Book Shenanigans and Brain Sparks
So, you know that feeling when you’re super busy, but it’s the good kind of busy? Like, you’ve got so many plates spinning, but they’re all your favorite ceramic pieces? That’s totally me right now. I feel this weird mix of total exhaustion and pure, buzzing excitement, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade it. It smells faintly of stale coffee and printer ink in here, which I guess is the official perfume of “Writer Mode: Activated.”
I’ve been trying to keep my head down and just write. I mean, I’m deep into the next mystery in the series, practically glued to my chair, making sure you guys don’t have to wait an age for the next installment. I get so invested in these characters, like they’re demanding I tell their story faster. My fingers fly over the keyboard, and sometimes I have to physically remind myself to stand up and stretch, you know? It’s completely absorbing, and I love that about the process, even when it makes my back hurt. I truly believe passion is the difference between a job and a purpose. That’s a little motto I stick up on my whiteboard sometimes.
But, speaking of books! I am completely thrilled to tell you that Murder at the Savoy is finally making its way into the world! The ebook version is up for preorder on Amazon right now, which is just bananas to me. It’s such a wild, wonderful thing to see a book baby out there. However, if you are a fellow lover of the tactile experience—like the crisp, distinct sound a new book spine makes when you first crack it open—I’ve got the paperback and large print paperback editions available now in my web store. Seriously, go grab one! I still get a little lump in my throat every time someone buys one of my books. It just feels so good to share these stories.
And because my brain is apparently incapable of focusing on just one thing at a time, I’ve had this seriously fun, maybe slightly bonkers, idea rolling around in my head. I’ve been hashing out a concept for a gay paranormal cozy mystery series. I can practically picture it: ghosts who offer terrible relationship advice, maybe a witch who runs a questionable but incredibly popular bakery, and a main character who is completely done with the supernatural shenanigans but can’t seem to quit solving the ensuing murders. I think it sounds like a blast, honestly. I’m imagining it with a lot of witty banter and maybe some genuinely sweet moments. But I’m wondering, is that something you folks would actually be into? Like, totally honest feedback time: should I do it? Drop me a note and tell me what you think, because your opinion matters a lot to me!
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
Chuck Wendig’s at it again. “Five Things You Learned As A Writer Writing That Cool Thing You Wrote?” is a must-read reminder that finishing teaches more than starting. https://terribleminds.com/ramble/2025/01/16/five-things-you-learned-as-a-writer-writing-that-cool-thing-you-wrote/
What happens if there are no real turning points in your story? September C. Fawkes walks us through what that looks like — spoiler: it feels like nothing happens. https://www.septembercfawkes.com/2025/01/what-happens-when-there-are-no-plot.html
November streaming = major queer glow-up. From epic finales to campy comedies and fresh indie gems, it’s a very gay month for our screens. Dive into the full list here: https://www.queerty.com/the-best-lgbtq-movies-tv-shows-coming-to-streaming-november-2025-20251031/
How ‘Invisible Lifelines’ Shines a Light on Global Queer Resilience (Exclusive) https://gayety.com/how-invisible-lifelines-shines-a-light-on-global-queer-resilience-exclusive
“The rules of fiction aren’t chains—they’re the map. Know them, then use them—or break them knowingly.” https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/the-rules-of-fiction/
Quotes aren’t just décor—they’re power-moves. This post digs into why writers & indie authors need marketing quotes in their toolkit. https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/01/marketing-quotes-and-why-you-need-them/
“Readers pay attention when they don’t know what’s coming next.” — Janice Hardy on crafting plot twists. http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/03/expect-unexpected.html
“From underground heroes to global movements — this film Invisible Lifelines shines a light on queer resilience in the toughest places. Read the exclusive: https://gayety.com/how-invisible-lifelines-shines-a-light-on-global-queer-resilience-exclusive”
Latin pop gets a major shake-up: Meet SANTOS BRAVOS — the new boy band breaking the mold with an out gay member and a global vibe. https://www.queerty.com/meet-santos-bravo-the-boy-band-shaking-up-latin-pop-with-an-out-gay-member-20251028/
Narration isn’t just “who’s telling it” — it’s the secret pathway from story to reader. This post explains how your choice of narrator and voice fuels the prose. 👉 https://diymfa.com/writing/the-role-of-narration-in-storytelling/
Self-publishing? Traditional? Hybrid? This piece “Charting Your Course: How Should You Publish?” breaks down your options and helps you pick what’s right for you. 👉 https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/01/charting-your-course-how-should-you-publish/
The uproar over Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl isn’t just about music—it turns out those opposed are statistically more likely to identify as Republican or hold homophobic views.
Read more: https://www.queerty.com/if-youre-against-bad-bunny-headlining-the-super-bowl-you-might-be-homophobic-or-a-republican-new-poll-finds-20251028/
Halloween just got queer-fied (a few days late!): Netflix drops a wild short with Antoni Porowski in his Calvins, proving horror can also be hot & hilarious. #StreamingSurprise https://www.queerty.com/netflix-delivers-a-sexy-gay-surprise-halloween-with-an-assist-from-antoni-po‐rowski/
Billie Eilish is calling out billionaires: “Give your money away, shorties.” Then she went and donated $11.5 million herself to charity. Queen behavior. https://gayety.com/billie-eilish-billionaires-donation
Wild animals = meme gold. This gallery shows how creatures from the jungle to the tundra became our internet jesters. https://www.boredpanda.com/wild-animal-memes/
Books that don’t just entertain—they change everything. People on Reddit share the titles that literally shook their lives. Worth a scroll. https://www.boredpanda.com/books-changed-life-reddit-msn/
Nature: beautiful until the camera starts fighting back. Check out these wild moments when animals totally stole the shoot. 👉 https://www.boredpanda.com/animals-disturbing-photographers-pics/
New city. New life. New murder.
Private investigator Lucien Knight thought leaving London would free him from scandal. Instead, he finds himself entangled with a grieving heiress, a haunted jazz club, and a trumpet player whose charm could prove just as dangerous as any gunman’s.
To solve the death of Evelyn Sinclair, Lucien must navigate a tangle of passion, deceit, and forbidden desire before the killer strikes again—and before his own secrets come to light. Grab the ebook or Paperback!