BookFunnel Archives

Yesterday I heard someone say “I was having internet connection issues,” is the new “I got stuck in traffic.” It’s the kind of line that gets a chuckle, unless it’s true. All the time.

Living on a small, ferry-dependent island has its advantages, but fast, dependable internet isn’t one of them.

Like everyone else out there, I’m doing a lot of Zooming these days. Board meetings and writers’ groups, webinars and on-line master classes. Even family gatherings. But unlike most of my fellow Zoomers, I’m rarely able to turn on the video and still hear the audio. Voices echo in a weird boomerang effect and faces freeze on the screen.

“Your internet connection is unstable” flashes on and off, reminding me that MY INTERNET CONNECTION IS UNSTABLE. As if the flickering feed wasn’t clue enough that we have internet connection issues. The final slap in the face is losing the connection altogether. The abrupt drop is like having the welcome mat yanked out from underfoot.

Urggg. The CRTC’s target for Internet speed is 50 Mbps download. On a good day, we’re lucky to get 20 Mbps.

Want to watch Netflix?

Occasionally we get through a Netflix program without the little wheel of frustration spinning in the centre of the screen.

I know companies are working on solutions for rural customers, I just hope one of them finds a solution soon because I’m pretty sure this “online” thing isn’t going away.

All right. Rant over. I think I got that out of my system. And now I have a thrilling offer!

Dark Addictive Summer Thrillers

A few times a year I rake through the author offerings on Bookfunnel and pick one I think you’ll enjoy. This time around it’s dark, addictive summer thrillers.

Take advantage of the deals and load your ereader for summer. But you’ll have to act fast because the offer ends tomorrow, June 30. Read about the books on offer with a click on the promo image, or click this link: https://books.bookfunnel.com/darkthrillers/6sg5ef4u8k.

I’ve downloaded a couple of the books already and may go back for another. If you find one you enjoy, please tell me about it. I’m always looking for a new book. Just drop it in the comments below.

And if nothing in the bundle interests you, why not give Secret Sky a try? Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options (or just click on the covers below).

Blurred Light Banner Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash

First Draft Complete

The first draft of Witness is done! Though I didn’t quite make the September 30 deadline I set for myself, it was close. I’ve now stepped away from the manuscript to let it steep. I’ll resist tinkering with the first draft as long as I can—a few weeks, a month or two if possible—so I can read it with fresh eyes when I’m ready for the first edit.

And if you’re wondering which name I chose for the psychiatrist in Witness, wonder no longer: I chose Reuben (my apologies to all the Reubens out there.) You might remember this character is shady and his name had to start with an “R”. Reuben has the bonus feature of a dual identity, Reuben AND Ben. Brilliant! Thanks for the suggestion.

An Invermere Interlude

Photo of Elinor Florence outdoors standing beside a life-size rusted metal-sculpture of a moose in Invermere BC — Elinor Florence and moose in Invermere BC

Though the first draft is done, the new book is a long way from done. Still, a completed first draft is an achievement worth celebrating. To that end, I took a short trip to Invermere. It was a writers’ retreat with Elinor Florence, author of Wildwood and Bird’s Eye View. Here she is with Rusty the Moose. I say writers’ retreat with tongue in cheek—very little writing happened. We did, however, enjoy an abundance of laughter, fine wine, and delicious meals.

We also toured local bookstores and libraries from Invermere to Canmore and points in between. I’m pleased to report that Secret Sky is now available at the Invermere library, Radium Hot Springs library, and it’s under consideration at the Canmore Library.

In addition, Café Books in Canmore is now carrying it. This must-see bookstore is larger than it looks, and if an enticing aroma makes your mouth water, it’s their in-store café! You’ve got to check it out.

While at the Radium Hot Springs Library, we took in a talk on Writing Romance by Roxy Boroughs and topped off the day by getting thoroughly wrinkled in the pool at Radium Hot Springs.

Banff

A highlight for me was a visit to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The old Canadian railway hotels have a special place in my heart. When I travel, I seek them out and wander their halls, enjoy a drink or a cup of tea, and soak up their majestic ambiance.

Vancouver Social

Prior to my Invermere interlude, students of Mark Dawson’s Self-publishing Formula (SPF) were invited to a Vancouver social at the Tap and Barrel downtown. It was a pleasure to meet James Blatch in person, having seen him on the show for more than a year now, and to meet one of their camera gurus, John Dyer. It was a terrific opportunity to connect with other SPF and Creative Academy peeps.

Short Story Giveaway

And finally, because the short story giveaways have been so popular, I wanted to let you know of another one. A Mysterious Case of the Strange includes FREE short stories in the mystery/suspense and science-fiction/fantasy genres.

My short story Ghost Crimes is in the mix. If you’re one of my VIP readers, you’ll have already received a download link for it. If not, download Ghost Crimes now and let me know what you think.

These short stories are a great way to test drive a new author. I’ve already downloaded six short stories (and I might go back for more).

Mountain header photo credit Kenny Sexton on Unsplash

If you’re looking for a binge read, check out Secret Sky, Book 1 of The Gift Legacy. Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options, or just click on the covers below.