Your hold is ready! (3. 27. 26)

Author

Cavar S
March 27, 2026

Hi everyone. I can’t believe March is almost over already!

I’ve had a big month. Differential Diagnosis is officially out in the world, and I welcomed its arrival at AWP with readings, meetings, sales, and so much fun. This was my first time on panels at AWP –– chairing one, being a panelist on the other. The former, which I chaired, was Trans Horror, a follow-up to our wildly successful offsite event last year. This panel was equally successful (room at capacity!) and I got to interact with so many cool trans speculative writers. As a panelist at Sinister Wisdom’s 50th anniversary panel, I also had an amazing time, especially because I got to talk about the issue of the journal that I edited, Mad Dykes, Queer Worlds.

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In terms of my own books: I actually sold out of all the copies of Differential Diagnosis and Failure to Comply that I brought with me, which was a very pleasant surprise! I think this was the most fun I’ve had at any conference I’ve been to, not least because it took place in Baltimore, my favorite u.s. city. Between conference activities, I spent time with my bestie, enjoyed local restaurants, and, of course, got a good bit of reading done. The recommended (5 star) books section for this month is longer than usual!

After a brief break mid-month, I was back to traveling, and only arrived home from my latest trip the other day. This time, I went to see internet friends in NYC and Syracuse, before hitting Toronto for Differential Diagnosis’s official launch. Another Story books, and my interlocutor, Twoey Gray, welcomed me with open arms. I had a blast. Touring, reading, and answering questions feels so much more comfortable this time around: with Failure to Comply, I didn’t know at all what to expect. Now, I can settle quickly into a rhythm, both because I know how readings go and because more people know the architecture of my work. That familiarity is a big relief.

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The tour situation is only just beginning, and I have a bunch more “stops” scattered throughout the spring and summer. Next up, on April 8, a virtual, free event with the Northwestern Women’s Center. Shortly thereafter, on April 10, I read in-person with Evelyn Berry, a poet I adore (and who is quoted in one of Differential Diagnosis’s epigraphs) at Queer Haven Books. Then, on 4/21 at 6:30pm, I’ll be reading at Amherst Books in Amherst, MA, with Niamh Timmons. I’ve got a big month ahead of me, and I’m really excited!

Housekeeping:

If you want to read about transMad queercrip nonsense as aesthetic and praxis and haven’t ordered a copy yet, check out Differential Diagnosis, which is now available on Northwestern University Press’s website and on Bookshop (or, in Canada, at the above Another Story link!) Be sure to request it from your favorite indie bookstore, add it on Goodreads and Storygraph, and email me if you’re interested in a review copy.

Also: manywor(l)ds is open for submissions through 4/30!

Now, onto the recommendations.

Today’s Recs:

Books:

Listening:

Watching:

Poetry & Prose & In-Between (+ a Zine!):

Essays and Articles:

My Recent Work: