It’s officially pumpkin-spice season (at least according to the stores), but my little corner of the world hasn’t quite gotten the memo yet. The temps are still hanging out in the 70s, so I’m in this weird limbo where I’m craving sweaters and crunchy leaves, but also still rocking short sleeves and iced coffee. It’s like my brain is in October, but my thermostat insists on July.
On the writing front, I’ve got some fun news: the finishing touches are happening on the cover for Murder at the Savoy. Once that’s done, the book will make its debut in my store for about four weeks. After that, the ebook will take an exclusive detour over to Amazon. But don’t worry—if you’re more of a paperback person, those will still be available in my shop and with the usual online retailers. And for those who like their books big and easy on the eyes, the Large Print edition will stay a web-store exclusive (because accessibility matters).
Meanwhile, in between messing around with cover files and second-guessing font choices, I’ve been deep in edits for book two of the series, Spectral Symphony. It’s a detective noir with ghosts (because of course), and my goal is to release it about a month after Murder at the Savoy. That means things are going to feel pretty back-to-back for a bit, but honestly, I’m kind of excited to keep the momentum rolling.
That’s the quick update from my end. Still waiting for the leaves to change, still juggling deadlines, still way too caffeinated—but hey, that’s fall mode for you.
Some Things I Thought Were Worth Sharing
My author friends may find this of interest: “Ugh, I’m in My Friend’s Autofiction and I Hate It: Am I the Literary Asshole?” https://lithub.com/ugh-im-in-my-friends-autofiction-and-i-hate-it-am-i-the-literary-asshole/
An article for my writer friends on how to write a series of novels your readers will love https://jerryjenkins.com/how-to-write-a-series/
Do you watch The Bold & the Beautiful? If so, this may be of interest (and if not, you may want to start): The Bold & The Beautiful To Feature Its First Gay Male Couple On Screen https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/the-bold-the-beautiful-to-feature-its-first-gay-male-couple-on-screen/238648
Joe Locke & Tom Cullen will have a scandalous “intimate encounter” in this upcoming gay drama https://www.queerty.com/joe-locke-tom-cullen-will-have-a-scandalous-intimate-encounter-in-this-upcoming-gay-drama-20250912/
My writer friends may find this of value: How to Talk About Your Own Book https://lithub.com/how-to-talk-about-your-own-book/
My author friends may find this helpful: A Complete Guide to Revising Your Novel https://writersinthestormblog.com/2025/01/a-complete-guide-to-revising-your-novel-part-one/
Some of these may be worth the watch: If it ain’t broke(back)… 5 rugged romances that follow the ‘Brokeback Mountain’ formula https://www.queerty.com/if-it-aint-brokeback-5-rugged-romances-that-follow-the-brokeback-mountain-formula-20250903/
Oooh – Queer Vampire films: Sink your fangs into these 5 queer vampire movies, from the homoerotic to the heroic https://www.queerty.com/sink-your-fangs-into-these-5-queer-vampire-movies-from-the-homoerotic-to-the-heroic-20250908/
Sally Rooney fans may find this of interest: Loving the Limitations of the Novel: A Conversation between Sally Rooney and Merve Emre https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2024/10/09/loving-the-limitations-of-the-novel-a-conversation-between-sally-rooney-and-merve-emre/
Just for fun: Corporate Marketing Tactics That Shaped How We Live Without Us Realizing https://www.boredpanda.com/successful-propaganda-corporations-sold-masses/
My writer friends may find this of value: What Happens When There are No Plot Points in a Story? https://www.septembercfawkes.com/2025/01/what-happens-when-there-are-no-plot.html
Photography fun: Times People Took Photos So Mesmerizing, They Had To Prove They Were Actually Real https://www.boredpanda.com/incredible-world-photos/
Just for fun: Lab Coat Laughs: Some Science Memes To Leave You Crying In Your Beakers https://www.boredpanda.com/science-funniest-pics-jokes/
My author friends may find this of interest — How to Write a Story: 10 Steps to Master the Art of Storytelling https://thewritepractice.com/write-story/
My author friends may find this of value: Past vs. Present Tense: Choose the RIGHT Tense for Your Novel https://thewritepractice.com/past-tense-vs-present-tense/