Guess what! My publisher just sent me a box of advanced reader copies (ARCs) of the Agatha-Christie-style mystery that I completed for the marvelous Peggy Shainberg, who left behind a soul-stirring unfinished manuscript. The book doesn't hit shelves till March 18th, but I want to give one away this week. Only two copies have gone out so far, both to family. Would you like to be the next? Keep reading . . .

Sorry I've been out of touch. As most of you know, I've been working on the origin story of Otis Till, one of the main characters of the Red Mountain Chronicles. I'm putting the final touches on her now, and it's turned out to be a true gem. It publishes October 2025.

 

I have so much I wanted to share with you. Let's see if I can sum it up quickly. My tax return was hijacked and laundered with bitcoin; I'm told I may not get it back. Jennie Garth (of 90210 fame) and I connected over her love of Red Mountain. I'm reading my first romance: Book Lovers by Emily Henry; it's outstanding and hysterical. My focus in life right now is on being, rather than doing, which is why I have slacked on sending a newsletter. My wife and I started Argentine Tango lessons and just booked a three-week family trip to Italy, both as research for my next novel. And a reader invited me to visit Unity Environmental University, an amazing school up here in Maine that her father founded. My visit with the president, Melik Khoury, was a profound experience, and I was blown away by their mission to offer environmentally conscious degrees to anyone with the drive, no matter their situation. They've asked Mikella and me to attend their commencement in May. Neil deGrasse Tyson will be speaking. You can bet we'll be there!

About that ARC giveaway. I have an idea. Considering Thanksgiving is upon us here in the U.S., it's a good time to do something nice for someone, be it a friend, family member, neighbor, or stranger. Sometime this week, please go out of your way for someone, even a small kindness, a simple gesture of love, and then respond to this email about the experience. Though you're welcome to, you don't have to write a long tale; even a paragraph will do. For those who take part, I'll enter you into a raffle for the giveaway. I'll also share the best of your stories in the next newsletter. How's that? I'll play too, of course. Let's put our sights on those around us this week and spread some love and gratitude. 

 

Please know that I may not have the time to respond to everyone, but I'll certainly read every word.

Catch up on old newsletters here.