Happy Pride…we’re still celebrating!
“To be brave costs something. We must all make our compromises in life.” Zora Neale Hurston
Hello Good People!
We’re always trying to find the right balance of acknowledging the freedom fighters and their protests that led to change, resisting harm the current U. S. administration is inflicting on its citizens, and looking forward to celebrating a hopeful future (because opportunities to “right the ship” abound). We understand the range of emotions and we encourage you to reflect and revel however you choose this month. We’re seasoned enough to remember the before times…before folks evolved, before corporate entities latched onto the LGBTQIA community’s green dollars, before we could receive the thousands of statuary benefits, rights, and privileges derived from a marriage certificate. We are heartened by Frederick Douglass’ resonate words, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress” and…
“Power concedes nothing without demand.”
Come say “Hello!”
Welcome to our newest friends who’ve joined us in recent weeks—you’re just in time to celebrate summer with us. We’ll be in the streets quite a bit…
Upcoming Events
Pride LitCon—ACCA Shriner’s Center, Richmond, VA, June 13
Juneteenth Celebration Benjamin Banneker Museum— Catonsville, MD, June 19
Capital Pride Celebration with SapphicLit Pop-Up—Washington, D.C., June 21
Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS) Annual Conference— Orlando, FL August 5-8
Indies & Bookworms Book Fair—Baltimore, MD, August 15
Information about all events may be found on our events page.
Speaking of the streets.
May 2026 was BUSY! We crisscrossed Maryland for multiple events—an author talk with our friends at Charm City Books, a writers forum, festivals—and we did yoga at Diddly Squat Farming with Gifts from Nature | Healing with Tiera, celebrated friends’ promotions and graduations, and tended to our own gardens. If you’re following us on Facebook or IG, you may have seen related posts or reels. If you aren’t, what are you even doing with your life (we’re kidding)…but seriously, please give us a follow.
An appeal.
Did you know that several National Public Radio (NPR) shows end with an appeal, not for cash, but with the phrase, “We’d appreciate a 5-star review?” We’ve had the privilege of chatting with folks at events and many have shared they enjoyed THIS: A Simple, Complex Love Story or Why Not Us? So, we’re taking a cue from NPR and asking you to consider leaving a review of the books you’ve read and enjoyed. As the saying goes, it really does help more people find our work.
Review THIS: A Simple, Complex Love Story on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
Review Why Not Us? on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
Until next time, be well!
Naomi + Rivers
