Romancing the Words

Feberrruary Author Newsletter

It was a wild February in my part of the woods. Between snowy mornings, sunny days, abandoned autumn leaves, and my neighbor’s premature daffodils (plastic or witchcraft?), I enjoyed all the seasons.

Best of all, it was my first season of publication news. I received three emails in February that made my heart sing… and helped me be slightly less terrified of my inbox.

“A Kiss of Saltwater and Ash,” my fantasy meet-cute short story featuring forbidden love, sacrifice, and the powerful attraction of opposing forces, was accepted for publication in Micromance’s Saltwater and Ash anthology.

“The Tulip Thief,” my contemporary meet-cute short story with mystery undertones, was accepted for publication in the 2026 Spring KissMet Quarterly.

Finally, a fun experiment with writing gone right, I attempted my first drabble. And it was accepted! Micromance wants “The Last Cookie,” a 100-word story that was inspired by my husband and is set to be published in May.

I have author credits! That was a major 2026 goal for me and a huge milestone toward publishing my psychological dystopian romance novel.

On that note, short stories weren’t the only writing adventure to receive my attention. I also remastered my book baby’s blurb and updated my query letter with those delicious author credits.

My quills are prattling the writer war drum. It’s time to jump into the querying trenches for Wave 2.

Wish me luck!

~Zsaffryn

*Photo taken by me, featuring my grinning writing buddy