So. Hi. Hello from the frozen north.
I’m sitting here with a mug of coffee that keeps going cold way too fast, the radiator clicking like it has opinions, and my weather app insisting it’s –8° outside. Negative. Eight. That’s not weather—that’s a personal attack. The upside? I have absolutely nowhere to be. Which means I’ve been holed up, fingers flying, tapping away at the keyboard like it’s my job. (It is. Convenient.)
The big thing looming right now—looming in a good way, the way a stage curtain does before it goes up—is that the clock is officially ticking toward the launch of book three in the Lucien Knight series.
The Haunted Speakeasy hits shelves on February 10th, and I’m equal parts excited and jittery in that way that makes you reorganize your desk instead of doing anything productive for five minutes. If you missed the announcement post, it’s right here:
👉 https://rogerhyttinen.com/the-haunted-speakeasy-is-available-for-preorder/
And if you’re the preorder-now, worry-later type (my people), you can grab it here:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GC9NSF7L
This one has been living in my head for a while now. Dark corners, bad decisions, and a ghost who does not believe in polite conversation. Lucien’s in deeper than ever, and honestly? I’m having a blast putting him there.
Beyond launch prep, I’ve been steadily chopping away at the rest of the Lucien Knight series. Some days it’s smooth, some days it’s like pulling sentences out of wet cement, but progress is progress. The cold helps. When it’s this frigid, writing starts to feel like the only reasonable life choice. The city outside goes quiet, the windows frost over, and all that’s left is the soft hum of the room and whatever trouble I’ve decided to drop Lucien into next.
And—because I apparently lack self-control—I’ve also started sketching out ideas for a brand-new series. I know. I know. I can hear you sighing from here. But this is how my brain works: one project happily marching along, another one peeking around the corner, tapping me on the shoulder like, “Hey, you awake? I’ve got thoughts.” I’m not committing to anything yet, but the notes are there, scribbled in the margins, waiting their turn.
Okay. Deep breath.
Now let’s get to the roundup!
Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing
Great tips on making the pitch a writer’s selling point — practical, clear, and exactly what you need when your story deserves to be heard. https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/01/ways-to-make-the-pitch-a-writers-selling-point/
Loved this piece on the work behind the writing — how day jobs, routines, and real life shape the stories we tell. https://lithub.com/the-work-behind-the-writing-on-writers-and-their-day-jobs/
Did you catch any of these unsung LGBTQ films of the year? Critics share their favorites—hidden gems and must-see queer cinema. https://www.queerty.com/did-you-see-any-of-these-unsung-lgbtq-films-of-the-year-critics-reveal-their-favorites-20260115/
Your next gay smut obsession? The Charm Offensive is being turned into a movie with a queer star attached — very exciting news for queer romance fans! https://www.queerty.com/your-next-gay-smut-obsession-romance-novel-the-charm-offensive-is-being-turned-into-a-movie-with-this-queer-star-20260115/
This guide to speech-to-text apps for writers is super helpful — great tools to speed up drafting, beat writer’s block, or give your fingers a break. https://thewritepractice.com/speech-to-text-apps-for-write
Just read this great breakdown on building your story’s climax — clear, practical advice for turning tension up and giving your ending real punch. https://thewritepractice.com/climax-build/
Connor Storrie stopped by The Today Show and opened up about what the Heated Rivalry role really challenged him on — from mental clarity amid the craze to learning key aspects of the character. https://greginhollywood.com/connor-storrie-visits-the-today-show-and-reveals-toughest-part-of-heated-rivalry-role-249189
Trailer alert! Pillion — the edgy queer romance starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling — has dropped its first look, teasing a leather-clad, layered story about power, desire, and unexpected connection. https://gayety.com/aleksander-skarsgard-pillion-trailer
This look at the new rules of book publicity is full of fresh, practical strategies for getting your work seen and heard in 2026. https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/01/the-new-rules-of-book-publicity/
Just listened to this great convo on leaving social media, writing iconic characters, and building trust with Claire Taylor—so many thoughtful takeaways for writers. https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2026/01/12/leaving-social-media-writing-iconic-characters-and-building-trust-with-claire-taylor/
Hot off Heated Rivalry fandom news: the author just revealed details about a new book focused on Shane & Ilya — Unrivaled continues their love story and the challenges they’ll face now they’re out, married, and in the spotlight. https://www.queerty.com/heated-rivalry-author-reveals-details-of-new-book-plus-fresh-challenges-for-shane-ilya-20260113/
Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles continue to inspire LGBTQ people around the world — from queer readers finding themselves in the pages to Interview With the Vampire reigniting that magic on screen. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/01/13/the-vampire-chronicles-inspire-lgbtq-people-around-the-world/
This deep dive into what might be the most haunted place in America is full of eerie stories, ghost lore, and chilling vibes that’ll give you goosebumps. https://www.boredpanda.com/most-haunted-place-in-america/
Just checked out this roundup of AI writing software reviews — great for comparing tools that can boost drafting, editing, and creativity this year. https://thewritepractice.com/ai-writing-software-reviews
Wild (and dark) reads ahead: elderly people sharing decades-old murder confessions on their death beds — unsettling, fascinating, and strangely human. https://www.boredpanda.com/stories-from-nursing-homes-twitter-msn/
Resolved to finish more books in 2026? Here’s your guide to the web’s best reading challenges — fun ways to stay motivated and explore new reads all year long.
https://lithub.com/resolved-to-finish-more-books-in-2026-heres-your-guide-to-the-webs-best-reading-challenges/
Lace up your skates — the next horny hockey book is coming and it’s about to give fans all the queer romance, heat, and locker-room feels we’ve been waiting for. https://lithub.com/lace-up-your-skates-the-next-horny-hockey-book-is-coming/
Need a lighter creative load in 2026? This invitation offers ways to re-engage with joy in your writing instead of burnout. https://writersinthestormblog.com/2026/01/lighten-your-creative-load-a-new-year-invitation/
Loved this piece on exploring what truly strikes you — thoughtful writing about attention, curiosity, and what keeps us hooked as readers and creators. https://lithub.com/marisa-silver-on-exploring-what-strikes-you/
Preorder your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GC9NSF7L