to not rescue a drowning person who is violently flailing about in the water, since doing so would risk their own life. The lifeguards are told to let them drown.

The author ties this sentiment to reaching out to educate or assist those who stubbornly cling to racist or intolerant beliefs despite the harm holding such beliefs cause them. To let them drown means realizing that some people are beyond saving, and that activists need to look after ourselves first before expending energy and time on people who will only harm you instead.

The statement, let them drown is powerful to me, as it’s always been my instinct to educate, when perhaps my time is spent in showing up where my help will be needed the most instead.

Some Actions That Are Not Protesting or Voting

Note: I did not put together this list. I found this resource and wanted to share with others who may find it useful. I have shared a few sections, but there are still plenty more suggestions on the original list.

Future?

Not too long ago I wrote alt-history fiction story mainly as an experiment. I remembered reading that Abraham Lincoln had a different VP in his first term, Hannibal Hamlin who missed becoming president by a manner weeks. From from what I read of him he probably would have better supported Reconstruction efforts, which sparked the story.

In this alternative world, I imagined the US with a steampunk flair featuring airships, automatons, rather progressive politics for the 1910s, and more. I made several alternative maps for the world, including one of D.C. which was one of the main settings. For this story, D.C. gained statehood and that the federal district was carved out as it’s own thing.

Being from Virginia, I knew off hand a few reasons why D.C. still isn’t a state despite it being far more populous than Vermont and Wyoming. The research I dove into explained the historical reasons in far more detail (although like most things in the US it boils does to racism being the chief reason). However until I wrote my story I hadn’t truly imagined what it would be like if statehood occurred.

With recent news, about National Guard deployment and the federal government taking advantage of D.C.’s unusual status to bully and threaten the city and its people, I’m even more of am advocate for statehood. Mainly because when D.C. gains statehood it’ll be part of a radical change that has swept over the country. A dream perhaps, but most dreams aren’t always out of reach.

Until then I continue to write and tell stories that reach across time and show what can be possible.

The Starseekers

Head to the 1960s for a Hidden Figures meets Indiana Jones historical fantasy. Cynthia Rhodes is a arcane engineer at NASA, who also co-hosts a magical education show with archaeologist Theo Danner. A series of strange accidents at NASA, and elsewhere, put them on the trail of a mystery that entangles them in both peril and murder most foul.

Arriving 1/6/26

Harper Voyager * Barnes & Noble * Bookshop

Amazon * Kobo

Don’t forget to request at your local library!

• WordPress
• Bluesky
• Threads
• Instagram
• Link