D.V. Stone's Blog
September 10, 2025
Around the Fire Book & Author Blog with YA writer Dan Rice.
Welcome back to Around the Fire. Here in Northern New Jersey, it's been feeling a bit like fall. I love the colors, the smells, and the crisp, warm days followed by cool (sometimes cold) nights. Even though the trees are still green and the crickets and frogs set up nightly concerts, some of my Autumn decorations have been making their way out of storage. Pumpkins, orange and yellow leaves, scarecrows, and mums. Driving around, I see some others looking forward to fall. Halloween is right around the corner, and boy, do I have a great guest today on the blog just in time for the season. Dan Rice is a fellow Wild Rose Press author. His specialty is Young Adult paranormal, but today we'll learn about the Five Things He's Learned stepping into a new phase of his writing career. Take it away, Dan. 
Five Things I Learned While Writing Phantom Algebra
1. Writing in the third person is great.
Phantom Algebra is the first novel-length work I’ve written in the third person. My other books are all first person present tense, think The Hunger Games. I had written in third person before, but writing an entire novel in third person of publishable quality struck me as a daunting task. All my previous attempts at crafting a story in the third person are either gathering digital dust on a hard drive or in the cloud or have been scrapped altogether.
What I discovered is that writing in the third person is great fun and not as difficult as I feared. It allows you to delve into the minds of so many characters beyond the protagonist. You can tell scenes from the perspective of that brutally nasty antagonist, crafting a three-dimensional character and creating suspense up the kazoo.
Part of the reason writing in the third person came easier than I expected is how much I’ve grown as a writer since my first book was published. My weakness has always been characterization—I was the person in the critique group who was rightfully brutalized for creating slipshod characters. That’s not the case any longer.
2. Writing in a shared universe didn’t limit my storytelling
Initially, I was pumped to learn that my publisher was putting together a multi-author YA horror series titled The Haunting of Pinedale High, as in a haunted high school. I thought, great! I write YA! I write fantasy! Horror is fantasy adjacent, right? It all falls under the umbrella of speculative fiction…more or less.
So yeah, I was duly excited. But then I realized that I’d have to share a story world with other authors. I didn’t know if I liked the idea of sharing. Shared character, shared setting, shared lore… I was a bit nervous. Wouldn’t all this sharing business limit my storytelling?
I was pleased to discover my trepidation was entirely misplaced. I chose to lean heavily into the classic horror trope of past trauma. Zuri, the protagonist, is haunted by past trauma, as is the ghost with whom she will eventually form a bond. The past trauma trope is inherently character-centric, so, in the end, I didn’t feel the shared setting, loose rules surrounding the ghosts, and a handful of shared characters limited the tale I wanted to tell.
3. Horror—in this case, a ghost story—is super fun.
I enjoy reading a good horror yarn from time to time. My Heart is a Chainsaw, Clown in a Cornfield, and almost anything by Stephen King have entertained me and made me peek around corners just in case something lurks in the dark. But I’ve never considered myself a massive fan of the genre, nor had I put serious thought into penning a horror novel. Oh, I had dabbled in the horrifying by writing a short story or two, but it wasn’t my jam.
I discovered that writing a YA horror, a ghost story to be precise, was super fun. It didn’t strike me as all that different than crafting a YA fantasy. By tweaking the fantastical elements, they become hair-raising and frightful, opposed to magical or awe-inspiring. Populating an underground lair with enormous nightcrawlers, engorged rodentia, and satanic magic is delightful. It speaks to my inner child who watched black and white monster movies on TBS and was terrified of arachnids.
4. Deadlines are good things.
Phantom Algebra is the first writing project I’ve had with a deadline that wasn’t self-imposed. If I wanted to participate in the series, I needed to turn in a polished manuscript in a hair over a year. As a writer with a day job, I’m pretty good at finding time to grind out and edit words, but it usually takes me at least eighteen months to go from idea to submittable manuscript, and I was in the middle of another writing project. Crunch time, indeed!
However, I found out that having a drop-dead date focuses the mind. I created a more detailed and logical plot outline than ever before and assiduously adhered to it while banging out the rough draft in record time. Most pleasing of all, the story was strong and freer of errors than anything I had previously written. Not only had I met the deadline, but I had produced perhaps my best writing ever.
5. Writing is its own Reward.
When I first embarked on writing Phantom Algebra, I feared the project would be a slog. I had a deadline, which was something entirely new for me as a writer. The genre was one I typically don’t write, and the tale was set in a shared world. Despite all that, I found the writing process, from planning to the rough draft to the edit, as invigorating as ever. Writing fiction, like many creative endeavors, is truly its own reward. Pre Order Today
Phantom Algebra
The Hunting of Pinedale High
By
Dan Rice
Zuri and her mother settle in Pinedale, North Carolina, to start over. For years, they’ve been on the run from Zuri’s father, a retired boxer and full-time gangland enforcer.
In Pinedale, Zuri finds a gym where she can train in mixed martial arts to pursue her dream of becoming a champion fighter. At Pinedale High, she discovers friends among the outcasts, academic challenges, and something unexpected…ghosts.
When Zuri encounters a tween phantom haunting the library, her life is turned upside down and inside out as she attempts to help the spirit. This incurs the wrath of devils, living and dead. Zuri will need her martial arts prowess, heart, and the aid of friends to protect everyone she loves.
Grab your copy today!
Amazon
Apple Books
Barnes & Noble
Dan Rice pens the young adult urban fantasy series The Allison Lee Chronicles and other speculative fiction, both short and long, in the wee hours of the morning. To discover more about Dan’s writing and keep tabs on his upcoming releases, check out his blog, join his newsletter, and follow him on BlueSky. His latest novel, the YA horror Phantom Algebra, releases on September 15, 2025.
Follow the AuthorBlueSkyTwitterInstagramThreadsTikTok
To get your fulfill all your Haunted reads, here's a link to the entire series.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9YZWG5Z
Five Things I Learned While Writing Phantom Algebra
1. Writing in the third person is great.
Phantom Algebra is the first novel-length work I’ve written in the third person. My other books are all first person present tense, think The Hunger Games. I had written in third person before, but writing an entire novel in third person of publishable quality struck me as a daunting task. All my previous attempts at crafting a story in the third person are either gathering digital dust on a hard drive or in the cloud or have been scrapped altogether.
What I discovered is that writing in the third person is great fun and not as difficult as I feared. It allows you to delve into the minds of so many characters beyond the protagonist. You can tell scenes from the perspective of that brutally nasty antagonist, crafting a three-dimensional character and creating suspense up the kazoo.
Part of the reason writing in the third person came easier than I expected is how much I’ve grown as a writer since my first book was published. My weakness has always been characterization—I was the person in the critique group who was rightfully brutalized for creating slipshod characters. That’s not the case any longer.
2. Writing in a shared universe didn’t limit my storytelling
Initially, I was pumped to learn that my publisher was putting together a multi-author YA horror series titled The Haunting of Pinedale High, as in a haunted high school. I thought, great! I write YA! I write fantasy! Horror is fantasy adjacent, right? It all falls under the umbrella of speculative fiction…more or less.
So yeah, I was duly excited. But then I realized that I’d have to share a story world with other authors. I didn’t know if I liked the idea of sharing. Shared character, shared setting, shared lore… I was a bit nervous. Wouldn’t all this sharing business limit my storytelling?
I was pleased to discover my trepidation was entirely misplaced. I chose to lean heavily into the classic horror trope of past trauma. Zuri, the protagonist, is haunted by past trauma, as is the ghost with whom she will eventually form a bond. The past trauma trope is inherently character-centric, so, in the end, I didn’t feel the shared setting, loose rules surrounding the ghosts, and a handful of shared characters limited the tale I wanted to tell.
3. Horror—in this case, a ghost story—is super fun.
I enjoy reading a good horror yarn from time to time. My Heart is a Chainsaw, Clown in a Cornfield, and almost anything by Stephen King have entertained me and made me peek around corners just in case something lurks in the dark. But I’ve never considered myself a massive fan of the genre, nor had I put serious thought into penning a horror novel. Oh, I had dabbled in the horrifying by writing a short story or two, but it wasn’t my jam.
I discovered that writing a YA horror, a ghost story to be precise, was super fun. It didn’t strike me as all that different than crafting a YA fantasy. By tweaking the fantastical elements, they become hair-raising and frightful, opposed to magical or awe-inspiring. Populating an underground lair with enormous nightcrawlers, engorged rodentia, and satanic magic is delightful. It speaks to my inner child who watched black and white monster movies on TBS and was terrified of arachnids.
4. Deadlines are good things.
Phantom Algebra is the first writing project I’ve had with a deadline that wasn’t self-imposed. If I wanted to participate in the series, I needed to turn in a polished manuscript in a hair over a year. As a writer with a day job, I’m pretty good at finding time to grind out and edit words, but it usually takes me at least eighteen months to go from idea to submittable manuscript, and I was in the middle of another writing project. Crunch time, indeed!
However, I found out that having a drop-dead date focuses the mind. I created a more detailed and logical plot outline than ever before and assiduously adhered to it while banging out the rough draft in record time. Most pleasing of all, the story was strong and freer of errors than anything I had previously written. Not only had I met the deadline, but I had produced perhaps my best writing ever.
5. Writing is its own Reward.
When I first embarked on writing Phantom Algebra, I feared the project would be a slog. I had a deadline, which was something entirely new for me as a writer. The genre was one I typically don’t write, and the tale was set in a shared world. Despite all that, I found the writing process, from planning to the rough draft to the edit, as invigorating as ever. Writing fiction, like many creative endeavors, is truly its own reward. Pre Order Today
Phantom AlgebraThe Hunting of Pinedale High
By
Dan Rice
Zuri and her mother settle in Pinedale, North Carolina, to start over. For years, they’ve been on the run from Zuri’s father, a retired boxer and full-time gangland enforcer.
In Pinedale, Zuri finds a gym where she can train in mixed martial arts to pursue her dream of becoming a champion fighter. At Pinedale High, she discovers friends among the outcasts, academic challenges, and something unexpected…ghosts.
When Zuri encounters a tween phantom haunting the library, her life is turned upside down and inside out as she attempts to help the spirit. This incurs the wrath of devils, living and dead. Zuri will need her martial arts prowess, heart, and the aid of friends to protect everyone she loves.
Grab your copy today!
Amazon
Apple Books
Barnes & Noble
Dan Rice pens the young adult urban fantasy series The Allison Lee Chronicles and other speculative fiction, both short and long, in the wee hours of the morning. To discover more about Dan’s writing and keep tabs on his upcoming releases, check out his blog, join his newsletter, and follow him on BlueSky. His latest novel, the YA horror Phantom Algebra, releases on September 15, 2025.Follow the AuthorBlueSkyTwitterInstagramThreadsTikTok
To get your fulfill all your Haunted reads, here's a link to the entire series.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9YZWG5Z
August 26, 2025
Around the Fire book & author blog with today's guest, Susie Black, with her latest release, Death by Dreidel
D: Susie Black is back Around the Fire today. We have coffee brewing and some wonderful insights into her life, writing, and advice to others. While I pour, Susie, why don't you introduce yourself and let us know the you behind the official bio?SUSIE: I am a curious student of human nature who sees each day as a gift, an opportunity, a mystery, an adventure, and a challenge. I strive to find something to laugh about every day.
D: What a great outlook on life. Other than writing, how do you fill your day?
SUSIE: I am a voracious reader. I read all types of mysteries, but favor the same kind of stories I write-cozy mysteries. I am an avid stamp collector, sailor, jazz and oldies Rock N Roll fan, and an enthusiastic walker.
D: I'm a fan of Jazz and Classic Rock too, though I've never sailed, I admire those beautiful boats out on the lake. Who is your network or support system?
SUSIE: First and foremost, my very patient and supportive husband and son, who tirelessly answer my incessant questions like, “How does this sound?” or “Is this funny or am I the only one who’s going to laugh at the line?” Secondly, a cabal of generous author colleagues whom I call on for their opinion, knowledge, and information. Thirdly, “the Aprils,” my trusty two super readers who read and critique my final manuscripts before I submit them to my editor.
D: I love that, the Aprils. Who or what books or authors are your inspiration?
SUSIE: I have many authors who are my inspiration: Joan Hess, Anne George, Carolyn Haines, Carl Hiaasen, Dave Barry, Nancy J. Cohen, Janet Evanovich, S.V. Date, Donald E. Westlake, and Elmore Leonard are my favorites. Books that inspire me: The Axe by Donald E. Westlake, Maximum Bob by Elmore Leonard.
D: Let's talk about your world personally.Do you have any fun or outrageous talents?SUSIE: I can single-sail an obstacle course without flipping the sailboat over.What is your neighborhood like?SUSIE: I live in a gated community in Palm Desert, CA., on a golf course with a water hazard inhabited by ducks & geese.Are there any places you frequent?SUSIE: I walk the gorgeous grounds within our community with a variety of palm trees, and desert flora and fauna in a riot of colors that look like a painting.What makes them special?SUSIE: I am continuously amazed at what not only grows in this challenging climate, but thrives.
Lightening RoundDoes writing energize or exhaust you?SUSIE: BothWhat are common traps for aspiring writers?SUSIE: Telling, not showing. Overuse of words.What is your writing Kryptonite?SUSIE: Not listening to my characters.Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?SUSIE: Both. I write a series with continuing characters and locales, but each book can stand on its own.If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?SUSIE: Trust your gut. Don’t be afraid to fail. You can’t please everyone.How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?SUSIE: I have nine published books. Number ten is contracted, with no release date yet, and I have just submitted number eleven to my editor.What does literary success look like to you?SUSIE: When a reader says, “I stayed up all night reading your book. I could not put it down.”What’s the best way to market your books?SUSIE: Target your specific audience and reach the largest number of potential readers at one time: Blog and Podcast spots and interviews.What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? Or for example, along with my friend "Google" I’ve visited sites and museums to get a feel for several book scenesSUSIE: Since all my books take place in the LA garment district, I go to the California Apparel Mart in downtown LA, visit stores, talk to buyers and sellers.What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?SUSIE: Getting their reactions right to situations and making sure they speak like a manHow do you select the names of your characters?SUSIE: All of my characters are based on real people I knew, so I do a variation or a play on their name. For example, Mr. Newman/ Mr. Oldham; Mr. Turpin/Mr. Tyne; Mr. Arbetman/Mr. Workman(Arbetman in German means workman.)If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?SUSIE: A stand-up comedienne.Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?SUSIE: I read every review, but I do not respond to them. The good ones I revel in. I try to learn something to improve my writing from the bad ones if they give constructive criticism.What was your hardest scene to write?SUSIE: The scene where the protagonist realizes who the murderer is.What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?SUSIE: ChocolateWhat is your favorite childhood book?SUSIE: Nancy Drew -SeriesDoes your family support your career as a writer?SUSIE: Yes, I am so fortunate. 150%How long on average does it take you to write a book?SUSIE: Three months.If they made a movie about your life, what would the title be, and who would play you?SUSIE: Rag Lady and Melissa Rauch (Judge on the new TV show Night Court) would play me.Do you have a particular object, like a piece of jewelry or a keepsake of some sort? Can you tell us what makes it special to you?SUSIE: A bookmark my son made for me in kindergarten for Mother’s Day.What is your favorite mug or teacup if neither T-shirt with a graphic or Meme?SUSIE: A mug that my wise-guy nana gave me when I started selling ladies’ swimwear. The mug says: “Things Could be Worse: We Could be Trying on Swimsuits” Years ago, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?SUSIE: When the Rabbi pronounced Larry and me husband and wife, and he stepped on and broke the wineglass with his shoe, according to Jewish tradition.If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?SUSIE: My Way, by Frank Sinatra. If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be?SUSIE: Stone CrabsWorst household chore?SUSIE: Cleaning the toilet bowl.Would you rather have unlimited international first-class tickets or never have to pay for food at restaurants?SUSIE: Unlimited international first-class tickets.Did you ever win something? What?SUSIE: Yes, a pastrami sandwich at Nellie’s DeliDo you play board games? What games do you like?SUSIE: Yes. Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue.Who is the most interesting person you’ve met and talked with?SUSIE: Best-selling Author Harlen CobenWhat was your first job?SUSIE: As a girl, a babysitter. As a young adult, a sales clerk in a department store.What’s the most amazing natural occurrence you’ve witnessed?SUSIE: An earthquake.What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?SUSIE: A large flat-screen computer.Thank you Susie for spending time with us. I know everyone will enjoy your pictures.
Now that you know everything about Susie I bet you want to know about her new release! 
Death by Dreidel Holly Swimsuit Mystery Book 6
by
Susie Black
Amateur Sleuths/Cozy Mysteries
May 21, 2025
Mermaid Swimwear President Holly Schlivnik attends an industry Hanukkah party to honor Rapido Swimwear CEO Leni Waxman as the Mount Cedars Hospital Woman of the Year. The guest of honor collapses and dies in the middle of the event. An autopsy confirms that Leni expired as a result of poisoning by coming in contact with a purposely contaminated dreidel. There is no shortage of suspects—Leni had no problem destroying anyone who threatened her top-dog swimwear industry position. When Holly’s business partner is wrongly arrested for Leni’s murder, the irreverent sales exec can’t mind her own beeswax. The wise-cracking snoop sticks her nose everywhere it doesn’t belong to flesh out the real killer. But the trail has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster and nothing turns out how Holly thinks it will as she takes on a ruthless killer hellbent on revenge.
Grab your copy today!
Amazon
Walmart
Target
BooksAMillion
Indie Bound
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Google Books
ITunes
For more information, follow Susie
Blue Sky: @hollysusiewrites.bsky.social
Facebook: Susie Black, author of The Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series | Facebook
Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheHollySwimsuitMysterySeries
Instagram: Susie Black (@hollyswimsuit) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorsusieblack-61941011
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hollysusie1/
X: Susie Black (@hollyswimsuit) / X
August 21, 2025
Around the Fire: Stories Under the Stars, Campsites, and Chapters Ahead
Welcome back to Around the Fire. This is a place where we can discuss all types of things. Books, yes, but also life. Our “glamping” seasons are Spring and Fall. I’m going out a little early this year by heading to the Saratoga Springs area, more specifically, Corinth, New York. We love Upstate. The Adirondack’s the Catskills. Just like New Jersey, when you mention NY to people unfamiliar with it, they think of the city. But NYS is huge and so historical. One of the places we go is near Corinth, which has no light pollution. One night, we sat out at camp with friends and overhead we could see the Milky Way, satellites, and shooting stars. But even here in Northern NJ, you and still look up and enjoy creation. I love walking out on my deck and seeing the moon and stars. On my phone, I installed an application that scans the sky and tells you what’s what. The heavens make me feel very small.This visit, we’ll be parking at a more amenities-based campground. My husband, Pete, is volunteering to help replace a roof at a nearby girls’ summer Christian camp. I usually join them, but this old gal is not getting on any roof, so Hali and I will be enjoying camp life, and I’m looking forward to some pool time. I’ll be making a couple of trays of food ahead of time for the workers so I won’t feel guilty for not contributing.
In November, we head to one of our favorite places, Lancaster, PA. My daughter-in-law bought us tickets to see Noah at the Sight and Sound Theater.
After this trip, I have a busy fall with several appearances scheduled and a few more possibilities. I’ll be in Branchville, Hackettstown, Hoboken, Ledgewood, and Newton. I need to order more books. I no longer do the huge author/reader events. As someone who is hearing impaired, the noise becomes almost unbearable. Hitting the road and meeting new people in a more intimate setting is fantastic. You never know where a conversation will go. What am I working on now? I needed a palate cleanser. My works in progress were not progressing. Frustration built, and with that came stone walls. After shutting my laptop down in defeat last week, my mind went to someplace I enjoy. Where? Lake Unami.My novellas, Rainbow Sprinkles, summer. Sophia’s Magic Beans, spring, and A Christmas Storm, winter, make me happy. Like I said above, Fall is my favorite. So I’m returning to the lake for fall. And I’m enjoying the trip. Initially, the story was going to be an Agent Sam Carter Mystery.
Though as I delved into the history of one of our local Sussex County historical buildings, the idea became something different entirely. That’s the life of being an author. The story reveals itself. I’ll keep you posted on this, but here’s a teaser.
Red Gate Farm
Where tradition runs deep, tomorrow blooms bright, and new love finds fertile ground. Until next time, have a great day, and don’t forget to look up at the sky.
August 18, 2025
Around the Fire New Release Spotlight with Ghosted by Lori Matsourani
Welcome to Around the Fire—New Release Spotlight! I'm thrilled to have you here and introduce you to Ghosted by Lori Matsourani. This paranormal second-chance love story is set to release on August 13th, and trust me the early reviews are outstanding.
One of my favorite camping trips was to the Chesapeake Bay where seafood is always on the menu. I made a boil with all sorts of tasty treats and poured it out on rolled brown paper on the picnic table. Lori's not only shares the inspiration that brought her first novel to life, but also a delicious recipe straight from Annapolis, Maryland.
So grab a cozy seat and settle in. There’s a story, a spark, and maybe even something savory waiting for you.
Ghosted
by
Lori Matsourani
Available 8-13-2025
Paranormal Ghost Romance/Second Chance Romance
PG
A haunted inn, a first crush, and a second chance for love with “help” from the resident ghost…
Back Cover
When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship.
Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.
Although Bethany wants a happily ever after with Nick, does she have the courage to trust him with her future?
Grab your copy today!
https://books2read.com/lorimatsourani
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9XCPLYD/thewildrosepr-20
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghosted-lori-matsourani/1147463084?ean=2940184606941
https://books.apple.com/us/book/ghosted/id6746414091
https://wildrosepress.com/product/ghosted/
Goodreads Giveaway (Runs from August 1 to August 30):
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/418301-ghosted
Need more? A Look Between the Pages
As Mrs. Snowden spoke, a tall, dark-haired man entered the foyer. He wore jeans and a soft blue crewneck sweater that accentuated his lanky, yet solid, build. As soon as he saw Bethany, his face lit up.
“Bethany!”
He walked toward her as though they were long-lost friends, and she half expected him to pull her into an embrace. Then she recognized the dark chocolate eyes behind the black-framed glasses and her stomach lurched.
Nick Dorsey. He’s Mrs. Snowden’s nephew?
“Aunt Margaret told me you were checking in today.”
Stunned, Bethany stepped backward, bumping into the edge of the desk as her heart thudded. A white-hot flush scorched every inch of her skin as she stared at Nick. Of all the people she could run into, it had to be the first guy to break her heart? And why did he have to be so handsome, with that bit of hair curling over his forehead and late-day stubble?
She inhaled deeply to rein in her composure, hating her can’t-catch-your-breath reaction to him, then dipped her chin in a neutral acknowledgment.
“Hello, Nick.”
His smile morphed into a full-on, lopsided grin. “It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. Ten years, I bet. Not since the summer Zach and I got our drivers’ licenses.”
Mrs. Snowden laid her hand on Nick’s shoulder. “Bethany is staying in the Howard Room. Can you help her with her bag?” Then, turning to Bethany, she said, “Come back down when you’re ready and I’ll give you a tour of the house.”
As Bethany followed Nick to the second floor, the pain, questions, and self-doubts she’d buried years ago reemerged, seeping into her belly like liquid concrete. The last thing she needed was Nick Dorsey invading her healing zone. It had taken her months to get over the summer romance they’d shared—and he’d abruptly ended—when they were teens. And even longer before she could bring herself to date again.
And now he was in her safe space.
From Lori about inspiration and BONUS! A recipe!
Thank you for the opportunity to appear on your blog, Around the Fire.
I grew up near Annapolis, Maryland, although I live in Texas now, and I’m a coastal person at heart (Maryland has 3,910 miles of tidal coastline as calculated by NOAA). A big part of summer for me was crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to get to the Eastern Shore, where the vibe is pure sun-and-sea coastal, with the tang of salty air, the squawk of sea birds gliding overhead, and corn fields on either side of the highway.
Ocean City on the Atlantic coast was my go-to Maryland beach town as a kid, a teen, and a parent. When stress threatens to take over my mind, I stop and remember Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the beach—the clear sky and endless horizon; the feel of the icy water on my toes; the scent of sunscreen mingled with boardwalk French fries; and the background drone of the waves (along with the rumble of vintage prop planes towing ad banners along the shoreline) that accompanied the blare of a dozen different radio stations (Use headphones? No way!) emanating from an endless patchwork of blankets strewn across the sand.
It’s this Maryland coastal feeling that permeates me as well as my characters and inspires my writing (my second book is set in the same fictional Maryland Eastern Shore town).
And yes, I’m a crab lover: steamed crabs, crab cakes, crab soup, hot crab dip, crab imperial, crab-stuffed anything, etc. And since everyone loves, or should love, Maryland crabs , I’m sharing the recipe for steamed crabs used by my character, Nick, who is a true Marylander!
Steamed Maryland Blue Crabs
Water
Vinegar
1 dozen live crabs
½ cup OLD BAY seasoning
In a pot with a raised rack (minimum of 2 inches high) add equal quantities of vinegar and water to just below the level of the rack. Bring to boil. Carefully layer live crabs on rack (any dead crabs should be discarded), and sprinkle each layer with OLD BAY. Cover and steam 20 to 30 minutes depending on size of crabs or until crabs turn red.
About the Author
Lori Matsourani is a romance addict. Give her stories with a touch of heartbreak and a spark of joy, and she’s happy. Throw in characters with a huge helping of heart and soul, and she’s up reading all night in romance heaven! While currently a Texas resident, Lori grew up near Baltimore and often draws on the historical flavor of Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to inspire her story settings. She authored her first fiction story at twelve and has been hooked on writing ever since. Early on, her writing career focused on articles for magazines and newspapers before shifting to her first writing love—fiction. For Lori, connecting words to tell a story is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and she loves the challenge of creating every piece.
Website: https://lorimatsourani.com
One of my favorite camping trips was to the Chesapeake Bay where seafood is always on the menu. I made a boil with all sorts of tasty treats and poured it out on rolled brown paper on the picnic table. Lori's not only shares the inspiration that brought her first novel to life, but also a delicious recipe straight from Annapolis, Maryland.
So grab a cozy seat and settle in. There’s a story, a spark, and maybe even something savory waiting for you.
Ghostedby
Lori Matsourani
Available 8-13-2025
Paranormal Ghost Romance/Second Chance Romance
PG
A haunted inn, a first crush, and a second chance for love with “help” from the resident ghost…
Back Cover
When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship.
Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.
Although Bethany wants a happily ever after with Nick, does she have the courage to trust him with her future?
Grab your copy today!
https://books2read.com/lorimatsourani
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9XCPLYD/thewildrosepr-20
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghosted-lori-matsourani/1147463084?ean=2940184606941
https://books.apple.com/us/book/ghosted/id6746414091
https://wildrosepress.com/product/ghosted/
Goodreads Giveaway (Runs from August 1 to August 30):
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/418301-ghosted
Need more? A Look Between the Pages
As Mrs. Snowden spoke, a tall, dark-haired man entered the foyer. He wore jeans and a soft blue crewneck sweater that accentuated his lanky, yet solid, build. As soon as he saw Bethany, his face lit up.
“Bethany!”
He walked toward her as though they were long-lost friends, and she half expected him to pull her into an embrace. Then she recognized the dark chocolate eyes behind the black-framed glasses and her stomach lurched.
Nick Dorsey. He’s Mrs. Snowden’s nephew?
“Aunt Margaret told me you were checking in today.”
Stunned, Bethany stepped backward, bumping into the edge of the desk as her heart thudded. A white-hot flush scorched every inch of her skin as she stared at Nick. Of all the people she could run into, it had to be the first guy to break her heart? And why did he have to be so handsome, with that bit of hair curling over his forehead and late-day stubble?
She inhaled deeply to rein in her composure, hating her can’t-catch-your-breath reaction to him, then dipped her chin in a neutral acknowledgment.
“Hello, Nick.”
His smile morphed into a full-on, lopsided grin. “It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. Ten years, I bet. Not since the summer Zach and I got our drivers’ licenses.”
Mrs. Snowden laid her hand on Nick’s shoulder. “Bethany is staying in the Howard Room. Can you help her with her bag?” Then, turning to Bethany, she said, “Come back down when you’re ready and I’ll give you a tour of the house.”
As Bethany followed Nick to the second floor, the pain, questions, and self-doubts she’d buried years ago reemerged, seeping into her belly like liquid concrete. The last thing she needed was Nick Dorsey invading her healing zone. It had taken her months to get over the summer romance they’d shared—and he’d abruptly ended—when they were teens. And even longer before she could bring herself to date again.
And now he was in her safe space.
From Lori about inspiration and BONUS! A recipe!Thank you for the opportunity to appear on your blog, Around the Fire.
I grew up near Annapolis, Maryland, although I live in Texas now, and I’m a coastal person at heart (Maryland has 3,910 miles of tidal coastline as calculated by NOAA). A big part of summer for me was crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to get to the Eastern Shore, where the vibe is pure sun-and-sea coastal, with the tang of salty air, the squawk of sea birds gliding overhead, and corn fields on either side of the highway.
Ocean City on the Atlantic coast was my go-to Maryland beach town as a kid, a teen, and a parent. When stress threatens to take over my mind, I stop and remember Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the beach—the clear sky and endless horizon; the feel of the icy water on my toes; the scent of sunscreen mingled with boardwalk French fries; and the background drone of the waves (along with the rumble of vintage prop planes towing ad banners along the shoreline) that accompanied the blare of a dozen different radio stations (Use headphones? No way!) emanating from an endless patchwork of blankets strewn across the sand.
It’s this Maryland coastal feeling that permeates me as well as my characters and inspires my writing (my second book is set in the same fictional Maryland Eastern Shore town).
And yes, I’m a crab lover: steamed crabs, crab cakes, crab soup, hot crab dip, crab imperial, crab-stuffed anything, etc. And since everyone loves, or should love, Maryland crabs , I’m sharing the recipe for steamed crabs used by my character, Nick, who is a true Marylander!
Steamed Maryland Blue Crabs
Water
Vinegar
1 dozen live crabs
½ cup OLD BAY seasoning
In a pot with a raised rack (minimum of 2 inches high) add equal quantities of vinegar and water to just below the level of the rack. Bring to boil. Carefully layer live crabs on rack (any dead crabs should be discarded), and sprinkle each layer with OLD BAY. Cover and steam 20 to 30 minutes depending on size of crabs or until crabs turn red.
About the AuthorLori Matsourani is a romance addict. Give her stories with a touch of heartbreak and a spark of joy, and she’s happy. Throw in characters with a huge helping of heart and soul, and she’s up reading all night in romance heaven! While currently a Texas resident, Lori grew up near Baltimore and often draws on the historical flavor of Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to inspire her story settings. She authored her first fiction story at twelve and has been hooked on writing ever since. Early on, her writing career focused on articles for magazines and newspapers before shifting to her first writing love—fiction. For Lori, connecting words to tell a story is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and she loves the challenge of creating every piece.
Website: https://lorimatsourani.com
August 12, 2025
Around the Fire with Fair Adventures and Author Susie Black.
Welcome back to Around the Fire. It's been a lovely week in Northern New Jersey. Warm days and cool nights make me very happy. I even went to the NJ State Fair for the first time in years. The first stop was the goat barn, where goaties bleated in all sizes and colors. Goats are one of my favorite animals. When I lived on the farm, my goat was named Abigail. Next up were the chickens. The roosters kept up a chorus the entire time. What an amazing array of breeds. Who knew? The cow barn. As I mentioned above, I lived on a farm. I was a working dairy back in the mid to late 70s. Yes, I'm that old. Let me tell you. These cows are not the ones I remembered. They were huge! Some I couldn't see over their backs. There was one, though. She decided my shirt looked better than her hay. We had a tug-of-war. I did win, but barely because I was laughing so hard. When I finally got it back without a complete wardrobe malfunction, bossy decided I tasted good too. She licked my hand while onlookers laughed. They didn't think it was so funny when I offered to shake hands with several. Good thing there were wash stations readily available. Well, the fun's not over yet. Today's guest is Susie Black. She visited a while ago, but now has a new mystery series. Susie's style is mystery with a dose of humor on the side. 
The Case of the Croaked Coach
Hannah White Mysteries Book 1
by
Susie Black
Amateur Women Slueths
The Case of the Croaked Coach Blurb
Back Cover
There wasn’t an honest bone in Buzz Bixby’s body. The Encino High School’s head football coach was an equal-opportunity scoundrel. Bixby cheated and lied his way to the top and screwed anyone and everyone in his wake. So, the question wasn’t who wanted the bastard dead. The question was, who didn’t? Student reporter Hannah White’s interview with the coach is a nonstarter when she discovers varsity football hero Dean Snyder standing over Bixby’s battered corpse holding a bloody trophy. Despite how guilty Dean looks, Hannah is convinced he’s innocent. When Snyder is arrested for Bixby’s murder, the wisecracking, irreverent amateur sleuth jumps into action to flesh out the real killer. But the trail has more twists and turns than a slinky, and nothing turns out how Hannah thinks it will as she tangles with a clever killer hellbent on revenge.
Grab your copy today!
www.amazon.com/Croaked-Coach-Hannah-White-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DXDDK3MJ
Named Best US Author of the Year by N. N. Lights Book Heaven, award-winning cozy mystery author Susie Black was born in the Big Apple but now calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Fashion & Foul Play Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries. She reads, writes, and speaks Spanish, albeit with an accent that sounds like Mildred from Michigan went on a Mexican vacation and is trying to fit in with the locals. Since life without pizza and ice cream as her core food groups wouldn’t be worth living, she’s a dedicated walker to keep her girlish figure. A voracious reader, she’s also an avid stamp collector. Susie lives with a highly intelligent man and has one incredibly brainy but smart-aleck adult son who inexplicably blames his sarcasm on an inherited genetic defect.
For more about the author click the links below. Blue Sky: @hollysusiewrites.bsky.social
Facebook: Susie Black, author of The Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series | Facebook
Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheHollySwimsuitMysterySeries
Instagram: Susie Black (@hollyswimsuit) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorsusieblack-61941011
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hollysusie1/
X: Susie Black (@hollyswimsuit) / X
The Case of the Croaked Coach Hannah White Mysteries Book 1
by
Susie Black
Amateur Women Slueths
The Case of the Croaked Coach Blurb
Back Cover
There wasn’t an honest bone in Buzz Bixby’s body. The Encino High School’s head football coach was an equal-opportunity scoundrel. Bixby cheated and lied his way to the top and screwed anyone and everyone in his wake. So, the question wasn’t who wanted the bastard dead. The question was, who didn’t? Student reporter Hannah White’s interview with the coach is a nonstarter when she discovers varsity football hero Dean Snyder standing over Bixby’s battered corpse holding a bloody trophy. Despite how guilty Dean looks, Hannah is convinced he’s innocent. When Snyder is arrested for Bixby’s murder, the wisecracking, irreverent amateur sleuth jumps into action to flesh out the real killer. But the trail has more twists and turns than a slinky, and nothing turns out how Hannah thinks it will as she tangles with a clever killer hellbent on revenge.
Grab your copy today!
www.amazon.com/Croaked-Coach-Hannah-White-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DXDDK3MJ
Named Best US Author of the Year by N. N. Lights Book Heaven, award-winning cozy mystery author Susie Black was born in the Big Apple but now calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Fashion & Foul Play Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries. She reads, writes, and speaks Spanish, albeit with an accent that sounds like Mildred from Michigan went on a Mexican vacation and is trying to fit in with the locals. Since life without pizza and ice cream as her core food groups wouldn’t be worth living, she’s a dedicated walker to keep her girlish figure. A voracious reader, she’s also an avid stamp collector. Susie lives with a highly intelligent man and has one incredibly brainy but smart-aleck adult son who inexplicably blames his sarcasm on an inherited genetic defect. For more about the author click the links below. Blue Sky: @hollysusiewrites.bsky.social
Facebook: Susie Black, author of The Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series | Facebook
Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheHollySwimsuitMysterySeries
Instagram: Susie Black (@hollyswimsuit) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorsusieblack-61941011
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hollysusie1/
X: Susie Black (@hollyswimsuit) / X
August 5, 2025
Around the Fire with Prolific Author Amber Daulton and her upcoming release Lost in his Spider Webs.
When I first began my writing journey one of the first people I met was today's guest. We both had the same publisher, The Wild Rose Press. Since then both of us have continued writing. I've enjoyed several of Ambers stories, especially the Arresting Onyx series. She also became a lifeline to me helping tighten up my books and making sure they were the best they could be. Welcome back Amber. I'm pleased to have you Around the Fire once again. 
Hello, everyone.
First of all, I want to thank D.V. Stone for letting me visit her blog today. I’m excited to be here. She asked if I would share a little about myself and my hobbies, so here goes…
Even though I’m from the southern United States, I don’t sound like it. When people first meet me, they typically think I’m from England or even France (and yes, I’ve been asked to speak French, which I don’t know) because I don’t have a southern drawl. Instead, my voice is more smooth and, I daresay, lyrical. I’ve been getting the “Where are you from?” question since I was in elementary school, and kids can be quite cruel. Luckily, the questions and funny looks have never bothered me. I take sounding different as a matter of pride.
As for hobbies, my husband, Greg, and I love binge-watching TV shows—our favorite is Supernatural (go Team Sam!)—and we often borrow movies and shows from the library. Besides that, I like to read, toil in my herb bed, hike in the woods behind our house, and play with our kitties. I used to spend a lot of time creating scrapbooks, but it’s something that fallen to the wayside lately. I really need to get back into it.
Most days, you’ll find me hard at work on my computer, writing or editing or creating book covers either for myself or clients. My book cover creation side gig—Satin Rose Designs—is a lot of fun. I’ve added a photo of my kitty, Pepper, hanging out with me as I’m working on a cover. In the evening is when I relax and indulge in some of my hobbies.
Now, I’m super excited to share my upcoming release with you. Lost in His Spiderwebs is my twentieth book to date. That’s right! I’ve finally reached the big 2-0! Keep reading to check it out.
Lost in His Spiderwebs
Lozano Cartel (book 2)
by
Amber Dalton
Release Date: October 14, 2025
The cartel king has finally found his queen.
Note from D.V. this is not your Hallmark type of book. It's gritty. And if that's not your cup of tea, then reading further is on you.
From the author. Genre: Dark Romance~ Heat Rating: 5 Flames. – Scenes featuring forced seduction, drug distribution, torture/violence, kidnapping/captivity, and attempted sexual assault may be uncomfortable for some readers. Back cover
Kidnapped by the enemy. Bought by the jefe. Will his smoldering touch thaw her frozen heart?
Rubén Lozano, the new leader of the Lozano Cartel, craves peace amidst a legacy of bloodshed and death. He never expected to find his ex-lover, Drina Cabrera, in the clutches of his vicious rivals. Her haunted eyes compel him to rescue her, but freeing her is another matter.
After five months of captivity, Drina trades one captor for another. Though she succumbs to Rubén’s masterful touch, the bittersweet memory of her daughter and the life she was stolen from is a constant wedge between them.
When Rubén’s darkest secret comes out, he will have to wash his hands in crimson. Will Drina let her king face the danger alone, or stand at his side as his cartel queen?
– Book two in the dark romance series, the Lozano Cartel. All the books can be read as a standalone, but are part of an interconnected series.
Words between the covers.
“Smile,” Rubén told her. “It’s showtime.”
She nodded and lifted her chin, wincing a little in the flashing camera lights.
As three hand-picked paparazzi snapped pictures of him and Drina from all angles, Rubén counted to thirty before he steered Drina past them to the music room.
“Wow,” Drina murmured as they passed the piano for the ballroom.
A massive chandelier gleamed from the lofty ceiling, its decorative crystals reflecting the soft white light and dancing spots across the ivory walls and the chattering, laughing guests. The live band played instrumental music at the far end of the rectangular room, where Esme’s team had set up fancy tables and chairs for the speech and dinner portion of the evening.
“Why do you keep this room locked up? It’s magnificent.”
He shrugged. “It’s a bitch to clean.”
His blunt answer steepled Drina’s eyebrows. “My, what consideration. I’m sure the housekeeping staff appreciates it,” she teased and pulled him onto the dance floor alongside several other couples. “Let’s dance.”
As her arms slid around his shoulders, he rested his hands on her waist. Her body heat and strawberry aroma enveloped him. Groaning, he gripped the thick fabric of her dress so hard that it bunched and the band of his rings bit into his skin. She rested her head against his chest, and her hair teased his nose. They swayed, lost in each other as though they were the only people around. A foolish notion, one he shouldn’t revel in. If he did, he would ravage her on the floor.
“You have a good turnout,” she murmured while he twirled her about. She spun back into his embrace. “Are any of these people your friends?”
“Hardly.” This was his world. Glamour, power, prestige. The public mask he wore to hide his sinister nature. “You’re swimming in dangerous waters. The sooner you realize I can buy and discard all these sharks and guppies with a flick of my wrist, the better off you’ll be.”
“I’m well aware you’re king of the sharks.”
He snorted, holding her closer. “You’re a barracuda. Lithe grace and sharp teeth.”
“Ooh, I like that.” She nipped at his chin. “I’ll never be a guppy.”
Damn right. As the song ended, he guided her off the dance floor. Duty called.
Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231721773-lost-in-his-spiderwebs
Check it out on BookBub:
ttps://www.bookbub.com/books/lost-in-his-spiderwebs-lozano-cartel-book-2-a-dark-captivity-second-chance-romance-by-amber-daulton
PreOrder Now
Universal: https://books2read.com/LostInHisSpiderwebs
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4joCJUV
BN https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lost-in-his-spiderwebs-amber-daulton/1147318586
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lost-in-his-spiderwebs
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=7lNYEQAAQBAJ
Apple/iBooks: https://apple.co/4jpLyht
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1648364
Hello, everyone. First of all, I want to thank D.V. Stone for letting me visit her blog today. I’m excited to be here. She asked if I would share a little about myself and my hobbies, so here goes…
Even though I’m from the southern United States, I don’t sound like it. When people first meet me, they typically think I’m from England or even France (and yes, I’ve been asked to speak French, which I don’t know) because I don’t have a southern drawl. Instead, my voice is more smooth and, I daresay, lyrical. I’ve been getting the “Where are you from?” question since I was in elementary school, and kids can be quite cruel. Luckily, the questions and funny looks have never bothered me. I take sounding different as a matter of pride.
As for hobbies, my husband, Greg, and I love binge-watching TV shows—our favorite is Supernatural (go Team Sam!)—and we often borrow movies and shows from the library. Besides that, I like to read, toil in my herb bed, hike in the woods behind our house, and play with our kitties. I used to spend a lot of time creating scrapbooks, but it’s something that fallen to the wayside lately. I really need to get back into it.
Most days, you’ll find me hard at work on my computer, writing or editing or creating book covers either for myself or clients. My book cover creation side gig—Satin Rose Designs—is a lot of fun. I’ve added a photo of my kitty, Pepper, hanging out with me as I’m working on a cover. In the evening is when I relax and indulge in some of my hobbies.
Now, I’m super excited to share my upcoming release with you. Lost in His Spiderwebs is my twentieth book to date. That’s right! I’ve finally reached the big 2-0! Keep reading to check it out.
Lost in His SpiderwebsLozano Cartel (book 2)
by
Amber Dalton
Release Date: October 14, 2025
The cartel king has finally found his queen.
Note from D.V. this is not your Hallmark type of book. It's gritty. And if that's not your cup of tea, then reading further is on you.From the author. Genre: Dark Romance~ Heat Rating: 5 Flames. – Scenes featuring forced seduction, drug distribution, torture/violence, kidnapping/captivity, and attempted sexual assault may be uncomfortable for some readers. Back cover
Kidnapped by the enemy. Bought by the jefe. Will his smoldering touch thaw her frozen heart?
Rubén Lozano, the new leader of the Lozano Cartel, craves peace amidst a legacy of bloodshed and death. He never expected to find his ex-lover, Drina Cabrera, in the clutches of his vicious rivals. Her haunted eyes compel him to rescue her, but freeing her is another matter.
After five months of captivity, Drina trades one captor for another. Though she succumbs to Rubén’s masterful touch, the bittersweet memory of her daughter and the life she was stolen from is a constant wedge between them.
When Rubén’s darkest secret comes out, he will have to wash his hands in crimson. Will Drina let her king face the danger alone, or stand at his side as his cartel queen?
– Book two in the dark romance series, the Lozano Cartel. All the books can be read as a standalone, but are part of an interconnected series.
Words between the covers.
“Smile,” Rubén told her. “It’s showtime.”
She nodded and lifted her chin, wincing a little in the flashing camera lights.
As three hand-picked paparazzi snapped pictures of him and Drina from all angles, Rubén counted to thirty before he steered Drina past them to the music room.
“Wow,” Drina murmured as they passed the piano for the ballroom.
A massive chandelier gleamed from the lofty ceiling, its decorative crystals reflecting the soft white light and dancing spots across the ivory walls and the chattering, laughing guests. The live band played instrumental music at the far end of the rectangular room, where Esme’s team had set up fancy tables and chairs for the speech and dinner portion of the evening.
“Why do you keep this room locked up? It’s magnificent.”
He shrugged. “It’s a bitch to clean.”
His blunt answer steepled Drina’s eyebrows. “My, what consideration. I’m sure the housekeeping staff appreciates it,” she teased and pulled him onto the dance floor alongside several other couples. “Let’s dance.”
As her arms slid around his shoulders, he rested his hands on her waist. Her body heat and strawberry aroma enveloped him. Groaning, he gripped the thick fabric of her dress so hard that it bunched and the band of his rings bit into his skin. She rested her head against his chest, and her hair teased his nose. They swayed, lost in each other as though they were the only people around. A foolish notion, one he shouldn’t revel in. If he did, he would ravage her on the floor.
“You have a good turnout,” she murmured while he twirled her about. She spun back into his embrace. “Are any of these people your friends?”
“Hardly.” This was his world. Glamour, power, prestige. The public mask he wore to hide his sinister nature. “You’re swimming in dangerous waters. The sooner you realize I can buy and discard all these sharks and guppies with a flick of my wrist, the better off you’ll be.”
“I’m well aware you’re king of the sharks.”
He snorted, holding her closer. “You’re a barracuda. Lithe grace and sharp teeth.”
“Ooh, I like that.” She nipped at his chin. “I’ll never be a guppy.”
Damn right. As the song ended, he guided her off the dance floor. Duty called.
Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231721773-lost-in-his-spiderwebs
Check it out on BookBub:
ttps://www.bookbub.com/books/lost-in-his-spiderwebs-lozano-cartel-book-2-a-dark-captivity-second-chance-romance-by-amber-daulton
PreOrder Now
Universal: https://books2read.com/LostInHisSpiderwebs
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4joCJUV
BN https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lost-in-his-spiderwebs-amber-daulton/1147318586
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lost-in-his-spiderwebs
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=7lNYEQAAQBAJ
Apple/iBooks: https://apple.co/4jpLyht
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1648364
August 4, 2025
Around the Fire Don't Get Burned. Vol. 3 with guest Becky the Beagle.
Impersonation Scams.Welcome back to my don’t get burned by the too good to be true scammers. You may already know we are a hound family and Becky the Beagle is with us today, impersonating a Basset Hound. Take a look at her. She’s got the floppy ears and the color, but the second she opened her mouth, you knew that was not Basset ahh-roo. It was more of an annoying yodel. And here we are impersonating pirates. Don't you love the patch? It gives her a certain je ne sais quoi, don't you think?
Recently, a person followed me on social media. I was excited. It was a well-known author whose books I’ve read. It started simply enough. She followed me. I, in turn, followed her. I received an instant message thanking me.1st Red Flag – the infamous IM.
I then looked closely at the profile. Still, it seemed pretty legit. I didn’t respond, though. I rarely answer IMs unless they are from people I genuinely have a connection with. A short while later, this famous author, who I’m sure has so much time on her hands to chat with little ole moi, reached back out, and then came the
2nd Red Flag- “I’d love to talk about your writing journey.”
A friend from long ago once told me I was a Lollypop Face. What in the world did that mean? It meant I was a sucker.
What Is an Imposter Scam? This is according to https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-avoid-imposter-scams#imposter-.
An imposter scam is when a scammer lies and pretends to be someone they’re not to trick you into giving them money, access to your financial accounts, or your personal information. Scammers often pretend to be from a business you know or from a government agency — or both. They try to gain your trust and get you to believe they are who they claim to be.
Sometimes it’s really easy to spot these losers. I can’t tell you how many celebrities, both dead and alive, follow me. Can we add the princes, generals, and the occasional king of whatever? Those ones are relatively easy to identify. But why would the author impersonator want to chat me up?
Because they eventually will refer you to some service that promises you the moon. Things likeGetting you in front of thousands of readers.Guaranteed marketing to sell hundreds of books.Make you a bestselling author.They know an agent who’s the best and only charges a small fee. So my canine cohorts recommendBe skeptical, don’t be a lollypop face.Dig up the dirt. Check websites.Don’t give out any information about your private self.And finally, sorry, but be humble. Why would a famous person be reaching out to you? I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it’s improbable in most cases.There are many sites dedicated to scammers of all sorts. Here are two I am aware of.
www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/
www.facebook.com/prededitors/ (This used to be a website called preditors and editors. They look like they're revamping the site.)
Look, even Hali is skeptical.
July 31, 2025
Around the Fire with D.V. Stone. Today's guest is author and podcaster Randy Overbeck.
Welcome back to Around the Fire. I had the pleasure of meeting today's guest while in Florida several years ago. He was signing copies of Scarlet at Crystal River at the Manatee Festival. Since I'm a Jersey girl, I snagged a copy of Crimson at Cape May. It was such a delight chatting with him and his lovely wife. Now you get a chance to meet Randy as he shares not only his new release but insight into the question, "Why do you do this?" 
Red Shadows at Saugatuck
A Haunted Shores Mystery
by
Randy Overbeck
Darrell Henshaw hoped he was past it all. After all, no ghosts had visited him for years. Instead, he learns his five-year-old-son, Leo has inherited his “gift.”
Now, they both can see ghosts.
This time, Darrell drives his young family 800 miles to celebrate his Aunt Gertrude’s 80th birthday. But, once in the resort town of Saugatuck, Michigan, their participation gets derailed by the spirit of a Native teen who went missing weeks earlier. When he and Leo inquire about the girl, the locals dismiss their concerns—"Those girls run away all the time.” Still, as questions pile up and threats grow, Darrell senses they may have stumbled onto something far worse and even more evil than one missing teen.
Can Darrell continue to pursue justice for the girl if it places his wife and five-year-old son in danger?
Why Do You Do This?
Recently, I met a friend and former colleague for lunch. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, so first we got caught up on our families’ doings. Then she segued, “So, you’re an author. How many books have you published now?”
“So far, five and the publisher will release my sixth novel this July,” I said.
She took a sip of her margarita. “Didn’t I read your books have won some awards…like Mystery of the Year?”
In between drinks of my own sangria, I grinned. “Twelve different awards and counting.”
“Nice. Have you made much money from your books?” She sounded genuinely curious.
I shrugged. “Let me put it this way. If I had mouths to feed, we’d all go hungry.”
Her red lipstick left a small smudge on the rim of the glass and she stared over the top of the tumbler. “Then, why do you do it?” Before I could answer, she added, “I heard it’s a lot of work. I’d guess thousands of hours just for the writing. Not counting all the promotion you do. I see all your posts. If you don’t make very much money, why do you do it?”
That is the real question, I thought.
Five—soon six—books in, and realizing what it takes to put together a single title, get it out there and work to get it noticed, why do I keep doing it? Especially if the financial payoff is so limited.
My answer to the friend was simple. “I really love the whole thing, inventing the story, the writing, interacting with readers. And I’m pretty good at it, from what my readers tell me. Besides, it keeps me out of trouble.”
While that was true enough, later I realized it wasn’t nearly complete. Oh, I love writing a great story and enjoy crafting a puzzling whodunit for my readers, blending in a little humor and a nice dose of romance. (My previous title, Cruel Lessons won “Mystery of the Year” in ’23.) I also revel in using my storytelling to take readers to resort places they’ve never heard of, much less visited. Places like Cape May, New Jersey or, for my newest mystery, Saugatuck, Michigan.
But something else drives me even more. At a writing conference a few years ago, I attended a session offered by the successful mystery writer, S. J. Rosan and something she shared stuck with me.
“Non-fiction is about reality; fiction is about the truth, or at least should be.”
As a writer, I’ve taken these words to heart.
When I pen a new novel, I’ve given it considerable thought and chosen the “truths” captured in my writing with care. For all six novels, I selected teachers as my protagonists because real life teachers have always been my heroes. DeeDee (from Leave No Child Behind), Darrell (from the Haunted Shores Mysteries) and Ken and Stacy (from Cruel Lessons) are all fictional compilations of actual great teachers I’ve witnessed educating and empowering kids. The truth is teachers are real—though often unrecognized—heroes in life and now, heralded on the pages of my books.
Also, for each novel, besides an award-winning story, I’ve tied the murder mystery to another important truth, a social truth. Truths like the harshness of racial injustice in Blood on the Chesapeake, the ugly reality of human trafficking in Crimson at Cape May and the lethal dangers of drug experimentation in Cruel Lessons. In my stories, my protagonists stumble upon these social “truths,” which only makes the reality all the more chilling. Did blacks really get lynched on the Eastern Shore? Do five American teens get sucked into human trafficking every day?
For my newest novel, Red Shadows at Saugatuck, I chose to align my whodunit with another ugly truth: Native females, women and girls, disappear at a rate of ten times that of white females. Did you know that? When I did the research on MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women), I was astounded at the blatant discrimination, abuse, rape and murder indigenous women suffer in this country. The more I did this research, the more I was convinced this was fertile ground for a compelling narrative. I could write a great murder mystery with this ugly reality at its center.
However, Red Shadows at Saugatuck is also a story about family and parents and children. In this fourth entry of the Haunted Shores Mysteries, Darrell and Erin, married now seven years, have a precocious five-year-old son, Leo. He is like other five-year-olds in most ways, except he is a sensitive like his father. Leo can see ghosts. This gave me the chance to explore truths about parenting and family love, both for the Henshaws and, in a parallel narrative, for the family of the missing Native teen.
I think Red Shadows at Saugatuck is the best work I’ve ever done.
One early reviewer called the novel “thoughtful, deeply human and low-key terrifying.” (Literary Titan) A second reviewer wrote, “Slow-burning, socially relevant, and strangely beautiful in its grief; haunting in every sense of the word.” (litandcoffee) Another critic wrote, “Red Shadows at Saugatuck is one of the finest books ever written…it stole my soul and took my breath away.” (N N Light Bookheaven)
Yes, that is what the reviewer wrote. I could hardly believe it, myself.
The Wild Rose Press will conduct the international launch of Red Shadows at Saugatuck the week of July 23, 2025 in Saugatuck, Michigan. The new novel is available for order now, wherever you get your reads. Or just click this link. https://books2read.com/u/bxD1nq More about the author.
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator and author, as well as a popular speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined this experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series—the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won critical acclaim and garnered national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Thriller of the Year (Readers Favorite) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his book talks and popular programs with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S.
As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community. When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy around the country, often in search of inspiration for his next great story.
You can find out more at
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyo...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandy...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/randy...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Overbeck...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Great Stories about Great Storytellers
Randy Overbeck
https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/podcast
GREAT STORIES about GREAT STORYTELLERS shares insights into storytellers whose names you no doubt recognize—names like Edgar Allen Poe, Steven Spielberg John Grisham and Walt Disney—but reveals the backstories you probably never heard about them. The podcast features different kinds of storytellers—authors, directors, playwrights and even a poet or two. In short 10-15 minutes episodes, this fun and sometimes funny podcast features anecdotes and tidbits about storytellers, with each episode spotlighting a modern storyteller like Tom Clancy or a classical name like Charles Dickens, but in a very different light.
Red Shadows at SaugatuckA Haunted Shores Mystery
by
Randy Overbeck
Darrell Henshaw hoped he was past it all. After all, no ghosts had visited him for years. Instead, he learns his five-year-old-son, Leo has inherited his “gift.”
Now, they both can see ghosts.
This time, Darrell drives his young family 800 miles to celebrate his Aunt Gertrude’s 80th birthday. But, once in the resort town of Saugatuck, Michigan, their participation gets derailed by the spirit of a Native teen who went missing weeks earlier. When he and Leo inquire about the girl, the locals dismiss their concerns—"Those girls run away all the time.” Still, as questions pile up and threats grow, Darrell senses they may have stumbled onto something far worse and even more evil than one missing teen.
Can Darrell continue to pursue justice for the girl if it places his wife and five-year-old son in danger?
Why Do You Do This?Recently, I met a friend and former colleague for lunch. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, so first we got caught up on our families’ doings. Then she segued, “So, you’re an author. How many books have you published now?”
“So far, five and the publisher will release my sixth novel this July,” I said.
She took a sip of her margarita. “Didn’t I read your books have won some awards…like Mystery of the Year?”
In between drinks of my own sangria, I grinned. “Twelve different awards and counting.”
“Nice. Have you made much money from your books?” She sounded genuinely curious.
I shrugged. “Let me put it this way. If I had mouths to feed, we’d all go hungry.”
Her red lipstick left a small smudge on the rim of the glass and she stared over the top of the tumbler. “Then, why do you do it?” Before I could answer, she added, “I heard it’s a lot of work. I’d guess thousands of hours just for the writing. Not counting all the promotion you do. I see all your posts. If you don’t make very much money, why do you do it?”
That is the real question, I thought.
Five—soon six—books in, and realizing what it takes to put together a single title, get it out there and work to get it noticed, why do I keep doing it? Especially if the financial payoff is so limited.
My answer to the friend was simple. “I really love the whole thing, inventing the story, the writing, interacting with readers. And I’m pretty good at it, from what my readers tell me. Besides, it keeps me out of trouble.”
While that was true enough, later I realized it wasn’t nearly complete. Oh, I love writing a great story and enjoy crafting a puzzling whodunit for my readers, blending in a little humor and a nice dose of romance. (My previous title, Cruel Lessons won “Mystery of the Year” in ’23.) I also revel in using my storytelling to take readers to resort places they’ve never heard of, much less visited. Places like Cape May, New Jersey or, for my newest mystery, Saugatuck, Michigan.
But something else drives me even more. At a writing conference a few years ago, I attended a session offered by the successful mystery writer, S. J. Rosan and something she shared stuck with me.
“Non-fiction is about reality; fiction is about the truth, or at least should be.”
As a writer, I’ve taken these words to heart.
When I pen a new novel, I’ve given it considerable thought and chosen the “truths” captured in my writing with care. For all six novels, I selected teachers as my protagonists because real life teachers have always been my heroes. DeeDee (from Leave No Child Behind), Darrell (from the Haunted Shores Mysteries) and Ken and Stacy (from Cruel Lessons) are all fictional compilations of actual great teachers I’ve witnessed educating and empowering kids. The truth is teachers are real—though often unrecognized—heroes in life and now, heralded on the pages of my books.
Also, for each novel, besides an award-winning story, I’ve tied the murder mystery to another important truth, a social truth. Truths like the harshness of racial injustice in Blood on the Chesapeake, the ugly reality of human trafficking in Crimson at Cape May and the lethal dangers of drug experimentation in Cruel Lessons. In my stories, my protagonists stumble upon these social “truths,” which only makes the reality all the more chilling. Did blacks really get lynched on the Eastern Shore? Do five American teens get sucked into human trafficking every day?
For my newest novel, Red Shadows at Saugatuck, I chose to align my whodunit with another ugly truth: Native females, women and girls, disappear at a rate of ten times that of white females. Did you know that? When I did the research on MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women), I was astounded at the blatant discrimination, abuse, rape and murder indigenous women suffer in this country. The more I did this research, the more I was convinced this was fertile ground for a compelling narrative. I could write a great murder mystery with this ugly reality at its center.
However, Red Shadows at Saugatuck is also a story about family and parents and children. In this fourth entry of the Haunted Shores Mysteries, Darrell and Erin, married now seven years, have a precocious five-year-old son, Leo. He is like other five-year-olds in most ways, except he is a sensitive like his father. Leo can see ghosts. This gave me the chance to explore truths about parenting and family love, both for the Henshaws and, in a parallel narrative, for the family of the missing Native teen.
I think Red Shadows at Saugatuck is the best work I’ve ever done.
One early reviewer called the novel “thoughtful, deeply human and low-key terrifying.” (Literary Titan) A second reviewer wrote, “Slow-burning, socially relevant, and strangely beautiful in its grief; haunting in every sense of the word.” (litandcoffee) Another critic wrote, “Red Shadows at Saugatuck is one of the finest books ever written…it stole my soul and took my breath away.” (N N Light Bookheaven)
Yes, that is what the reviewer wrote. I could hardly believe it, myself.
The Wild Rose Press will conduct the international launch of Red Shadows at Saugatuck the week of July 23, 2025 in Saugatuck, Michigan. The new novel is available for order now, wherever you get your reads. Or just click this link. https://books2read.com/u/bxD1nq More about the author.
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator and author, as well as a popular speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined this experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series—the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won critical acclaim and garnered national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Thriller of the Year (Readers Favorite) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his book talks and popular programs with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S.
As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community. When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy around the country, often in search of inspiration for his next great story.
You can find out more at
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyo...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandy...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/randy...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Overbeck...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Great Stories about Great StorytellersRandy Overbeck
https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/podcast
GREAT STORIES about GREAT STORYTELLERS shares insights into storytellers whose names you no doubt recognize—names like Edgar Allen Poe, Steven Spielberg John Grisham and Walt Disney—but reveals the backstories you probably never heard about them. The podcast features different kinds of storytellers—authors, directors, playwrights and even a poet or two. In short 10-15 minutes episodes, this fun and sometimes funny podcast features anecdotes and tidbits about storytellers, with each episode spotlighting a modern storyteller like Tom Clancy or a classical name like Charles Dickens, but in a very different light.
July 28, 2025
Around the Fire is Sniffing Out Scams That Makes a Bassett Hound Howl.
Thank you all! Such a great response to last week’s blog post. So many of you have had your inboxes inundated with fraud, spammers, greedy fingers, etc. So the basset hound is back and on the scent and digging into the dirt.This image is of my first Basset Hound, Fred. His motto was nose to the ground and gone so I thought he'd make a great addition to today's blog. Fred crossed the Rainbow Bridge about 25 years ago and we still tell stories of his escapades.
Let’s hit the emails today. AI is a blessing and a curse, in my opinion. Do I use it? I do. ONLY for marketing. Creating memes like the one above, and short hooks for social media, frees me to write my books and my blog. No AI is used in my writing as an author. But for the unscrupulous, it’s a boon for trying to get into your world and your bank account.
"But D., they sounded so real."
Yeah, they do, and get better each day. I wanted to see for myself how it worked. Here’s my example.
I asked AI to create an introductory letter to D. V. Stone, author of Rainbow Sprinkles, about how much I liked the book and would like to connect. Be specific. Here’s the response.
Absolutely! Here’s a warm, specific, and sincere letter you could send to D. V. Stone:
Subject: A Sweet Connection Sparked by Rainbow Sprinkles
Dear D. V. Stone,
I just finished Rainbow Sprinkles, and I couldn’t let the moment pass without reaching out to tell you how much I adored it.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into the delightful world of Glimmer Lake and its community of charming characters. Specifically, the way you crafted Zach and Glori’s relationship—with warmth, humor, and just the right sprinkle of tension—felt refreshingly real and deeply satisfying. The scenes at the ice cream truck had me smiling like a kid at a county fair, and your vivid descriptions made every scoop and swirl feel deliciously alive.
What stood out most was the book’s heart. You wove in hope, healing, and second chances in a way that felt both uplifting and grounded. I found myself lingering on certain lines, especially Glori’s moments of self-reflection, which resonated more personally than I expected. The story was sweet, yes, but it also carried substance—and that balance is no small feat.
I’d love to connect with you—not only as an admirer of your work but also as a fellow storyteller who believes in the power of warmth, humor, and heartfelt narratives. If you’re open to it, I’d be thrilled to learn more about your creative process and maybe chat about your upcoming projects.
Thank you for bringing Rainbow Sprinkles into the world. It was the kind of book that leaves a little light behind long after the last page.
Warmest wishes,
D.
Would you like help adapting this into a social DM or something shorter for email? I can tailor it to any platform.
Pretty scary. Not only did it create it, but it also offered to go further. It would have adapted it and made it a DM. I don’t respond to any DMs that I don’t know, and even then, I’m very cautious.
So what do I do with this? I would ignore it and flag it as spam, and block the sender. But maybe it’s real? What would tell me it’s not? Well, I have the usual Social Media accounts: Facebook, IG, X, TikTok, blah blah blah. You want to connect? Go to those and start a conversation. I received two emails just this morning asking about things. If you found my email, then you can quickly answer the posed questions. Are you on Goodreads? Are you on Amazon? Just click yes. The Basset and I both howled.
Put your inner Basset hound to work. What would that tell you? A lot, actually. In any of those, you can see how long they have been active on socials. You can see if not personal things, then a string of posts to tell you who they are. Go to the about section. Honestly, though, if they went straight to emailing me, I wouldn’t bother. But, as you could see from last week’s post, the contact regimen varies.
Top 5 red flags?Money. Anything looking for cash at the onset? Bye-bye.“I can get your book in front of x amount of readers”. Why would I trust you? There are many legit book promos. I’ve used several. I can’t think of one who cold-called me. I was always the one to reach out based on recommendations from people I know.“OMG! One of the Big Five emailed me.” Congratulations. The Basset Hound points to the email address it came from. Just hover, don’t click. Are XYZ publishers using a Gmail or a Hotmail account? The Basset howls with laughter. No. They will have their own in-house accounts.Spelling and grammar. Not only in the address and the heading of the email. Go back and look at the AI-generated letter. The names are wrong. The Lake is wrong. It wasn’t an ice cream truck but a shop. If I just scanned it and began to do a little dance at having my ego stroked, trouble would have followed.Any salutation that doesn’t include my name. Often it’s Dear Friend or something like that. Really, what scammer wants to take the time to individualize the emails? Now the Basset hound and I are both whining. I just want to write the books. The hound? She just wants to roll in something smelly. Unfortunately for both of us, we have to be part of this thing called the marketing world. Look at that! We’re both into something that’s often smelly.
This is the real image of Fred. He was also known as Freddy Lumpkin, a nod to Fatty Lumpkin, a pony kept by Tom Bombadil in Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien. I took him to a Bassett Hound Waddle, IYKYK. His claim to fame there was the loudest. One day I was driving with him in the car. He howled so loud and deep that my eardrums vibrated. Unfortunately, we got stuck in traffic. Fred eventually settled down until two biker dudes behind the vehicle started howling, and Fred couldn’t let them sing alone. It wasn’t funny at the time. I pounded my head on the steering wheel, but now, years later, I realize how hilarious it was.
So sniff out those stinkers and don't let them get into your flews. My what? Flews in Basset Hounds, refers to the loose, hanging skin on their face. It helps with scenting. Fred's advice is...If it sounds too good to be true. Most likely it probably stinksSomeone reaching out to you without you making the first inquiry? Fuhgeddaboudit, as we say in New Jersey.Train your inner Basset Hound to study the details, such as spelling and wording.When in doubt, ask others.Don’t be discouraged. We need to learn and navigate this ever-evolving technical world. What would you like to talk about next week? What cheat, con, rip-off makes you want to sic the hound on?
July 21, 2025
Around the Fire with DV Stone. Don't get burned.
Welcome to Around the Fire. I usually live on the sunny side of the street. Let’s laugh and have some fun. We talk here about traveling, books, life, and I adore interviewing other authors. We authors spend months and often years working on projects. How many times have you become so excited, and then the balloon bursts? The times our hearts and sometimes our wallets were broken when some entity reached out with the thing we’ve been dreaming about.I can get you in front of thousands of readers.Love your book. Let’s make a movie.You should enter this contest.We want to publish your book. Almost every time I open my email, someone is offering me the moon—for a price. Here's a peek at my spam folder. 
And as I was getting this uploaded, this one came through 
My heart be still. It stopped her cold! Delete.When I published my first book, Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar, an official-looking letter arrived in my snail mail box. It was from a “publishing” house. They read and loved my book and wanted to partner with me. I recognized the name, but being new to the business didn’t realize it was a vanity press.
Luckily, I’m naturally a skeptic, so like a Bassett hound with my nose to the ground, I chased down the information I needed. Investigating and researching are rabbit trails I happily find myself trotting down. And just because I'm adding a picture of Sadie Bug my Basset from years ago.
Recently, the availability of AI is making things more complex and more challenging to discern. Scammers can feed your name and book into the computer and ask it for a letter of introduction that seems to really know about you and your book. But ask yourself, is it too good to be true? Well, you know what they say.In the publishing world, it’s hard to get your book out in front of readers. Did you know that there are 32.8 million to 48.5 million books available on Amazon?
Here are the hard facts.A lot of self-published books sell very few copies, with many selling less than 50 copies in a lifetime.What about traditional publishers? What are the chances of getting a contract? Low, with estimates of 1-2% of submitted manuscripts getting a deal.It’s all very discouraging. But there are things we authors can do to influence book sales.I’m going to say it. Write the best book you can and edit it properly. No shortcuts, and for goodness’ sake, don’t AI the book. It’s a career killer.This is a pain and time drag, but you need to build an audience: Authors with a strong online presence (e.g., blog, social media) who engage with readers are more likely to achieve better sales, according to a Reddit thread.What’s our takeaway from this?Beware of shortcuts or promises that seem too easy. Especially if they are cold calls. Unsolicited offers are the number one red flag.Are they asking for upfront money? Run. Legitimate agents and publishers will never ask.Be a Bassett hound. Please do your homework on any company, agent, or contest before sending them your work or making payments.Trust your instincts. Like we already discussed, ff something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.Next week, we’ll break down the types of scams you need to be on guard for. Many of my author friends have contributed comments since the assault on authors from scammers. So stay tuned.
