Hello again from the world of crime and intrigue! This week, I wanted to share a little peek behind the curtain into one of the guiding principles that often shapes the way my detectives think: Occam’s Razor.
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I want to take a moment to be fully transparent with you about how I approach the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in my creative and professional work. Here’s what you can expect:
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For the last couple of years, I’ve offered my e-books widely across multiple platforms like Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo, and my own website. Unfortunately, I’ve encountered a significant amount of fraudulent activity, with numerous attempts at processing fake credit card transactions through my store. This has been a frustrating and time-consuming issue, and it’s something that many independent authors are currently facing.
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In a recent newsletter, I asked my readers two questions.
1. What is your favorite mystery series and who is it by?
2. Which of my mystery series do you like the best?
Thought I’d share something cute with you today.
In 2018, we picked out our Vizsla puppy, but we couldn’t bring her home right away. We had to wait a few weeks before she could join our family.
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I’m writing this post while sitting in the Springfield (MO) airport. My flight home is delayed an additional hour. Instead of fretting about the potential of missing my connection (which is wasted creativity), I thought I’d maximize this opportunity and share an update on my weekend.
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Years ago, I read a book called The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. It’s the concept that small actions, repeated over long periods, can generate tremendous results. I was so impressed with the book that I later bought it on audio and listen to it occasionally when I need a kick in the habits.
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“There are three things you can’t do in cozy mysteries,” a well-known author once told me. “You can’t swear, you can’t have sexy stuff, and you can’t show violence on the page.”
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I’ll admit I made a mistake in 2024 with my website. I forwarded my URL to my store, making it the destination for people looking to learn more about me and my books.
I liked the idea of having a one-stop shop. In theory, there’s a lot to like about that idea. Though it left some things to be desired.
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In August 2023, I started my online store, using the Shopify platform for the backbone. I dabbled with it for a few months, trying to learn the various intricacies of being an online retailer. While I did that, I was also learning how to advertise on Facebook.
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There’s an old quote that’s often attributed to Albert Einstein that goes something like this: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.”
Writers are definitely guilty of this behavior.
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In 2017, I tracked how many books I read. I shared the list on the personal finance website I was running at the time, The Bumbling Millionaire. I enjoyed the experience so much I’ve tracked my annual reading every year since.
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This post is arriving just as I'm making my way to Las Vegas.
According to the weather forecast, there won’t be much sun this week. That’s okay, though. It’ll still be warmer than Eastern Washington, which is expected to be 43°F today, which is about where the temperature will stay all week. Las Vegas is supposed to be 71° this afternoon. Quite a bump!
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Tomorrow is the release day for Cutler’s Legacy, the sixth novel in the John Cutler Mysteries. It’s taken a while but I’m so excited for this book to be in the world. Cutler holds a special place in my heart. Not only was he the first novel-length character I created, but there are also a lot of elements of my personality in that guy (as embarrassing as that is to admit). Cutler’s a guy who seems to stub his toe whenever things go well for him.
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When I was a kid, I dreamed of being an author. I did little about it while in school, but that’s when the dream started. While in the Army, I noodled around with a few short pieces, not doing much with them, but taking way too much pride in the few words I wrote. Youthful hubris, I guess.
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What happens when a publisher wants all author rights?
In February 2022, I submitted an essay for a Cozy anthology with a neat premise. The editor asked cozy authors to discuss their approach to the genre. As a guy who writes tough-guy cozies, I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to share how I created Beau Smith, the protagonist for my Cozy Up series.
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Below is my old About Page. I updated it recently but didn't want to get rid of this information. I figured the blog was a perfect place for it. 😊 Here we go.
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Here is some interesting news from a recent YouGov poll which proves how awesome my readers are!
46% of American adults read no books in 2023. Zero. Nada. Yipes!
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As I write this, it’s currently 4° F. 🥶 We don’t have any snow in Spokane right now. I consider that a blessing. I haven’t skied in years and was never any good when I did. In fact, my first attempt at downhill ended up with me in a hospital and a several-inch scar under my knee.
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My favorite movie is Rocky.
There are so many things I love about it. Rocky overcomes great odds to go fifteen rounds with the heavyweight champion of the world, something no one else has ever done. In doing so, he proves to himself and the world that he’s worth something. Also, the movie is a love story between Rocky and Adrian, the shy woman he meets in the local pet store.
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