Weekly Roundup Archives - Roger Hyttinen Author

Weekly Roundup for Dec 12, 2025

By Roger Hyttinen / December 13, 2025

This week’s roundup is short and sweet, because honestly? I’ve got one big piece of news and it’s kind of a big deal (at least around here).

Book Two in the Lucien Knight series is officially up for preorder.

Yep—Lucien is back.

The second book will be available on Kindle Unlimited around January 5th or 6th, so if you’re a KU reader, you’ll be able to dive in as part of your subscription. And if you’re not on Kindle Unlimited, no worries at all—you can still grab a copy directly from Amazon like usual.

This one goes deeper into Lucien’s world, turns up the tension, and lets a few long-simmering threads start to snap into place. If you enjoyed the first book, this is where things really start to get interesting. The cover and a blurb for the book are below. If you’d like, you can preorder the book HERE If you haven’t yet read the first book in the series, you can do so HERE.

Spectral Symphony Blurb:

A melody that shouldn’t exist. A ghost who won’t stop playing. And a detective who knows some music can kill.

Lucien Knight didn’t come to New York to chase ghosts. Once branded London’s notorious Paranormal Detective, he crossed the Atlantic determined to leave the supernatural behind and make a clean living solving ordinary crimes. But when a terrified stranger delivers a scrap of impossible sheet music in the dead of night—and vanishes—Lucien’s fragile peace shatters.

Soon, the dead are making themselves heard. A deceased pianist plays endlessly from beyond the grave. A single violin note echoes where no musician stands. And the prestigious Carnegie Grand Opera House is plagued by “unusual happenings” it can no longer ignore—just as a celebrated maestro disappears without a trace.

The cryptic composition haunting Lucien’s desk is no ordinary score. Its notes twist into something dangerous, its symbols whispering of secrets buried deep within the world of classical music. As Lucien digs deeper, he uncovers a symphony of obsession, ambition, and murder—one that threatens not only his reputation and livelihood, but the man he loves.

Because some melodies linger long after death.
And some were never meant to be played.

Spectral Symphony is a dark, stylish paranormal noir where ghosts haunt opera houses, music becomes a weapon, and one reluctant detective must decide how far he’s willing to go when the dead refuse to stay silent.

That’s my big news for the week. No dramatic cliffhangers, no mysterious hints—just a solid, exciting milestone I’ve been itching to share.

As always, thank you for reading, supporting, and hanging out in my little noir corner of the internet. Now on to the roundup!

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

Entropy lurks everywhere—even your filing cabinet. This article outlines 5 crucial rules for writers, focusing on file management, backups, and organization to safeguard your life’s work (and your peace of mind). Read the essential tips: https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/12/5-rules-to-keep-writers-sane-on-their-creative-journey/

Huge congrats to Invisible Boys for scoring TWO AACTA nominations—Best Miniseries & Best Editing! Such a powerful story deserves the shine. https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/invisible-boys-scores-impressive-double-accta-nominations/239936

Just read this fun take on how public libraries are quietly becoming the new Blockbuster—only without late fees. From DVD and Blu-ray revivals to nostalgia-driven “BerkBuster” rooms, folks are fleeing algorithm-driven streaming chaos and rediscovering the joy of browsing the stacks. A charming reminder that libraries still evolve, adapt, and surprise us.

Swap beaches for snow! Japan’s sweetest queer dating show The Boyfriend returns for Season 2 in snowy Hokkaido! Ten new guys, a wintry Green Room, and stories of love & growth. Romance, vulnerability, and slow-burn connections await. https://gayety.com/the-boyfriend-season-2

@KristenArnett is back with “Am I the Literary Asshole?” to tackle the pain of being excluded from the “popular kids’ table”—plus, advice on dealing with publishing scammers and the fear of writing a book too similar to a literary giant’s. https://lithub.com/my-friends-wont-let-me-into-their-writers-group-am-i-the-literary-asshole/

Even without explicit LGBTQ content, Bryan Fuller says Dust Bunny will hit queer audiences in the feels—childhood fear, isolation, and self-championing. It may not shout queer themes—but it speaks to anyone who felt scared as a kid and learned to be their own hero. https://gayety.com/bryan-fuller-dust-bunny-queer-audiences-director-interview

Who knew editing could feel like holiday decorating? Grab some scissors, hang some sparkle, and make your story shine. https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/12/deck-the-draft-make-your-story-sparkle/

What if you could just talk your novel into existence? Dictation might be the cheat code. A freeing new way to draft—especially when the words won’t stay put. https://diymfa.com/writing/trying-out-a-new-technique-dictation/

Season 2 of Heated Rivalry is turning up the heat! 🔥 Expect more rivalries, more drama, more messy romance, more heat and even bigger emotions. https://gayety.com/heated-rivalry-season-2

Killer plot, great cover… terrible title. 😬 A title isn’t just a label—it’s your first sales pitch. Don’t let a bad name kill your sales. Learn what to avoid. https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/12/naming-your-book-avoiding-title-mistakes-that-kill-sales/

From Kelly Clarkson’s journey to a new Hallmark reality show! Inspired by Kelly Clarkson’s “American Idol” journey, Jonathan Bennett is searching for the next Mr. Christmas. https://greginhollywood.com/kelly-clarkson-inspired-jonathan-bennetts-hallmark-christmas-movie-star-search-248730

Attention bookworms! Queerty teamed up with Allstora to launch The Queerty Book Club — monthly queer-focused picks, perks, and a new community to geek out with. https://www.queerty.com/can-we-have-your-attention-announcing-the-queerty-book-club-20251111/

If you’ve ever wondered what NOT to do on a date… this list has you covered. From awkward moves to outright bizarre, here’s a roundup of the weirdest things that led to an instant rejection. https://www.boredpanda.com/weird-things-girls-done-rejected-immediately/

Want to become a better reader? LitHub’s got 3 smart ways to upgrade your reading experience and fall deeper into books. Read smarter, slower, and with more heart. https://lithub.com/3-ways-to-become-a-better-reader/

These ex revenge stories are hilariously brutal… and a little too satisfying. They hit every chaotic note. https://www.boredpanda.com/brutal-exes-revenge-stories/

“Real knives = authentic theatre,” they said. A student actor was nearly fatally stabbed with a real knife on stage during Julius Caesar at Edinburgh Fringe. The show kept going—audience none the wiser. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/nov/28/experience-stabbed-performing-julius-caesar-theatre-accident

Need a heart-melt break? A Finnish photographer captured the funniest, sweetest moments of baby wild animals in nature. Your timeline will thank you. https://www.boredpanda.com/baby-wild-animal-photography-soosseli-msn/

Are you guilty of Purple Prose?

An overwritten novel is a pacing killer! Janice Hardy breaks down how to identify “fancy writing” that screams “Hey look! I’m literary,” and shares a ruthless checklist for cutting unnecessary words, adjectives, and over-the-top imagery. Learn how to fix your flowery sentences: http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/09/rose-by-any-other-name-is-still-too.html

Not just for writing—AI can boost creativity in other ways, from idea organization to habit tracking and creative play. 8 cool non-writing uses worth trying. https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/11/8-cool-non-writing-ways-to-use-ai/

Weekly Roundup for Dec 12, 2025 Read Post »

Weekly Roundup for Dec 6, 2025

By Roger Hyttinen / December 6, 2025

So this past week has basically felt like me juggling flaming bowling pins while trying to remember where I left my coffee. I’ve been holed up at my desk tinkering with the second book in my detective noir series, and you know how it goes—one moment I’m convinced Lucien has everything under control, and the next I’m rewriting an entire scene because I swear he gave me side-eye from inside the manuscript. But the good news is: it’s almost there. If the universe doesn’t throw any curveballs, the preorder should be up in the next week or so. Every time I think about that, I get this weird fluttery feeling in my chest, like that moment before a jazz band counts in and you know the whole room’s about to lean in.

Outside of that, I’ve been doing those end-of-year tasks I always swear I’ll start earlier—sorting receipts, throwing away the pile of mystery cords, pretending I understand my own spreadsheet scribbles. It’s the kind of stuff that makes me sigh dramatically at my own reflection, but it feels good once it’s out of the way. Like clearing the last sticky note off your desk and realizing you can actually see the wood grain.

And because I apparently like a challenge, I put together an outrageously ambitious writing schedule for 2026. It’s one of those color-coded, possibly over-optimistic plans that looks very impressive taped to the wall. I keep glancing at it and thinking, Alright, buddy. Let’s see if we can pull this off. I’m going to try my damndest to stick to it, even if future-me rolls his eyes and mutters into his coffee mug.

Anyway, that’s my little update from the writing cave. If you need me, I’ll probably be fussing with commas or convincing myself to tackle another tax-adjacent chore.

Oh, and while I have your attention – have you checked out my latest book “Murder at the Savoy” yet? If you haven’t gotten your hands on a copy, you can snag one HERE. It’s free if you have Kindle Unlimited but also available in Hardcover and Paperback. I’m still pretty pleased about how that one turned out.

Cover image for Murder at the Savoy

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

Balancing creativity with the business side of being an author isn’t easy. Loved this chat with Joe Solari on The Creative Penn — lots of helpful mindset shifts. https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2025/01/13/balancing-creativity-with-building-a-business-and-author-nation-with-joe-solari/

Just read Draft2Digital’s “The Indie Advantage Issue #2” — a great breakdown of how print-on-demand (POD) works vs. ebooks. Handy for indie authors thinking print. https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/the-indie-advantage-issue-2/

Heard about Pillion? Skarsgård + Melling getting real about gay icons, kink, and that moment their characters clicked. Definitely worth a read if you like bold queer cinema https://greginhollywood.com/pillion-stars-alexander-skarsgard-harry-melling-talk-gay-icons-and-the-moment-they-c-clicked-248635

Sweden just gave Oz a new queer echo: Andreas Wijk voices the Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good — and yep, he’s as gorgeous as iconic. https://www.queerty.com/meet-the-swedish-sweetheart-who-lends-his-voice-to-wicked-for-good-is-keeping-oz-queer-20251125/

Want characters with real emotional guts? This post on limiting beliefs + characterization gives solid ideas to add depth and stakes to your characters’ inner lives. https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/11/using-limiting-beliefs-to-go-deeper-with-characterization/

Holidays don’t have to fit one narrow mold. History shows even Thanksgiving/Christmas once rocked costumes, cross-dressing and gender play. Maybe our traditions have always been queerer than we think. https://www.transadvocate.com/the-traditional-holiday-was-queer_n_121434.htm

If you’ve ever wondered how to go from messy draft → page-turner, this Kristen Tate interview has handy takeaways on structure, voice and pacing that could change your next draft. Go give it a listen. https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2025/01/06/writing-tips-craft-structure-and-voice-with-kristen-tate/

Hockey + queer romance? Yes please — Heated Rivalry proves you can love hard, skate harder, and find real connection off the ice. This is the queer sports story we’ve been waiting for.
https://xtramagazine.com/culture/heated-rivalry-gay-hockey-romance-278287

Just checked out Miles Heizer’s first podcast interview with Tommy DiDario — he gets real about playing Cameron Cope in BOOTS, being a gay actor in Hollywood, and what this story means. https://greginhollywood.com/boots-star-miles-heizer-sits-for-his-first-ever-podcast-interview-and-its-with-tommy-didario-248594

Feeling that end-of-year writing burnout? Janice Hardy’s post “5 Ways to Fight Your End-of-Year Writer’s Fatigue” has some simple, real-world tips to recharge your creative batteries. Worth a read. http://blog.janicehardy.com/2016/12/5-ways-to-fight-your-end-of-year.html

Want to nail your prologue so it doesn’t feel like a preamble but a hook? Check out this guide on how to write a prologue. https://jerryjenkins.com/how-to-write-a-prologue/#WritingTips

Seeing Robbie Simpson on Finding Mr. Christmas felt like a quiet win for queer folks everywhere — proof that holiday-love stories don’t need to erase who we are. https://gayety.com/video/robbie-simpson-finding-mister-christmas

Reading about these kids out-smarting parents made me think: plot twist — one of these “clever kids” ends up a genius hacker-villain in a novel. Reality, meet fiction fuel.
https://www.boredpanda.com/criminal-mastermind-hacker-kids-outsmarting-parents/

There’s nothing quite like building a personal library that swallows whole rooms — this LitHub essay nails why bibliomania isn’t shameful, it’s devotion. https://lithub.com/nothing-better-than-a-whole-lot-of-books-in-praise-of-bibliomania/

People describing their jobs as “ambulances are horror-movie kidnappers” or “I silently judge 18-year-olds for 5 hrs a day.” This Bored Panda thread is a gold mine of weird, hilarious self-summaries. https://www.boredpanda.com/poorly-explain-job/

As a writer balancing side gigs, social-security, backlists and daydreams — this “writerly thanks” post hits hard. Cheers to the critique partners, readers, and late-night ideas that keep us going. https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/11/wits-bloggers-share-writerly-thanks/

As someone juggling novels, audiobooks, blogs, bills and dreams — “My Pace” reminds me: it’s okay to walk slow when the world insists on sprinting. https://kottke.org/25/11/my-pace

Sometimes vandalism doesn’t mean destruction — it means clever jokes in chalk, googly eyes on signs, or cheeky street-art that makes you smirk. Check out these “mild vandalism” gems. https://www.boredpanda.com/mildly-vandalized-msn/

Pets caught red-pawed stealing snacks again. Check out this Bored Panda roundup of furry food thieves. https://www.boredpanda.com/cats-dogs-stealing-food/

Weekly Roundup for Dec 6, 2025 Read Post »

Weekly Roundup for Nov 1, 2025 + Book Announcement

By Roger Hyttinen / November 1, 2025

In Case You Missed It… Murder at the Savoy Is Up for Preorder!

So, in case you didn’t catch yesterday’s post (or you were off doing something much more glamorous, like alphabetizing your bookshelves), I finally have actual, honest-to-goodness news to share: Murder at the Savoy is officially up for preorder! Yep, the first book in my Lucien Knight Mysteries series is stepping out into the world in a crisp trench coat and a suspiciously haunted fedora.

This one’s been a long time coming. I’ve been yammering about it forever—plot tweaks, ghostly shenanigans, 1930s detectives with secrets—and now it’s finally real. The series blends detective noir with the paranormal, which basically means moody lighting, cigarette smoke curling in the air, and the occasional ghost who refuses to stay quiet. Lucien Knight is my prickly, skeptical detective who’d prefer to deal with cold cases over cold spots, but fate has other plans.

If you’re an ebook reader, you can snag your preorder now and have it magically appear on your device when it’s released (technology still feels like witchcraft sometimes). But if you’re like me and love the feel of a physical book—the smell of ink, the weight of a story in your hands—you don’t even have to wait. The paperback and large print editions are already available on my web store, and if you’re loyal to Amazon, the paperback’s up there too.

Below is the big cover reveal, and I’m ridiculously proud of it. It’s got that smoky, vintage noir feel I’ve been chasing since I first dreamed up Lucien skulking through a rain-slick alley with his overcoat collar turned up.

Anyway, thank you all for being so patient with me while I fussed, rewrote, and talked your ears off about this book. It feels wild to finally say: it’s out there.

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

My author friends may find this of value: Tawny Lara on Embracing the Sh#tty First Draft https://lithub.com/tawny-lara-on-embracing-the-shtty-first-draft/

My writer friends may find this of value: How Proper Body Position Fuels Health and Creativity https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/10/the-writers-stance/

The 20 most important LGBTQ+ films of the past 20 years https://www.queerty.com/the-20-most-important-lgbtq-films-of-the-past-20-years-20251024/

Kit Connor stepping into his movie-star era under an iconic gay director? Yes please.
The queer film world keeps getting richer. https://www.queerty.com/kit-connors-link-up-with-an-iconic-gay-director-has-fan-ready-for-his-movie-star-era-20251023/

My author friends may find this of interest: When Your Imaginary World Becomes Real https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/10/when-your-imaginary-world-becomes-real/

My writer friends may find this article about reviews of value: https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/10/reviews-light-the-way/

James Whale—openly gay, brilliantly bold—and behind Frankenstein, The Invisible Man & The Old Dark House. The 1930s didn’t know how lucky they were. https://www.queerty.com/this-handsome-out-gay-director-was-behind-some-of-the-biggest-horror-films-of-the-1930s-20251021/

Lukas Gage says his brief, high-profile marriage to stylist Chris Appleton cost him acting opportunities — and that kind of honest candour? It matters. https://greginhollywood.com/lukas-gage-says-brief-but‐high‐profile-marriage-to‐chris-appleton-cost-him-acting-opportunities-248216

‘Playing for both teams’ took on a whole different meaning: 6 queer agents from history working in the shadows. 🕵️‍♂️🌈 https://www.advocate.com/news/gay-queer-spies-double-agents

My author friends may find this piece about censorship of value: Yiming Ma on the Future of Censorship https://lithub.com/yiming-ma-on-the-future-of-censorship/

My writers friends may find this piece on ‘dialog tips’ of value: 10 Dialogue Tips to Consider before You Start Writing https://www.livewritethrive.com/2025/09/29/10-dialogue-tips-to-consider-before-you-start-writing/

Pablo Alborán is ready to dominate …with a new album, tour & Netflix series alongside Manu Ríos https://www.queerty.com/pablo-alboran-is-ready-to-dominate-with-a-new-album-tour-netflix-series-alongside-manu-rios-20251014/

These folks nailed Halloween — From clever DIYs to full-on showpieces, check out the best costume wins of the year! https://www.boredpanda.com/best-creative-halloween-costumes-2022/

When drag meets storytime and reading meets revolution — Nina West shows how her childhood love of books paved the way for a drag career and a mission: to give all kids a hero who sees them. https://lithub.com/why-drag-queen-story-hour-matters/

Monochrome magic: These 9 winning photos from the 2025 Black & White Photo Awards show why stripping away color can still tell the strongest stories. https://www.peta pixel.com/2025/08/20/the-9-marvelous-winners-of-the-2025-black-and-white-photo-awards/

Weekly Roundup for Nov 1, 2025 + Book Announcement Read Post »

Weekly Roundup for Oct 25, 2025

By Roger Hyttinen / October 25, 2025

Almost November? Seriously?!

I swear, I blinked and suddenly it’s sweater weather again. The temps here have dropped—like, dramatically—and the leaves outside my window are staging their annual descent. There’s that crisp, woodsmoke-y smell in the air that makes me want to drink too much coffee and reread old favorites. Autumn has officially checked in, and I’m kind of here for it.

It’s been a weird time in the U.S. lately (to put it mildly), but there’s something grounding about the seasons doing their thing no matter how chaotic everything else feels. The trees don’t care about politics or headlines—they’re just out there letting go, one leaf at a time. It’s a good reminder that change can be beautiful, even when it’s messy.

On the writing front, I almost made my deadline last week. Almost. But not quite. The new book should be up for presale this coming week, so stay tuned—I’ll post as soon as it’s live. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to finally share it after all the late nights and caffeine-induced editing sessions.

Anyway, that’s the latest from my little corner of the Midwest. I hope you’re soaking in all the cozy fall vibes—hot drinks, crunchy walks, the whole thing.

Oh, and while I have your attention – have you checked out “The Golem’s Guardian” yet? If you haven’t gotten your hands on a copy, you can snag one HERE. I’m still pretty excited about how that one turned out.

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing This Week

My author friends may find this Writer Beware article of interest: Generative AI and Copyrightability: Report From the US Copyright Office https://writerbeware.blog/2025/04/04/generative-ai-and-copyrightability-report-from-the-us-copyright-office

My writer friends may find this of interest: Complete Guide to Revising Your Novel: Part THREE—Analysis https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/03/complete-guide-to-revising-your-novel-part-three-analysis/

Lukas Gage’s ‘attention grab’ memoir is really a raw confession about surviving brutal moments in his life https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/lukas-gage-revealing-memoir

Now I REALLY have to see this: Pentagon Condemns Netflix’s ‘Boots,’ Calls It ‘Woke Garbage’ https://gayety.com/pentagon-condemns-netflixs-boots-calls-it-woke-garbage

Can it be as good as the first one? Alex and Henry’s Love Story Continues With ‘Red, White & Royal Wedding,’ Jamie Babbit to Direct https://gayety.com/red-white-royal-wedding-jamie-babbit-to-direct

My author friends may find this of interest: “Never Boring, Never Easy.” How the Writing Life Goes on Amid the Chaos of Publishing https://lithub.com/never-boring-never-easy-how-the-writing-life-goes-on-amid-the-chaos-of-publishing/

My writer friends may find this of interest: Writing As A Tool For Grief And Dealing With Change With Karen Wyatt https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2025/03/17/writing-as-a-tool-for-grief-and-dealing-with-change-with-karen-wyatt/

This is the first I’m hearing about this: Brit heartthrob James Norton tapped to play gay “Fifth Beatle” in star-studded Fab Four biopics https://www.queerty.com/brit-heartthrob-james-norton-tapped-to-play-gay-fifth-beatle-in-star-studded-fab-four-biopics-20251016/

This is …ahem…interesting: Out wrestler Hunter Gallagher goes viral for the best of reasons https://www.queerty.com/out-wrestler-hunter-gallagher-goes-viral-for-the-best-of-reasons-20251017/

An interesting article for my author friends: Write Like a Girl: On Learning to Break Free of Literary Gendered Expectations https://lithub.com/write-like-a-girl-on-learning-to-break-free-of-literary-gendered-expectations/

Biography writers may find this of value: Writing Biography Without an Archive: On Recovering a Past Believed to Be Lost https://lithub.com/writing-biography-without-an-archive-on-recovering-a-past-believed-to-be-lost/

Elite fans may find this of interest: Arón Piper just gave a huge update for fans of Omar & Ander’s steamy relationship on Netflix’s Elite https://www.queerty.com/aron-piper-just-gave-a-huge-update-for-fans-of-omar-anders-steamy-relationship-on-elite-20251014/

For ‘Dude with Sign’ fans: Times “Dude With Sign” Did Everyone A Service And Protested Everyday Annoying Things https://www.boredpanda.com/clever-dude-with-sign-annoying-things-protesting-msn/

Aspiring photographers may find this helpful: Side-By-Side Pics Of What A Photographer Sees And What They Choose To Take https://www.boredpanda.com/what-i-see-vs-what-i-take-pics-msn/

“Just when you think the night’s safe… Check out these real-life creepy situations that happened when no one was looking.” https://www.boredpanda.com/strangest-scariest-thing-night-time-msn/

When Marek follows a ghost’s call, he’s hurled back to 1870—into a world of rough barns, family feuds, and a tragic murder that shattered the farm forever. Caught between centuries, Marek is torn between saving the past and surviving the present, even as his own relationship begins to crack under the strain.

Part ghost story, part love story, and part time-travel thriller, A Touch of Cedar is a haunting tale of betrayal, redemption, and the bonds that tie souls across time.

Weekly Roundup for Oct 25, 2025 Read Post »

Weekly Roundup for Oct 18, 2025

By Roger Hyttinen / October 18, 2025

Just Trying to Stay Sane (Sort Of)

Not too much to report this week—mostly just staying the course and trying not to let the stress monster win. I swear, lately everything feels like it’s been turned up a few notches, right? Maybe it’s the news, maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s just… life. Whatever it is, I’ve been walking around with that low-grade hum of “I should be doing something productive” constantly playing in the background. You know that feeling when your brain refuses to clock out even when you’re off the clock? Yeah, that.

So, nothing major happening here—just keeping up with my usual routines, trying to remember to drink water, and pretending I have my act together. My productivity this week could best be described as “trying my best, please don’t ask for details.”

If any of you are heading to the No Kings protest today, please stay safe. Seriously. Hydrate, wear comfy shoes, and maybe avoid arguing with anyone who looks like they’re ready to throw a traffic cone. I’ll be cheering you on wherever you are and quietly hoping humanity figures its stuff out sooner rather than later.

Anyway, I’m keeping this one short and sweet. I’ll probably(hopefully) be back next week with something more exciting.

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

My writer friends may find this of interest: A Peek Inside the Mind of a Developmental Editor https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/04/a-peek-inside-the-mind-of-a-developmental-editor/

My author friends may find this of value: The Key to Creating Suspense Is… http://blog.janicehardy.com/2014/04/the-key-to-creating-suspense-is.html

Lukas Gage took back his cheating ex, only for THIS to happen… https://www.queerty.com/lukas-gage-took-back-the-cheating-ex-who-gave-him-two-stis-only-for-this-to-happen-20251009/ (by the way, he has a memoir out – might be worth checking out if you’re a fan)

An article for my author friends: 3 Writing Aspects You Should Never Let Anyone Mess With https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/04/3-writing-aspects-you-should-never-let-anyone-mess-with/

Even though I’m not a fan of football, this might be fun to watch: Frankie A. Rodriguez brings heart, smarts, and catfishing to Hulu’s ‘Chad Powers’ https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/frankie-rodriguez-brings-heart-smarts-230329981.html

Can’t wait for this film to come out: The internet is obsessed with Dylan O’Brien getting his nipple pinched—and that’s good news for Twinless https://www.queerty.com/the-internet-is-obsessed-with-dylan-obrien-getting-his-nipple-pinched-and-thats-good-news-for-twinless-20251007/

Did Alexander Skarsgård just casually reveal he’s been with men? https://www.queerty.com/did-alexander-skarsgard-just-casually-reveal-hes-been-with-men-20251002/

My author friends may find this article about conflict vs tension helpful: How to Write: Conflict is NOT Tension https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/04/how-to-write-conflict-is-not-tension/

My writer friends may find this of interest: What Does It Mean to Be a “Good Author” When You Publish a Book? https://lithub.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-good-author-when-you-publish-a-book/

My author friends may find this of interest: Writing Towards the Future: Searching for Realism In an Increasingly Surreal World https://lithub.com/writing-towards-the-future-searching-for-realism-in-an-increasingly-surreal-world/

This may be worth a watch: A passionate gay love story blooms in rural India in the achingly romantic ‘Cactus Pears’ https://www.queerty.com/watch-a-passionate-gay-love-story-blooms-in-rural-india-in-the-achingly-romantic-cactus-pears-20251006/

Looking for something to watch? Here are the gayest movie & TV trailers that dropped in September 2025 https://www.queerty.com/watch-the-gayest-movie-tv-trailers-that-dropped-in-september-2025-20250930/

I always wondered about this: These Actors Weren’t Pretending, But Actually Having Intercourse While Shooting X-Rated Scenes https://www.boredpanda.com/actors-who-were-actually-making-love-while-filming-intimate-scenes/

Just for fun: Cats That Look Like They’re In The Middle Of A Sitcom Scene https://www.boredpanda.com/random-weird-cat-pics/

I love photos of abandoned places: Photos I Took While Exploring Abandoned Places In Tbilisi https://www.boredpanda.com/hidden-abandoned-architecture-photography-tbilisi-james-kerwin-msn/

A Great Art Explained Book? Sign Me Up! https://bookshop.org/p/books/great-art-explained-the-stories-behind-the-world-s-greatest-masterpieces-james-payne/0ffd60b205e83872

Just for fun: “What It’s Like To Be An Introvert?”: 20 Comics By This Artist https://www.boredpanda.com/funny-one-panel-comics-introvert-awkward-misfit/

Prince Norian thought his biggest worry was living up to his father’s expectations—but that was before a dark sorcerer set his sights on Tregaron. When an attack leaves Norian marked by the curse of the wolf, he’s thrust into a destiny he never asked for. Can friendship and loyalty withstand the pull of forbidden magic? Or will Norian’s new nature tear his world apart? Norian’s Gamble is a tale of sorcery, betrayal, and a prince learning what it truly means to lead. Norian’s Gamble: Grab your copy HERE

Weekly Roundup for Oct 18, 2025 Read Post »

Weekly Roundup for Oct 11, 2025

By Roger Hyttinen / October 11, 2025

Just popping in with a super quick update this week because, truth be told, I’m knee-deep in edits right now and my brain is 80% caffeine and 20% plot holes.

So here’s the scoop: I’m putting the finishing touches on the first three books in my Detective Noir series (yes, three—I like to go big or go home apparently). It’s been a whirlwind of late-night rewrites, suspicious characters, and more cigarette smoke imagery than I care to admit. Honestly, at this point, my dreams are narrated in a gravelly 1930s voiceover.

Once these books are wrapped, polished, and breathing mysterious, noir-flavored air, they’ll be up for preorder on Amazon. But—here’s the insider tip—they’ll be available immediately on my website for those who don’t want to wait (and who doesn’t love a good early-access deal?).

So if you haven’t subscribed to my newsletter yet, now might be a good time. I’ll be announcing the release there first, along with some other fun behind-the-scenes tidbits, deleted scenes, and probably me complaining about commas.

Okay, back to the manuscript mines I go. Noir waits for no one. Keep an eye on this space (or your inbox) for updates!

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

My author friends may find this of interest: 3 Creative Tricks to Find Your Character’s Voice https://thewritepractice.com/character-voice-writing-prompts/

My writer friends may find this of value: Proust Questionnaire: 35 Questions To Ask Your Characters From Marcel Proust https://thewritepractice.com/proust-questionnaire/

Looking for something to watch? Here’s a list of the best LGBTQ+ movies & TV shows coming to streaming October 2025 https://www.queerty.com/the-best-lgbtq-movies-tv-shows-coming-to-streaming-october-2025-20251001/

Del Toro fans may find this of interest (I can’t wait — it’s coming out end of Oct) — Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ Trailer Brings Jacob Elordi’s Creature to Life https://gayety.com/frankenstein-trailer-brings-jacob-elordis-creature

Ben Whishaw on how the industry has changed for gay actors since coming out 10 years ago https://www.queerty.com/ben-whishaw-on-how-the-industry-has-changed-for-gay-actors-since-coming-out-10-years-ago-20250930/

Interesting article for my author friends: What Do You Call a Writer Who Never Reads? https://authorkristenlamb.com/2023/01/what-do-you-call-a-writer-who-never-reads/

My writer friends may find this article on generating ideas for stories of interest: https://nownovel.com/generating-ideas-for-stories/

Was there gay drama brewing behind this iconic beer brand? Netflix’s sexy new series says yes! https://www.queerty.com/was-there-gay-drama-brewing-behind-this-iconic-beer-brand-netflixs-new-series-says-yes-20250925/

These images are amazing: I Am A Mountain Photographer And This Year I Travelled To The Alps To Capture The Colorful Fall There https://www.boredpanda.com/fall-photography-in-the-alps-karol-nienartowicz-msn/

Just for fun: Celebrity Bodyguards Shared What Really Happens Behind Closed Doors https://www.boredpanda.com/celebrity-bodyguards-answer-questions/

My writer friends may find this article on writing drafts of value: Writing first drafts: 10 ideas to reach final drafts https://nownovel.com/writing-first-drafts/

My author friends may find this of interest: What’s an En Dash? (And How to Use it Correctly) https://thewritepractice.com/whats-an-en-dash-and-how-to-use-it-correctly/

Relive the powerful coming out stories of 10 queer Hispanic entertainers https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/09/relive-the-powerful-coming-out-stories-of-10-queer-hispanic-entertainers/

I’m always a sucker for these types of stories: People Share 15 Creepy Unexplainable Things That Happened To Them https://www.boredpanda.com/celebrity-bodyguards-answer-questions/

Ever had that oh no moment when you realized someone wasn’t quite right? These people did — and their stories are chilling: People Who Met A Psychopath Share The Chilling Moment They Realized It https://www.boredpanda.com/people-met-psychopath-stories/ ✔

Photography eye-candy: Stunning Photos From Around The World, As Shared On Photocrowd’s Instagram https://www.boredpanda.com/captivating-photography-photocrowd/

What if the dead could find you anywhere—at school, on the street, even in your own house? For Nick, the world has cracked open, and ghosts are pouring through. Ready or not, he’s their only hope. Read the book that began it all: Nick’s Awakening

Weekly Roundup for Oct 11, 2025 Read Post »

Weekly Roundup for October 4, 2025

By Roger Hyttinen / October 4, 2025

I don’t have anything earth-shattering to report this week—it’s all business as usual over here at Roger Central™, which sounds much more official than it actually is. Mostly it’s just me in my condo, working on book stuff, wrangling ideas, drinking too much tea, and trying not to get sucked into the vortex that is The News.

Which brings me to what I want to share: I’ve made a life upgrade. A small but mighty one. I’ve officially limited my daily exposure to the news, and let me tell you… it’s made a huge difference.

See, for a while there I was waking up, grabbing my phone, and immediately doomscrolling headlines that made my stomach twist. And it wasn’t even anything new—just the same horrifying soup of cruelty, corruption, and garbage policy decisions we’ve been swimming in for a while now. You know the kind: taking from the poor, giving to the rich, demonizing the vulnerable, removing our rights one by one and acting like empathy is some kind of liability.

And I’m not someone who likes to ignore the world. I try to stay informed. I vote. I donate when I can. But at a certain point, I realized I was starting every single morning in a simmering rage or a heavy fog of hopelessness—and then trying to shift gears into being a productive human. Shockingly, it wasn’t working out.

So I gave myself a rule: no news first thing in the morning. Nada. Zilch. Instead, I open my journal or start writing a blog post or read a chapter of a book (something fictional, ideally with ghosts or found family or magical queer teenagers doing cool stuff). Sometimes I just sit in silence with a cup of tea like I’m in a BBC period drama. Whatever helps me enter the day without my fists already clenched.

And you know what? I feel better. Not like everything is great now better—because, well, it’s not—but better in the sense that I’m not constantly carrying the weight of the world on my shoulder blades like a guilt-ridden turtle. I’m more motivated, less fried, and—this part surprises me—I’ve actually gotten more done.

Little tweaks, big results. Highly recommend.

Anyway, that’s the update from the land of words and coffee. No scandals, no existential crises (this week, anyway), and no reading news articles before breakfast. I’m calling that a win.

Talk soon, and take care of your brains.

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

My author friends may find this article about dialog tags of interest: Dialogue Tags: What Are They and How To Use Them https://thewritepractice.com/dialogue-tags/

My writer friends may find this of value: Past vs. Present Tense: Choose the RIGHT Tense for Your Novel https://thewritepractice.com/past-tense-vs-present-tense/

Yeah, I’m watching this: Gay hockey player romance Heated Rivalry heats up first-look images & on-set bromance https://www.queerty.com/gay-hockey-player-romance-heated-rivalry-heats-up-first-look-images-on-set-bromance-20250925/ ✔

A gender-swap comedy gets a queer twist in this raunchy coming-of-age tale https://www.queerty.com/watch-this-gender-swap-comedy-gets-a-queer-twist-in-this-raunchy-coming-of-age-tale-20250924/

Can’t say as I’ve heard about this before: Gareth Pierce gets candid about his gay character’s storyline on British soap “Coronation Street” https://greginhollywood.com/gareth-pierce-gets-candid-about-his-gay-characters-storyline-on-coronation-street-247878

My author friends may find this of value: How to Write a Murder Mystery: 8 Tips to Captivate Readers https://nownovel.com/how-to-write-murder-mystery/

My writer friends may find this helpful: How to Research a Historical Novel: Escape the Research Rabbit Hole https://thewritepractice.com/how-to-research-a-historical-novel/

Just for fun: We’re purring over these photos of gays and their cats https://www.queerty.com/were-purring-over-these-photos-of-gays-and-their-cats-20250920/

Russel Tovey fans may enjoy this: Russell Tovey Names His Favorite On-Screen Kiss: ‘I Quite Enjoyed Kissing… https://gayety.com/russell-tovey-favorite-on-screen-kiss

I don’t know this one – may have to check it out: Hit Gay Comedy ‘English Teacher’ Is Back For Season Two This Month https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/hit-gay-comedy-english-teacher-is-back-for-season-two-this-month/238675

My author friends may find this of value: An Unpredictable (and Fun) Trick to Keep Your Plots Unpredictable http://blog.janicehardy.com/2014/08/an-unpredictable-and-funtrick-to-keep.html

My writer friends may find this helpful: 5 Reasons to Use Pictures as Writing Prompts https://thewritepractice.com/picture-writing-prompt/

Interesting article in The Guardian: Why more and more people are tuning the news out: ‘Now I don’t have that anxiety’ (I can relate!) https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2025/sep/01/news-avoidance-high-anxiety

I love these kinds of message threads: People Share The Scariest Unexplainable Things That Happened To Them https://www.boredpanda.com/creepy-things-without-rational-explanation-msn/

My writer friends may find this of interest: How Loneliness and Companionship Can Impact a Writer’s Creative Life https://lithub.com/how-loneliness-and-companionship-can-impact-a-writers-creative-life/

My writer friends may find this article about research of value Jonathan Tarleton on the Limits of Research—and Making Peace with What You Don’t Know https://lithub.com/jonathan-tarleton-on-the-limits-of-research-and-making-peace-with-what-you-dont-know/

When Marek slips into the clothes of the long-dead young man who haunts his house, the line between past and present begins to blur… A Touch of Cedar

Weekly Roundup for October 4, 2025 Read Post »