Alexie Linn, the Author, and Homespun Rebel

Posted on May 29, 2025May 26, 2025 by Alexie Linn

Cozy Mysteries: A Warm Escape from Crime Novels

What makes a Cozy Mystery Cozy? A Special Edition.

Cozy mysteries have carved out a unique niche in the literary world, captivating readers with their blend of intrigue, charm, and relatable characters. Unlike traditional crime novels that often delve into darker themes and graphic violence, cozy mysteries provide a lighthearted escape where the focus is on the puzzle rather than the peril. These stories invite readers to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.

What Is a Cozy Mystery?
Picture it: a quaint little town, perhaps with a bakery that sells pastries so delicious they could solve any problem, and an amateur sleuth who stumbles upon a murder while out on a routine errand for fresh scones. That, dear reader, is the essence of a cozy mystery! These lighthearted whodunits feature a puzzle to be solved, but they do it without the graphic violence, gritty detail, or dark themes of other mystery genres. Instead, they offer a comforting blend of suspense and charm, inviting readers into a world where the most dangerous thing is deciding how many cookies to eat while you read.

The Evolution of the Genre
Cozy mysteries have come a long way since Agatha Christie introduced us to Miss Marple. Once the domain of genteel British village life, this genre has evolved to include everything from small-town cafés to bustling urban flower shops. From culinary capers to cat-centric sleuthing, the genre has embraced modernity while still clinging to its soft, fuzzy blanket of cozy comfort.

Crime without Gore
In a cozy mystery, crime is like a gentle rain—soft, soothing, and without too much mess. Blood, guts, and graphic violence are nowhere to be found. Instead, it’s all about the puzzle. The victim might be found in the town’s beloved library, and the clues are often as delightful as the characters themselves. Think of it as the “mystery-lite” version of thrillers, where the only thing that might keep you up at night is wondering if the protagonist will bake enough cookies for the town bake-off.

Amateur Sleuths vs. Professional Detectives
Why hire a detective when your friendly neighborhood librarian has a nose for sniffing out trouble? Cozy mysteries often feature amateur sleuths—everyday heroes who tackle crime in their free time, armed with nothing but their wit (and maybe a trusty sidekick, like a cat named Spaghettio). The characters are relatable, juggling their own lives while solving baffling crimes in their community. Compared to professional detectives, they bring a charming, bumbling energy that turns sleuthing into an adventure of hilarity and heart.

Charming Locations and Unique Settings
The locations in cozy mysteries are like characters in their own right. Whether it’s a desert hideaway brimming with secrets or a tea shop where the gossip flows as freely as the Earl Grey, these settings create the perfect backdrop for our amateur sleuths. Readers can almost taste the scones and smell the flowers. By immersing readers in picturesque locales, cozy mysteries capture the imagination and make for an irresistible escape from reality—one cup of tea or coffee at a time.

Relatable Characters and Their Quirks
The protagonists of cozy mysteries are the kind of people you’d want as your next-door neighbors. They could be anything from an introverted baker to an 87-year-old loner who lives off-grid in a desert igloo, each carrying their quirky traits and delightful imperfections. It’s the charm, the genuine nature, and those little quirks—think overly obsessive about organizing recipes—that make these characters shine.

Personal Stakes and Motivations
What drives our cozy sleuths? Sometimes it’s the love of a beloved local spot, a desire to protect their tight-knit community, or the simple motivation of curiosity. Personal stakes elevate the stakes of the mystery, making everything feel just a tiny bit more important. After all, what’s cozier than rooting for a character who’s trying to keep their small slice of heaven intact?

Supporting Characters and Their Impact
In cozy mysteries, it’s not just the protagonist who carries the narrative; the supporting characters are the secret sauce. Think of them as your favorite side dishes: they might not be the main course, but they sure elevate the meal. From quirky shopkeepers to nosy neighbors, each character adds flavor, depth, and plenty of potential suspects. These relationships develop throughout the story, showcasing camaraderie, conflict, and sometimes a bit of romance. Readers come for the whodunit but stay for the bonds that make them feel right at home.

Balanced Tension with Humor
Cozy mysteries often tiptoe along the tightrope of suspense and laughter, creating the perfect blend of intrigue. While there may be a murder (or two!), the overall vibe is anything but dark. Authors sprinkle humor throughout to defuse tension and keep readers engaged. Imagine a protagonist stumbling over the crime scene while trying to juggle a cupcake or engaging in witty banter with the grumpy local detective. This balance keeps the story light-hearted, ensuring that readers can enjoy solving puzzles without feeling weighed down by grim realities.

Wit and Playfulness in Dialogue
The dialogues in cozy mysteries are like the icing on the cake—sweet, delightful, and sometimes a little bit zany. A cozy mystery thrives on this engaging dialogue, making it as much about the journey as the destination.

A Compelling Mystery
The heart of any cozy mystery lies in its plot, and crafting that perfect puzzle is an art form. Authors cleverly weave together clues, suspects, and motives, leaving readers eager to piece together the mystery before the big reveal. Unlike thrillers that may rely on shock value, cozy mysteries focus on clever deduction and relatable characters. The joy comes from following the protagonist’s journey as they sift through evidence, chase leads, and navigate through the delightful chaos of their lives—all while keeping their cats fed and coffee cups full.

The Art of Misdirection
When it comes to cozy mysteries, nothing is quite as satisfying as a well-timed twist. Enter the red herring—those tantalizing clues that lead readers down the wrong path. Skillfully placed, these distractions keep readers guessing and engaged, making the final revelation even more rewarding. Just when you think you’ve cracked the case, another layer of intrigue is introduced, sending you back to the drawing board. This clever misdirection keeps the plot bubbling along, ensuring each page turns like clockwork.

Why Readers Are Drawn to the Genre
So why do cozy mysteries hold such an enduring appeal? Perhaps it’s the comforting predictability of the genre—after all, you know there will be a charming sleuth, a tight-knit community, and a satisfyingly solved mystery by the end. Readers find solace in the lighthearted tone, relatable characters, and the opportunity to engage their sleuthing skills without the weight of heavier themes. It’s like a warm blanket on a chilly night: inviting, familiar, and just the right amount of enchanting.

The Future of Cozy Mysteries
As we look toward the future, the cozy mystery genre remains a delightful and ever-evolving landscape. With fresh perspectives and innovative plots, authors are continuing to keep things cozy while adding new twists. Whether it’s new settings, diverse characters, or unconventional sleuths, there’s room for cozy mysteries to grow while still holding true to their charm. So, cozy up with your favorite blanket, fill up your mug, and enjoy the intriguing world of cozy mysteries; the next adventure is just waiting to unfold!

In conclusion, cozy mysteries offer a delightful blend of mystery and warmth, drawing readers into charming settings and endearing characters. With their lighthearted tone, engaging puzzles, and emphasis on community, these stories provide a comforting escape that invites readers to embrace the journey of solving a mystery alongside the protagonist. As the genre continues to evolve, its ability to captivate and entertain ensures that cozy mysteries will remain a beloved choice for readers seeking a blend of intrigue and comfort for years to come.

And speaking of cozies that beg to be enjoyed, here’s one that’s on sale for the next few days:

What would you do if a spooky young woman is creeping out all your prospective buyers, spiriting them away? But her only sin is her determination to satisfy the spirit that’s jerking her around.

Big, beautiful, flaming red-haired Madeline, the ranch sales agent, was faced with Ruby, the spooky young woman. Ruby is going to cost Madeline her job if she doesn’t get her removed. Here’s what Madeline did…

She texted Joan, the rebel life coach, with ‘HELP!’. ‘Pack your mightiest ghost-busting gear and COME NOW!’

Joan, Jenny (Joan’s sometimes sidekick who doesn’t go anywhere without her six-shooter), and Patches (the rescued polka-dot chihuahua), high-tail it to Deming, New Mexico just in time. That is, just in time to sharpen their cloak-and-dagger skills, attempt to outsmart the political mob world, and be faced with Jenny’s old nemesis once again.

Whose body is it this time? There’s so many to choose from…

Can Joan and Jenny pull this one off? Or will the bad guys win? Or both?

If you like Jessica Fletcher, Columbo, and Hetty Wainthrop, you’ll love Ruby, The Haunted — this Joan Freed Life-Changing Mystery/Adventure.

Grab your eBook for 99 cents now from Amazon

But wait! There’s more…

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(A shout out to Tiny Wow for the AI assist in inspiring me to write this post. Thank you. Also…some links may be affiliate links.)

Posted on May 15, 2025May 12, 2025 by Alexie Linn

Why Content Quality Trumps Grammar Rules

What’s more important? Grammar or Content?

I just read a book that took me on a page-turning emotional roller coaster. Was the writing grammatically, correct? I have a vague memory of a few stumbling blocks that I had to slow down my reading to get the gist, but I don’t remember what they were. Because the story, the content, was that good. Did I ding the stars I gave for this review over a couple of unremarkable slowdowns?

Yes, grammar serves as the backbone of effective communication, providing the rules and structure necessary for clarity and coherence in writing. But is one invisible quotation mark going to spoil the entire story?

Judging from the book I gobbled up like a starving puppy, quality content goes beyond grammar, encompassing engaging, insightful, and relevant information that grabs the reader and keeps tugging.

A great story has the ability to inspire, educate, or entertain, leaving a lasting impact on readers and establishing credibility and authority in your writing.

Content is king, and engaging content is like the crown jewels. It’s not just about throwing together words; it’s about capturing your audience’s interest and keeping them hooked from start to finish.

But grammar tools are like spell-check on steroids – they help polish your writing and catch those pesky errors you might miss. Embrace these tools to level up your grammar game.

It’s true. Balancing engaging content with proper grammar is like juggling flaming swords – tricky, but so rewarding. Keep your content exciting while upholding grammar standards to create a winning combination.

Remember, it’s not about choosing sides – it’s about striking the perfect balance. I’ve never slapped a good book closed because of a glitch. That would probably have resulted in no reading for me. Nothing and nobody is perfect. Not even me, this computer I write on, or these pesky gnats that I smoosh eventually.

In conclusion, while the debate between grammar and content may persist, it is evident that both elements are indispensable in effective communication.

To do your best:

Let your manuscript cool for more than a couple of days.
Read it slowly the last time through.
Read it slowly one more time after it has cooled again… and publish.

The book I couldn’t put down? Here it is:

The inspiring, true story of Anne Dodds.

When her husband passed away after a long, trying illness, Annie Dodds was forced to sell almost everything to settle his estate.

Homeless, with little money, she wondered if it might be time to pursue a decades-old dream of living a quiet, self-sufficient life alone, off-grid. One day, when her son told her he knew of an old house on fifty acres, she knew it was time.

Feeling empowered and prepared by having read so much over the years, she loaded her belongings into the back of her pickup truck. But as she pulled into the driveway that first day, she could not imagine the challenges she would face, the obstacles she would overcome, the self-doubts she would master, and the soul-strengthening peace and contentment she would find living in a rundown old home on fifty acres of country heaven.

5-Stars! – An awesome page-turner that took me on an emotional roller coaster ride page after page. Here’s the Amazon link for eBook, Print, and Audiobook.

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(A shout out to Tiny Wow for the AI assist in inspiring me to write this post. Thank you. Also…some links may be affiliate links.)

Posted on May 1, 2025April 29, 2025 by Alexie Linn

Effective Off-Grid Living Tips for Beginners

Off grid tricks and tips for success

Living off the grid offers a unique lifestyle that prioritizes self-sufficiency, sustainability, and independence from traditional utilities and infrastructure. In this article, we tip-toe into the world of off-grid living — for writers and everybody else. Whether you are considering transitioning to off-grid living or just want to get away from it all, this post will provide you with insights to thrive in an off-grid environment. And… if you live in an area where power outages are the norm, your off-grid prep steps can be a literal life-saver!

The Basics of Off-Grid Living
Welcome to my wild world of off-grid living, where Wi-Fi can be sparse but the sense of freedom is abundant. Off-grid living means providing your own electricity, water, and gas. Plus, trash disposal. Ugh! I once saw a story about a woman who reduced her trash to one – that’s one – quart jar of trash to dispose of for an entire year!

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to take a bath in a teacup of water when you have to haul it all, gallon by gallon. Did you know that a gallon jug of water weighs 8 pounds? Water conservation, here I come!

As for propane… I have enough 5-gallon propane bottles to run heat, hot water, cooking, and refrigeration for about 6-weeks. I fill them all when I do my town run for a pick-up grocery order. Ahhh… something good came of covid after all…

Now let’s talk about electricity. I need it. There are certain amenities I refuse to live without anymore.

One is my laptop computer that I write and publish my family friendly tales with. Another is Ms Hessie, my Hessaire cooler for 100+ degree days. Nope. I’ve done my time. I want a comfortable temperature in my digs – and to be able to contentedly sleep my required hours.

My electricity comes from two sources. One is the rebuilt remains of a stand-alone 3.2Kw solar system that the marauders had their way with. It was awesome in the beginning. The other is completely portable and consists of 6 small power supply centers that I charge with portable solar panels. I can hit the road with them and have power anywhere I can find sun.

At this writing, I recommend the Jackery power packs. After four years of ongoing use, the Jackerys are still gleefully charging right along. None of the others – including Lithelli, are happily chugging. Although I have two VTOMAN heavyweights that have a year under their belts and are still perfect. But they weigh in at 45 pounds each… too heavy for this little lady to call portable without my handtruck.

Harvesting Rainwater for Off-Grid Use
When life gives you rain, harvest it! Collect rainwater from your rooftop, divert it into storage tanks, and use it for flushing toilets, watering plants, or even taking a refreshing off-grid shower. Rain, rain, don’t go away! But don’t drink it without filtering it!

Reduce trash and conserve water

To reduce my food storage wash water needs, I can my heat-and-eat food with a vacuum retort foil bag system. No dirty dishes and teeny tiny foil bag to toss. I don’t have to wash and store canning jars or dirty a kettle to reheat the contents! SCORE!

I just delisted ‘Adventures in Retorting’; a guide on using the vacuum retort system. I’ll be expanding, revising and updating it soon with more recipes, etc.. It will only be available in standard print because of the recipe format required for cyberspace. Look for it if foil pack retort heat and eat meals are on your docket.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, embracing off-grid living is not just a lifestyle choice, but a commitment to a more sustainable and resilient way of life for you, me, and the planet. By implementing the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create a thriving off-grid adventure that meets your needs while reducing your impact on the environment.

Remember that off-grid living is a journey that requires continual learning and adaptation, but the rewards of independence, self-sufficiency, and connection with nature make it a truly fulfilling path to pursue.

An endnote…

I’m currently putting together an ‘Off-Grid Prep Tips for Success’ book. I hope to get it published in the next month, or so. You can get a sneak peek at some of the tips through my You Tube, Instagram, and Tik Tok posts. The links below will pop you right into my page. Go ahead and explore… follow and like my reels to have them show up in your feed.

Book 21 of the Sally the Loner series is cooling its heels while I learn more about promotion. I’m a writer, not a promoter. It’s like pulling hen’s teeth, but I keep trying.

In the meantime, dear readers and writers, I hope you’re doing well and that you have an excellent week.

Here are some tales you might also like…

(A shout out to Tiny Wow for the AI assist in inspiring me on how to write this post. Thank you. Also…some links may be affiliate links.)

Posted on April 17, 2025April 15, 2025 by Alexie Linn

Unlocking Your Inner Inspiration

What Inspires You?

Finding inspiration is a powerful force that drives creativity, motivation, and personal growth. It can come from various sources, both internal and external, and can manifest in different forms. Understanding what inspires you and how to harness that inspiration is key to leading a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Definition of Inspiration

Inspiration is like that “aha” moment when a light bulb appears over your head. It’s that spark of motivation that gets you excited and ready to take on the world, or at least your next project.

The Psychology of Inspiration

Psychologically speaking, inspiration is like a mental kick in the pants, pushing you to think outside the box and see things in a new light. It’s that burst of creativity that makes you feel like you can conquer anything.

But when inspiration sags…

When my own inspiration sags, I turn to those who inspired those quirky characters that reside in every one of my books… Here’s a picture that pops into my head first…

From Joan Freed to Sally to Mary Linn and beyond, you’ll find snippets of their personalities and words of wisdom I grew up with. As a matter of fact, these ladies are the direct inspiration for Mama’s Morsels of Home Cookbook…

Homemade Noodles came from Grandma. She (I helped) often made them on Sale Day at the auctionhouse. I think because they cooked fast when the grandpa’s last crony had gone home. Hearty One-Pot Dinner was Mama’s answer to me making supper when she was working late. Mama’s Ginger Creams (using 8 cups of flour) was the answer to snacks for 6 rambunctious children to satisfy… and long-term snacking for this young bride’s first journey to Alaska.

Where inspiration comes from…

Inspiration comes from surprising sources. It might be a picture, an achievement, a song, a sunrise, or even a positive word. But at the end of the day, the most powerful source of inspiration is within yourself. It’s that inner fire that drives you to pursue your passions, overcome obstacles, and keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws your way.

So go ahead, tap into that well of inspiration inside you and watch yourself shine. I’ll join you in just a minute… and I’d love to learn what inspires you. Click my email link below and tell me…

But if momentary escapes is your current need for inspiration…

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Follow me and my inspirational characters on:

(A shout out to Tiny Wow for the AI assist in inspiring me to write this post. Thank you. Also…some links may be affiliate links.)

Posted on April 3, 2025March 26, 2025 by Alexie Linn

Attention Cozy Audiobook Lovers

There’s a new audio version of Book 3 of the Sally the Loner Series available now. AND… the new version is available in more places than Amazon, aka Audible!

It’s titled ‘The Price of Luck’. I’ll give you the nitty gritty in just a bit. But first, I’ll share with you a major change at alexielinnauthor.com.

The Really Big News

Audiobooks are now going wide… really wide… to the tune of 50 or more outlets. Every day a new retail source adds Alexie Linn Audiobooks to their catalog… you can even request and listen through your public library! How cool and exciting is that?

The key? Request, request, request the book by title.

Because of Amazon’s (ACX) rules, I can’t offer all of my previous audiobooks widely for several more years… but beginning with ‘The Price of Luck’ and going forward (next up is ‘Too Many Burros and a Body’), you’ll be able to find Alexie Linn’s audiobooks at your favorite retailer – including Amazon; not instead of. You can even listen and laugh through Spotify!

It’s as simple as requesting the book by title through your reading or listening app. And Voila!

Two more activities I’ve been delving into the learning curves on are Bookbub specials and Instagram posts. You can find and follow Alexie Linn on Bookbub; but I’m at Aaralyn Rae on Instagram. Both links are included below to zip over there and click on the ‘follow’ button.

And now… on with today’s featured book audiobook…

First published as ‘Sally Wins the Lottery; But She Didn’t Buy a Ticket’ the title, cover and narrator are all new and improved in this version. It’s now called, ‘The Price of Luck; a Pawsome Conundrum’ and is narrated by that queen of voices, Schann Stewart.

I have free reviewer’s copy codes for audiobooks.com or spotify. Please specify which site you prefer.

A golden retriever pup; a winning lottery ticket; and a gutsy old woman. What could possibly go wrong?

When Charlemagne (the pup) vanishes to uncover a lottery ticket alongside the road, Sally embarks on a tangled quest to reunite the ticket with its rightful owner. But time is ticking, and a mysterious, determined thief is hot on her trail.

Will Sally and Joan crack the case before the ticket – or she — expires? Should she just cash it in and keep it for herself? What’s an 87-year-old spunky woman to do?

What would you do?

Here’s how to get ‘The Price of Luck; A Pawsome Conundrum‘ audiobook:

Ask for it by name, ‘The Price of Luck’ audiobook or click here to grab a free reviewer’s copy code through Spotify. Or… click here to get your free reviewer copy code through Audiobooks.com

On that note,

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Posted on March 20, 2025March 18, 2025 by Alexie Linn

How to Create a Reel for Social Media

Are you itching to get in on the social media Reels craze but don’t know how to create and upload a Reel?

You’re not alone. I had the same desire and problem… but not anymore.

In case you missed the memo… A Reel is a short video of fun stuff. The sky is the limit for content. Some are hilarious; others not so much. It’s easy to click to the next one if you’re not pleased with what you see.

Reels are a specific size (*1080 pixels wide x 1920 pixels tall). It’s short in length… from .03 seconds to a maximum 90 seconds. Mine are about 30 to 45 seconds long. I use them to give viewers a quick break and to introduce my books.

The majority of Reels are vertical clips from cellphones. But not all. Mine are created with help from a couple of apps I’ve invested in.

Here’s a Reel I recently uploaded:

How did I create it? I’ll give you the nutshell version…

Think of a pain point to address (Like getting unstuck…)
Imagine 3-5 pictures showing a viewer how to maneuver through and out of the pain point.
Collect the pictures (I use Night Café Studio to create the images) into your reels file and 2 or 3 words for each image.
Next, I open up Doodly to create the reel. (Doodly is a cloud-based video editing program that lets users create whiteboard animations and doodle videos. I highly recommend and love Doodly. It’s easy to use and fun.)
Set Doodly or your chosen animation program to the custom size of 1080 px wide x 1920 px tall. To keep the hand behind the images, I set the board to glass.
Upload the images into Doodly as props. Place them on the board in the order you want them to draw onto the board.
Add suitable music… remember to lower the volume on the music to about 12 on the scale so you don’t blast your viewer in the face.
After you’ve previewed and adjusted for perfection… Export your reel in webm (for YouTube) and also mp4 (for Facebook and Instagram)
Voila! Upload it to your social media platforms.

That’s it! Have fun!

I’ll leave you with this plethora of books to peruse, download and read. Until next time…

Onward!

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Note: Some links in this post may be affiliate links.

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: