Mosaic Threads of Novel Escapes

Photos by Ileah Lutz of Propel the Moon Photography

I love many things about fantasy films—the dazzling costumes, otherworldly beauty, and pristine nature. Tall trees and mountains that disappear above ocean mist. There’s a stark contrast between fairy-tale forests and the dusty arroyos and grassy plains of my eastern New Mexico hometown. However, one state further west looks the very picture of fantasy fiction. When I think of Oregon and its verdigris trails of moss, it overtakes every stone and rooted path in my mind. Just the very thought of its rainy days gives me a sense of melancholic longing. Then recently, I received an invitation to meet with creatures who dance in moonbeams and run with wolves. It was a chance to join a heavenly host of adventurers whose odyssey began in the pages of tomes.

Novel Escapes is an event-production company in Portland that creates bookish escapes for curious daydreamers and draws vivacious readers to their productions like a moth to a flame. This fall, I will be an honored guest.

Anastasia P. founded Novel Escapes in 2024 to create high-quality, whimsical events that reflected her love for books as well as her community. She partnered with author A.B. Daniels-Annachi, who shared her passion for literature and offered his experience with publishing and organizing. The team also includes newcomers Ashley B. and Bri H., who create community engagement opportunities like Discord role-playing and social media activations.

The beckoning light that Novel Escapes cultivates is reflected in the faces of the people who attend each event. “I really think that there’s something about making space for diverse voices, for hiring a diverse cast,” Daniels-Annachi says when discussing what makes their work so special. Safe spaces are defined as environments that protect against harassment, discrimination, criticism, and other emotional harm. It is this very promise of comfort and security that draws in guests from all walks of life. Like delicate threads woven together, each storytelling guest becomes part of a rich tapestry and binds their unique experiences. When somebody attends one of the events, “they’re going to see that we’re really putting effort into making sure everyone feels represented,” Anastasia emphasizes. As a plus-size woman myself, I was delighted to see a variety of body sizes, skin colors, and talents included in their cast of goddesses and gods for their Pomegranates and Styx event last winter.

Because there truly is immense wonder in the rain-soaked forests of Oregon, there are animal familiars who contribute to the delicate fibers that Novel Escapes creates. Saaya and Echo are two wolfdogs known as Of Wolf and Shadow on Instagram. Their handler and photographer Jade found an opportunity to introduce fantasy lovers to wolfdogs and the challenges their wolf ancestors currently face. Anastasia recalls Jade saying, “I see so many people who would take a photo with a wolf or read a story about a wolf but have no clue about any of the environmental stuff or know that wolves need saving.” Through each photo, the subjects and curious observers become just a little more informed about the conservation of wolf territory and the forest sentinels themselves.

It’s safe to say I accepted Anastasia and Daniels-Annachi’s invitation and was honored to experience their work firsthand through our collaboration last spring for Black Fae Day, a celebration of Black fantasy enthusiasts and culture. The craft of bringing fantasy to this mundane life sometimes requires balancing advocacy with respite. And no doubt, much sacrifice is required. But as delicate as the result may be, the experience Novel Escapes creates leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all their patrons.

If you’d like to experience the magic for yourself, their next seasonal event is Faerie Revelry—A Bookish Retreat. Experience a cozy weekend getaway with role-playing, meals prepared by an award-winning chef, book talks with vending fantasy authors, and the wilderness of Brasada Ranch, August 22 to 24. Visit their website for more information: novelescapesllc.com/faerie-revelry.

Visit Jasmine La Fleur online at blackfaeday.com. You can hear more about Novel Escapes and other magical guests on her podcast, Faebies and Friends, available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, iHeart, and Spotify.