FIRST CASE - new release!

The much anticipated prequel to the McRyan Mystery Series is now available on Amazon. It is a 12 chapter prequel to the series that provides a bit of back story on the main character and takes you on Mac's FIRST CASE. I wrote this shorter novella in response to the many character questions I received. The book is written in such a fashion that it can be read as a stand alone and not necessarily in order. If you are familiar with "Mac" McRyan you'll enjoy getting to know him a bit better.  If this is your first introduction I'm hoping you enjoy the series.  Many thanks to Carole Sauers for the cover art and photography. She has produced all three of my covers for the series. All of my book covers feature locations relevant to the story. I have started another full length novel as a follow-up to DEADLY STILLWATER. Hockey season has slowed my progress to a snails pace but I hope to kick it into high gear after the season ends (I probably should specify main season because like most sports it has become one season - year 'round.)

Hockey season takes over!

I want to personally thank everyone who has downloaded and read my books! So I've been asked when is the next book coming out... well hockey season has taken over my life! Everything seems to come to an abrupt halt when the season starts.  Prior to hockey season I wrote a prequel novella that I hope to publish soon. The cover is completed and it is in the final stages of formatting.  Join me on Twitter to get word when it is released.  I have also started a full length novel that is the third book in the series. I'm about ten chapters in on that book.  I find that is is much easier to write a book when I have large chunks of time to concentrate and keep the story fluid.  Those large chunks tend to eliminate the number of re-writes and keeps the story on track. So stay tuned --  there is more to come!

Happy holidays and happy hockey season!

Well as many of you know hockey season is in full swing.  I jokingly said in a tweet recently that instead of a blog tour I was going to do a hockey rink tour!  Ebooks are just thing to read while you are waiting for the kids to warm up and start the hockey game.  Right now you can download "Deadly Stillwater" - 2nd book in the McRyan Mystery Series for free on Amazon and "The St. Paul Conspiracy" is available for $2.99 -- kind of a buy one get one free for the holidays! 

Well as I look out over the great St. Croix River I can see that winter is quickly taking over. The leaves were spectacular this year but now even the paddle boats have docked for the season.  Soon the St. Croix will freeze over ushering in a colder season. Hope you will join me here at this blog with a cup of hot cider in a Lodge mug next to the old stone fireplace with other authors who will be stopping by.

Fall into a new mystery?

As I sit and gaze out across the river the colors alond the banks are amazing. Stillwater is a color destination for the fall season and the beautiful trees that are a vibrant red and yellow. Hopefully I will remember to bring my camera next time to grab a photo from the deck of the Lodge. I am working on completing a novella/ebook this fall. It has gone through the editing stages and now is getting a few final reads, changes, and a book cover. I am hoping it will be out in the next few weeks, although hockey season is upon us.  I'm sure many can relate to the time commitments for sports.  Here is a link to a TV interview for the hardcover version of "Deadly Stillwater" -- please note that the ebook version has a different cover. http://www.kare11.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=51217990001

"Deadly Stillwater" now in ebook format...

As you cozy up for fall at the virtual Stillwater Lodge in front of the crackling toasty fire in the large filedstone fireplace, gaze at the vivid sunset, and feel free to grab a copy of "Deadly Stillwater" in ebook format. It is free on Smashwords.com for a limited time and (over 500 downloads so far) it is $3.99 on Amazon.com. Hopefully it will be converted to free on Amazon within the next week or so...

A journey of a thousand miles...

Writing a book has certainly become a journey of a thousand miles... I've stubbed my toes frequently and I have the worn soles to prove it....  I originally embarqed on the journey by self publishing.  I have seen much regional success as a self published hardcover author.  As many of you know it takes hours and hours of writing, editing, and tons of book promotion.  The introduction of the e-reader like the Kindle, Nook, etc. has certainly changed the landscape for all of the authors out there.  The opportunties present themselves in different ways in addition to the challenges.  My first book "The St. Paul Conspiracy" is available on www.Amazon.com with "Deadly Stillwater" hopefully to be delivered soon in ebook format.  I hope you will join me as I settle in at the virtual "Stillwater Lodge", soak in the colorful sunsets, read a few chapters, and give Buster the Golden Retriever a pat or two as he sleeps in the sunshine by your feet.