May 2026: When it rains it shits, story updates, novella updates

Oof. Ouch. Salutations friends. Welcome back or welcome here.

I'm Xochilt Avila, an indie author of speculative fiction and non-fiction. As said in my last newsletter, life has been strange and challenging since the beginning of the year. And while things have gotten better I'm still getting back in the swing of writing consistently.

Also other life stuff is happening and it's just, how do you say... a lot. We had a sump pump failure this past weekend and it completely drenched our basement. Thanking past me for starting therapy a few months ago, because it has been very useful for emotional management.

But I'm still here! I'm still working! And I'm so grateful that you're reading this. I have a couple very short updates.

I have the absolute privilege of being published by Cursed Morsels again! My short story "A Growth Mindset" is featured in their latest zine bundle. I highly encourage you to check it out here.

I really love the work that Cursed Morsels puts out - I've been reading their publications far longer than I've been a part of them, so I can earnestly say they produce top-notch horror. They are proudly anti-fascist, anti-capitalist, and pro-queer. If you're looking to support a great publisher, hit them up.

I can't share too much about Mariposa yet, but I can confirm we're still aiming for February 2027 for publication, and work is steadily happening. There's a lot I'm really, truly excited to share with you, and trust I will do so as soon as I am able.

This newsletter may continue to be more sporadic as I get back in the grove of writing. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing, as I've never sought to write newsletter excessively. But know I'm keeping busy, even when I'm less plugged in.

Take care of yourself, friend!