'Tis the Season

     The warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season from the folks in The Falls and me. As you might expect, the holiday season in The Falls is a time of warmth, caring and excitement. A time to share time with each other, care about those around you, and take time to care about those who are less fortunate.

     It's too bad that isn't the way it is in many other places around the world. As this holiday season moves along, if there was one thing that each of us could do to make it even more special...it would be to reach out and touch the ones we love. Play with a child, read to someone who needs it. Go sledding, make snowmen and snow angels with your kids and grand kids. Sing carols and drink hot chocolate. Exchange memories with loved ones. Remember those that are gone and talk about them to those who remember and love them still. Walk in the snow, share a cup of coffee, laugh and shed a tear with a loved one. Reach out...make it personal. Share your time and love this holiday season. Don't let the Christmas spirit pass you by. Give the gift of you...

     Okay...down off the soap box. I'm in the process of writing the 34th volume in The Falls saga. We see our 'friends' Luke Olsen and Bjorn 'Hades' Svenson show back up along with the continuation of the the visit of the sisters of purple prose.There's an accident that happens that makes everyone stop and realize how precious their lives are as well as the usual appearance of many of your old favorites.

     The editing of the paperback version of the 33rd story, The Falls: Confession, is coming along. (About 60% done) You will notice when it comes out that the usual format of the cover is changed. Tha's because CreateSpace no longer allows people to publish books there. Which I was quite upset with in the beginning because I liked the signature format of all the covers. But I guess in the long run it will be good because it consolidates my Kindle and paperback books in one place, Kindle Direct Publishing. KDP for short. But for now, if I struggle at first with cover design...just attribute it to Jeb and Zeke messin' around! 

     I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season. You can see the pictures of Christmas around our house if you become friends with me on facebook. Look for George Jackson. And for now, from Carolyn, me, the folks at The Falls, and the elves...have the Merriest of Christmases and Happy Holiday Season! 

     We appreciate and love you all!

The Process Changes...

     Just to let you know, my paperbacks are now going to be published on Kindle (KDP) rather than CreateSpace. For some reason, CreateSpace had me convert all of my paperbacks over to Kindle and I now can't create them on CreateSpace anymore. Was CreateSpace taken over by KDP? Have no idea. But what I will tell you is that the familiar cover design that I've used for quite awhile will be changed now. KDP has very limited cover design choices...so bear with me. This will be a learning experience for all of us.

     Just published The Falls: Confession in digital form...number 33! And I'm working on getting the paperback format out as soon as I can figurer out the new system. Having the paperback and digital formats on one site is a good thing. I'll figure the rest out.

Oh yes, I have a new character in the last digital book, Karen Small from Wales. Karen won a prize in one of the Facebook book promotion sites and that was to be in one of my books. Actually though, I've decided to keep her on as the owner of a stitchery and craft shop in The Falls. Feels right. Congratulations Karen! Hope you enjoy your own adventures!

     May the dragons watch over you...

Autumn...?

     Okay...so autumn in Florida is like summer everywhere else. I get it. But from someone who is tired of the heat...at least it sounds good...and I can hope. Currently, I'm about two thirds of the way through the 33rd Falls series story. It's a story about a man who deserves to be shot with a crossbow bolt in the back of the neck...and he is. Perhaps that's a bit aggressive...but either Jeb or Zeke would tell you that with a straight face without a second thought about it.

     I'm editing The Falls: Body in the Rectory, for the final time in paperback. Also editing the first of the Dragon World series. Dragon World: Dragon Magic. It's finally time to bring them out and dust 'em off and get them in paperback. Dragon riders in the sky! Sure wish I had one!

     Within a couple of weeks, all the first 32 books of The Falls series will be in paperback. Just got finished editing all the covers. I'm getting there. I admit to being not a great techie. I find myself lost in the technology at times. I'm just an old storyteller. I keep telling people that. But as an Indie author, I have to be an editor, a publicist, a blogger, a cover artist and a few dozen other things. I do the best I can.

     I'd like the fans that follow The Falls, I truly appreciate your kindness and loyalty. Means a lot. Until next time...May the dragons watch over you...

The Falls: First Dance

     The 32nd story in The Falls small town mystery series, The Falls: First Dance, is being published. However, the Kindle version had a snafu. Somehow the last two chapters weren't included in the original submission to Kindle. I have since fixed the problem. But if anyone got a copy of the truncated version, please let me know and I will send you a MOBI file of the finished version. (Use my writer email: dragonrider32@yahoo.com.) My sincere apologies for any inconvenience. 

     I always worry about this kind of thing happening and check multiple times, but I guess 'stuff' happens to everyone at one point or another. Here's hoping that you enjoy the tale and even remember your first dance. 

     May the dragons watch over you... 

Extractions and Implants...

     Okay...had a capped tooth break off and went to the dentist. Figured at the most they would drill a hole put a new metal post in and glue it back on, right. No. That tooth and the tooth next to it were decaying inside. Had to have them both extracted and screws put in my jaw for implants. Let me tell you...not a fun occasion. Luckily, the dentist I had at our local dental office does just mostly those kind of things. Did a great job.

     I'm eating on one side, again, waiting for the stitches to come out of my gums in a couple of weeks. Soft foods. Anything you can cut with a knife. Not so bad really. But I have had so much work on my teeth that I am way past tired of it. Fifth or sixth implant. I lost count.

     If I were in The Falls, the McClain sisters would treat me to ice cream and Federman would ply me with warm donuts. Then Grandma Burman would march in and tell me to take it like a man, after which she would give me a kindhearted hug. Jeb and Zeke would eagerly pass the gossip around about my oral surgery and feel very proud they were the first to do so.

     Small towns. Everybody knows everybody's business. Speaking of The Falls, I'm three-quarters of the way done on book 32 and am in the process of getting The Falls: One Friday Night ready for paperback form.

   Went up to Connecticut to see our granddaughter Kylie married in a rustic barn setting. Beautiful. Even got a ride in a horse and carriage. Our family's three new babies, Alexis, Mason and Maverick are doing marvelously and are as cute as can be! When you look at it that way, problems with your teeth don't seem so bad. Priorities, right?

     May the dragons watch over you ,,,

It's Here!

     

It's Here! The Falls: The Body in the Rectory, 31st story in The Falls small town mystery series, is available at The Kindle Store, Amazon.com! Jeb, Zeke and the whole darn town are waiting for you to come and return to The Falls!

https://www.amazon.com/Falls-Body-Rectory-small-mystery-ebook/dp/B07CLBG1GC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524486299&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Falls%3A+The+Body+in+the+Rectory

Almost Here...

     Guess what's almost here? Yup...the 31st in The Falls small town mystery series. The Falls: Body in the Rectory. You can bet that Father Flynn O'Flaherty is upset to find a dead body behind the settee when he comes home after Bingo one night. Little does he know that the reason for the murder dates back to when he was a boy back in Ireland. 

     Also in the works is the paperback version of The Falls: The Manuscript. I've edited the proof print version, now it's sitting on Carolyn's table to be edited by her. Here's hoping we get both published in the shortest time possible. 

     It's turning hot here in Florida. I know...those of you in the northeast don't want to hear that. Sorry. I'd ship out boxes of sun and warmth if I could. Somehow...it never seems to work very well. We have a raised bed and are enjoying the tomatoes we grow there. Sorry once again. But you all get really great corn and apples in the fall. 

     I bought a new 27" iMac to go with my five year old iMac. Transferred everything g over and I'm using them both. Making sure I never lose any stories, covers, etc. I know...I know...a bit anal. But they are 'my babies'. I'm sure you can understand.

     May the dragons watch over all...   

A Very Happy Easter!

     This Easter, Carolyn and I wish you all a very warm, wonderful Easter filled with family, friends and love. Reach out to those who need your love and care. Smile, laugh and reminisce with those you love. Kiss your kids, grandkids and great grand babies. Listen to someone who needs to talk. Sing with someone who needs a little cheer. Cry with someone who feels real pain. Read a book to a child. Be that person who brings a little happiness and joy into someone else's life.

     Happy Easter...and watch out for those brown mushy eggs...from all the folks at The Falls...and me of course!

One Friday night, as the folks from The Falls were just leaning forward in their seats at the local high school stadium, the unthinkable happened. Follow Sheriff Cash Green, Deputies Ericka Yamato and Horace Scofield as well as Doc Stone and Meg Monroe as they begin to sort out the incident none of them will ever forget...The Falls: One Friday Night...

https://www.amazon.com/Falls-Friday-Night-small-mystery-ebook/dp/B0791KHY8L/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1521639744&sr=1-1&keywords=the+falls+one+friday+night

March...Lion...Lamb?

     Okay...will it come in like a lion or like a lamb? March that is. Looks particularly feline with storms in the northeast, midwest and west coast. And with Putin talking about targeting Florida, where I just happen to reside right now.

     Working on the 31st book, The Falls: Murder in the Rectory. About one third of the way in. The folks at The Falls are whispering all sorts of storylines in my ear. Keepin' me busy. Also editing The Falls: the Manuscript for paperback and Carolyn is Beta Reading The Falls: Slave Trade in paperback as well.

     On March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, I will be at the new library in Port St Lucie, Paula A. Lewis Branch, 2950 SW Rosser Blvd. in Port St Lucie. From 10-1 PM. Hopping to see a few friendly faces. I will have all 26 paperback volumes of The Falls there with me. Got a new display (holds 30 paperbacks) and some new card stock ads from VistaPrint. Pretty spiffy, huh?

     Had my sister, Ann, here for a couple of weeks and the end of March we'll have our son Craig and his wife Deb. Then in April, we'll host our daughter Dynese, her husband Rick and our grandkids Ryan and Erin. Wow! We're a popular spot to visit this year! Who knew?!

     Forgive me, but I have to say that these mass killings, especially in schools, are taking their toll on an old retired principal. God bless Dick's Sporting Goods for taking assault rifles off their shelves and raising the age to purchase any gun from them. God bless the kids that are standing up and saying "Enough is enough!" And the children shall lead them. God bless any lawmaker who has the guts to defy the NRA. And NRA, shame on you. You should be helping with the problem, not being part of the problem. Even the old hunters...maybe especially the old hunters...in The Falls know that it's time for not only better background checks, but tighter gun control. Too many lives have been lost. Just do it.

     Enough soapbox. I apologize...just feel very strongly. May the dragons watch over you...

Hope you get a chance to come! Port St Lucie, the addresses of the libraries are on the poster. May the dragons watch over you...

The Falls: One Friday Night

     It's here! the 30th volume of The Falls small town mystery series! The Falls: One Friday Night!

     It's fall and it's Friday night in The Falls. That means only one thing. West Mount Union High School Eagles football! The air is electric, the team is riding the broad back of it's star running back and the state championship is within their grasp! Then the unthinkable happens. Follow along with Sheriff Cash Green, Deputies Ericka Yamato and Horace Scofield, Doc Stone and Meg Monroe as they try to solve the puzzling death set before them. Harry Caldwell, the cold-blooded hunter of humans, is back with revenge on his mind. Sean Frasier, his brother William and William's wife Serafina, along with Maggie Barnes take off on a Revolutionary War treasure hunt! Its time to return to The Falls!

     The link to the Amazon page is:

     https://www.amazon.com/Falls-Friday-Night-small-mystery-ebook/dp/B0791KHY8L/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1516804878&sr=1-1&keywords=the+falls+one+friday+night

     The folks in The Falls are waiting for you to return! It's November, so put on your winter coat and galoshes...the winter's first snowfall is on the ground. Grab your self a steaming cup of Earl Grey or a strong Columbian blend of coffee and c'mon over! Return to The Falls! We'll all be waiting' for you!

Where has the time gone?

     Well, sorry about being absent from posting this long, but I've been a bit busy. Lots of things have happened in the past month or so. Let's see if I can get the major items down for you...

     Our newest great grand baby, Mason Christopher Fletcher was born to our granddaughter Caitlyn and her husband Chad. He's a big boy...lots of hair and a real cutie! He lives in the snowy and cold NE and we will be going back to officially meet him in a few weeks. Caitlyn was our first grandchild and so, it's come full circle. Life has a way of doing that.

     My brother-in-law Don McFarren died shortly after Christmas. He was deteriorating slowly and his wonderful family, my sister Ann (who I use as the basis for Louisa May McFadden...Don was Danny McFadden in The Falls series) her four kids and a host of grandchildren were all there, surrounding him lovingly, singing to him as he went. Don loved his family, sports, and music. He loved to sing and play his guitar and he was a big fan of the Yankees, the NY football Giants and the Rutland High Red Raiders, his home town high school team. He worked the art show circuit around New England, especially Vermont, for over fifty years with my sister. He will be missed.

     The trip back to be there for his calling hours and funeral was harried to say the least. We found ourselves in the middle of the winter blizzard and cold streak that came through Thursday January 4th. We got diverted to Dulles on a flight to JFK that morning and it went downhill from there. We were placed on buses and driven to JFK by Jet Blue...a five hour trip. Only to find JFK a madhouse of cancelled flights and closed airport and angry, distraught customers. Four o'clock the next morning we took off in a rented Jeep and drove the final leg to Vermont, getting there just in time for the last half hour of calling hours and then the funeral. But we made it. I had promise my sister we'd be there...and we kept that promise.

     On the way back, we had a three hour delay from JFK to West Palm Beach. All in all...not flying during winter storms ever again. We used to live in Vermont, but it was -17 the morning after the funeral. Nope. I don;'t mind a little snow and some dips in the thermometer, but that was outrageous.

     Have my name in for the annual Port St Lucie Library Book Fair where local authors come out to be in book shows on March 17th. Hopefully, I will be one ion the participants. I will let you know. 

     The Falls: Slave Trade is at CreateSpace being processed into a paperback and I'm doing the last edits on The Falls: Sanctuary paperback at the moment. Currently editing The Falls: One Friday Night, the 30th in the series. It will be out in Kindle format soon! It's all about a homecoming football game and what happens to the star running back. Harry Caldwell makes his return as well! Not only that but Sean, William, Serafina and Maggie Barnes taker off on an adventure searching for treasure!

     So, you can see, I've been busy. Hope you'll forgive my tardiness in posting this. Have a great New year and don't forget to return to The Falls now and then! May the dragons watch over you...