The basics though? Well, my name is Shauna and I'm a middle-aged Queer writer based in Salt Lake City. In today's day and age, broadcasting where and who I am feels dangerous, but it's also important. The people in power want to erase our existence and something I have never been is quiet (or really all that compliant.)
What do I write? Well, my focus is on Queer Romance set in Salt Lake City. I used to set my stuff in New York and LA, until one day it hit me that no one really knows we have a wonderful Queer community right here in SLC, and we deserve to tell our stories. I've been working, slowly, to pull these novels together and now in 2026, I am starting on a journey that gives me more time to do the thing (tm).
2026 is my freelance writing year! I'm taking to the keyboard full time. Anthologies? Yep. Essays? You betcha. Zines? Got it down. Workshops and proofreading and other nitty-gritty #writerworld stuff? I'm here for it. And this newsletter is the first start.
Once a month, you'll get updates from me on how things are going, info on upcoming workshops, rambles about life, community support during this time we live in, and of course, cat pictures. It's why y'all are really here.
Why Patreon?
Patreon is the best way to throw your support behind this chaos of mine. Three different tiers give you access to different options:
$2.00 a month keeps this writer in coffee. For you, you get access to a community of creative folks, monthly recipes, and early access to (and maybe an additional) newsletter.
$5.00 a month gets you all that plus a digital download of the monthly story or essay.
At $10 a month, you'll get all that plus a physical copy of the zine that includes the monthly story, random stick figure art, and I will write and send a postcard to an elected official of your choice.
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Why Ko-Fi?
If $5.00 a month is something you're interested in offering, but you aren't as worried about regular short stories and cat pictures, it is a fantastic way to subscribe to what's up in writer world.
Ko-fi is also where you can make 1-time donations to help reach goals. My current one is to raise $2,000 to help secure a cover artist for the SLC Queer Series. I have a couple of artists who are ready to help out, but I would love to pay them!
Publicly available short stories and podcast links are available on the Ko-Fi feed, and it is the best place where you can hire me! I am able to help with proofreading, story commissions, workshop assistance, query letter assistance, and more. If you need writing in your life, and need some help putting it together, don't turn to AI. There's folks out here who are there for you!
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Starting off with a hint of the future ...
For my first newsletter, you are getting a short story that I hope will tempt you to future support. Category Ten was originally posted in A Flash of Silver Green: The Nature of Cities, which was an anthology that aspired to future green cities around the globe—cities that are resilient, sustainable, livable, and just. What does this mean? There are many opinions and points of view. You can buy the anthology at the above link, and Category Ten is available to read for free on my Patreon.
This Month's Sponsor?
Mina Cat
This floof monster can often be found sitting on notebooks, looking judgmentally at your work, and demanding pets and cuddles. Her fur can be found in any and all corners of the house.
She respectfully demands that you pledge your support so that she can have more treats.
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