Author Spotlight – Scott Harrington

 Posted by at 12:15 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 262026
 

In an effort to introduce my readers to other authors and their work, every week I run an Author Spotlight, sharing information about an author, their work, and how they go about writing their books.

Scott Harrington is a licensed general building contractor, a NAUI SCUBA dive master, and a black-belt Ninjutsu practitioner/instructor of more than 30 years, certified by the International Bujinkan. He has been skydiving, bear hunting in Alaska, deep-sea fishing, spearfishing from Alaska to Mexico, paintball battles in off-road vehicles, SCUBA diving at sights only accessible by rope climbing down a cliff face and briefly lost in the Sea of Cortez when the dive boat could not find him. He travels as much as possible, seeking new adventures and knowledge. He is a certified wreck diver and has penetrated wrecks all over the Americas and Caribbean and even went cave diving in Mexico. He incorporates all his experience, along with extensive research, into his novels to entertain and intrigue all who read them. His Trace Conner novels are Wet Work, Lethal Blossoms, Frost Giant, Last Breath, and “Mine Games. His newest novel is Makiko and the Kamikaze Blade, which features a female police officer first seen in Lethal Blossoms.

A conversation with Scott:

When did you decide to become an author and why?

I decided to become an author around 2019. I had started my first book way back in 1995. I wrote the first 20 pages or so and then just kept moving it into each new recording format. Going from a floppy disc, to a tape drive, to CD and finally USB. In 2019 I finished the first 50 pages and sent it out to a bunch of people, asking if I should continue. The consensus was yes. I chose to write because all the books I tended to read were action thrillers, but they almost always were a former military person. I felt like there was a need for a protagonist who was from a different background. When I was young, I hated English and writing. I never imagined that I would write books one day.

How long have you been writing, and what was your first book?

I really started writing in 2019, finishing Wet Work.

What genres do you write in?

My genres are generally considered thriller, I would add action, mystery, and suspense to those. I have a few ideas for science fiction novels but have not attacked any of those yet.

How many books do you have out?

I have six books out now. I am working on number seven.

Are you trade published, independent, or a combo?

I am independently published through Amazon. I need to get it out to more sellers, but I have not had the time.

What is your writing style? Panster or plotter or?

When it comes to writing style, I am definitely a pantser. In my head there is a plan, but nothing is written as a plan for any of my books. Just notes of things I know need to be in the story.

Do you write more than one book at a time?

Generally, I write one book at a time. My last two books, though, were written in a sort of overlapping fashion. Because the stories were different protagonists, it worked. I did get to a point where I had to stop working on both and finish one, so I could finish the other.

How much research is involved in your writing?

I put quite a bit of research into my writing. In the Trace Conner series, the technical aspects of each book often takes much of my time. When I have an idea what the story will be about, I begin saving news stories in a file that will then get folded into the story. Sometimes I do a lot of talking with an expert in that field and get them to review what I wrote for accuracy. My latest book, Makiko and the Kamikaze Blade, had a ton of research. Most of it was Japanese history, but some also involved research and speaking with a ballistics expert. When I do internet research, I strictly avoid Wikipedia.

Where do you write? Do you have a home office, write in a coffee shop, or what?

I write at my desk most of the time, which is in my home. I am still a full time building contractor and early mornings, when I am the only one up, is usually when I write. If I go on a trip, I will write on the plane, boat, or whatever I’m riding in. I have a tablet too, and sometimes I write while sitting in public and waiting for something.

Do you use any programs like ProWriting Aid, Grammarly, or ?

The only writing aid I use is the free version of Grammarly and I only use it to look for mistakes, like “form” instead of “from” or too many spaces between words. I never take its suggestions on how to write a phrase or line. I refuse to use any sort of artificial intelligence in my writing.

How do you promote your books?

Book promotion..that is another weak spot of mine. I do book festivals when possible, library visits, coffee shop book signings, book clubs, some Amazon giveaways, and an occasional promotional ad through a third party.

What are your writing goals, long and short term?

My goals are to be picked up by a publishing house and be able to live on my writing. I like to write stories just for the story, but to be able to write and not have to worry about another job would be amazing. I don’t care if I am famous, I just want to be able to survive…and travel.

Any advice to new authors or someone who wants to become an author?

My advice to new authors is to just do it. Write that story. It is so easy to self-publish through sites like Amazon now. You don’t have to get an agent and a book deal to tell your story, and there are people out there somewhere that want to read it, no matter what it is.

In the past, agents and publishers got to decide what was printed and what just sat on a shelf gathering dust. Not anymore. If you can write it, you can publish it. If you have the funds, you can promote it as well as the big publishers can. There are many self-published authors who have been picked up by a publishing house after they self-published.

Be sure to visit Scott’s website at https://scottharringtonbooks.com/

You can find all of Scott’s books on his Amazon author’s page https://www.amazon.com/stores/Scott-Harrington/author/B083HJZ1C4?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=c8c2abec-5b7a-4156-a544-141f2f6c5744

***

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – We’re past the age of heroes and hero kings. … Most of our lives are basically mundane and dull, and it’s up to the writer to find ways to make them interesting. – John Updike

Taxicab Tales – Crazy Hope

 Posted by at 12:14 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 252026
 

In the past, I have shared a series of stories from my days publishing small town newspapers, from a job I had selling cars, about my time in the Army, and some tales of the offbeat adventures and misadventures I’ve gotten into in a series called Nick Happens. Now, I thought I would share some stories about a period in my life many years ago when I drove a taxicab in Tucson, Arizona. Oh, some of the things I witnessed back then! I’ve told more than one prospective author that if they really want to learn about human nature, they need to become a cop, a nurse, or a cab driver. You will see the best and worst of people in any of those jobs.

I had only been driving a cab a few weeks when the dispatcher put out a call for anyone near the courthouse in downtown Tucson. I was nearby, and he told me to pick up “Crazy Hope” at the Pima County Courthouse on Church Avenue. Built in 1929, the historic courthouse with its elegant blue dome is one of the city’s most popular landmarks. It was always a busy area during the middle of the day, and when I asked how I would find “Crazy Hope,” the dispatcher laughed and said, “Don’t worry, she’ll find you.”

Sure enough, I pulled up to the curb and a small white-haired woman dressed in blue jeans and a flannel checked shirt, with worn cowboy boots on her feet and a battered Stetson, jumped in the back door and said, “Drive, drive fast, before they get me!”

Not sure who they were, I nevertheless took off as quickly as I could, which wasn’t much in the heavy downtown traffic. I had only gone a block or so before she crawled across the back seat and into the front passenger seat and told me to take her home. When I asked where her home was, she said her ranch on the east side, not the Cliff House. Still confused about where she needed to go, she told me to just drive and she would give me directions.

For the next half hour, she babbled on and on, telling me that she was a rich heiress and everybody thought she was crazy, but she wasn’t. She also told me about dating Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, and Cary Grant when she was a young woman, but that none of those “pretty boys” could measure up to a real cowboy, and that’s why she married Honeycutt Jones, a cowboy and musician. She went on and on about her horse ranch and occasionally had me make a series of right turns while she looked out the back window to make sure nobody was following us. By then I knew why they called her Crazy Hope.

Eventually, we arrived at a patch of desert scrubland on the far east side and went down a rough dirt path to a corral and an old mobile home. Parked on the property were three or four late-model pickups, a battered, worn-out Jeep, and a brand-new Mercedes four-door sedan. A pack of dogs, several horses, and a large bull wandered around the property. When Hope got out of the cab, they all came up to her like puppies waiting for mama to get home. Including the bull.

I told her how much the fare was, which had added up because of all the right turns we made trying to elude her imaginary pursuers, and she told me to wait and went in the trailer. I waited a long time and thought she had snuck out the back door or something and called the dispatcher to tell him so. He told me to just be patient, she would be there eventually. Meanwhile, a sheriff’s deputy pulled in behind me and got out and asked where Hope was. I told him I wasn’t sure, but my dispatcher said she would be back eventually. He laughed and said, “Yeah, she will be.”

Sure enough, Hope came walking out the door of the trailer, and I did a double take when I saw the large, long-barreled single-action Ruger .44 Magnum in her hand. The deputy didn’t seem worried at all and told me we were going to have some fun now. Okay, when does the fun start?

Hope stalked up to us and demanded to know how the Mercedes got there. The deputy told her it was her car. He had checked the registration the last time he was out. She didn’t believe him, and she handed me the massive revolver and said, “Shoot that son of a bitch.” I asked what son of a bitch she was referring to, and she pointed at the Mercedes and said, “Shoot it. They left it here to trap me.”

I looked at the deputy he said, “Do what the lady says.”

“Seriously?”

“Would I lie to you?”

I figured, what the hell, how often do you get a chance to shoot a Mercedes? So I cocked the hammer and put a round through the windshield, the muzzle blast almost deafening me. Hope jumped up and down and clapped her hands with delight and said, “Do it again. Shoot the radiator.” So I did.

Hope might have been happy with the shooting, but the bull seemed to take offense to it and started bawling at us, pawing the ground, and shaking its horns. Being the coward that I am, I got behind the deputy and told him to defend me. Instead, as the bull started walking toward us, we jumped on the hood and then the roof of his patrol car. Hope called us a couple of wimps and smacked it on the rear end and told it to shut up and get out of there, and it did.

At any rate, the meter was over $100 at that point, and Hope gave me $250, and that was the end of my day with Hope. The deputy followed me out to the main road, and we pulled over to the side. I asked him what the hell that was all about. He told me that Hope was really a millionaire, the heiress of a wealthy New England family, and had close personal ties with everybody from the Mayor’s house to the Governor’s mansion to Washington, DC.

He said she had come west as a young woman back in the 1930s, bought a house that someone had made into the side of a cliff in Redfield Canyon in the Galiuro Mountains, and owned property all over southern Arizona. She loved horses and owned a large herd of them, and when she wasn’t acting crazy (which seemed to fill up a lot of her time at that point in her life), she was the sweetest person you could ever know. And yes, those stories about her dating movie stars were probably true. He said that back in her younger days she was a real beauty.

Over the next year or so, I carried Hope around town now and then, and it was always an adventure. She was constantly sure that somebody was following her. Mostly, it was “those bastards from the Bureau of Land Management,” who had forced her to remove her horse herd from Redfield Canyon when they took over the area. I did some research on Hope Iselin Jones, and sure enough, she did come from a very wealthy and socially prominent family. She spoke flawless French, equally good Spanish, and could cuss like a trail herder just in from a long cattle drive.

When I was dispatching, I got a call for Hope needing a cab one time. I sent it out to the closest cab in the area, and the driver said, “No thanks. I don’t want to mess with her.”

Another driver said the last time he gave her a ride he made $300. The first driver came back over the radio and said, “Yeah, I made 400, and it took me $600 worth of Quaaludes to calm down afterwards!”

In her later years, Hope lived in an apartment with 24-hour care and had a full-time driver who took her out to her property every day to spend time with her horses, dogs, and the bull. She passed away in 2001 and her ashes were scattered over her C-Spear Ranch in Redfield Canyon, the land she loved. What an amazing character she was, crazy or not. You can learn more about her at this link https://www.library.pima.gov/content/redfield-cliff-house/

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – Eccentricity is usually owned by middle-class and upper-class people. If you are working class and eccentric, then you’re just mad – Timothy Spall
Timothy Spall

Brain Dead

 Posted by at 12:06 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 242026
 

I’m brain dead. That’s the only excuse I can come up with for not giving the simplest answer to one of the questions in yesterday’s Q&A blog. When describing different author styles, I said a pantster, such as me, is somebody who just has an idea to start with and takes it from there, and the story develops as they write. While that’s true, as several readers pointed out, the simplest explanation is that a pantster flies (or this case writes) by the seat of their pants.

I also messed up the other day when talking about the mini-split we had installed in the garage. I said the garage isn’t insulated, and I don’t know where I came up with that. I must have been thinking about the garage at the Alabama house, because this one is insulated and the walls and ceiling are covered with sheetrock. Don’t judge me. I’m old and senile.

But there was one place in the garage we needed to address. At some point before we bought the house, someone had cut a crude hole in the sheetrock to access the area above the ceiling and just left it that way. Yesterday, Terry squared off the opening and then framed it, using some scrap 2x4s and leftover trim molding we had laying around. We need to get a piece of wood put in the opening that we can push out of the way if we ever need to access that area. By the time we finished, it was late in the day, so we put a piece of heavy cardboard in it for now until we can get to the store.

It’s been hot and we haven’t had much rain for the last couple of days, so yesterday evening we were watering our plants and Terry’s raised garden beds. I was pleased to see that one of the rose bushes out front has some very pretty pink roses on it.

Congratulations Pam Junker, winner of our drawing for an autographed copy of Havasu Palms, A Hostile Takeover by Bobbi Johnson Holmes, it was featured in an Author Spotlight back in May. It’s the true story of one hard working pioneering family in the 20th century, and how their life’s work was stolen – a theft sanctioned by the United States Government and the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.

For the Johnson family, 1968 was the beginning of a new adventure in a remote desert community in Southern California. They believed in the American dream, where hard work and honesty have just rewards. The family put their trust in government promises, in spite of the fact the common belief among the country’s youth was that the federal government could not be trusted. Perhaps, the family should have paid attention.

We had 33 entries this time around. Stay tuned. A new contest starts soon! Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – I don’t think bad things only happen to good people. I think bad things happen to everyone, and the way good people respond is what makes them good.

August Q&A

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 232026
 

I’m back with more questions from blog readers. While I try to answer all questions individually, I also share some here occasionally.

Q. In your Author Spotlight, you ask people if they are a plotter or a pantster, and I’ve also heard them refer to being a planster. I keep trying to figure out what that means, but I can’t. What is it?

A. In terms of writing, a plotter is someone who does an outline and figures out the story’s plot before they start writing. They tend to stick to that outline throughout the story. A pantster, such as myself, just has an idea to start with and takes it from there and the story develops as they write. A plantster is a combination of both. It is someone who starts out with a basic plot in mind and starts writing, realizing that the characters and plot might change along the way.

Q. Where do you get your thoughts for the day? Some of them are hilarious and some of them are very thought-provoking.

A. They come from everywhere. Things I hear somebody saying, some I get from readers sending them to me, and others I find online.

Q. I saw the badges that you have in your collection. The Tweetsie Railroad in North Carolina has personalized badges in the gift shop if those are something you would be interested in adding to your collection?

A. Thanks for the tip, but those are souvenir badges. I only collect actual issued badges from government agencies and businesses.

Q. I was disappointed to read in your blog that there are only going to be two more books in the Tinder Street series once you finish the current one. Why are you ending it there? Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing altogether, especially not the Big Lake or John Lee books.

A. From the start, I planned to end the Tinder Street series with the Vietnam War days. Don’t worry, I have a lot of Big Lake and John Lee books still left to write. I’m not even close to being done yet.

Q. I saw a Facebook comment you made in a post about the Battle of Little Bighorn, saying that the instructors at West Point referred to Custer as a fool and an egomaniac who got a lot of people killed for nothing. Something has always confused me about him, and maybe you can help me understand it. When I read about him, during the Civil War he was a general, but later, when he was killed, he was a colonel. What did he do to get busted in rank?

A. Custer was promoted to the rank of brevet brigadier general of volunteers in 1863, just three days before the Battle of Gettysburg. A brevet rank was a temporary honorary rank awarded for bravery or distinguished service, allowing officers to command larger units than their permanent regular army rank. After the Civil War ended and the size of the army was reduced, he was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel, the rank he held at his death.

Today is your last chance to enter our Free Drawing for an autographed copy of Havasu Palms, A Hostile Takeover by Bobbi Johnson Holmes, it was featured in an Author Spotlight back in May. It’s the true story of one hard working pioneering family in the 20th century, and how their life’s work was stolen – a theft sanctioned by the United States Government and the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.

For the Johnson family, 1968 was the beginning of a new adventure in a remote desert community in Southern California. They believed in the American dream, where hard work and honesty have just rewards. The family put their trust in government promises, in spite of the fact the common belief among the country’s youth was that the federal government could not be trusted. Perhaps, the family should have paid attention.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn this evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – There’s no need to drink the entire ocean to realize it’s salty.

Mini-Split For Maxi Comfort

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 222026
 

Besides a regular whole house air conditioner and furnace, our house also came with a mini-split unit in the bedroom, which provides both heat and air conditioning. If you’re not familiar with mini-splits, and I wasn’t until fairly recently, they are a ductless heating and cooling system. They have two main parts: an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler. Thin lines link the two units through a small hole in the wall. They come in different sizes and are basically for one room or one area of a home.

Our garage is about 450 square feet and I wanted something for it because during the summer it’s too uncomfortable to do much of anything out there. So yesterday we had the father and son team of Jeff and Cristian Sainz-Valdez from MiniSplit Comfort install a unit in the garage.

It took them a couple of hours, and when they were done, we were very pleased with the results. It was a hot day, somewhere in the 90s, and our garage is not insulated. It has a standard metal door that soaks up heat. But setting the thermostat at 77° and leaving it for two or three hours brought the temperature right down. I’m definitely impressed.

So impressed that they’re having them come back today to relocate the outside of our bedroom unit to a hanging wall bracket, like the one in the picture above, which will get it off the ground and away from dirt and such. They will service both it and our big house air conditioning unit. It’s always good to find hard-working people you can trust who show up on time and do the job right.

Be sure to enter our latest Free Drawing. This week’s prize is autographed copy of Havasu Palms, A Hostile Takeover by Bobbi Johnson Holmes, was featured in an Author Spotlight back in May. It’s the true story of one hard working pioneering family in the 20th century, and how their life’s work was stolen – a theft sanctioned by the United States Government and the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.

For the Johnson family, 1968 was the beginning of a new adventure in a remote desert community in Southern California. They believed in the American dream, where hard work and honesty have just rewards. The family put their trust in government promises, in spite of the fact the common belief among the country’s youth was that the federal government could not be trusted. Perhaps, the family should have paid attention.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn Sunday evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – Do what you do, not what you’ll say you’ll do.

Congratulations, Destiny!

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 212026
 

Before I do anything else today, I want to congratulate our granddaughter Destiny on another achievement. As I’ve shared with you before, while attending her last year of high school, Destiny was also attending cosmetology classes at Northland Pioneer College here in Show Low. She graduated from both in the same week, and yesterday she passed her state boards. Now all she has to do is wait for her license to be issued, and she’s ready to go to work. She is a bright, beautiful, 19-year-old young lady with a strong work ethic, and when she sets a goal for herself, she achieves it. We couldn’t be more proud of her.

Yesterday, Terry and I had an appointment with Brendon Rogers, an attorney in Snowflake, to go over our family trust. The trust has been in place for many years now, but when you move to a different state, sometimes things can change. We wanted to make sure we had all of our bases covered so there were no unpleasant surprises somewhere down the road. We are glad we did because Brendon pointed out some things that could cause issues here in Arizona that would have not applied in our previous domicile in Alabama.

When we finished with the attorney, we went to the Snowflake Smokehouse for a late lunch/early dinner, or as we call it, linner. We have eaten there several times before and have never been disappointed. I had the burnt ends, and Terry had a green chili cheese crisp. Both were delicious, and the young lady serving us went out of her way to make sure our glasses were filled at all times and to check to see if we needed anything.

Today Jeff from MiniSplit Comfort is coming to install a MiniSplit air conditioner/heater in the garage. It gets darn hot in there and makes it impossible to work in the garage this time of year. Besides that, and a quick trip to the bank to check on a couple of issues the trust attorney suggested, I plan to get another chapter written in my next Tinder Street book.

Be sure to enter our latest Free Drawing. This week’s prize is autographed copy of Havasu Palms, A Hostile Takeover by Bobbi Johnson Holmes, was featured in an Author Spotlight back in May. It’s the true story of one hard working pioneering family in the 20th century, and how their life’s work was stolen – a theft sanctioned by the United States Government and the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.

For the Johnson family, 1968 was the beginning of a new adventure in a remote desert community in Southern California. They believed in the American dream, where hard work and honesty have just rewards. The family put their trust in government promises, in spite of the fact the common belief among the country’s youth was that the federal government could not be trusted. Perhaps, the family should have paid attention.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn Sunday evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – Mr. Rogers did not prepare me for the people in my neighborhood.

30k And On The Way

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 202026
 

I haven’t been doing much the last few days except working on my new Tinder Street book, The Forgotten Years. Covering 1950 through 1955, this installment in the family saga includes the Korean War, McCarthyism, several notorious crimes, and the polio epidemic. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom for the McNally and Morgan families. There are also Irish twins, young love, the revelation of what happened to a long-lost family member, and good deeds that will warm your heart.

I’m a bit over 30,000 words into the story now and well on the way. I’ve become very attached to the characters in this series, and with only two more books to go after this one, I’m going to miss them.

I’ve had inquiries from several readers about the Growtrax biodegradable grass seed mat I put down in mid-July. Though I’ve watered it diligently and done all the things you’re supposed to, I’ve seen so far is very sparse. I can’t say that I would recommend it. This is what I have after a month.

By contrast, the patch of clover I planted by the back deck one week ago has sprouted and is going crazy. It’s definitely the better option for our needs. All it takes is plenty of watering, and watch it grow.

Speaking of watering, we had a storm come in yesterday afternoon about 3:00, and as I write this, a little before midnight, thunder is still rocking the area, and we’ve gotten a lot of rain. I love monsoon season.

It’s Thursday, so it’s time for a new Free Drawing. This week’s prize is autographed copy of Havasu Palms, A Hostile Takeover by Bobbi Johnson Holmes, who was featured in an Author Spotlight back in May. It’s the true story of one hard working pioneering family in the 20th century, and how their life’s work was stolen – a theft sanctioned by the United States Government and the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.

For the Johnson family, 1968 was the beginning of a new adventure in a remote desert community in Southern California. They believed in the American dream, where hard work and honesty have just rewards. The family put their trust in government promises, in spite of the fact the common belief among the country’s youth was that the federal government could not be trusted. Perhaps, the family should have paid attention.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn this evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – You have such a unique way of misunderstanding things.

Author Spotlight – Linda Rossi

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 192026
 

Linda Rossi was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and now lives in Pittsburgh. She is a mother of two adult children, a hairstylist of 40 years, and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She obtained her Associate Degree in Human Services, which led her to a 16-year career as a family service worker. There, she continued to work by helping families in need with encouragement to succeed and skills to utilize their resources. She’s a writer across various artistic styles, including self-help, poetry, and personalized quotes. She has a passion for helping people to improve their lives and empowering them with simple techniques towards change. She is the author of a three-book series that includes the titles Zest for Life: Simple Adjustments to the New You, Get Your Zest on: Healthy Lifestyle Changes, and  Zestful Minds: A Positive Approach to Life.

A conversation with Linda:

When did you decide to become an author?

While spending much time over the years delving into plenty of reading, writing, and researching various forms of psychology and philosophy, one day I was on a jog, and in my mind I asked myself, why did it seem that I had a knack for being positive and happy most of the time. The word “zest” popped into my head, and that was the start of the ideas that led to my books. It was at that point that I also realized something interesting. All these years leading up to this, I was always picturing myself standing up at a podium speaking to people. I asked myself what is this about, then when this idea of the books came up, there was my answer: Writing books is my podium to speak out, a way to help others.

How long have you been writing, and what was your first book?

I have been writing all kinds of forms, including poems, short stories, and quotes, since middle school. My first book of the series is called Zest for Life: Simple Adjustments to the New You.

What genres do you write in?

All my books are written in the genre of self-help: inspirational and motivational.

How many books do you have out?

I have three books out that are part of the series called Achieve Your Zest for Life.

Are you trade published, independent, or a combo?

I am a self-published author

What is your writing style? Panster or plotter or?

I use the Plotter style of writing because I spend time breaking down my ideas into each What Can You Do Question?, listing in certain orders what people need in order to make their life better.

Do you write more than one book at a time?

I like to focus on writing one book at a time. After each book, I gather more ideas to put the books into different categories.

How much research is involved in your writing?

There is a lot of research done before I can get the book up and running. I had already been schooled on much of the subject matter that I write about. Over the years, I attended several web classes, read countless books, and even attended in-person conferences that touched on psychology and included motivational speakers. Taking my past research and life experiences to combine a system of ideas that have changed my own life, and passing this information on to the readers.

Where do you write? Do you have a home office, write in a coffee shop, or what?

I write at my desk in my home.

Do you use any programs like ProWriting Aid, Grammarly, or ?

I use Grammarly to check spelling and grammar. I also use Canva to design my book covers.

How do you promote your books?

I promote my books by using various forms of marketing, including social media accounts, Facebook ads, Amazon KDP promotions, community author book signing events, and presenting myself as a vendor at craft and market days events. I also pass out my business cards and hang them at several locations when applicable.

 What are your writing goals, long and short term?

I have future goals for my next writing projects. At the moment, I am spending time writing a draft full of ideas for future books. My long-term goals are to write at least two more books, one more self-help book geared towards inspiration, and one personal memoir.

Any advice to new authors or someone who wants to become an author?

My advice to anyone who loves the art of writing and has had even the smallest thought about writing short stories, poems, or a book would be to write as much as you can. Start with ideas written in a list form, then break down each idea into the most important ones. At this beginning stage, you cannot worry about it being perfect. Get it written, then go back over it time and time again to re-read and make changes.

My goal with these books has always been to help people find simple ways to improve their lives. I hope that my inspirational and positive outlook will be felt amongst my readers and that they truly gain a new perspective on a life full of zest.

People can find my books on Amazon.com. All three books are available in either Paperback or Kindle form. The Kindle forms are available free to those with a Kindle Unlimited monthly subscription. My first book, Zest for Life: Simple Adjustments to the New You, is also available as an audiobook for those who prefer listening to books. They can download the Audible app and search for the title to find it there. Two of the books can be found at Walmart and various other bookstores with a Google search.

You can find links to all of Linda’s social media accounts and books at linktr.ee/lindasbooks67

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Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. — E.O. Wilson

Taxicab Tales – Virgin Hookers

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 182026
 

In the past, I have shared a series of stories from my days publishing small town newspapers, from a job I had selling cars, about my time in the Army, and some tales of the offbeat adventures and misadventures I’ve gotten into in a series called Nick Happens. Now, I thought I would share some stories about a period in my life many years ago when I drove a taxicab in Tucson, Arizona. Oh, some of the things I witnessed back then! I’ve told more than one prospective author that if they really want to learn about human nature, they need to become a cop, a nurse, or a cab driver. You will see the best and worst of people in any of those jobs.

Note: This is one you might not want to share with your grandmother. Or read while you’re drinking hot coffee.

One of the biggest annual events in Tucson, Arizona, is the Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Showcase, which locals simply call the Gem Show. The event dates back to 1955, when the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society organized a small show at an elementary school in the city. They didn’t expect much of a turnout, but were surprised when over 1,500 people showed up to see what the vendors had to offer. Realizing they were onto something, the next year the event was moved to the Pima County Fairgrounds, and the rest is history. These days vendors, jewelers, museum representatives, collectors, and as many as 65,000 visitors from around the world are spread out at different venues all over the city, pumping $130 million into the local economy.

Everybody’s out to make a buck, and when you’ve got that many people with that much money floating around, you can bet that purveyors of the world’s oldest profession will be there, too. Hookers from as far away as Miami Beach and New York City show up in the Old Pueblo looking to get their piece of the action.

A good majority of them have pimps, but there are also a lot of independent girls working the show. Quite often, half a dozen women will share a cheap motel room where they go to rest up after a busy day or night on the town.

On this occasion, it was about 3:00 in the morning, and I had four or five of them piled into my cab, headed for their crib. I was driving down Miracle Mile, a notorious street for that kind of activity, and the women were jabbering away about how much money they had scored and the different Johns they had met. Then one of them said, “I don’t know if I can work tomorrow. After two days of this, my down there is raw.”

One of her companions said, “We can fix that up. Driver, find us an all-night drugstore.”

The first woman asked, “What are we going to do at a drugstore? Can you score some painkillers?”

“No, baby,” her friend said. “We’re gonna get you some Preparation H.”

“Preparation H? I don’t need that. It’s my hoo-ha that’s sore, not my butt!”

“I know, baby,” her friend assured her, “but it’s gonna work. Put a whole bunch of that down there and rub it in, and it’s gonna to shrink you up so much you’ll be a virgin when you wake up tomorrow.”

Back then there was a wide curve where Miracle Mile and Drachman Road came together, and in that curve was an island with a bunch of barrel cacti and a sign that said, “Welcome to Downtown Tucson.” I say was because when I heard that, I started laughing so hard I missed the curve, drove right through those cactuses, and knocked the sign down.

I’m telling you, folks, you can’t make this stuff up!

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us. Spelling has become a lost art.

Thought For The Day – Any lesson you refuse to learn will repeat itself until you do.

Getting Alli Outfitted

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 172026
 

When we lived on eight acres out in the country in Alabama, Alli had plenty of room to roam. Now we have about an acre here in Show Low, Arizona, more than half of it with a high fence. She’s still got room to run and play, but she hasn’t had a lot of socialization with other dogs yet. She’s not aggressive with them, but when she sees another dog, she wants to run up and check it out. As it turns out, a lot of dogs don’t like seeing another dog running toward them. Especially not one the size of a German Shepherd. So I wanted to get her outfitted with some equipment that I can use to safely take her out and about to meet more people and more animals.

Last week I ordered a ShawnCo Essential Dog Harness from Amazon. It’s a very sturdy vest design with three large clips and a handle across the back for better control of a dog when needed. It’s easy to put on and take off, and Alli doesn’t seem to mind it at all. However, when I take her for a walk, she still tries to pull more than I want her to.

Then our neighbor Virginia told me about the Halti Headcoller. Made from strong but lightweight nylon webbing, the headcoller has a padded neoprene noseband that slips over Alli’s snout and doesn’t interfere with panting, eating, or drinking. What it does is give me total control. Alli didn’t like it the first couple of times I put it on her, and she tried to paw it off, but wasn’t too successful with that. Then she doesn’t seem to mind it at all.

When I tried to walk her with it, she immediately tried to pull away, but all it took was a gentle tug and she straightened right up. Folks, I have to tell you, the transformation was amazing. A couple of times since getting it. I’ve walked her the length of our street and when we encounter another dog or a cat, she doesn’t even try to run up to them. She stops and looks at them with her ears cocked forward, wanting to check them out, but there’s no pulling and no tug of war between us. This thing is a game changer!

Obviously, neither picture is of Alli. Whenever I try to put either of them on her, she thinks we’re going to go for a walk and is prancing around so much I can’t get a picture. But both products were well worth the money, and I would recommend them to anyone.

Congratulations Cathy Morrison, winner of our drawing for an autographed copy of Tinder Street, the first book in my Tinder Street family saga. A simple trip to town, a chance meeting with a pretty young woman, and a few words were all it took for Lucas Wirtz to flee his family farm and the abusive father who dominated it. Following Rachel McNally to the big city, he had no idea how much his life and the world around him would change.

Chronicling the days leading up to World War I and the events that followed, Tinder Street is the first book in a saga that will take readers from rural farms to a major industrial city in the Midwest, across an ocean where German U-boats lurk waiting for a target to come within range of their deadly torpedoes, to the bloody trench warfare of France, and home again. Lucas was one of those soldiers, a man who hated the thought of killing, but did his duty. A duty that would haunt him long after the last shots were fired.

This is also the story of the simple working-class people who built America. Farmers, factory workers, streetcar conductors, midwives, and public servants. Their joys and sorrows, their wins and losses, and how these people who struggled together to build a better life for themselves and their children changed a place named Tinder Street to Tender Street, a reflection of one family’s devotion to their neighbors.

We had 54 entries this time around. Stay tuned, a new contest starts soon! Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

Thought For The Day – The world around you is beautiful when the world within you is peaceful.

Nothing I Couldn’t Live Without

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 162026
 

Kenny and I were planning to go to the gun show at the Show Low Elks Lodge yesterday, but it turned out to be a family affair. Tiffany wanted to go with us, and then granddaughter Hailey called to say she would meet us at the lodge with grandbaby Tyler. And just as we all arrived, so did granddaughter Britni and her boyfriend.

As I said in yesterday’s blog, if I did find something amazing at the show, it would have to be at a good price because my gun safe is full. As it turned out, there was nothing I couldn’t live without. There were two or three nice guns that I would have considered if I didn’t already have the same ones at home, but that was about it. But it’s still fun to look around and see what the market is today. One thing about buying quality guns is that if you get them at the right price, they are an excellent investment. I saw two different used guns that I bought in the $750 to $800 price range four or five years ago that are now going for over $1,100. Try getting that out of your savings account.

Back home, Terry and I ran a couple of errands, going to Petsense to pick up a few things for the critters, and then to Lowe’s for some soil to plant a tree. While we were there, Terry found a few plants she wanted, so they came home with us, too. All in all, it was a good day even if nothing exciting happened.

This is your last chance to enter our Free Drawing for an autographed copy of Tinder Street, the first book in my Tinder Street family saga. A simple trip to town, a chance meeting with a pretty young woman, and a few words were all it took for Lucas Wirtz to flee his family farm and the abusive father who dominated it. Following Rachel McNally to the big city, he had no idea how much his life and the world around him would change.

Chronicling the days leading up to World War I and the events that followed, Tinder Street is the first book in a saga that will take readers from rural farms to a major industrial city in the Midwest, across an ocean where German U-boats lurk waiting for a target to come within range of their deadly torpedoes, to the bloody trench warfare of France, and home again. Lucas was one of those soldiers, a man who hated the thought of killing, but did his duty. A duty that would haunt him long after the last shots were fired.

This is also the story of the simple working-class people who built America. Farmers, factory workers, streetcar conductors, midwives, and public servants. Their joys and sorrows, their wins and losses, and how these people who struggled together to build a better life for themselves and their children changed a place named Tinder Street to Tender Street, a reflection of one family’s devotion to their neighbors.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn this evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – I love how you don’t let facts influence your opinion.

Mowing And Family Time

 Posted by at 12:07 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 152026
 

We invited daughter Tiffany and her husband Kenny, along with granddaughter Hailey, her husband Toby, and great-grandbaby Tyler, over for dinner yesterday. It was going to be a simple affair of hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, along with baked beans and homemade potato salad, but Terry still had to run to the grocery store to get some of the things we were going to need.

While she was gone, I finished mowing the rest of the backyard that didn’t get done the day before. It was a lot of work, but it looks much better out there. I’m glad I got it done, because the temperature is supposed to rise again starting today.

It was sometime around 5:30 or 6:00 when everybody showed up, and Toby got assigned grill duty because Kenny and I were outside with my truck. There were a couple of settings I didn’t understand, and he went through them and got everything set up the way I wanted it. There is also a storage compartment under the rear seats that had dividers for carrying rifles. I liked the storage, but I didn’t care about the rifle part, and the dividers took up extra space, so Kenny took them out. He also secured the rear floor mats that were not sitting right because whoever installed the storage compartment originally didn’t make adjustments for them.

We timed it right because we got done just as the food was coming off the grill. Besides being a great guy and a successful cop, it turns out that Toby is also a pretty good hand with a spatula and a propane grill. Everything was delicious, and we all had plenty to eat.

Today Kenny and I are going to wander through the gun show at the Elks Lodge around the corner, seeing what there is that we can’t live without. If there is something, it better be darn good and at an amazing price, because I don’t have any room left in my gun safe. But even if we don’t find anything, it’s always fun just hanging out with Kenny.

Be sure to enter our latest Free Drawing. This week’s prize is an autographed copy of Tinder Street, the first book in my Tinder Street family saga. A simple trip to town, a chance meeting with a pretty young woman, and a few words were all it took for Lucas Wirtz to flee his family farm and the abusive father who dominated it. Following Rachel McNally to the big city, he had no idea how much his life and the world around him would change.

Chronicling the days leading up to World War I and the events that followed, Tinder Street is the first book in a saga that will take readers from rural farms to a major industrial city in the Midwest, across an ocean where German U-boats lurk waiting for a target to come within range of their deadly torpedoes, to the bloody trench warfare of France, and home again. Lucas was one of those soldiers, a man who hated the thought of killing, but did his duty. A duty that would haunt him long after the last shots were fired.

This is also the story of the simple working-class people who built America. Farmers, factory workers, streetcar conductors, midwives, and public servants. Their joys and sorrows, their wins and losses, and how these people who struggled together to build a better life for themselves and their children changed a place named Tinder Street to Tender Street, a reflection of one family’s devotion to their neighbors.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn Sunday evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us. Is this a new plan to improve employee morale?

Thought For The Day – You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. – Dr. Seus

Taking Advantage While I Can

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 142026
 

Well, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that we didn’t get any rain yesterday. The good news is that the temperature was in the upper 70s, and I took advantage of it to finally get much of the grass mowed in our backyard. It needed it because it was turning into a jungle out there.

Alli loves it when we’re working outside because she gets to run and play and get plenty of exercise. And I needed the exercise, too.

Since we didn’t get any rain, I also watered the new clover that I planted in the back. I found that the secret to growing Dutch White Clover here is to give it lots and lots of water. In the few days since I planted the seeds out there, they have already sprouted and the clover is growing fast.

While I was doing all that, Terry was busy, too. The cucumber plant in her greenhouse was getting so big and spreading out so much that it was out of control. She trimmed it back, along with some of the other plants that needed trimming. This pretty flower is from her butternut squash plant in the greenhouse.

Terry also refilled the four hummingbird feeders that hang by our front porch. Those little buzz bombs are everywhere, and they are greedy. We love sitting out there just watching them come and go and chase each other back and forth. Unfortunately, the cameras on our phones don’t do a great job of catching them.

Be sure to enter our latest Free Drawing. This week’s prize is an autographed copy of Tinder Street, the first book in my Tinder Street family saga. A simple trip to town, a chance meeting with a pretty young woman, and a few words were all it took for Lucas Wirtz to flee his family farm and the abusive father who dominated it. Following Rachel McNally to the big city, he had no idea how much his life and the world around him would change.

Chronicling the days leading up to World War I and the events that followed, Tinder Street is the first book in a saga that will take readers from rural farms to a major industrial city in the Midwest, across an ocean where German U-boats lurk waiting for a target to come within range of their deadly torpedoes, to the bloody trench warfare of France, and home again. Lucas was one of those soldiers, a man who hated the thought of killing, but did his duty. A duty that would haunt him long after the last shots were fired.

This is also the story of the simple working-class people who built America. Farmers, factory workers, streetcar conductors, midwives, and public servants. Their joys and sorrows, their wins and losses, and how these people who struggled together to build a better life for themselves and their children changed a place named Tinder Street to Tender Street, a reflection of one family’s devotion to their neighbors.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn Sunday evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – Common sense is chasing you, but God has blessed you with speed.

Keep It Coming

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 132026
 

The monsoon season has definitely kicked in here in the White Mountains of Arizona. We have been getting some rain almost every day, sometimes just a quick shower and other times a borderline deluge. It’s enough that we haven’t had to water Terry’s outdoor plants or the clover I planted, and everything is looking nice and healthy. In fact, we’ve been getting so much rain that the clover I planted just three days ago near our back deck is already coming up! Keep it coming, Mother Nature. We need it.

I mentioned the other day that I had Michael Lopez from Lopez Detailing buff out all the scratches in my new to me 2022 GMC pickup, but it started raining soon after he finished, so I didn’t want to pull it out of the carport. Yesterday, before the rain set in, I pulled it out and got a few pictures of it. It looks like new!

I had an appointment at Virtuous Pain Center in Show Low yesterday to get my nerve ablations done. This is the third or fourth time I’ve had it done now, and when the procedure is done right, it can last up to two years. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. It’s a quick and easy procedure, and though it’s a little bit uncomfortable, it’s really not painful. But the difference in how I feel afterwards is amazing.

After I was done there, we went to the post office in Lakeside to mail out a book order, then we went to Johnny D Pizzeria for linner, which is a combination of late lunch and early dinner. We used to eat there many years ago when we lived in the area, but it’s the first time we’ve done so since we moved back. It was definitely good, although I told Terry it still didn’t compare to the ones she makes right here at home. I think it’s that extra ingredient of love she puts into everything.

Since I didn’t get any writing done yesterday, today I hope to knock out at least one more chapter in my next Tinder Street book. I’m over 25,000 words now, but I’ve got a long way to go before it’s finished.

Speaking of books, somebody asked me if the authors I profile in the weekly Author Spotlight are all friends of mine. Some are people I have known online for years and met a time or two, and others are complete strangers to me whose work I admire or who were recommended. I’m always looking for new authors to share with you. If you know an author whose work you think would be interesting to my readers, have them reach out to me, or tell them about the Author Spotlight and ask if I can contact them.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – If really good-looking people are called eye candy, I must fall into the eye broccoli category.

Author Spotlight – Cleve Sylcox

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 122026
 

In an effort to introduce my readers to other authors and their work, every week I run an Author Spotlight, sharing information about an author, their work, and how they go about writing their books.

Cleve Sylcox is a Missouri author whose stories begin with a simple question: What if? Whether writing suspense, mystery, crime fiction, or speculative fiction, he is drawn to ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. His novels explore themes of hope, justice, loss, redemption, and the unseen connections that shape our lives.

A lifelong observer of people and places, Cleve finds inspiration in everyday conversations, forgotten history, and the mysteries that still challenge our understanding of the world. His stories blend believable characters with compelling ideas, inviting readers to wonder what might exist just beyond the edge of the known.

When he isn’t writing, he enjoys gardening, sketching house designs, following St. Louis sports, and spending time with his wife and family. He believes every person has a story worth telling and that the best books entertain while leaving readers with something to think about long after the final page.

A conversation with Cleve:

When did you decide to become an author and why?

I’ve always enjoyed telling stories, but there came a point when I realized the stories weren’t going to leave me alone until I wrote them down. Writing became more than a hobby—it became a way to explore ideas, ask difficult questions, and share them with readers who enjoy wondering “what if?” as much as I do.

How long have you been writing, and what was your first book?

I’ve been writing for many years, although, like many authors, I spent a long time learning the craft before publishing. Every book has taught me something new and made me a better storyteller.

What genres do you write in?

I don’t like to limit myself to one genre. I’ve written crime fiction, mystery, suspense, speculative fiction, and science fiction. If a story captures my imagination, I’ll follow it wherever it leads.

How many books do you have out?

I currently have multiple published books, with several more in various stages of development. There always seems to be another story waiting its turn.

Are you trade published, independent, or a combination?

I’m an independent author. I enjoy having creative control over every part of the process, from the manuscript to the cover design and publication.

What is your writing style? Plotter or pantser?

I’m somewhere in the middle—a “plantser.” I usually begin with an idea rather than a detailed outline. The characters and story reveal themselves as I write, and once I discover what the story is truly about, I go back and shape it through revision.

Do you write more than one book at a time?

Ideas for future books are always floating around, but I prefer to focus on one primary manuscript at a time while keeping notes on the others.

How much research is involved in your writing?

Research is one of my favorite parts of writing. Whether it’s history, science, law enforcement, architecture, or local settings, I enjoy learning enough to make the story believable while remembering that the characters always come first.

Where do you write?

Most of my writing happens at home, where it’s quiet enough to disappear into the story. Inspiration, however, has a habit of showing up wherever I happen to be.

Do you use any writing programs?

Yes. I use modern editing and proofreading tools to polish my manuscripts, but I believe no software can replace careful revision—or trusted readers.

How do you promote your books?

I believe the best promotion is writing another good book. Beyond that, I connect with readers through author pages, social media, local events, and word of mouth. Nothing is more rewarding than hearing from someone who enjoyed one of my stories enough to recommend it to someone else.

What are your writing goals?

My short-term goal is simple: write the best story I can every time I sit down at the keyboard.

Long-term, I’d like to build a body of work that readers return to – not because it’s fashionable, but because the stories continue to entertain, challenge, and inspire them.

What advice would you give new authors?

Write the story you want to read.

Don’t chase trends. Don’t worry about writing the next bestseller. Tell the story that won’t leave you alone, then rewrite it until it’s the best version of itself. Most importantly, keep writing. Every page teaches you something.

Anything else you’d like readers to know?

I hope my books do more than entertain. I hope they leave readers asking questions, seeing familiar things in new ways, and perhaps looking at the world with a little more curiosity than they did before they opened the first page. Thank you for taking the journey with me.

Connect with Cleve Sylcox:

Website: clevesbooks.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csylcox
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cleve-Sylcox/author/B00GW8AECS
Email: csylcox@charter.net

***

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – A book is simply the container of an idea – like a bottle; what is inside the book is what matters. – Angela Carter

Taxicab Tales – Tangled Webs

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 112026
 

In the past, I have shared a series of stories from my days publishing small town newspapers, from a job I had selling cars, about my time in the Army, and some tales of the offbeat adventures and misadventures I’ve gotten into in a series called Nick Happens. Now, I thought I would share some stories about a period in my life many years ago when I drove a taxicab in Tucson, Arizona. Oh, some of the things I witnessed back then! I’ve told more than one prospective author that if they really want to learn about human nature, they need to become a cop, a nurse, or a cab driver. You will see the best and worst of people in any of those jobs.

Note: This is a long one, but I think you’ll enjoy it.

I was hanging around the dispatch office killing time on a slow Sunday afternoon and Steve, the regular dispatcher, asked me to cover the phones while he went to the bathroom.

I answered a call, and the voice on the other end sounded as sexy as they come. Caller told me she had a job interview the next day and wanted to know how much the fare was from her house to the business and back. I checked the two addresses and gave her an estimate.

“Oh, thank you so much,” she said, “I really appreciate it.”

“Always happy to help, ma’am,” I told her.

“My gosh, I’ve always heard that cab drivers were rude, but you sound absolutely wonderful,” she breathed.

“Oh, we’re just people,” I assured her. “Some good and some bad, I guess.”

She lowered her voice and asked, “So tell me, do you ever get bad?”

“I’ve been known to,” I told her, enjoying the banter.

“Oh, I like that! Sometimes I get bad, too!”

By then Steve was back at the radio console, and he pushed the button for the speakerphone.

“Oh darn,” the caller said, with a pout in her voice. “Please tell me you’re not married?”

“No ma’am,” I’m divorced.”

“Oh, don’t call me ma’am. It’s Tammy. What’s your name?”

I told her my name, then Tammy suggested, “Gee, maybe you could pick me up tomorrow and take me to my job interview, Nick.”

“Maybe.”

By now Steve and a driver friend named Maury were enjoying the show, grinning as I chatted with the voice that dripped honey over the phone.

“You know, once I get done with that interview, I won’t have anything to do all afternoon,” she told me. “And I get so stressed out when I have a job interview. I wish I knew some way to work off all that stress.”

About then, we got a rush of calls, and I had to get back to work, but not before taking the woman’s name and address, and promising I’d pick her up right on time the next day.

I hung up the telephone, gave Maury and Steve high fives, and took off to pick up a fare.

The next day when I went to work, both Steve and Maury were eager to see how my “date” was going to work out.

“Okay, now listen to me,” Steve said. “Just in case something goes wrong, you call me on the radio to check in, and say Code 29. I’ll know that means you need an excuse to get away, and I’ll tell you that your son’s school called and he’s sick and needs you to pick him up, okay?”

“Sounds good, but I won’t need any excuses,” I assured Steve. “This woman’s voice sounds like pure heaven!”

I hit the street, picking up a few fares before the appointed time for my “date.” A few blocks from her address Steve radioed to tell me that my special appointment was on the phone, checking to make sure I was on the way.

“I’m three minutes away,” I told him.

When I turned onto Tammy’s street, it was easy to find her house. It was the one with the very large woman standing in the street doing jumping jacks. Even if she had been standing still, the fluorescent muumuu she was wearing would have been hard to miss!

Before the cab had come to a complete stop (I had to stop, there was no room on the street to drive around her) Tammy wretched the front door open and slid into the front seat beside me. It wasn’t so much physical attraction as gravity that made me slide toward her.

Her makeup looked like it had been applied by Picasso, but Tammy was one of those girls with perfect white teeth. Unfortunately, I never got to see them because she had left them soaking in a glass on her bathroom sink. But that didn’t keep her from talking. Tammy talked a lot. In fact, she never stopped talking during the twenty-minute drive to her job interview. I have never learned so much about a person in such a short time!

I learned that Tammy was an old pro at job interviews. She must have been, because she had worked at every restaurant, convenience store, and bar in Tucson. You can squeeze a lot of jobs into a month if you never stay more than a shift or two.

I learned that Tammy had three kids, two of whom lived with their respective fathers’ parents, and one who was in a foster home.

I learned that Tammy was undergoing medical treatment for problems with her gallbladder, for water on her knee, and for a recurring urinary tract infection.

I learned that Tammy had a husband somewhere, but she couldn’t remember if he was currently incarcerated or on the lam to keep from being incarcerated.

I also learned that Tammy had a very strong and varied sex drive. By the time we arrived at her job interview, I think I knew exactly what a young man must feel like on his first afternoon in prison, facing the long night that was surely coming.

The amazing thing was not just all of the information that Tammy could share in such a short time, it was that she did it while shoving massive handfuls of barbecued potato chips into her mouth with one hand and massaging my thigh with the other.

The minute Tammy was inside the entrance of the greasy spoon restaurant where she hoped to land employment, I grabbed my microphone and called Steve.

“Save me!” I said.

Even through the airwaves, I could hear the chuckle in Steve’s voice when he asked, “How bad is it?”

“It’s bad, Steve. Really, really bad!”

“But she sounded so nice on the phone,” he said, and in the background I could hear laughter.

“Is everybody in the office listening to this?” I demanded.

“Of course not,” Steve told me. “Everybody couldn’t fit inside the office. I had to patch you through to the outside speaker.”

I seriously considered shooting myself right about then, but I was afraid if I did, Tammy would eat my body before I could have the Christian burial my mother would have wanted for me. I contented myself with wiping bits of damp potato chips off the dashboard and the inside of the windshield while I reminded Steve of our predetermined rescue plan. He assured me that he was standing by, waiting for my check in, and he’d bail me out with the urgent message about my sick child.

It was a short job interview, and the old taxi’s springs creaked as Tammy crawled back in beside me.

“Well, that was a waste of time!”

“The job already filled?” I asked, as she grabbed the potato chip bag, searched inside and found it empty, then tilted it up to her mouth to pour in any last crumbs.

“I forgot I worked here last year. It didn’t work out, and they said they have a strict policy about rehires.”

She crunched the empty bag into a ball and threw it out the window, then wiped off at least half the dregs that clung to her face, smiled and scooted even closer to me, if that was possible.

“Anyway,” she said, “who needs a job, right?

With that she groped me in a way that produced a reaction in certain parts of my anatomy that I had only experienced once before, during a long, cold winter spent in Minnesota.

“Uh, yeah. Hey, I need to check in with my dispatcher, we’re supposed to call in every half hour. It’s a security thing, with so many robberies and all.”

It took me a couple of attempts to reach past her and get to the microphone, and as I keyed the button, Tammy started blowing in my ear. At that point, the parts of me that had been experiencing shrinkage just said the hell with it and left for Antarctica. I really envied that young man on his first night in prison.

“309,” I said into the microphone, only to be greeted with silence. Or maybe I couldn’t hear a reply with Tammy’s tongue and some leftover potato chip crumbs working their down my ear canal toward my brain.

I waited for a moment while Tammy asked me how I felt about cats, since she had six of them.

“309,” I repeated. Where was Steve? It wasn’t that big of an office.

“309.” By now I was almost pleading for a response.

Eventually, Steve’s welcome voice came over the radio, a verbal beacon in the sea of darkness that had overtaken my life.

“309, is that you?”

“Yes, calling in with a Code 29.”

“Code what, 309?”

“A Code 29.”

“Is this cab 29 or cab 309?”

I mentally cursed Steve, as I said, “It’s cab 309, calling in with a Code 29.”

“Oh, 309! Is that you, Nick?”

“Yeah, Steve, it’s me.”

“What did you need, 309?”

“I was calling in with a Code 29.”

“Code 29?”

“Yes, a Code 29.”

“Stand by, 309.”

I had gone past mentally cursing Steve and moved on to cursing his mother, his father, his wife, his children, and his family dog.

Finally, he returned to the radio.

“Uh, 309?”

“Yes, Steve.”

“I just checked the code books, and I can’t find any reference to a Code 29. Did you mean a Code 9?”

“No, a Code 29. Two-Nine.”

“Stand by, 309.”

How could it take only twenty minutes to drive to Tammy’s destination, but two hours to drive back to her home? And was two hours long enough?

“Cab 309?”

“Yes, Steve.”

“Listen, I talked to everybody here. I talked to Maury, I talked to Sandra, the bookkeeper, I talked to George out in the garage, and I even talked to the boss. Nobody here has ever heard of a Code 29.”

A large dump truck was coming at us from the opposite direction, and I considered swerving into its path, but I was pretty sure I’d wind up an invalid and Tammy would be my caregiver.

“Anyway, 309, I have an important message. Can you copy?”

“Yes, I can copy,” I said eagerly.

Good old Steve. He had to have his fun at my expense, but he was coming through in the end. He wouldn’t let me down.

“Actually, I have three messages here for you. Can you copy?”

“Yes, Steve, I can copy!”

“Okay, hang on a second. Oh, here they are. The first one’s from Bill, the manager. He said things are really slow today so you can take the rest of the day off. He said it’s going to be slow tonight too, so just go ahead and take your cab home so you can get an early start in the morning.”

My heart fell down to the empty place in my body where my scrotum used to live before it moved to Antarctica.

“Oh yeah, here’s another message. This one’s from Maury. He said that you being a single dad and all, you need a break. So him and his wife are picking up your son from school and he’s spending the night with their boys.”

Where was that dump truck? I’d take my chances, at this point.

“And the third message is from me,” said Steve. “Actually, it’s a quote I read someplace – ‘Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.’”

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – The worst dates make the best stories.

Skeeters And Beetles And Bugs, Oh My!

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 102026
 

There’s a lot to love about the monsoon season here in Arizona’s White Mountains. First and foremost, we definitely need the moisture. The forest is parched, and the drought doesn’t seem  to be letting up anytime soon. It’s also a big help to Terry’s outside raised garden beds and to the clover that I’ve been planting. And I’m one of those people who loves the sound of a good thunderstorm. I just don’t want the lightning to start any wildfires.

However, there is one downside to the rain, and that is the mosquitoes that seem to come out of nowhere and hover around, waiting for a chance to ambush anybody who dares to step outside. I don’t know if it’s because I’m just such a naturally sweet person, but I’ve always been a target for them. If I forget to put on bug spray, they nail me before I can get to the car.

A couple of weeks ago, I ordered a Dynatrap outdoor trap that was reported to be very good at cutting down on mosquitoes and other flying insects. The model I ordered is reported to be good for about half an acre, and after having it up for a week or so, I was impressed with it. So much so that I ordered the larger model Dynatrap, which they say will handle a full acre or more, since our property is just under an acre. They’re not bug zappers. They have an LED light that lures bugs in, and then a fan blows downward into a compartment that traps them. Terry’s greenhouse has been overrun with flies and mosquitoes, so I put the smaller one in there, and within 24 hours, the number of mosquitoes had greatly diminished.

I also ordered some Catchmaster GRO double-sided sticky traps that were highly rated for the greenhouse. Terry put a bunch of those up in there and they are amazing. By the end of the first day, they were covered with dead flies and other bugs.

Speaking of bugs, check out this female Western Hercules beetle that I found on the deck the other day. I know it’s a female because the males grow large horns that they use to battle other males competing for the ladies of the group. Google says they are among the largest beetles native to the United States, typically reaching lengths from 2 to over 3 inches. They are gentle giants who do not bite or sting humans and are native to the forested areas of Arizona, where they feed on tree sap. They are not destructive like bark beetles, which have wiped out entire forests of pine trees in Arizona and other states.

And that’s all I know about bugs right now. Isn’t that enough?

Congratulations, Linda Coffin, winner of our drawing for a copy of Nordic Aliens and the Rapture of the Apocalypse by Sharon Delarose, who was profiled in an author spotlight a while back.

We had 24 entries this time around. Stay tuned, a new contest starts soon! Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us. This sign tells us why some people need to work in fast food.

Thought For The Day – It’s better to say goodbye with a smile than to hold on with tears.

Working Inside And Out

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 092026
 

The temperature has been hovering around 90° for several days now, and we have not been doing much outside. But it was slightly cooler yesterday, and we took advantage of it.

Earlier, during the hottest part of the day, I knocked out another thousand words in my new Tinder Street book. Meanwhile, Terry was busy with laundry and other chores that keep her busy and our house running smoothly. Then, when the temperature dropped a bit, we went out to the garage and assembled a Craftsman push mower we picked up a few days ago. We have a gas lawnmower, but it’s too big to maneuver in the two little sections of clover in the front yard, and I wanted something smaller and lighter I could get in there with.

Before the heat set in a few days ago, I had used my Earthquake rototiller to clear a section of the backyard to plant more clover. Our backyard is over half an acre, so I don’t have the time to do it all at once, and I’m going at it a piece at a time. After we assembled the mower, I spread clover over that new section and covered it with mulch. Then we soaked it down good, just as dark was setting in.

While we were outside, Terry also harvested a bunch of tomatoes from her greenhouse. I think we have one more day of the high heat, and then it’s supposed to cool down a bit. We’re looking forward to getting more done when we can.

Today is your last chance to enter our Free Drawing for a copy of Nordic Aliens and the Rapture of the Apocalypse by Sharon Delarose, who was profiled in an Author Spotlight a while back. Does the Revelation prophecy of the Bible foretell an alien invasion? Are world leaders preparing to attack Jesus and his army of angels?

The Nordic aliens visiting Earth today perfectly match descriptions of the angels in the Bible and the Book of Enoch, while the ancient Greek, Celtic, and Norse gods were born of the same angels. Meanwhile in India, the Hindu gods match another species of biblical angels, and so do the Blue Avians. These angels are hovering in the sky, watching us right now, and according to the apocalyptic prophecies, as many as one hundred million extraterrestrials could fill our skies led by the New Jerusalem mothership of massive proportions. Governments will treat this as an alien invasion, and indeed it will be when the wicked kings are hurled from their thrones.

The countdown to this apocalypse has already begun with the prophecies unfolding in chilling precision: the 6th mass extinction event, a secret society that rules the world, the Antichrist, human de-evolution, and the inexplicable war on cows which was prophesied thousands of years ago.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn this evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – If you ever get the chance to treat them like they treated you, I hope you walk away.

I Am My Father’s Son

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 082026
 

I spent all day yesterday working on my new Tinder Street book and getting two more chapters finished. Since I don’t have anything new to tell you, instead I’m sharing a blog from several years back that I thought you might enjoy. 

I wish you could have met my father. He was quite a character. He could play any instrument with keys or strings, though he never had a lesson in his life and couldn’t read music. He loved books, he was a fantastic storyteller, and he had a wicked sense of humor.

I guess I am my father’s son because except for the music I inherited at least a tiny bit of his other characteristics. When it comes to music, forget it. I can’t even play the stereo in my car. I tried to learn to play the saxophone once. I never was able to blow a single note, but I could scare the hell out of Terry’s cat.

When I was a kid, my dad did not much care for one of his brothers-in-law, a person who shall remain nameless. This fellow was pretty much a freeloader who abused everybody’s hospitality whenever he could. One time he showed up at our place and, like he always did, he overstayed his welcome.

My dad was driving home from work one evening and a large rattlesnake crossed the road. He got out and shot it, then got a wild idea for a prank. He had an old laundry basket in the trunk of his car and he coiled the dead snake up in the basket. When he got home, he told my uncle he had bought a bunch of steaks and ribs to throw on the barbecue, and asked him to run out and get them from the basket in the trunk of his car. Always looking for a free meal, the patsy hurried outside in the twilight, grabbed the basket from the trunk, and was back under the front porch light before he ever looked down and saw what was in it. The way I hear the story, they could hear his scream from half a mile away.

Another time, my dad had a car with a visor over the front windshield, similar to this one, although this is just a picture I found on the Internet. I don’t remember how it worked, but there was some kind of a knob on the inside of the car above the rearview mirror, and Dad could turn the knob to raise and lower the visor a bit.

The same uncle was in the car with him one day and asked what the knob was for. My dad told him it was a windshield stretcher and said the car was equipped with an adjustable windshield. He explained that on rough country roads he could turn the knob to loosen the tension on the windshield to keep it from breaking from vibrations. Then he could turn the knob in the other direction and tighten it up when he got on a better road. He said because of that option he had never had a broken windshield since he bought the car. My uncle reached for the knob and Dad slapped his hand away, telling him if he got it too tight, the windshield would not be able to flex properly and would break. He said he had to take a two-hour class when he bought the car to learn how to properly adjust the windshield stretcher. From what I hear, my uncle spent the rest of his life telling people about that wonderful option, the windshield stretcher.

I’ve been known to tell a fib like that now and then myself. Years ago we were having one of our Gypsy Journal RV rallies at the fairgrounds in Casa Grande, Arizona. At the time I had a beautiful Yamaha V-Star 1100cc motorcycle, which rode in the back of the van we towed behind our MCI bus conversion. I got the bike out of the van before the rally started, thinking I would take it for a ride. But, as it turned out, the battery was low. No problem, I had a battery tender, which is a small charger that connects to the motorcycle’s battery, which was under the seat and out of sight. I pushed the bike over to a power pole that had an electrical outlet on it, hooked up the connections to the battery, lowered the seat back down, and plugged in the charger.

A couple of hours later one of the people who had arrived early for the rally asked me why my motorcycle was plugged in. I told him it was one of those new hybrid motorcycles that could run on either gas or electricity, and I was charging the batteries. He said he had never heard of a hybrid motorcycle. I told him they were new and hard to come by but got amazing mileage. I said the last time I had put fuel in the motorcycle was almost 2,000 miles ago, and the tank was still almost full. “No way,” he said incredulously. “I swear to God it’s true,” I told him. And it was true; the last time I put gas in it was way back in Elkhart, Indiana and the bike had been riding in the back of the van ever since.

This gentleman told me he absolutely had to have a hybrid motorcycle like that and asked if I wanted to sell it. I told him no, they were too hard to come by and I didn’t know when I would find another one. The next day he told me that he had gone to the Yamaha dealer there in town and they told him they had never heard of a hybrid motorcycle. I suggested he just had to keep checking around, because like I told him, they were new to the market and most shops probably didn’t even know about them yet.

The rally began, everybody had a good time, and then we all headed for wherever our next stop was. I had completely forgotten about the incident with the motorcycle until I got an e-mail from the gentleman telling me that he had looked at over a dozen Yamaha dealerships across the country, and not one of those fools believed him when he told them about my hybrid motorcycle, even when he told them he had seen it with his very own eyes! I just smiled, kind of like my dad used to do.

Be sure to enter our latest Free Drawing. This week’s prize is copy of Nordic Aliens and the Rapture of the Apocalypse by Sharon Delarose, who was profiled in an author spotlight a while back. Does the Revelation prophecy of the Bible foretell an alien invasion? Are world leaders preparing to attack Jesus and his army of angels?

The Nordic aliens visiting Earth today perfectly match descriptions of the angels in the Bible and the Book of Enoch, while the ancient Greek, Celtic, and Norse gods were born of the same angels. Meanwhile in India, the Hindu gods match another species of biblical angels, and so do the Blue Avians. These angels are hovering in the sky, watching us right now, and according to the apocalyptic prophecies, as many as one hundred million extraterrestrials could fill our skies led by the New Jerusalem mothership of massive proportions. Governments will treat this as an alien invasion, and indeed it will be when the wicked kings are hurled from their thrones.

The countdown to this apocalypse has already begun with the prophecies unfolding in chilling precision: the 6th mass extinction event, a secret society that rules the world, the Antichrist, human de-evolution, and the inexplicable war on cows which was prophesied thousands of years ago.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn Sunday evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

Thought For The Day – Sometimes, even the devil on my shoulder asks, “What the hell are you doing?”

Done, With Some Effort

 Posted by at 12:03 am  Nick's Blog
Aug 072026
 

Yesterday started out overcast, and by the way the weather map looked, it seemed like we might get a little bit of rain lasting for an hour or so. Instead, the thunder began to rumble and the sky got darker. Before long, it started to rain, and then the hail was coming down. The hail didn’t last long, but the rain and thunder kept up for quite a long time. We weren’t going to complain about that because we definitely need all the moisture we can get here in the White Mountains. Here is a picture Terry took from inside the house showing how dreary the day was.

I spent part of the day catching up on emails that had accumulated during the last couple of days when I was up in Holbrook for jury duty. Even after discarding the obvious junk and spam, I still had 82 emails to deal with. I don’t like to be impersonal, but I’ve decided I’m going to have to start coming up with some standard answers that I can just paste into a reply rather than retyping them every time. For instance, seven people wanted to know when the next Tinder Street book is going to become available. I’m about 20,000 words into it and have quite a way to go. I hope to have it out sometime around the end of September.

Over a dozen people told me they tried to enter the contest for this week’s Free Drawing and their entry didn’t appear yet. So they entered again, and in a couple of cases, they entered a third time. Even if you’ve entered multiple previous contests, sometimes the system wants me to approve a comment or entry. When that happens, it shows a message saying that your entry is waiting to be approved. Entering again and again only sends everything to spam. Trust me, if you enter, I will get you approved as soon as possible, but sometimes I have other things going on.

Then there are the people who tell me they have a great idea for a book, and they think we should collaborate on it. I get a couple of those a week. I always want to say, “You have an idea for a book? That’s cool. I have like 75 ideas for books that I’ll never live long enough to write.” Likewise with people asking if I will read their manuscript and give them feedback on it. I’m sorry, I just don’t have enough time to do my own work, let alone read somebody else’s.

Anyway, enough of that. Moving on, it seems like every time I try to upload a print book to Amazon, something changes in their parameters or how they want it done. That was the case yesterday when I spent much of the afternoon trying to upload the printed version of Big Lake Homecoming. For some reason reason, it kept inserting blank pages here and there into the manuscript even though they weren’t there in the upload. It took some effort, but I finally got it done, and it is available now for those who prefer a printed book over an e-book. I hope to get the audiobook version uploaded for it before too long.

Today I plan to get back to Tinder Street and knock out another chapter. Maybe two, if I’m lucky.

Be sure to enter our latest Free Drawing. This week’s prize is copy of Nordic Aliens and the Rapture of the Apocalypse by Sharon Delarose, who was profiled in an author spotlight a while back. Does the Revelation prophecy of the Bible foretell an alien invasion? Are world leaders preparing to attack Jesus and his army of angels?

The Nordic aliens visiting Earth today perfectly match descriptions of the angels in the Bible and the Book of Enoch, while the ancient Greek, Celtic, and Norse gods were born of the same angels. Meanwhile in India, the Hindu gods match another species of biblical angels, and so do the Blue Avians. These angels are hovering in the sky, watching us right now, and according to the apocalyptic prophecies, as many as one hundred million extraterrestrials could fill our skies led by the New Jerusalem mothership of massive proportions. Governments will treat this as an alien invasion, and indeed it will be when the wicked kings are hurled from their thrones.

The countdown to this apocalypse has already begun with the prophecies unfolding in chilling precision: the 6th mass extinction event, a secret society that rules the world, the Antichrist, human de-evolution, and the inexplicable war on cows which was prophesied thousands of years ago.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn Sunday evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed. After 30 days, unclaimed prizes revert back to the drawing pool for a future contest.

Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us. Who says you can’t save money if you shop around?

Thought For The Day – Your time is now. Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. – Arthur Ashe

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