Hello Reader, Happy Friday! Some housekeeping news: as of next week, I'll be sending these book promos and fairs from Diary of a Cockeyed Optimist, my Substack newsletter. I should say one of my newsletters - I have four! I won't get into the details of why I've been sending this particular email through a different provider (unless you're curious. If so, ask and I'll fill you in). Suffice it to say I'm trying to simplify the technical aspects so I can focus more on creating. You may already...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Today's the last day to get Menace at the Marina for only $0.99! Here's what one reviewer said (and this almost made me cry!): Because this is the 6th book in the Alex Paige Travel Mysteries series, I'm offering a special deal: you can get all six for just $8.99. How? Click this link and Menace at the Marina to your cart (discount appears at checkout) Then add the Alex Paige 1-5 Bundle. At checkout, use code MENACE20 to save 20% on the bundle. Viola! Hours of entertainment for...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Surprise! Now that Menace at the Marina is out in the world (and getting fabulous reviews), I'm offering a special deal: get this "Great Mystery" that'll keep you up turning pages for only $0.99 through Monday, March 31! One reviewer said (thanks, sydmd!) "I confess to missing some sleep, as I couldn't bear to put the book down!" Music to a writers' ears. You can get Menace directly from me as well as from your favorite retailer. Want to hang out with me in April? I'm hosting a...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Four years ago, on April 16, 2021, I wrote “The End” on a manuscript that changed everything. If you’ve been with me for a while, you know how much I love bringing stories to life—whether they’re about mysteries, road trips, or the history that shaped Chicago. This particular manuscript was Living Landmarks of Chicago, and I wrote most of it while I was taking chemotherapy for breast cancer. Researching and writing this love story to the Windy City kept me going, and I finished...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Happy weekend! Want to help an author out and read a fun book at the same time? Menace at the Marina has been available directly through me since January. On March 17, it'll be available everywhere else! To help launch the book successfully, I'm looking for readers interested in a free e-book copy in hopes they'll leave a review. Click here to learn how to read the sixth book in the Alex Paige travel mystery series! Scroll down for even more books! Lots of new book fairs this...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader! In a recent e-mail, I mentioned that I was converting my Simple Self-Publishing Course into an incredibly affordable membership. As in, less than $10 a month affordable. Why? Because publishing a book can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I know from experience. I'm an author who’s published sixteen books (as of February 2025) in multiple formats, fourteen of them since April 2021. My backlist includes nonfiction, fiction, and two anthologies with over a dozen...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Welcome to Free Books Friday! This week, I'm thrilled to share my brother's book, Unfinished Poetry. This short, fun read (with incredible wordplay) has an important theme about anti-bullying. Adam's giving this book away because of the importance of that message. He'd love to get it into schools and in the hands of teenagers who could use some inspiration. Please reply if you're interested and I'll connect you. And as usual, there are tons more books for you to download! Quick note: if...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Welcome to Free Books Friday! Ready for some more books to stuff your Kindle (or whatever device you use)? Quick note: if you're an aspiring author, or even if you've already published a book but feel overwhelmed by how much there is to learn, I'm here to help! Simple Self-Publishing is my new newsletter with free advice on how to get your book into the world. Plus, if you upgrade, you'll get my full Simple Self-Publishing course, which is now an incredibly affordable membership. (As in, less...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, I'll be upfront: this email is probably not for you. Unless, that is, you want to publish a book, or want to make publishing your next one easier. If this isn't you, please delete and next time I'm in touch, it'll be with my regularly scheduled program of travel stuff. But if this is you - if you are an author or want to be - I've got some exciting news! You may know I'm an author myself. I’ve published sixteen books in multiple formats, fourteen of them since April 2021. My...
4 months ago • 1 min read