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WHAT’S NEW
FEATURED NEW RELEASE
LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS
Release Date: June 1, 2026
Forbidden: Book Two in the Jara Quinn Series by Lee Sato
In the quiet towns of Connecticut, a nightmare thought long-buried returned. Although the original case was closed and justice served, new victims turned up, bearing the same brutal signature. Recently reinstated, Special Agent Jara Quinn and her partner Travis O’Ryan join a task force with Detective Tess Goodwin from the Connecticut State Police and seasoned detective Noel Gregory from the New York City Police Department. A chilling discovery suggests the killer has operated for far longer and across more locations than anyone realized. The investigation draws them all into a deadly game where fear is the weapon and trust is fragile. When the darkness touches those closest to them, the line between the hunter and the hunted blurs. As the pieces fall into place, SA Quinn forms a desperate plan, risking everything to stop the terror before it claims another victim. In Forbidden, every scent tells a story, every family hides a secret, and justice may come from the most unexpected place.
Congratulations to Judy M. Kerr, 2026 Goldie Finalist in the Mystery/Thriller/Crime category for Postmarked Castle Cove, Book 3 in the MC McCall series
Watch SL Kassidy and KL Mitchell read from their new releases.
Once Within a Dream by SL Kassidy
Scallywag by KL Mitchell
It's On!!
End of Year 25% Off Sale
The ninth annual Smashwords End of Year Sale is now underway!
This means it's time to start celebrating great deals on books you’ve been waiting all year to read!
WHAT TO KNOW
This month’s Live Author Readings and Q & A feature Desert Palm Press debut author Dee Rismiller and Launchpoint Press debut author Rashah Salun.
Jodi Zerambi (aka Jazzy Mitchell, author), publisher for Desert Palm Press and Launchpoint Press moderates the discussion.
Why Attend?
Connect with lesbian fiction (LesFic) authors, editors, publishers, and readers in a supportive, safe, and intimate space
Participate in master classes, panel discussions, workshops, and author chats
Sell your books at the on-site bookstore
All-inclusive experience: meals, drinks, and snacks provided (for All-Access Pass holders)
A relaxed schedule so you can sleep in, network, and enjoy beautiful surroundings
Open to everyone — whether you’re established, emerging, or just passionate about lesbian literature
Highlights
Casual, retreat-style atmosphere — not a stiff conference
Deep engagement opportunities with industry professionals
Insightful, actionable sessions tailored to LesFic
Time and space to rest, reflect, and build community
Who Should Come?
LesFic writers, editors, publishers
Aspiring authors and seasoned pros alike
Readers who love lesbian literature and want to meet creators
Anyone who wants to uplift and be inspired in lesbian literary spaces
Registration & More Info
Visit lclcretreat.com to:
View the full schedule and authors attending
Complete registration and submit your panel proposals
See hotel / travel details and conference logistics
Learn about sponsorship, vendor, and donation opportunities
Welcome to Episode 3 of 2 Chicks Talk Writing – your go-to podcast for writing tips, publishing advice, and all things lesbian fiction! 🎉
This week, Isabella and new co-host Jazzy Mitchell roll up their sleeves and dive into the world of publishing. With years of experience as both authors and publishers—Isabella with Sapphire Books and Jazzy with Launch Point Press—the Chicks share insights into what it's really like to work with authors and bring lesbian stories to life.
From manuscript submission to book launch, we're talking transparency, collaboration, and what makes an author–publisher relationship succeed. Whether you're an emerging writer, a published author, or a devoted reader of lesbian fiction, this episode gives you a rare peek behind the publishing curtain.
📚 Learn more:
🌐 Sapphire Books: https://www.sapphirebooks.com
🌐 Launch Point Press: https://www.launchpointpress.com
In Episode 2 of 2 Chicks Talk Writing, new co-host Jazzy Mitchell opens up about her unexpected journey from writing fanfiction to becoming a published author and publisher at Launch Point Press.
THIS MONTH’S AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Sara Jacklin Biography
Brisbane-born creative, Sarah Jacklin, is a teacher, editor, and entertainer. A QUT Creative Writing graduate and educator by trade, she is a deep lover of history and fantasy, you’ll just as soon find her out larping on the weekends as griping about historical accuracy in the latest costume drama. She has worked as a free-lance editor with IFWG Publishing and a variety of Brisbane marketing companies. Additionally, she works as a voice actor for audio dramas and video games.
My Favorite Book
Monster Blood Tattoo by D.M. Cornish
My Favorite Lesbian Fiction Book:
The Locked Tomb Series by Tamsyn Muir
Connect with Sarah
Phoebe Rose Biography
Phoebe Rose is a queer, trans entertainer and artist. With a history in theatre and circus, as an actor, a clown, a firetwirler and a backstage worker, and a passion for helping others tell their stories, Phoebe spends much of her time facilitating role-playing games for players all around the world.
My Favorite Book
The Redemption of Althalus by David Eddings and Leigh Eddings
My Favorite Lesbian Fiction Book:
The Locked Tomb Series by Tamsyn Muir
Connect with Phoebe
AUTHORS LOVED BY READERS
“A fun LGBTQ fantasy. From our world to the faerie world, this book doesn’t disapoint. I enjoyed the sweetness of the married couple (and their finding of cryptic invitations to a place called the Hercynian Forest) and the humor scattered throughout. Oh yes, and the elves. who doesn’t love elves? I highly recommend this one and look forward to delving into the next! 5.0 out of 5 stars Tammy S. Bird
“More mystical magical drama, fun and so many shenanigans! No spoilers, but be prepared to stay on the edge of your seat! More! 5.0 out of 5 stars Kindle Customer
Biography
Reba Birmingham, born June 27, 1958, is an American fiction writer and attorney. She is best known for her Hercynian Forest Series, which intersects a modern lesbian couple in Merryville, California, with a parallel world of magic in the Black Forest. Book one is Floodlight, Book two, Words on a Plate, and Book three, The Wolf You Feed.
#HercynianForest, #MagicIsReal
Connect with Reba
“Poetry for everyone–even those who don’t read poetry. … I found this collection hard to put down. De Helen’s poems refuse to obey the rules or use their inside voices. By turns pointed, acerbic, poignant, angry, and pensive, the author’s poetic voice is always strong and palpable. There is something for anyone who is engaged in the people’s struggle here, and for everyone who has ever suffered or celebrated the paradoxical ironies of life, which is to say, everyone who is paying attention. Sandra de Helen and her poetry are a force to be reckoned with. 5.0 out of 5 stars Review by Sandra Anfang
Biography
Sandra is primarily a playwright and poet. Her five poetry collections from LPP, Desire Returns for a Visit, Lesbian Humor is Not an Oxmoron, Poetry for the People, The World's A Stage, and I Eat My Words are available now. Having written well over 1,200 poems, she may produce a great many more collections. Between 1976 and 2020, Sandra penned 26 full-length plays, seven one-acts, one opera, and 33 ten-minute plays. She's also written a multitude of short stories, articles, essays, two mystery novels, and a thriller. After a five-year stint in California, Sandra returned to Portland in fall 2021 and lives with her daughter and two curious cats.
“Intriguing New Mystery One of the things I noticed right away about No Thru Road is that I kept turning the pages. I was involved from the beginning. There are lots of books to choose from, and, as an avid reader, I want to be connected from the start. I was. The characters were variously intriguing and compelling. I cared about what happened to them. I would like to know more about the aunt—some nuggets given but more to know. Perhaps in the next book? The possible solutions were clearly explored, keeping my attention. The author’s sprinkling of humor throughout was a plus, a conduit to so much that might otherwise have been unknown. Congratulations to Linda Vogt—well done! 5.0 out of 5 stars Gail
Biography
Linda is a big fan of reading and writing crime fiction. She's a world traveler and camping enthusiast. She plays guitar and ukulele and has produced concerts for local women's bands like Motherlode for nearly four decades. Her first novel, No Thru Road, was reissued by LPP in August 2017. She is currently penning the second book in that series. Linda worked as a Clackamas Community College journalism instructor for over two decades, and a Linda Vogt Journalism Internship Scholarship was named in her honor in 2020. Linda lives just outside Portland, Oregon, with her intrepid dog, Scout, who is also a world traveler, camping enthusiast, and expert parachutist.
Connect with Linda
” Set against the brutal, yet breathtaking, backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, Summit’s Shadow blends themes of survival, female friendship, and self-discovery into a story that leaps off the page. Add in a dose of spooky lore, and you have a tale that both warms the heart and chills the bones, keeping readers gripped until the very end.
-Katie Collom
Biography
Heather Werner is a novelist and adventure writer. Whether she’s scaling the Seven Summits, bicycling across continents, or giving a world-record haircut on the slopes of Mount Everest, she loves to find the small, intimate stories woven into the journey. Heather is a contributing writer for Weekend Sherpa and Trail Sisters, and although she currently lives in sunny Silicon Valley, her heart will always belong to the woods of New England.
Connect with Heather
“Fantastic historical love story It is wonderful to see such a touching love story of strong women (and supporting men) set in this period peice…. loved it 5.0 out of 5 stars Kari Escobedo
“In tristen Zeiten eine Aufmunterung Stilistisch sehr gut verfasst, angenehm zu lesen. Ab und an war mir die HeileWeltErzählung etwas zu viel, aber diese liebenswerten Personen haben mir über die kleinen Tiefs beim Lesen geholfen (sehr wenige, sehr kleine Tiefs), da änderten auch die eingestreuten Schicksalsschläge nichts- es blieb bei heiler Welt. Und diese ist ein toller Kontrast zu dem, was wir gerade in Realität vorfinden, so dass das Herz sich endlich einmal erholen konnte, vielen Dank dafür. 5.0 out of 5 stars jelängerjeälter