Weekly Roundup for Sept 12, 2025

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/