Weekly Roundup

So, quick update from yours truly: I’m still plodding along over here. And I say that with all the enthusiasm of someone knee-deep in formatting hell and cover file purgatory. I really thought I’d have the first book in my Paranormal Detective Noir series locked, loaded, and ready to launch this week—but alas, the universe had other plans. Or maybe just the PDF gods. Either way, I’ve been ping-ponging with some cover issues that are this close to being resolved. Hopefully by the end of the week, I can stop squinting at spine alignment guides and start celebrating like a normal person (well, as normal as I get).

On the brighter side of things, just a little reminder that my web store is officially open! You can now grab all my books—eBooks, paperbacks, and large print editions (those are exclusive to the store!)—right from rogerhyttinenbooks.com. I’ve decided that moving forward, I’ll mostly be linking to my own store instead of the “big guys,” because, well… they kind of eat most of the profits. And I like to keep the lights on over here. Plus, shopping directly supports indie creators like me and lets me keep doing what I love—making up ghost stories and grumpy detectives and throwing them into haunted speakeasies.

That’s all for now—more soon, hopefully with actual launch news. Cross your fingers, toes, and maybe light a candle to the formatting fae if you’ve got one handy.

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

My author friends may find this of value: From Imagination to Publication: 100+ Novel Ideas to Fuel Your Literary Journey https://thewritepractice.com/best-novel-ideas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-novel-ideas

A craft article for my author friends: How to describe to immerse readers (complete guide) https://nownovel.com/how-to-describe-place-character/

Zombies attack Drag Queens? Count me in! The ‘Queens of the Dead’ Trailer Turns Brooklyn Nightlife Into a Zombie Battlefield https://gayety.com/trailer-for-queens-of-the-dead

This sounds intriguing: Myth or homoerotic history? Famed author Cervantes is a sexy, gay hero in this controversial new drama https://www.queerty.com/myth-or-homoerotic-history-famed-author-cervantes-is-a-gay-hero-in-this-controversial-new-drama-20250919/

My writer friends may find this of interest: How to Use Conflict to Show Character Development http://blog.janicehardy.com/2022/09/how-to-use-conflict-to-show-character.html

My writer friends may find this helpful: Tips to Turn Sketchy Writing into Robust Prose https://www.livewritethrive.com/2024/12/05/tips-to-turn-sketchy-writing-into-robust-prose/ ✔

My author friends may find this of value: Why Every Plot Needs A Ticking Clock http://blog.janicehardy.com/2015/09/why-every-plot-needs-ticking-clock.html

Huh. I had no idea he was an author: Chris Colfer talks about releasing his 21st book, “Roswell Johnson Saves the Galaxy” https://greginhollywood.com/watch-chris-colfer-talks-about-releasing-his-21st-book-roswell-johnson-saves-the-galaxy-247839

This sounds good! The gay drama ‘Straight Until He Kissed Me’ has everyone thinking the same thing https://www.queerty.com/the-gay-drama-straight-until-he-kissed-me-has-everyone-thinking-the-same-thing-20250916/

Some people may find this of interest: Ben & Jerry’s founder Jerry Greenfield resigns, says he’s ‘been silenced’ over LGBTQ+ rights https://www.advocate.com/news/ben-and-jerrys-founder-resigns

Time to put down the phone: Interesting video on why you need to be bored https://kottke.org/25/09/you-need-to-be-bored-heres-why

This Street Photographer Proves That Timing Is Everything https://www.boredpanda.com/street-photography-everyday-life-serkan-tekin-part-3/

An article for my writer (or aspiring writer) friends: How to Write a Short Story: 5 Major Steps from Start to Finish https://thewritepractice.com/how-to-write-a-short-story/

Some people may find this helpful: Useful Tips From People That Are ‘Street Smart’ https://www.boredpanda.com/street-smart-tips-msn/

Just for fun (and cuteness) ‘Cat.Exe Has Stopped Working’: This IG Account Collects Hilarious Images Of Broken Cats https://www.boredpanda.com/funny-broken-cats-pics-msn/

It’s officially pumpkin-spice season (at least according to the stores), but my little corner of the world hasn’t quite gotten the memo yet. The temps are still hanging out in the 70s, so I’m in this weird limbo where I’m craving sweaters and crunchy leaves, but also still rocking short sleeves and iced coffee. It’s like my brain is in October, but my thermostat insists on July.

On the writing front, I’ve got some fun news: the finishing touches are happening on the cover for Murder at the Savoy. Once that’s done, the book will make its debut in my store for about four weeks. After that, the ebook will take an exclusive detour over to Amazon. But don’t worry—if you’re more of a paperback person, those will still be available in my shop and with the usual online retailers. And for those who like their books big and easy on the eyes, the Large Print edition will stay a web-store exclusive (because accessibility matters).

Meanwhile, in between messing around with cover files and second-guessing font choices, I’ve been deep in edits for book two of the series, Spectral Symphony. It’s a detective noir with ghosts (because of course), and my goal is to release it about a month after Murder at the Savoy. That means things are going to feel pretty back-to-back for a bit, but honestly, I’m kind of excited to keep the momentum rolling.

That’s the quick update from my end. Still waiting for the leaves to change, still juggling deadlines, still way too caffeinated—but hey, that’s fall mode for you.

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

My author friends may find this of interest: “Ugh, I’m in My Friend’s Autofiction and I Hate It: Am I the Literary Asshole?” https://lithub.com/ugh-im-in-my-friends-autofiction-and-i-hate-it-am-i-the-literary-asshole/

An article for my writer friends on how to write a series of novels your readers will love https://jerryjenkins.com/how-to-write-a-series/

Do you watch The Bold & the Beautiful? If so, this may be of interest (and if not, you may want to start): The Bold & The Beautiful To Feature Its First Gay Male Couple On Screen https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/the-bold-the-beautiful-to-feature-its-first-gay-male-couple-on-screen/238648

Joe Locke & Tom Cullen will have a scandalous “intimate encounter” in this upcoming gay drama https://www.queerty.com/joe-locke-tom-cullen-will-have-a-scandalous-intimate-encounter-in-this-upcoming-gay-drama-20250912/

My writer friends may find this of value: How to Talk About Your Own Book https://lithub.com/how-to-talk-about-your-own-book/

My author friends may find this helpful: A Complete Guide to Revising Your Novel https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/01/a-complete-guide-to-revising-your-novel-part-one/

Some of these may be worth the watch: If it ain’t broke(back)… 5 rugged romances that follow the ‘Brokeback Mountain’ formula https://www.queerty.com/if-it-aint-brokeback-5-rugged-romances-that-follow-the-brokeback-mountain-formula-20250903/

Oooh – Queer Vampire films: Sink your fangs into these 5 queer vampire movies, from the homoerotic to the heroic https://www.queerty.com/sink-your-fangs-into-these-5-queer-vampire-movies-from-the-homoerotic-to-the-heroic-20250908/

Sally Rooney fans may find this of interest: Loving the Limitations of the Novel: A Conversation between Sally Rooney and Merve Emre https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2024/10/09/loving-the-limitations-of-the-novel-a-conversation-between-sally-rooney-and-merve-emre/

Just for fun: Corporate Marketing Tactics That Shaped How We Live Without Us Realizing https://www.boredpanda.com/successful-propaganda-corporations-sold-masses/

My writer friends may find this of value: What Happens When There are No Plot Points in a Story? https://www.septembercfawkes.com/2025/01/what-happens-when-there-are-no-plot.html

Photography fun: Times People Took Photos So Mesmerizing, They Had To Prove They Were Actually Real https://www.boredpanda.com/incredible-world-photos/

Just for fun: Lab Coat Laughs: Some Science Memes To Leave You Crying In Your Beakers https://www.boredpanda.com/science-funniest-pics-jokes/

My author friends may find this of interest — How to Write a Story: 10 Steps to Master the Art of Storytelling https://thewritepractice.com/write-story/

My author 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/

Doing Things a Bit Differently This Time

So here’s a little secret—I’m this close to showing you the first novel in my brand-new Detective Noir series. (Imagine me holding my fingers an inch apart while grinning like a kid who knows there’s cake in the fridge.) But here’s the thing: I’ve decided to experiment a bit with how I release it. For the first six weeks, the book will live exclusively on my website. Yup—ebook, paperback, and even the large-print edition will be hanging out there and nowhere else. Think of it as a “speakeasy release.” Knock on my door, I’ll let you in.

After that six-week mark, the ebook will make its way over to Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program, because let’s face it—KU is like the bustling train station of the book world. The ebooks will be exclusive to Amazon once they move, but the paperbacks will still be easy to grab at your favorite online shops if that’s your vibe.

I’m equal parts nervous and excited about this shift. Nervous because… what if it’s just me and three ghosts buying the book off my site? Excited because it feels more personal, like I’m inviting readers straight into my writing room before the rest of the world gets a peek. And honestly, that kind of intimacy feels right for a moody noir series.

Random fact break because my brain is wired that way: Did you know the word noir literally means “black” in French? (Collins Dictionary backs me up on this: source). Perfectly on-brand for my shadowy detective world, don’t you think?

Anyway, keep your eyes peeled because the cover reveal is coming soon, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it might be my favorite one yet.

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

An article for my author friends about your book’s opening scene: 4 Signs You Might Be Confusing, Not Intriguing, in Your Opening Scene http://blog.janicehardy.com/2018/07/4-signs-you-might-be-confusing-not.html

My writer friends may find this of interest: How Writing in Community Can Forge Friendships and Evoke Change https://lithub.com/how-writing-in-community-can-forge-friendships-and-evoke-change/

Just for fun: 47 Times “Dude With Sign” Did Everyone A Public Service And Protested Everyday Annoying Things https://www.boredpanda.com/clever-dude-with-sign-protesting-annoying-things-msn/

I love me a gay ghost horror flic: A closeted man’s secret cabin hookup gets haunted by ghosts & more in this indie horror https://www.queerty.com/watch-a-closeted-mans-secret-cabin-hookup-gets-haunted-by-ghosts-more-in-this-indie-horror-20250902/

My author friends may find this article about why your books needs a subplot of interest https://diymfa.com/writing/why-your-book-needs-a-subplot/

My writer friends may find this of value: Maximize Your Amazon Author Page: A Guide for Writers https://alisonwilliamswriting.com/2025/09/01/maximize-your-amazon-author-page-a-guide-for-writers-mondayblogs/

A trailer for a new gay series coming to Netflix: First Look at Netflix’s BOOTS, a Gritty and Queer Coming-of-Age Story https://gayety.com/netflix-boots-series-teaser-trailer

I’d like to see this one: Old friends give into desire in this colorful & musical Brazilian rom-com https://www.queerty.com/watch-old-friends-give-into-desire-in-this-colorful-musical-brazilian-rom-com-20250904/

This film is now on my list: Two rugged fishermen fall in love in new drama ‘On The Sea,’ which explores masculinity & desire in remote Wales https://www.queerty.com/two-rugged-fishermen-fall-in-love-in-new-drama-on-the-sea-which-explores-masculinity-desire-in-remote-wales-20250820/

My author friends may find this article about book marketing of value: Book Marketing: Basic Elements Matter More Than You Think https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/09/book-marketing-basic-elements-matter-more-than-you-think/

My author friends may find this of value: The Ultimate Writing Glossary (Story Structure, Character Arcs, and More) https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/writing-glossary/

I love these kinds of stories: Real Glitches In The Matrix That Might Freak You Out, As Shared By People Online https://www.boredpanda.com/strange-glitch-matrix-experiences/ GlitchInTheMatrix

My instincts saved me! Times People Trusted Their Instincts And Avoided Major Regret https://www.boredpanda.com/gut-instinct-intuition-stories/

Ever wonder what the lives of influencers are like? People Who Are Friends With Influencers Are Revealing What Their Lives Are Really Like https://www.boredpanda.com/friends-of-influencers-share-secrets-msn/

A little mysticism just for fun— “She Pulled That From Thin Air”: 30 Things Psychics Predicted That Ended Up Becoming True https://www.boredpanda.com/things-psychics-told-came-true/

Big News, Bookworms! My Store Is OPEN!

So something super exciting happened this week, and I had to pop in and tell you all about it before I explode into confetti.

 I finally launched my own store on my website! That’s right — Roger’s little bookstore corner of the internet is officially OPEN FOR BUSINESS. You can now grab all my books directly from rogerhyttinen.com without having to go through a dozen clicks or wander the digital aisles of that big nameless river site. 😏

Right now, I’ve got ebooks, paperbacks, and (drumroll please)… large print paperbacks available! I’ve heard from a bunch of folks who love and need that extra bit of accessibility, and I wanted to make sure you were taken care of.

Thinking about adding hardcovers, too. Not gonna lie — I’m kind of tempted. There’s something sexy about a matte hardcover on a haunted detective story or an urban fantasy shifter romance, right? But I’m still on the fence. If enough of you raise your hand and yell, “YES, PLEASE GIVE ME A HARDCOVER,” I’ll take the plunge. (Poltergeists and grumpy wolf shifters deserve to be immortalized in hardback, don’t you think?)

Also: each sale through my site means more royalties go directly to me, which helps me keep the lights on, pay for coffee, and continue spinning queer ghost tales, 1930s speakeasy mysteries, and shifter romances with entirely too much pining.

Anyway, just wanted to share the news with you lovely people who’ve supported me from day one. I’ve got some special goodies and exclusive bundles coming soon just for folks who buy through the site. So if you’re into that kind of thing… keep your eyes peeled.

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

An article that my author friends may find helpful: The Difference Between a Task and a Goal When Plotting http://blog.janicehardy.com/2020/08/the-difference-between-task-and-goal.html

A compelling little article about the crumbling of US News Media: 38 years in the media industry, and I never thought the U.S. media would crumble like this https://www.advocate.com/voices/media-crumbles-under-trump-attacks

I’m looking forward to this coming out: Kit Connor and Joe Locke Bid Emotional Farewell as ‘Heartstopper Forever’ Wraps Filminggay https://gayety.com/kit-connor-and-joe-locke-bid-emotional-farewell-to-heartstopper

My writer friends may find this of value: Just Write: Why Now’s the Time to Begin Again https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/08/i-used-to-dream-about-doing-this-why-you-should-start-writing-again/

My author friends may find this podcast episode of value, entitled: “Successful Social Media without Virality” https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/author-favorite-ebook-distributor-partners-with-leading-ebook-subscription-service/

This looks like a film I may have to check out: Former boxer Kieron Moore is playing a queer camboy in “dangerous & brave” drama ‘Blue Film’ https://www.queerty.com/former-boxer-kieron-moore-is-playing-a-queer-camboy-in-dangerous-brave-drama-blue-film-20250725/

Fans of Tom Daley (I’m a huge fan!) may enjoy this: Tom Daley’s Top Knitting Moments That We Honestly Can’t Forget About https://gayety.com/tom-daleys-top-knitting-moments

Compelling little article for my writer friends: Am I the Literary Asshole For Prioritizing My Writing Over the People in My Life? https://lithub.com/am-i-the-literary-asshole-for-prioritizing-my-writing-over-the-people-in-my-life/

My author friends may find this of value: Why Your Amazon Book Page Isn’t Converting — and How to Fix It http://blog.janicehardy.com/2025/08/why-your-amazon-book-page-isnt.html

Fun images of a guy and his dog as they explore abandoned places: https://www.boredpanda.com/furbex-abandoned-places-dog-photography-alice-van-kempen-msn/

My writer friends may be interested in this podcast episode with Johnny B Truant: Escape the Self-Publishing Rat Race with Johnny B. Truant https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/escape-the-self-publishing-rat-race-with-johnny-b-truant-ep236/

My author friends may find this article on using iteration of interest: Writer Fuel: How to Use Iteration in Your Writing https://diymfa.com/writing/how-to-use-iteration-in-your-writing/

This just came to my attention — I’ll definitely have to check it out on YouTube (available now – just search for ‘The Nature of Us’) https://www.queerty.com/watch-feel-the-rush-of-young-love-in-the-tender-indie-romance-series-the-nature-of-us-20250725/

This one sounds too intriguing not to watch: Jacob Elordi and ‘Saltburn’ director reunite for “hyper-sexualized” & “BDSM-tinged” ‘Wuthering Heights’ https://www.queerty.com/jacob-elordi-and-saltburn-director-reunite-for-hyper-sexualized-tinged-wuthering-heights-20250807/

Fans of LGBT cinema may find this article about ‘Enzo’ of interest: A rebellious teen & his older crush explore their desire in ‘Enzo’ https://www.queerty.com/watch-a-rebellious-teen-his-older-crush-explore-their-desire-in-enzo-20250808/

Did you hear about the new Jimmy Stewart biopic coming out (11/26)? It’s starring KJ Apa as Steward https://www.instagram.com/p/DNDzqNhu9-M/

It’s officially the dog days of summer, which means the air feels like soup, the ice cream melts faster than you can lick it, and my motivation to do anything outside drops to about zero. I hope your summer’s treating you well—preferably with shade, a cold drink, and maybe a breeze that doesn’t feel like it came straight out of an oven. Me? I’ve been holed up inside, working away on two big things: my soon-to-be-open online store and my detective noir series. Both are chugging along nicely, and I’m starting to feel that “almost there” excitement. I think we’re looking at maybe another week or two before the store officially opens its virtual doors. You’ll be able to snag all my books there—ebooks, paperbacks, and large print paperbacks (because squinting is overrated). Hardcovers might make an appearance in the future, but I want to poke around a bit more to see if that’s actually worth it before I take the plunge.

Anyway, wherever you are, I hope you get a little joy this week—whether that’s from finishing a great book, discovering a new snack obsession, or just finding the perfect patch of shade.

If you don’t always get a chance to come to the blog and see what’s happening, why not subscribe to my newsletter? I’ll include links to all my recent blog posts in one place so you can pick and choose which articles to read. You can subscribe to it HERE

Catch you next time!

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

My writer friends may find this article about how to write witty characters of interest: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/the-secret-to-writing-witty-characters-without-trying-so-hard/

Helpful article by Johnny B. Truant on how authors can take back their power https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/06/author-take-back-your-power/

This new gay mystery on Netflix sound ‘saucy’! If ‘Big Little Lies’ was set in MAGA country, you’d get this soapy gay mystery https://www.queerty.com/if-big-little-lies-were-set-in-maga-country-youd-get-this-soapy-gay-mystery-20250721/

My author friends may find this article by Lori Ostlund about ‘finding endings’ of value: https://lithub.com/lori-ostlund-on-finding-endings/

Experiencing beautiful romantic drama “Before We Forget” and Q&A with filmmaker Juan Pablo Di Pace https://greginhollywood.com/experiencing-beautiful-romantic-drama-before-we-forget-and-qa-with-filmmaker-juan-pablo-di-pace-247094

My writer friends may find this of interest: The 3 Components that Keep Your Story in Balance https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/06/it-turns-out-walking-and-writing-have-things-in-common/

Ozzy Osbourne Remembered As Fierce LGBTQ Ally https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/celebrity-news/ozzy-osbourne-remembered-as-fierce-lgbtq-ally/237723

Fun Queerty article: My middle-aged gay superpower? I don’t care anymore if you like me https://www.queerty.com/my-middle-aged-gay-superpower-i-dont-care-if-you-like-me-20250722/

An article for my author friends: AITA For Sabotaging My Own Writing Before Even Starting? https://lithub.com/am-i-the-asshole-for-sabotaging-my-own-writing-before-even-starting/

This horror/comedy LGBT slasher TV series sounds compelling https://www.queerty.com/a-slasher-whodunit-tv-series-set-at-a-clothing-optional-gay-resort-count-us-in-20250722/

My writer friends may find this of value: I’m Obsessed: On the Importance of Getting Lost in Your Writing https://lithub.com/im-obsessed-on-the-importance-of-getting-lost-in-your-writing/

Photography eye-candy: Historical Photos From Around The World That Each Tell An Interesting Story https://www.boredpanda.com/world-photographs-100-years-ago-msn/

I forgot that Hoult was in this film (huge fan of his — thought he was amazing in Superman): https://www.queerty.com/that-time-nicholas-hoult-was-the-ultimate-chaotic-bisexual-in-british-drama-skins-20250715/ That time Nicholas Hoult was the ultimate “chaotic bisexual” in British drama ‘Skins’

This looks really intriguing: https://www.queerty.com/a-steamy-gay-belgian-series-offers-something-sorely-missing-on-american-tv-right-now-20250716/ A steamy gay Belgian series offers something sorely missing on American TV right now

5 films about queer resistance to inspire you for the fight ahead https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/11/23/queer-resistance-films/

This week’s roundup is gonna be a little shorter than usual because, truth be told, I don’t have a ton of news to report. I’m still very much buried in edits—like, someone send snacks and maybe a rescue team. Also, I’ve been knee-deep in setting up my website so I can finally (finally!) start selling my books directly from there. It’s… a process. A slow-moving, occasionally frustrating process that makes me want to either throw my laptop out the window or kiss it depending on the hour. But I’m chipping away at it, and I’d love to have it up and running within the next couple of weeks. That’s the dream.

The plan is to offer both paperbacks and hardcovers of all my books—yes, including the ones with the moody supernatural detectives and the snarky mediums. So if you’ve been wanting to grab a signed copy or just prefer buying direct (which helps indie authors a lot, by the way), stay tuned. I’ll definitely shout it from the rooftops once it’s live. Or at least from the top of my blog. Which is, you know, slightly less dramatic but more accessible.

Oh, and I’m still thinking about that new Superman movie I saw last week. You know, the one directed by James Gunn? I loved it. Like, fully heart-eyed emoji loved it. David Corenswet made such a solid Superman—earnest without being corny—and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor? I wasn’t sure what to expect but he owned it. Creepy, clever, a little too comfortable in his villainy. If you’re curious, I actually wrote up a little mini-review on the blog, so pop over there if you want to hear me ramble about Gen Z henchmen, alien metaphors, and why this version of Superman gave me hope in more ways than one.

Anyway, I’ll keep this short and sweet this week. Next time I’ll (hopefully) have some actual website news and maybe even a peek at what the shop’s gonna look like. Fingers crossed. Until then, I’ll be over here editing, coding, drinking too much coffee, and occasionally getting distracted by random facts—like how Superman was originally created in 1938 by two Jewish teens from Cleveland, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and he was meant to represent the immigrant outsider experience in America. (No, seriously.

If you don’t always get a chance to come to the blog and see what’s happening, why not subscribe to my newsletter? I’ll include links to all my recent blog posts in one place so you can pick and choose which articles to read. You can subscribe to it HERE

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

My author friends may find this article about Substack of interest: The case against Substack. (ICYMI) https://lithub.com/the-case-against-substack-icymi/

An article for new writers (and even seasoned writers) – What Every New Writer Should Know About Editing https://alisonwilliamswriting.com/2025/07/08/what-every-new-writer-should-know-about-editing-editing-writingtips-newwriters/

Great review of the new Superman film (I saw it and loved it!) https://www.washingtonblade.com/2025/07/15/superman-movie-review/ https://www.washingtonblade.com/ (I also posted my review of Superman here on the blog)

Compelling article about the state of the Internet: Are You Talking to Bots? The Alarming Truth About the Dead Internet Theory https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/dead-internet-theory-explained/

Fans of LGBTQ+ cinema may be interested in this: ‘A Nice Indian Boy,’ Big Gay Love, and Feel-Good Cinema https://www.starobserver.com.au/artsentertainment/roshan-sethi-karan-soni-on-a-nice-indian-boy/237607

An article for my author friends https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/07/how-to-write-an-unforgettable-first-line/ Write an Unforgettable First Line

My writer friends may find this podcast episode of value: Don’t Quit Before the Miracle https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/dont-quit-before-the-miracle-ep232/

Why Intentional Storytelling Matters in an Era of AI and Algorithm-Driven Content https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/why-intentional-storytelling-matters-in-an-era-of-ai-and-algorithm-driven-content/

Fans of GLBTQ+ literature may find this of interest: Edmund White: Remembering a Doyen of LGBTQ+ Literature and His Mentorship https://lithub.com/edmund-white-remembering-a-doyen-of-lgbtq-literature-and-his-mentorship/

Do you know what film featured the first onscreen gay kiss? It’s older than you think https://www.queerty.com/this-silent-film-made-gay-history-heres-how-they-got-the-iconic-shot-that-changed-everything-20250714/

That time Christian Bale went gay for pay & made a queer classic in the process https://www.queerty.com/that-time-christian-bale-went-gay-for-pay-made-a-queer-classic-in-the-process-20250714/

Want to be more productive? Maybe this will help – Stop Waiting for Motivation : How to Stay Productive Even When You Don’t Feel Like It https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/how-to-overcome-procrastination/

I think I may have to watch this: Netflix’s ‘Amy Bradley Is Missing’ Revisits Mysterious 1998 Disappearance of Lesbian Cruise Passenger https://gayety.com/netflix-amy-bradley-is-missing-cruise-netflix

I may have to subscribe to HBO for a month to see this: The lurid, queer, coming-of-age thriller ‘The Shards’ is coming to TV & these are the hot new stars https://www.queerty.com/the-lurid-coming-of-age-thriller-the-shards-is-coming-to-tv-these-are-the-hot-new-stars-20250717/

Compelling article about Queer Memory during these troubled times: Why queer memory is not only vital in these troubled times–it’s revolutionary https://www.advocate.com/voices/queer-memory

Okay, so here’s the thing: not a ton of exciting news this week, unless you count me staring at my screen and muttering things like “No, Lucien wouldn’t say that, you dolt” as exciting. (Which, honestly, maybe you do? I won’t judge.)

I’ve been plugging away at the Detective Noir series — the plan is still to release all three books back-to-back like a crime-fueled Netflix binge. No cliffhanger torment, no “see you in 9 months” nonsense. Just bang-bang-bang. A noir trilogy buffet (though I hope to end up with much more than three books). So yes, progress is happening, but it’s that quiet, slow-burn progress that doesn’t really look like much on the outside. Like bread rising. Or a cat plotting your demise.

That said, I’ve been doing a little behind-the-scenes reevaluating. Specifically, I took a good, honest look at my time and realized that writing and editing the weekly short stories for the newsletter? That’s eating a pretty sizable chunk of my schedule. And while I genuinely love crafting those bite-sized tales — seriously, they’re weirdly therapeutic — they’re also pulling me away from my novel writing. And here’s the kicker: I haven’t gotten any feedback on the stories. Zero comments. Nada. Not even a “meh” or a “hey, that one with the haunted jukebox was weird, man.” So now I’m wondering…are folks even reading them? Are they being enjoyed in secret? Or are they quietly ignored, like a salad at a pizza party?

So here’s what I’ve decided: the weekly short stories are going on hiatus. Not forever. I’m not throwing them into a volcano or anything. But for now, I am stepping back from doing them every single week. I might still toss a story up on the blog now and then when inspiration smacks me upside the head. But they’re not going to be a regular thing for a while.

And while I’m at it, I’m tweaking the newsletter schedule too. Instead of showing up in your inbox every single week, I’ll send it out every 2–3 weeks or whenever something exciting happens — like a cover reveal, a book release, or if I just saw a movie that I need to yell about. (Looking at you, overly serious supernatural thrillers with zero payoff.)

Now — and this part’s important — if you are someone who does look forward to the weekly stories and you’d be sad to see them go, let me know. Seriously. I’m not one of those “I don’t read the comments” people. I totally read the comments. And the emails. And smoke signals, if that’s your thing. If enough people miss the stories, I’ll reconsider. I mean it.

The newsletter will still be worth opening, I promise. There’ll still be updates, bookish stuff, and the occasional weird musing. Just fewer stories, and more focus on getting Lucien, Gabriel, and the rest of my noir misfits out into the world.

Anyway, that’s the update from the writing cave. It smells faintly of coffee and frustration, but there’s good stuff brewing, I swear.

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.

Now, let’s get on to the roundup…

Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing

My author friends may find this article about Beta readers helpful: How to find beta readers for final draft feedback https://nownovel.com/how-to-find-beta-readers/

Just for fun: Meet the gay Latin nurse & model vying to become Mister USA 2025 https://www.queerty.com/meet-the-gay-latin-nurse-model-vying-to-become-mister-usa-2025-20250711/

The ‘bizarre buildings’ photographs are fun: The Strangest And Most Unique Buildings From All Over The World https://www.boredpanda.com/bizarre-crazy-buildings-msn/

Short Video in which David Archuleta shares his journey to understanding and accepting his queer identity https://greginhollywood.com/david-archuleta-shares-his-journey-to-understanding-and-accepting-his-queer-identity-246861

My writer friends may find this article about developing your literary voice of interest: https://nownovel.com/what-is-literary-fiction/

An article for my author friends: Why “The Worst That Can Happen” Is Terrible Writing Advice http://blog.janicehardy.com/2022/10/why-worst-that-can-happen-is-terrible.html

If you’re a writer, you may be interested in this Creative Writer’s Toolkit: 7 Tools You Can’t Write Without https://thewritepractice.com/creative-writing-tools/

Looking forward to seeing the new Superman movie. In the meantime: Superman’s David Corenswet’s in sweats for GQ Hype shoot https://omg.blog/omg-supermans-david-corenswets-in-sweats-for-gq-hype-shoot/

Book lovers may find this of interest: Before Amazon, We Had Bookmobiles: Rare Photos Of Libraries-On-Wheels https://www.boredpanda.com/bookmobile-library-on-wheels-msn/

Photography eye-candy: Photographs of abandoned places at night https://www.boredpanda.com/forgotten-places-unique-lightning-photography-guillaume-prugniel-j-part-4-msn/

The ‘bizarre buildings’ photographs are fun: The Strangest And Most Unique Buildings From All Over The World https://www.boredpanda.com/bizarre-crazy-buildings-msn/

My author friends may find this of value: Book title ideas — How to come up with the best https://nownovel.com/how-to-write-a-book-title/