End of the Month Chaos – May Edition

The Month That Looked at April and Whispered, “You thought that was busy?”

May didn’t arrive so much as it materialized, already mid‑sentence, holding a clipboard, a half‑finished latte, and a list of things I apparently agreed to do. It came in hot, loud, and determined, which, at this point, feels like the standard operating procedure for 2026.

This month was a blur of Inklight prep, author wrangling, publishing deadlines, and the kind of last‑minute frenzy that only happens when an event is close enough to smell but still far enough away to cause panic. Schedules shifted, confirmations rolled in, and my inbox developed a personality I don’t care for. We’re officially in the “controlled chaos” phase of festival planning. Heavy on the chaos, light on the control.

And somewhere in the middle of all that, I wrote a book. Yes. A whole book.

404: Apocalypse Not Found sprinted out of my brain in under a month like it had somewhere else to be. It’s now up for preorder everywhere, which feels surreal considering I’m still not entirely sure how it happened. One moment I was joking about an idea, and the next I was staring at a completed manuscript wondering if I needed a nap, a medal, or an intervention. Early readers are already excited to help promote it, and the feedback has been suspiciously positive. I’m choosing to accept this without questioning the universe’s motives.

On the IUPH front, May was a steady hum of activity, new books moving through the pipeline, authors polishing their projects, materials being updated, and the usual behind‑the‑scenes mayhem that keeps the house alive and thriving. We’ve been refining immersive book experiences, prepping June launches, updating press releases, and juggling all the tiny, invisible tasks that make a publishing house run. No names, of course. We protect the chaotic.

I’ve been welcoming awardees to the Inklight Festival, prepping with my fellow hosts, and giggling with the authors in my house who are planning to attend. One of the best parts of these events isn’t just the awards — well, okay, the awards are great — but it’s also the chance to meet or reconnect with the people who make this community thrive. That includes not only our authors but also the incredible supporters, collaborators, and behind‑the‑scenes champions who keep the creative gears turning. Seeing everyone come together in person after months of emails and planning is its own kind of magic.

My Thursday writing ritual survived another month, barely, despite the universe throwing wrenches, cats, and the occasional tech gremlin at me. Words were written. Stories moved forward. Effort was made, and that counts.

May was messy.

May was loud.

May was productive in the most unhinged way possible.

And June?

June is already peeking around the corner with that “I have plans” expression.

The chaos continues.

But so do I.