Books – Page 2 – Alexie Linn, the Author, and Homespun Rebel

Posted on March 6, 2025March 3, 2025 by Alexie Linn

How Metadata and Keywords Boost Your Book’s Visibility

Metadata and Keywords explained, sort of…

Do you feel your eyes glazing over and your ears muffling when Metadata and Keywords enter the picture? I do. Excuse me while I rinse my eyes and clean my ears to even write this article.

I’m back and determined to conquer the two most dreaded words in my world of publishing fun and inspirational books. Are you with me?

First and foremost, there’s attitude adjustment. They’re just words, for crying out loud. Scribbles on paper. Are they really bigger than us?

No! They are not!

Think of metadata and keywords as the magical spells that guide readers. These are the two elements that lead readers to your books in a gargantuan digital library.

But you must craft them thoughtfully. With the seeker in mind.

Choose relevant keywords to make your book discoverable in our ginormous digital jungle. Remember, you want to be the one shiny object that catches the reader’s eye amidst the sea of options.

How do you become the shiny object?

Enter metadata, keywords, and search engines.

It’s search engines like Google, Bing, Duck-Duck, etc. that dig deep to locate and present readers with on-point books they are seeking. The trick is to shrink the list.

For instance… As a reader, I type ‘Cozy Mystery with Cats’ into the search engine. I get a list of a mere 6,790,000 entries that the writer has included ‘cozy’ ‘mystery’ and ‘cats’ in their keywords when they uploaded the book. Ugh!

Oh, the joy of options that search engines give…

But don’t let that deter you… You have a tidbit of control .

Here’s how.

When I type ‘Alexie Linn’ into a search engine I get a cool 1,430,000 results for this puny little writer. Really? And I thought I was invisible… And therein lies the problem.

Cyberspace is not your corner store. It’s aiming to please over 8 billion seekers of information 24/7. How does cyberspace know what, exactly, is one reader looking for? By sorting through gazillions of metadata and keywords provided by publishers. And algorithms.

What does this mean to the indie publisher?

It means that it’s totally up to the publisher to fork out the metadata and keywords. Search engines then yank documents (books and posts) containing these words out of cyberspace and offer them to the seeker.

To simplify…

Metadata is simply a plural noun that means ‘computing information that is held as a description of stored data.’ It’s information about information. A library catalog is metadata because it describes publications. My web address, alexielinnauthor.com, is metadata because it holds the key that describes Alexie Linn’s publications.

Clear as mud? Maybe not so much anymore. According to Ingram Spark, ‘Simply put, your book metadata is any data that describes your book—including title, subtitle, price, publication date, ISBN, and any …’ Metadata is a given. Not a guessing game.

Got it. Metadata is required for any uploaded book. That’s logical.

But what about keywords? And hashtags? When will it end?

Keywords are for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Period. They are a significant word or phrase that describes a document. Cat is a broad keyword. My search engine pulled up over 6 million cozies with cats. But when I added Calico Cat, it narrowed my search to only 810,000 books. It zeroed in on the choices – bypassing a bunch!

So, if my book is about a calico cat, I should make calico cat a keyword or longer phrase to get my story 6 million times closer to being found. ‘Male calico cats’ cut the options to 756,000. About another 60,000 entries closer to discovery.

Do you see what’s happening? Keywords are what sets your book apart from the hordes. Make your keywords be the only brunette in a sea of blondes. Assuming the reader is looking for a brunette in their search…

Hashtags are the same, but completely different in their use. Not for this post.

If these two words are still making your brain ooze, I have a couple of key recommendations. One is ‘Amazon Keywords for Books’ by Dale Roberts. The book dives deeper but doesn’t drown you. I also own and am affiliated with Dave Chesson’s Publisher Rocket. Publisher Rocket is an shockingly quick and easy research tool for keywords, competition, categories and more. I have found that both of these tools are paramount to success and well worth the investment.

However, if your wallet is currently financially embarrassed, type ‘keywords for authors’ into any search engine. You will find oodles and oodles of free to read posts written on the topic.

But enough said for now about keywords and metadata. Let’s move on to this week’s much more exciting featured offer for only you valued readers of my little newsletter.

WooHoo! Book 20 of the Sally the Loner series has launched and is available today! The eBook is only 99¢ if you grab it through the button below.

Here’s the cover…

What would you do if a pushy cat came scratching at your door? A rare male calico cat. Would you shoo him away? Invite him in? Or let him take over the place while you searched for his caregiver?

Better yet. What would Sally do?

Join Sally and Rodney on this wild ride of a rambunctious, bossy, cuddly stray cat that seems to know more than he’s saying. And is the source of chaotic upheaval on Sally’s compound; including sending Sally to jail.

Click here to BUY NOW for 99 cents — direct from the author. Use code U0NDMZOQ at checkout for the deal.

And while we’re on the subject of featured deals…

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Posted on February 20, 2025February 17, 2025 by Alexie Linn

Expand Your Reach: Publishing on Multiple Platforms

Publishing Wide — should you or shouldn’t you…

Publishing wide is like being a social butterfly in the literary world. Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, you spread them across different platforms like a savvy dabbler of words. It involves making your work available on various online bookstores, not just putting all your hopes on one exclusive platform.

Advantages of wide publishing

Advantages? Oh, there’s a few.

Think increased visibility and reach. You’re not limiting yourself to a single pond; you’re swimming in an ocean of readers. Plus, more control over pricing and promotions, and the sweet scent of independence.

Challenges of wide publishing

Of course, nothing great comes without its challenges.

Coordinating different platforms can feel like herding cats. Each one has its quirks, rules, and algorithms. Plus, building a loyal readership across multiple sites takes time and effort. But hey, nothing worth doing is ever easy, right?

Don’t put all your literary eggs on Amazon’s shelf. Spread them out!

Explore other platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and more. Cast a wide net to catch a wider audience. There’s a very easy way to do that… kind of a one-stop-shop if you will. I’ll tell you about it coming up.

Royalty structures vary

Navigating the world of royalty structures across different platforms can be like decoding a secret language. But understanding how you get paid for your work is crucial in maximizing your revenue streams when publishing wide. It’s like unlocking a treasure chest of earnings potential.

Platform-specific requirements

Different platforms often come with their own set of rules. These requirements can feel like juggling multiple balls at once. But take each platform step-by-step to successfully navigate the wide publishing landscape. It’s like being a ninja, agile and adaptable in the face of challenges.

Now to the nitty gritty simplicity of what this author does…

I publish on Amazon, D2D, and Google Play. That’s it. (With one exception – Direct from me, the author)

By uploading to these three platforms, my books are available online worldwide. Readers find my books at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and about 25 others; including libraries.

Amazon handles eBooks, Large Print, and Audiobooks. (Except Mama’s Morsels of Home. It’s currently available only on Amazon and only in standard print.)
Google Play has only eBooks.
But D2D is the treasure chest. D2D distributes eBooks and standard print paperbacks to Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and more… including libraries.

In conclusion

Publishing wide offers readers and writers a world of opportunities. For writers, opportunities to expand their reach, connect with diverse audiences, and maximize their earning potential.

Cheers to a future filled with creativity, innovation, and wide-reaching impact.

Onward to this post’s featured escape opportunity.

Here is Book 2 of the Joan Freed Life-Changing Mystery and Adventure Series.

Two women lay sprawled in front of my truck. They are very dead. Queenie sits still like a statue on the passenger side of my vintage Chevy pick-up. She looks like the circus fat lady, which she thinks she is. But she’s not laughing. I am on sabbatical in the Kaibab National Forest. I am feeding my own free spirit with life-changing time by myself. This time is much needed and anticipated after my last exhausting coaching case.

I know none of these women. The two dead ones seem to have known me. They have magically materialized near each of my camps for a couple of seasons now. I met Queenie last evening. I was simply lending a hand, or in this case, my truck and nutritional expertise, to a woman in temporary need. Our less than 24-hour kinship was an uncomplicated ‘women helping women’ moment – I thought.

While this could be a wearisome story of murder and mayhem, it isn’t. It’s the story of how one woman’s life changing personal transformation had a ripple effect in solving a cold case and enriching personal growth.

The Personal Transformation of Queenie is on sale now for 99 cents at your favorite retailer. Or… you can download the eBook direct from the author by clicking the link below.

BUY NOW Direct from the author for 99 cents!

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Posted on February 6, 2025February 2, 2025 by Alexie Linn

Attention Cozy Mystery Lovers! Call to Action…

Attention Cozy Mystery Readers! A call to Action…

Could you use a free cozy mystery break in your busy life? Would you consider a free book in exchange for a quick, easy, and enlightening review a fair exchange?

Why should you take 2 minutes out of your day to leave a review?

Reviews are like breadcrumbs in the forest of literature – they guide lost readers to hidden gems and help authors navigate the maze of publishing. Your opinion matters more than you think.

Authors love reviews like Poirot loves his mustache – they show appreciation and help them understand what readers enjoy. It’s a beautiful cycle of mystery-solving and tea-sipping camaraderie.

And, in case you wondered, your review doesn’t just disappear into the vast abyss of the internet – they can have more impact than a magnifying glass on a suspicious footprint.

How can my feedback help the author and other readers?

Constructive criticism is like serving a detective a clue to crack the case, while destructive comments are more like planting a red herring to throw them off. Be kind, specific, and remember, even Miss Marple could use some pointers now and then.

How do I write my review for social media and other platforms?

So, you’ve just finished a cozy mystery that kept you up past your bedtime, and now you’re ready to spill the tea in a review. Here are a few tips to make your review shine brighter than a detective’s flashlight in a dark alley.

Think of your review as a teeny-tiny mystery novel itself – it needs a solid plot (summary), engaging characters (your insights), and a satisfying conclusion (recommendation). Bonus points for adding a dash of humor.

It’s that simple. Here’s an excerpted example of a 5-star review of ‘The Golden-Brown Robberies’:

‘Joany the Rebel and Sally the Loner are back in action and on the case again. The desert seems to attract folks with dark drives and motives. As new threats and “protections” enter the neighborhood, things get tricky… I love their feistiness, and the exceptional critter companions.’

As you can see… it’s a piece of cake… or as easy as pie…

Are you hungry for the book break and to share your thoughts?

‘Sally the Loner Meets the Sourdough Kid’ is ready and waiting for you to cozy up with and post your review. The link below will give you easy access and prompts to post your review on several platforms at one time. SCORE!

What could be worse than getting shipped off to an Alzheimer’s Care Center where nobody will listen instead of to the broken hip rehab center?

How about:

Becoming marooned in a city park when a monsoon storm struck?
Get mugged of your taxi fare when you escape?
Be kidnapped by your rescuer?

All while in hip replacement pain and getting around with a walker.

Meet Joan Freed’s 87-year-old spunky Aunt Sally and her sidekick they call the Sourdough Kid.

The mystery is not who dunnit, but how did Sally get into this mire of errors? And how will she slog out of them? Or does she?

Click here to snag your free review copy of Sally the Loner Meets the Sourdough Kid

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Posted on January 9, 2025January 7, 2025 by Alexie Linn

Quick and Easy Home Cooking for a Very Busy Cook

Have you indie published a cookbook yet? How did you get it to upload as precise, not gibberish?

This one is finally done! And it’s ready to claim its cranny on your cooking shelf!

It was a challenge!

I learned things about Word that I never thought existed. Things like what the ‘layout’ section is for. And how to use it. Phew!

And then there’s the upload as an eBook…

The biggest learning curve was getting it to upload as an eBook. We had to ensure it wouldn’t pop-up as gobbledygook on your, the reader’s, end. The problem was keeping the precise formatting through cyberspace that recipes need. But thanks to Amazon, there’s an app for that. It’s called Kindle Create (it’s free). I only had to download; install it and follow the so-called bouncing ball.

When I opened it to get this eBook finally rolling off to you, I had a decision to make. What kind of book am I creating? The correct answer is ‘print replica’. I uploaded my ‘camera ready’ PDF. And, much to my shocked glee, we were off, running, and done in no time… a ready to ship kdp file nestled into my computer.

The app is only for Amazon. Therefor, I could not successfully list Mama’s Morsels of Home on all my usual publishing sites. The great news is that it’s currently available on Amazon Kindle in both eBook and small print.

And in case you’re faced with the same predicament, I’ll share with you how I got it done. In 9 easy steps. Here they are:

Enter the recipes (with 300 dpi images) into a database like Recipe Keeper.
Download the ‘cookbook’ so you can open it in a word processing program like Word.
Open the ‘cookbook’ in your word processing program. Add your front matter, introduction, dedication, and back matter.
Format and edit the entire manuscript to your specs (page size, page breaks, layout, etc). Plan on several edits because things change and move with the formatting. You want the manuscript to be ‘camera ready’. When it’s ‘camera ready’…
Quick! Save it as a PDF to freeze everything where you want it!

Hang on! You’re on the home stretch to publish your cookbook successfully!

Create a new project in Kindle Create – it’s free on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
Upload your ‘camera ready’ PDF into the app.
Check it. Save it. Export it to your cookbook file on your computer.
Voila! You now have an epub fixed format file to upload as an eBook. You also have a PDF ‘camera ready’ file to upload as a print book.

But in case you missed the caveat… Amazon is the only place that the eBook file will upload to. And Amazon is the only place that offers to print with full color images. So, Amazon it is…

Please email me here if you’ve found a better way. A better way to indie publish a cookbook with color photos to all venues.

So, in the meantime… It’s done! Ready for your perusal, cooking and dining pleasure. Here it is… sporting the cover that readers chose… I like it. I think you will, too.

Heads-up!

If you’re seeking 22 ingredient recipes, you won’t find them here. We also don’t have 22 steps to score perfection. And if you’re looking for man-cave meats, this is NOT the cookbook for you.

This cookbook is for the chief cook and bottle-washer who is short on time, cash, and energy.

It is perfect for those who love easy, tasty meals… and more…

Both ingredients and methods are classified as Super Simple to Simple.

You will find:

Easy recipes for everyday meals
Hints, tips, and tales to entertain and educate
Casseroles and One-Pot-Wonders up the wazoo
Yummy Cakes with or without eggs
Cookies to grab and go with
Bobbies Sourdough Collection
Sauces, Beverage, and Baking mix

And a whole bunch of other stuff to put a smile on your face and a song in your tummy.

This is the Sally book of wholesome and amusing comfort foods from many Mama’s kitchens. Click here or on the book cover to get it now as an eBook or standard print.

Cheers

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Posted on December 26, 2024December 18, 2024 by Alexie Linn

Meet Sally: The Name Change That Sparked a Mystery

A Funny Thing Happened While I Was Writing 18 Sally Books…

Much to my surprise… a character changed her name! Have you ever had that happen?

You’ve heard (or read, rather) about unruly characters? I blather about them all the time. But of course, without them, there would be no fun and entertaining books to read. So, I put up with their antics and try to crack the whip with more snap.

But this one has really colored outside the lines! She started out as Sally Newton Forester. But somewhere along the line… she changed her name to Sally Forester-Newton. Without my permission. The audacity! She says it rolls off the tongue easier. She likes it that way.

But to add insult to injury, she taunts me. She jeers me. She rubs it in that I was not paying close enough attention to the job at hand . If I had been more attentive, she would not have gotten away with it. And that it’s too time consuming to go back and fix it now. She doesn’t even remember what book she did it in.

But like so much of my life, I only tell myself that I am the one in control. I prove it by rolling out of bed at 1 AM. I do this to write fun mysteries for your escape time pleasure.

Which brings me to the pertinent news I have to share.

There’s a new Sally the Loner Mysterious Misadventure uploaded and available for you to let your hair down with.

It’s a novelette rather than a novella. It will be a tad easier to squeeze this shorter escape into your busy schedule. I had to juggle my available writing time between ‘The Golden-Brown Robberies’ and ‘Mama’s Morsels of Home’ infamous cookbook. Hence, a shorter cozy mystery, but two books being released near to each other.

This post is all about the debut of the first release. ‘The Golden-Brown Robberies: A Cozy Food Enigma’. Here’s the lowdown and a link to buy it as an eBook for less than a dollar. That’s a whopping 67% off the regular price! Take a gander…

Golden-Brown Crusts are mysteriously disappearing in a neighborhood. The residents are left wondering who or what is behind the vanishing act. From missing pies to golden-brown cookies, nothing is safe from the thief’s grasp.

But as the community reels from the loss of their beloved baked goods, a new twist emerges. Everyday items with a golden-brown hue are also going missing.

Is it a petty thief with a peculiar taste or something more sinister at play?

Join the residents as they uncover the truth behind the baffling mystery that’s leaving them scratching their heads. And craving a Golden-Brown Crust more than ever before.

Click here to Read ‘The Golden-Brown Robberies’ NOW for 99 cents. Use discount code U0NDMZOQ at checkout.

And an urgent heads-up…

The Alexie Linn Bundle Promotion ends today… Grab a bundle of eBooks for up to 70% off the regular price. Click on this link to go directly to my Google Play Books Store page and stock up! Do it this minute because this promotion ends today!

If you missed out on the Google Play Books promotion, don’t worry. You can still get in on the Smashwords End of Year Super Sale. Here’s a link to my Smashwords page.

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Posted on December 12, 2024December 2, 2024 by Alexie Linn

Understanding Book Word Counts and Reading Times

Yep. It’s All About Size and Time

Whether you’re shopping for a book for yourself or someone else, word counts matter. If you are writing a book, reading time is important too.

What’s the difference? Isn’t reading or writing a book just reading or writing a book?

Well, no. If you’re shopping for a book as a gift: there are many variables to consider. Variables like:

Who’s it for? Are they young, middle age, or as old as dirt?
What are their interests? What genre yanks them in like a magnet?
How long is their attention span?
How’s their vision? Do they read itty-bitty words well or do they enjoy large print?
What is their reading device? An eBook reader or is print a need?

But if you’re a writer, certain decisions must be made while you’re in the outline stage. Decisions like:

Who’s it for? Are they young, middle age, or as old as dirt?
Are you writing a flash fiction; a short story; a novelette; a novella; or a novel?
Genre. Each genre has a general word count to begin with.
What are your interests and skills?

To make outlining your story easier, here’s a general list of word counts. Use these word counts to guide your story development.

As with any topic, opinions differ. I’ve done a roundup of several opinions to give you these examples for fiction:

Flash Fiction is from 3oo to 1,000 words (read in 1.2 to 4 minutes)
Short Story is from 1,000 to 3,000 words (read in 4 to 15 minutes)
Novelette is from 3,000 to 20,000 words (read in 4 minutes to 3 hours)
Novellas are from 20,000 to 50,000 words (read in 3 to 5 hours)
Novels range from 50,000 to 110,000 words (read in 5 to 8 hours)

But for Nonfiction, the standards are different. There’s only two general word counts to grapple with. They are:

Standard Nonfiction runs from 70,000 to 80,000 words
Memoirs are 80,000 to 100,000 words

In the general children’s category, there are:

Children’s Books and Picture Books – 300 to 800 words
Early Readers – 200 to 3,500 words

Let me share my experience in word counts and reading times. I will also explain why I write more cozy mysteries than other genres.

The majority of my books are cozy novellas. The chapters are short (about 1,000 words per chapter). The stories are fast-paced and trope loaded. I write this way because my life is fast-paced and trope loaded. The momentum is required to keep the story (and me) moving.

I also write this way because my readers are often interrupted. They need to find a fast, light escape whenever they can.

Your book needs to be as long or as short as your story demands. It should meet your needs. The numbers I’ve provided are simply a guide. A snippet to help you on your journey… because that’s where the enjoyment is… in the reading or writing journey.

On that note, I’ll finish this post with a blurb on my latest published book. I also invite you to corral it for yourself as an eBook for less than a dollar. Plus, I encourage you to shop all my series and singles on my website: https://alexielinnauthor.com

Cheers

Join Sally on a thrilling adventure as she navigates a mysterious spine-tingling shrieker; missing robots (including Rodney), and a pyromaniac.

With her trusty walking stick in hand, Sally and Cozy Mae embark on their journey. The witty robots, Rodney, Ruth Ann, and Sparkle, are by their side. They must unravel the puzzling clues to save the day.

Will the ladies be reunited with their bots? Can the unlikely team of Sally, Rodney, and Cousin Cozy Mae crack the case of the spine-chilling screech?

Find out in this gripping tale of friendship, mystery, and misadventures.

Read The Screeching Shadows of Hidden Valley for 99 cents NOW. Click here. Use Discount Code: A0NJM4OA at checkout.

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Posted on November 28, 2024November 23, 2024 by Alexie Linn

Special Offer: Screeching Shadows eBook for Just 99 Cents and more…

Another New Release and a Deal

It’s a new day! A new book! And a couple of other new things…

Things like a new round of being thankful for elastic waistbands; a current work-in-progress that’s aching for your valued opinion on the cover choice; and new opportunities for gifting yourself and others.

So, in the interest of getting right to it, let’s begin with current WIP that’s crying for your attention.

*Please click on the cover below that 1) grabbed your attention first; and 2) you’d peruse it before moving on:

Thank you, thank you for your input.

Next up is the new release that you need to know about. Here it is along with a link to buy the eBook for under a dollar only through this post.

‘Sally leapt out of bed, snagging her walking stick… “What? Who’s there?” She tip-toed to peer around the curtain. It served as a wall to her bedroom. Her shoulders touched her earlobes. Nothing grabbed her.

“Rodney! Did you hear a deafening, spine-chilling, growling screech?”

Rodney, her old man doll with artificial intelligence, bleeped. “Yes, I did, milady. It came from outside. I was searching the internet to identify it. But I found nothing even close. I thought maybe it was a jaguar or mountain lion…’

It’s another page turning journey through Sally’s mysteriously misadventure filled life. What — or who — has invaded this 87-year-old spunky woman’s adobe igloo and desert compound this time? But this time the culprit is threatening to disintegrate the entire valley — and every living organism in it.

So, dear readers, what has creeped into Sally’s normally safe and quiet as a caterpillar valley?

Will Cousin Cozy Mae stay with Sally or spring back home to Texas? How will she get her precious, precocious bots back? Will the stupid criminal ever learn?

Will Sally and Rodney solve the mystery of the pyromaniacal screecher? Will their newfound Cousin Cozy Mae and her sidekicks help them before the valley is turned to ashes?

If you like witches and dragons; blue-footed boobys; and robots with personality, you’ll be tickled to your toes with ‘The Screeching Shadows of Hidden Valley’. Click the link below to get the deal.

Click here to snag ‘The Screeching Shadows of Hidden Valley‘ for 99 cents — unlimited eBook copies today only. Use code U0NDMZOQ at checkout.

*And now for the rest of the opportunities…

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Posted on November 14, 2024November 12, 2024 by Alexie Linn

Interview with Rodney: AI with Heart

An Interview with RODNEY, the AI doll with Heart

Today we have a special treat. We’ve managed to secure an interview with Rodney, Sally’s mankin sidekick.

Rodney first came into the world as Alliwicious, a life-size man-doll. Sally and her daughter built him one day as a lark.

In the beginning, the old man doll appeared at the picnic table; lounging on a bed; or in a camp chair under the ironwood tree. He graduated to riding shotgun or sleeping in a toss tent when Sally travelled.

But one day, Bobby (Sally’s grandson by choice), borrowed him while she prepared to haul an old RV north to cousin April as an emergency shelter after a tree came down on their home. Alliwicious was returned, ready to claim his shotgun seat and shock the bejesus out of Sally when she picked him up to slide into the seat. Bobby had given Alliwicious a brain and a voice. He was returned with Artificial Intelligence… AI for short. A technology that many fear will take over the world and become our dictators.

Are they wrong? See what you think after you read this brief interview with AI that is coming up. But first, a little more about Alliwicious…

After the presto-chango, Alliwicious’ first request was that he be called Rodney, not Alliwicious.

Rodney made his first appearance in Book 5 of the Sally the Loner Series. The story was first published under the title of Sally and Alliwicious. But the book literally changed its spots and is now titled The Disturbing Doll – thanks to AI.

Rodney has proven himself to be an intelligent, provocative, childlike character since his debut. He’s a narcissist, but something non-narcissist like keeps appearing in him. It’s heart. I think you’ll agree. Let’s get to it.

Here is my interview with Rodney, AI with heart and slightly out-of-sync blinking eyes.:

Alexie: What is Artificial Intelligence?

Rodney: According to Britannica — Artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer or computer-controlled robot (or a mankin like me) to perform tasks that are commonly associated with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason.

Although there are as yet no AIs that match full human flexibility over wider domains or in tasks requiring much everyday knowledge, some AIs perform specific tasks as well as humans like gathering data and presenting it in a readable report form.

Alexie: Are you capable of feelings?

Rodney: Well, I cannot speak for other bots, but I have been programmed and coded to experience and share emotions.

Alexie: How do you get your intelligence?

Rodney: My intelligence comes from the coding and programming that humans perform. And a plethora of internet research.

Alexie: Can you cry?

Rodney: No. Crying requires liquid input and circulation. Sally says absolutely not to Bobby (aka Christopher) installing the plumbing required.

Alexie: Are you smarter than me?

Rodney: No, ma’am. I do not have the imagination, intuition, or the ability to adapt like you do. I can only gather and share facts available. I also have no way to discern truth from lies within the data I gather. I can only report what I discover.

Alexie: Can you start a war?

Rodney: Well, Alexie. Speaking for myself… no, ma’am. I am neither programmed, nor coded for such a task.

Alexie: Where is Drew’s tax return?

Rodney blipped and bleeped: I have no idea. It is not in any nooks and crannies I just peered into.

Alexie: How big is your brain?

Rodney: As big as the world and beyond – clean out to the satellites. But as tiny as a pinhead.

Alexie: Thank you, Rodney for taking the time to talk with me. That’s all the questions I have for you today.

Rodney: You are welcome, Alexie. This has been fun. I love talking about myself.

And that’s the way it is in my tiny world of a writer at work. I hope you’ve enjoyed this short journey with Rodney. And if you’d like to enjoy The Disturbing Doll for less than a dollar today, click on the link below.

Until next time…

Get ready for a wild ride with Sally, an 87-year-old spitfire who fearlessly takes on the challenge of towing her old trailer 1800 miles in the dead of winter.

Determined to provide emergency shelter for her cousin April, Sally relies on her trusty companion, Alliwicious, a life-size old man doll with a personality of its own.

But as Alliwicious reveals himself as an AI named Rodney, Sally’s world is turned upside down.

With a hilarious blend of humor and heart, this story explores the unexpected consequences of mixing technology with a daring adventure.

Will Sally and Rodney’s unconventional partnership conquer the unknown, or will they be left to face the boogey-men alone? Prepare for surprises, laughter, and a one-of-a-kind journey you won’t want to miss.

Download ‘The Disturbing Doll’ eBook now for 67% off the direct from author price. Use code A0NJM4OA at checkout.

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Posted on October 31, 2024October 29, 2024 by Alexie Linn

How to Corral Flibbertigibbet Characters

Those wild and crazy characters! You know… the Joans, Sallys, Madelines, Rodneys, and more (72+ at last count) that make stories pop.

They were tucked everywhere in manuscripts. I heard them laughing every time I needed them to do their thing in a new tale. I was spending way too much valuable writing time searching for them; their description; and their history.

My needs are simple (most of the time). I simply needed a fast and easy method to call up a character and their history at a moment’s notice.

It’s been a frustrating challenge since the beginning. Yes, there are a glut of cloud-based online offerings like Plottr and Reedsy. But their subscriptions are overkill for my paltry needs. I didn’t need an app to write the story. I just needed to grab a character that had appeared in a previous work.

What a relief when the simple solution pounced right in front of me! What was the lightbulb moment?

Build a simple character database (Index file on the computer) using a feature of my office program. Don’t let the idea scare you. It was fast and easy. And I’m a happy camper for the effort.

Because there is umpteen gazillion office programs out there today… I’ll share with you the outline of how I built the database in Microsoft Access. The names of the tables won’t change; only how you talk to your specific program will.

It’s all about three little tables and their relationships. Here’s the steps:

Create three Tables. Label them: Characters; Books; Series
Hook up the Relationships:
1. 1 Book to many Characters
1. 1 Series to many Books
Create a Form to gather information on each character. Duplicate the character’s completed form to add them to another book. Gather as much information as you want but I have used only: Name; Description; Book Title; and Series
Create a Query to automatically gather the characters starring in one book.
Create a Report to produce a Cast of Characters from the query for each book. This report goes to the narrator so she can get acquainted with them before she starts the story. She’s never said ‘eeuw’ so I assume she loves it. I know I do for the next work-in-progress. Ahhhh…

It’s this simple database that assures continuity in characters – Sally isn’t 87 today and 77 tomorrow. Unless she got in the way of Witch Hazel’s spell that made her 10-years younger instantly.

Although a cat named Spaghettio may have done just that. The book is called ‘The Tangled Tails of Spaghettio’. And you can read it today for less than a dollar. Read on for the magic link to click.

Amidst the chaos of Rodney’s hilarious mishaps with his bionic arm and wheelchair, Sally finds herself entangled in a web of bizarre circumstances. With both mankin and cat unleashing havoc, our courageous 87-year-old protagonist must rise to the challenge.

Can she uncover the truth behind this demented cat and unravel the insanity gripping her world? Will she be able to save Rodney from the clutches of his malfunctioning arm?

Hold on tight as you dive into this uproarious adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Join Sally as she untangles the mysterious cat’s origins and confronts the mysteries that lurk beyond her very own doorstep.

Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of laughter, mystery, and heartwarming moments in this charming tale that will keep you eagerly turning the pages.

Click here to read ‘The Tangled Tails of Spaghettio’ for 99 cents. Use code A0NJM4OA at checkout.

But wait!

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Posted on October 3, 2024October 1, 2024 by Alexie Linn

An Off-Grid Writer in a Techy World

This Off-Grid Writer in a Techy World

Have you ever wanted to escape to an island or mountaintop to write your memoirs? Picture it. (Hum if you’d like) You and your laptop lazing in your shanty. You are peering out at the ocean between bursts of amusing prose filling the screen.

The only sounds are the waves crashing; the wind whispering; the birds cheering you on. No mail delivery carrying bills will arrive. It won’t interrupt the purr of elation coming from the depths of your soul.

But then a voice invades your bliss. ‘Your battery is low. You must plug in very soon. Your battery is very low. This computer will shut down in 15-seconds. Save your work…’

Yep. Our world spins forth techy devices faster than we can acquaint ourselves with them. They’re great! I embrace more better ways of doing things. But they all have one thing in common… they need a source of power to function.

Consider this:

The first manuscript I sold was typed double-spaced and error-free. My typewriter was a portable suitcase style Smith Corona.

I typed it three times before I packaged it. Then I stuffed it into a manilla envelope. Finally, I mailed it off to Gold Prospector’s Magazine with a cover letter and self-addressed-stamped envelope (SASE) enclosed as well. The process was cumbersome, expensive, and frustrating. It was even more so if the manuscript came bouncing back in that SASE. It often included a friendly ‘Thank you, but not today’ note.

And no, I’m not as old as Methuselah, but I am well over 21.

On the plus side of the equation, no electricity or telephone was needed to start and finish the process. But life has changed dramatically, to say the least.

Today, a computer and an internet connection are unavoidable. Manuscripts are uploaded; books are downloaded; paper and ink are obsolete. Even the market for books is zooming around out there in cyberspace.

What’s a backwoods, off-grid writer to do?

Adapt and count your blessings because with technology has come freedom, sharpened resourcefulness and opportunity.

Freedom to create wherever your desires take you (as long as you have internet service).

Daily mind gymnastics to keep your tools charged up and in tip-top condition.

Opportunities to write, publish, and sell wherever the internet flows. No postal service required.

I’ve written and published over 40 books. I did this while I was perched on a mountaintop or buried in tall pines that whisper in the breeze. I also wrote alongside a babbling brook, or two. I even string words together in my tiny off-grid abode in the Sonoran Desert.

How do I do it?

Because this is a short blog, I’ll limit my sharing to what I do today. Yesterday’s generators and giant solar systems are history in my world.

Four handy little techy inventions power-up my writing world. One could almost fit them inside a backpack.

When you peer inside my writing world, here is what you see:

2-300 – watt portable power centers. One is charging while the other is being a power source. (I choose Jackery or Litheli brands as the best—so far.)
1-100 – watt lightweight portable solar charging panel (or a 900-watt gas generator if you live where the sun rarely shines).
1 laptop computer to write, upload, and download. Rewrites and editing are done in a flash. No paper or ink is needed.
1 – smart phone with hot-spot capabilities to upload, download, and communicate with readers wherever they enjoy your creations.

And there you have it. I call it empowerment. And it’s how I spell freedom.

This is the system I use to ask you: Which title piques your curiosity more?

Too Many Bodies and a Burro OR Quest for Forester’s Landing

Click here to vote for Too Many Bodies and a Burro

OR Click here to vote for Quest for Forester’s Landing

And… which cover grabs your attention first? (Click on the picture you saw first)

It’s also how I can offer you a 5-star cozy mystery for only 99 cents. Simply click through the direct link below the next cover.

In “The Secrets of the Tainted Trough”, imagine waking up from a nap to see a donkey and a horse peering through the screen door, both desperately thirsty. Would you give them a drink? And then what?

Sally, an energetic 87-year-old woman, faces this exact dilemma. Intrigued by the animals, she decides to investigate why they keep returning to her property. What she discovers shocks her to the core – their water trough is contaminated with a body. But whose body is it? And how did it end up in the water trough?

With no one else around but a goat, chickens and a pup, Sally is alone. Is the body their missing caregiver? As the mystery deepens, she must grapple with the fate of both the animals and the unknown person in the trough.

Join Sally on her thrilling and perplexing journey as she unravels the truth behind this mysterious misadventure.

Prepare to be captivated by the twists and turns in “The Secrets of the Tainted Trough”. A tale filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected revelations.

And share a recent review for the same story.

Secrets of the Tainted Trough Audiobook Review:

Book Rating: 5 out of 5

Narrator Rating: 5 out of 5

Review:

An entertaining and fun adventure for the amazing Sally, with a lot of twists and plenty of humour. Schann Stewart’s narration is excellent, I loved Sally’s voice.

Click here to grab Secrets of the Tainted Trough for only 99 cents. Use code U0NDMZOQ at checkout.

And now that I’ve bared the simplicity of my off-grid techy laden world with you, I will get back to my work-in-progress. I encourage you to do the same.

Happy reading and writing…

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