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Crime Writers for Trans Rights Auction 2025
“The Queen of Wands represents a fiery force. The volcano goddess Pele’s rages can be destructive, but her blessings are just as powerful.”—Yoshi Yoshitani, TAROT OF THE DIVINE
Deck: TAROT OF THE DIVINE: A DECK AND GUIDEBOOK INSPIRED BY DEITIES, FOLKLORE, AND FAIRY TALES FROM AROUND THE WORLD by Yoshi Yoshitani
When I pulled this card a couple of days ago, the first things I saw in it were joy and confidence, two emotions that have been in short supply for me lately. But I welcomed the sentiment and even saw myself in this card. I can be a highly emotional person—dramatic, demanding, and impatient. I can also be tremendously kind, empathetic, passionate, and generous. Those of you who know me are probably nodding your heads. Yes. She is exactly these things.
Most importantly, the card prompted the question: How can I do better at harnessing my negative energy and applying it to something positive?
Today, at least, I have an answer. Bidding began for the epic 2025 Crime Writers for Trans Rights Auction, and I’m thrilled to be able to offer my time, expertise, and money to a cause I feel so strongly about.
I've donated a Beta Read + Critique of your full manuscript (up to 80k words), detailed notes in track changes, and a separate email with general thoughts, followed by a half-hour Zoom call to discuss.
I’ve tried to make this donation as complete as possible. I’ve studied novel structure extensively, so this will be the main focus of my critique, but I also have a good understanding of the ways that character development intersects with structure to achieve a finished novel that readers will love.
I’ve completed beta reads for countless writers, both paid and unpaid. These days, my time is limited, so I reserve the most intensive critiques for auctions like this, when I treat it like a developmental edit and provide all the things a professional editor offers.
You can bid on my Beta Read + Critique here. I look forward to diving into the winning bidder’s manuscript!
More Auction Goodies
Here are some of my favorite offerings in the Crime Writers for Trans Rights Auction. This is not an exhaustive list; browse the auction for all the amazing goodies on offer.
Manuscript Critiques
Manuscript Critique + Blurb Offer by William Kent Krueger
Manuscript Critique by Chantelle Aimée Osman
Manuscript Critique by Lina Chern
Manuscript Critique by Lori Rader-Day
Signed Books
Tomorrow Will Be Different—Autographed book by Congresswoman Sarah McBride
American Death Songs—Autographed book by Jordan Harper
Appearances
Book Club Appearance (Virtual/Live) by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
Book Club Appearance (Virtual) by Deanna Raybourn
Character Names
Character Name in Kellye Garrett’s Next Thriller
Character Name in Megan Abbott’s Next Novel
Conference Registrations
2025 New England Crime Bake
2025 Bouchercon New Orleans Registration
2026 Left Coast Crime San Francisco Registration
Malic Domestic 37 or 38 Comprehensive Registration
2026 Saints & Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival New Orleans
Consults & Advice
Lori Galvin, Lit Agent
Michelle Richter, Lit Agent
Rob Hart, Author of The Warehouse, Assassins Anonymous
Conversation with Curtis Ippolito, Acclaimed author of Bury the Newspaper Man
Fabulous Miscellaney
Pocket Watch Miniature Library
Inspired by YOU! (Murder with Yasmin Angoe)
If you’re like me, wanting to feel useful in a world full of chaos, think about the energy the Queen of Wands represents and how you might be able to harness your negative emotions into more productive things. Anger is a valid emotion—and believe me, I’ve got plenty of it—and anger can fuel bigger and better things. Powerful things. I get it if getting out of bed is about the most you can handle right now, but if you’ve got a little bit of spare energy, think about ways you can use your time and expertise to make a difference, however small.
Holly xx