Wanted to drop a quick note that I’m extending my social media sabbatical through August 31, 2017. I may be online and checking in during conventions, and will post announcements and updates here as well.

I realize this sabbatical is far longer than I anticipated, and I miss touching base with many of you. Due to a number of unforeseen circumstances, I feel like I’ve fallen behind on my personal and professional goals. Experience has taught me that a tight focus is the best way to both enjoy my summer and accomplish what I need to.

I’ve taken long sabbaticals in the past, and they’ve often generated a ton of questions. I’ll do my best to answer them here:

Q: Are you available for interviews?
A: I am, and the best way to get a hold of me is via my contact page. My average response time will vary depending upon travel.

Q: Where can I find your books? Games?
A: You can visit Amazon Author Central, DriveThruRPG.com, Barnes and Noble, or DriveThruFiction.com to find some of the books and games I’ve contributed to. Or, you can visit your nearest bookstore or friendly local game store to find and request titles as well.

Q: Can I hire you?
A: Right now I am open to new opportunities; please don’t assume that I’m not interested because I’m not online. My availability tends to vary due to the nature of my work. The best thing to do is contact me, and I can see how new projects might fit into my schedule.

Q: Does this mean you’re not okay?
A: No, not at all! I realize that for some people being online is a way of life. Right now, I want to focus on my work and attend to some languishing personal projects. To do that, it’s best if I go underground and limit distractions. If you’re interested in the positive effect this can have on your psyche, check out the posts I wrote when I took 100 days off of social media. This sabbatical won’t be as strict as what I did back in 2011, but it definitely means I won’t be around much until the fall.

Q: What’s the best way to stay up-to-date?
A: My newsletter, which will be e-mailed to you every Thursday morning, will compile all the posts from the week for you. Plus, I’ve been adding special messages to subscribers every week as well. I’ve also started to focus on what I can do for my readers, which is on my massive to-do list! So, if you’re the least bit interested in me or my work, you’ll want to sign up for Monica Valentinelli’s newsletter. As I start crossing off items and launching projects, you’ll be the first to know!

Hope you have an amazing, sunny, and stress-free summer! On to mine for words, words, woooooorrrrrrddddddssssss!