I’ve decided to bring back my Weekly Roundup. For those new around here, the weekly round up is a blog post every Saturday where I chat about any updates and include links to things I shared on social media during the week. A lot of those posts are about the craft of writing but there are some about queer cinema, queer novels and whatever caught my fancy for that week.
So, here’s what’s been going on in my writing cave (which is really just my kitchen table, but let’s pretend there’s more mystery and less leftover coffee). I’m deep in the middle of my Detective Noir series, and honestly? Things are heating up. We’re talking late-night typing sessions, whispered threats in alleyways, suspicious dames, and enough trench coats to clothe an entire jazz band. I’ve been making HUGE progress, like, “someone give me a trophy shaped like a fedora” kind of progress.
And because apparently I don’t know how to sit still, I also started working on a short story featuring Nick Michelson. You remember Nick—ghost-seeing, emotionally-damaged, way-too-curious-for-his-own-good Nick. Yeah, well. That “short story” had other ideas. It looked me dead in the eye and said, “Sir, I am a novella.” And I just kind of shrugged and said okay, because that’s the way I roll. Short stories? Apparently not in this house (except for my weekly newsletter that is).
Alright, I’m off to go wrangle some plot twists and probably let a ghost or two cause chaos. More updates soon—unless I get possessed by one of my characters, which honestly feels like a real possibility at this point.
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.
By the way, I also send out a weekly newsletter where I chat about my upcoming releases, offer discounts, and other related goodies. Plus you’ll receive a free short story in your inbox every week. So if you wish to receive it, you can subscribe HERE.
Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing
My writers friends may find this of value: When the Second Draft Feels Like a Step Back https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/06/when-the-second-draft-feels-like-a-step-back/
What the first film to say “gay” tells us about Hollywood’s queer-coded history—& Cary Grant’s sexuality https://www.queerty.com/what-the-first-film-to-say-gay-tells-us-about-hollywoods-queer-coded-history-and-cary-grants-sexuality-20250623/
I need to start watching this — Playing Roque Was Personal: Agustín Della Corte Opens Up About ‘Olympo’ https://gayety.com/agustin-della-corte-pressure-power-pride-olympo
Did you know there was a Queer-led Skincare Brand? Queer-Led Skincare Brand Grimoire Launches Just in Time for Pride Month https://gayety.com/queer-led-skincare-brand-grimoire-launches-just-in-time-for-pride-month
Guess which major US airport could be the first in the world to have its own gay bar? https://www.queerty.com/guess-which-major-us-airport-could-be-the-first-in-the-world-to-have-its-own-gay-bar-20250620/
Strange Moments From Victorian Times That Still Fascinate Us Today https://www.boredpanda.com/interesting-victorian-era-photos-msn/
Historic Photos That Show People Had More Class In The Past https://www.boredpanda.com/classy-vintage-style-historic-photos-msn/
My author friends might find this article of interest: Two Questions to Ask for Stronger Character Goals and Motivations http://blog.janicehardy.com/2014/01/two-questions-to-ask-for-stronger.html
An article for my writer friends about secondary characters: Secondary Characters: All the Fun, a Lot Less Work https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/05/secondary-characters-all-the-fun-a-lot-less-work/
If you’re a writer and work with an editor, you may find this of interest: How to Prepare Your Manuscript for a Developmental Edit https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/06/how-to-prepare-your-manuscript-for-a-developmental-edit/
Just for fun (and a bit of cuteness): Paw-Some Dog Photos https://www.boredpanda.com/best-dog-photos-community/
Just for fun: “Today Vs The Good Old Days”: 23 Things That Changed And You Decide – For Better Or For Worse https://www.boredpanda.com/then-vs-now-poll/
A helpful article on book marketing: What I’ve Learned Disrupting Book Marketing Venue by Venue https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/06/what-ive-learned-disrupting-book-marketing-venue-by-venue/
In case you missed it — Agustín Della Corte plays a gay rugby star with secrets—& muscles—to spare in ‘Olympo’ https://www.queerty.com/agustin-della-corte-plays-a-gay-rugby-star-with-secrets-muscles-to-spare-in-olympo-20250620/
Kit Williamson keeps getting queer stories out there in ‘Unconventional’ ways https://www.queerty.com/kit-williamson-keeps-getting-queer-stories-out-there-in-unconventional-ways-20250622/
A Touch of Cedar — A ghost in the present….a murder in the past…a time-traveling adventure: Marek puts on an old suit he finds in the attic & is transported back to the year 1870 where he has to solve a 150-year-old murder.