The Sketchbook

Art stuff by Venessa Kelley

[vkelleyart]

WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON: COVER REVEAL

✨WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON✨— Coming MERMay 2025 in the USA and UK!

It’s with immense gratitude (and a racing heart) that I share the cover artwork for my debut historical romantasy, WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON! Links to preorder the novel and add it on Goodreads are now live and linked below, with details about Digital and Printed ARCs coming soon. **Note: If you’re preordering — SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS for the upcoming preorder campaign!**

Add on Goodreads

I can’t overstate how grateful I am to Erewhon Books and Kensington Publishing for the joy of being able to fully illustrate a novel for adult readers! Thank you to my peerless editor Diana Pho and incomparable agent Saritza Hernández for embracing this book’s potential, as well as to the brilliant Cassandra Farin for her artistic oversight on this cover. I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank @argylefetish / @penpanoply and Alicia.MB.art on Instagram for their incredible beta help!

Finally, endless thanks to legendary authors TJ Klune and Freya Marske for their early praise of TIDES. I am undone with gratitude and just so humbled by their enthusiastic support of my work!

More details about the cover art, Benny & Río’s story, and what’s included in the hardcover edition will be coming soon. And in the meantime, I will be PINCHING MYSELF.

Preorder WTTHTM:

When the Tides Held the Moon

With lush illustrations and buoyant prose, Venessa Vida Kelley blends historical fantasy with epic romance at the turn of the 20th century i

[vkelleyart]

ive recently returned to tumblr and saw that you were the one who wrote When the Tides Held the Moon!! a book I've seen recommended and really piqued my interest! we used to be mutuals 6 years ago during my carry on phase and it feels a little insane to me to see you've published a book now! I've had it on my tbr since I discovered it, intrigued by the cover which gave me such a feeling of familiarity (hehe im so happy i figured out WHY!) and today after work I'll FINALLY be able to pick up my copy of your book! can't wait to read it, I'm super excited! I saw there's illustrations in the book too which is so so cool!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend 🫶

This is so genuinely cool! I’m so happy you found the book and it somehow led you back here. 😍 Thank you so much for picking it up and reaching back out—I hope you enjoy the story (and the illustrations)!

[vkelleyart]

I wanted to start by saying your art is incredible and has led me to some of my favourite books. In particular your art for A Lady for A Duke by Alexis Hall not only had me finding one of my favourite books and got me into queer historical romance genre but also allowed me to find one of my go-to authors (the lowest I think I ranked an Alexis Hall book was four stars). When you do an art piece for a book, I think of it as a sign to go out and buy it. Your recommendation beats out anyone else's.

When The Tides Held The Moon was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025, I preordered it months in advance and eagerly waited it's arrival. I was also very hesitant, the more I look forward to a book the more likely I'll be let down.

I should not have feared that, the book was incredible. It was stunning, it was beautiful, it reminded me what a book could be. I fell in love with every character and I didn't want the book to end. Your way with words is just as skilled as your way with art. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece with us.

(Also I enjoyed telling my coworkers that I wanted to go home to read my gay mermaid book, it was quiet funny)

Oh gosh, this made my evening! 🥹 First off, I’m so happy my fanart could help steer you toward worthwhile reads. I feel like I can only take partial credit for that, since much of what I’ve drawn has been the result of recommendations I’ve received from other savvy readers! A Lady For a Duke is among my all-time favorites, and it makes my heart sing whenever I hear that my art of Viola and Gracewood has helped introduce more readers to Alexis Hall’s wonderful books.

Lastly, a million thanks for taking a chance on When the Tides Held the Moon! When it published, I was so scared people would be resistant to my original work if they’d only ever known me as a fan artist, but the reception to this book has far exceeded all my expectations, and I’m just so pleased to hear that you found it a satisfying read!

Thank you so much for sharing these feelings about my work with me. I hope I can continue to draw and write books that resonate with readers like you. 💖🙏🏼

[vkelleyart]

Hello! First of all, I wish you all the happiness in this current chapter of your journey as an artist — you are truly, brilliantly talented.

I first found you on Instagram back when your Carry On illustrations were frequent, and we were both completely in love with the idea of Simon and Baz. Eventually, I moved on — for a few years — but recently I’ve come back to it, and these past few days have felt strange and a little lonely.

I was so surprised when I looked you up and saw that you had also moved on — which, of course, is completely understandable.

What I’m really wondering is: how do you see that chapter of your life now, with the maturity and experience you have today?

Even now, your old illustrations still soothe my heart. Thank you — above all — for that. Wishing you all the best.

Hello, and thanks so much for this incredibly kind message! I’m so touched to hear you followed my work back then and thought to reach back out with this generous appraisal of my creative journey. 🙏🏼

To answer your question, it does feel a little surreal to look back on that chapter of my life; so many things — creatively, personally, and professionally — went through a massive shift in the short years I fell deep into Simon Snow fandom and came back out. Somewhere in there the pandemic began, and like so many others in the pressure cooker of lockdown, I reassessed where I was putting my energy and whether it was finally time to earnestly pursue the dreams I’d put off for “one day.”

And to that end, I’m actually really grateful for the upheaval that reorganized my priorities, even if some of those catalysts were unpleasant. I remain proud that, even though I was creating based on another author’s IP, doing so enabled me to find my artistic “voice” and gain the experience and confidence I needed to transition into original work.

In the end, all of it was worthwhile. All of it mattered. And it was really lovely of you to remind me of that. 💖

[vkelleyart]

I just finished WTTHTM and had to tell you how much I love your writing and art! 🩷 I came to know of you through your RWRB art (so beautiful & love CMQ too!) and am so thankful that we get to experience your work!

I love how compassionate Río is and the culture of the mer you wove into the story. The exploration of one being put in a box by others, and learning to answer “who am I, really, outside of all these voices?” It struck a chord so resonant in me, and I’m sure for many others as well.

What a blessing this book is and I look forward to watching you continue to grow and share your artistry with the world! 🙆🏻‍♀️

P.S. would totally see TZP as Benny or Río if WTTHTM ever becomes a film! (Fingers crossed ahahaha)

Oh gosh, I’m fumbling for words! Thank you so much for reading When the Tides Held the Moon and sharing your feelings about it with me. It means so much to hear that Benny’s arc resonates with others; at a moment when some of the most powerful people in the world want to force the rest of us into the most rigid and oppressive boxes, I wrote Benny and Río’s journey in hopes of reminding myself what’s possible when we find our tribe and bring our actions into alignment with who we truly are and what we deserve. If it can do that for others as well, then all the better! 🥹

Thank you again for all your kind words and support. I also happen to agree that TZP would make an especially good Río! (Did you know Taylor was a nationally ranked swimmer?! 👀)

[authordallassmith]

Happy release day (and belated birthday) to my dear friend @vkelleyart!

I was so happy to be able to get an early release of this book at Awesome Con a few weeks ago. I haven’t had a chance to dive in yet (wordplay intended), but I still wanted to take a moment to share this absolutely gorgeous book on my feed. I mean, just look at all of these wonderful details. This is definitely one of the most unique books on my shelves (and I have a crap load of books, y’all).

Venessa, I am so proud of you. I know how much work you put into the creation of this book. You deserve every bit of success I’m sure will come from these beautiful characters.

[vkelleyart]

😭😭😭 Thank you, Dallas! Your support on this journey has meant so much to me! 💕

(Friends: if you love romance books that amplify queer joy, give Dallas a follow!)

[willowbird]

HOLYSHIT LOOKOT HOW PRETTY

sorry im so tired and desperately needed serotonin and I ordered this to my local bookstore father than I could hit reblog

(literally)

😍😍😍

[vkelleyart]

That is AMAZING, @willowbird! 🥹 Thank you so much for purchasing my book and supporting your local indie bookshop! I hope you enjoy reading it!

[vkelleyart]

I just read When the Tides Held the Moon, and it's so, so good! As well as Benny and Rίo's beautiful romance, I love the close-knit bonds of the Menagerie cast and their distinctive personalities. Matthias might be my favorite, but it's hard to choose.

The physical book is as gorgeous as the prose. I've been a fan of your art for a while (which is how I heard about the book in the first place), and it's a real treat to read an adult novel with the kind of illustrations that are normally limited to children's fiction, not to mention getting to see exactly what you imagined the characters looking like. I'll definitely be reading this one again!

Oh gosh, I’m getting choked up. 🥹 I’m thrilled you enjoyed my book and managed to find favorites among the cast! I have a hard time picking one myself, albeit I also find myself gravitating to Matthias’s witty and wise disposition. (Vera is right up there as well.)

Thank you also for your compliments on the physical book. It took a village to make it, and I’ll never be over the way Erewhon threw their support and resources behind what amounted to an immensely expensive and technically complicated endeavor. To see the whole package so well received has been a joy—and a relief!

Thanks so much again for reading and sharing your feelings about the book with me. I hope the next illustrated historical romantasy I write/draw will be just as satisfying!

[vkelleyart]

Notice anything??

🎉🎉🎉 You’re so kind to send this to me!! I’ve been utterly overwhelmed by the positive response to the book thus far, and so, so grateful. Thank you for sharing this fantastic news!

[justmills]

Mood reading.

Look how beautiful it is! @vkelleyart I'm so excited to start your first novel!!!

[vkelleyart]

What a perfect reading companion! Thank you so much for picking up my book—I hope you enjoy reading it!

[soloragoldsun]

LOOK AT THE PRETTY!!!! I can't wait to start reading this. @vkelleyart, I'm so freaking proud of you!

[vkelleyart]

Ah, you are so kind for preordering the book! Thank you for all the amazing support—I hope you enjoy reading it! 🥹

PS: the MerMay timing for publication was deliberate 💙🧜🏼‍♂️🌊🗽🇵🇷

[namistrella]

Look what I just stumbled across in a local bookstore! Think I scared a few people with my reaction 😄 congrats @vkelleyart !!

The physical book is gorgeous and thick and hefty and I can't wait to read it 💖

[vkelleyart]

Ahh, amazing! Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoy it!

[authordallassmith]

Happy release day (and belated birthday) to my dear friend @vkelleyart!

I was so happy to be able to get an early release of this book at Awesome Con a few weeks ago. I haven’t had a chance to dive in yet (wordplay intended), but I still wanted to take a moment to share this absolutely gorgeous book on my feed. I mean, just look at all of these wonderful details. This is definitely one of the most unique books on my shelves (and I have a crap load of books, y’all).

Venessa, I am so proud of you. I know how much work you put into the creation of this book. You deserve every bit of success I’m sure will come from these beautiful characters.

[vkelleyart]

😭😭😭 Thank you, Dallas! Your support on this journey has meant so much to me! 💕

(Friends: if you love romance books that amplify queer joy, give Dallas a follow!)

[vkelleyart]

Hi!! My job is turning retail books into library books and I got the first copy of When the Tides Held the Moon on my desk today!! It's so beautiful and I can't wait to get my own personal copy 💕 rest assured I processed it with much love and care and now it's off to its library home in Charlotte County, FL 🥰

Oh my gosh, that’s amazing! I’m so pleased to hear that WTTHTM has found a home in a Florida public library (where I hope this queer little romance book about immigrants and outcasts can do some extra good) and so grateful it was processed through your hands! Thank you so much for sharing this with me!

[vkelleyart]

hello! i was wondering if you had any information about when copies will be sent out if we preordered them. in the past i've received notifications that preordered books shipped several days beforehand so that they would arrive on the release date, so i wondered if that would also be the case here? if not, no worries. i love your work :)

Hello! First of all, thank you so much for preordering the book! I’m so happy to hear it!

And to your question! It depends on where you preordered from; if you went through Amazon, it will likely arrive right on the day. Barnes & Noble tends to ship out on publication day, so you may receive it a day or a few days later.

If you preordered from one of the participating indie bookstores, depending on how early you preordered and whether you purchased from Blue Willow Bookshop or Meet Cute Bookshop, you may actually receive it on the day! (We mailed their goodies and signed bookplates out earlier this month.)

Those who ordered signed/personalized books from either Loyalty Books or The Ripped Bodice will likely receive their books just after pub day because I will be signing the stock for Loyalty this Sunday and for The Ripped Bodice right on the 29th. Once I put my signature on the books, they will go out post-haste with all the promised goodies!

I hope that helps, and thank you again for preordering the book. Whenever it arrives, I hope you enjoy it!

[vkelleyart]

🌊🧜🏼‍♂️ONE WEEK UNTIL PUB DAY!🧜🏼‍♂️🌊

In seven days, WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON will be in stores, and to celebrate, I pulled together a playlist of everything I listened to while I was writing the book — plus some tracks that perfectly capture the vibes of my turn-of-the-20th-century Coney Island Mer-mance!

“Side A: Siren Songs” are all the vocal tracks, whereas “Side B: Ocean Instrumentals” is pure orchestral/acoustic/ambient music to melt even a cast-iron heart. ;)

**Full disclosure: if you wind up reading the book while you listen to some of these tunes, you may need an extra box of tissues handy.**

In a little while, I’ll have notes to accompany these songs that will explain how they connect to the book. (Can’t share them yet, though; not without spoiling the story!) Hang tight, and they’ll be along in a few weeks!

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy listening to the playlist linked below!

When the Tides Held the Moon: The Playlist

Playlist · Venessa Scrivano Kelley · 59 items · 47 saves

[vkelleyart]

🎉Meet me on the WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON Book Tour!🎉

So excited for this opportunity to get on the road and be in community with fellow authors and readers this Spring/Summer! I hope you’ll join us at an event where I’ll be signing books and my brilliant conversation partners and I will be chatting about merpeople, history, sideshows and ✨romance✨!

4/29: Brooklyn, NY @ The Ripped Bodice (TICKETED) - 7PM with Casey McQuiston

4/30: Long Island City, NY @ Book Culture LIC - 6PM with Saraciea J. Fennell

5/1: Jersey City, NJ @ WORD Bookstore - 7PM with Caitlin Rozakis

5/2: Collingswood, NJ @ Kiss & Tale Romance Bookshop - 7PM with Xio Axelrod

5/6: Vienna, VA @ Bard’s Alley - 6PM with Chip Pons

5/8: Reston, VA @ Scrawl Books - 7PM Conversation Partner TBD

5/13: Washington, DC @ Loyalty Books -7PM with Timothy Janovsky

5/21: Bethesda, MD @ Wonderland Books - TIME TBD with Roseanne A. Brown

6/9: Takoma, MD @ The People’s Book - 6PM with Becky Albertalli, Charlene Thomas & Lakita Wilson (celebrating AMELIA, IF ONLY)

7/31: Decatur, GA @ Charis Books - TIME TBD with Julian Winters

**More dates and conversation partners will be added** so be sure to turn on notifications, sign up for my newsletter, or keep an eye on my events page. All ticketing and RSVP links are here:

http://www.venessakelley.com/events

Thank you so much to my wonderful bookstore hosts and my incredible tour partners for generously giving their time and talent to be in conversation with me about my book. (I will have zero chill in your presence.)

Hope to see you on the road soon!

[vkelleyart]

😱TWO WEEKS UNTIL PUB DAY!😱

To celebrate this little milestone, I thought it might be fun to share the assets I created for the pitch proposal of WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON before it went out on submission. As those who have been following along for a while know, being the illustrator for this story wasn’t always a given, but my wise agent Saritza Hernández encouraged me to prepare some sketches that would help convince prospective publishers that an illustrated novel was a risk worth taking — and I’m so glad I did!

I had about a week or so to pull the art together which is why they’re a bit rough, and as those who have held the physical ARC can attest to, we made different decisions about the artistic treatment of the interiors that better served the look and feel we were going for. That said, even after all this time, I enjoy looking at these as a reminder that some risks are worth taking. You just never know what’s possible!

I’ll always be grateful to Diana Pho, Erewhon Books & Kensington Books for taking a chance on a fully illustrated queer historical romantasy. I hope you’ll take a chance on it too when it releases in two weeks!

[vkelleyart]

Forgot to link to the book 😅! Visit the page below for the book summary and preorder campaign:

When the Tides Held the Moon is an adult historical fantasy written and illustrated by Venessa Vida Kelley.