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/