writing process – Alexie Linn, the Author, and Homespun Rebel

Posted on September 11, 2025September 10, 2025 by Alexie Linn

The Votes are in! Here’s The Results…

www.alexielinnauthor.com September 11, 2025

The Votes are in! Here’s What Happened…

It was a landslide tie for each of Rodney’s possible series title! What to do… what to do…

Here’s what I did…

I used a new main title for the series (also suggested by a reader) and added a subtitle. Voila! Something for everybody… Thank you for your input.

Here’s Rodney Mankin’s new business card:

The status of the series is:

The Prequel is chilling for its final edit.
Book 1 (*The Strange Case at Heaven’s Gate) draft is over halfway written.
Book 2 is playing hopscotch in my head. Is there a scenario you’d like to see Rodney and Sally take on? Email me here to share your ‘what if’ thoughts. And thank you!

*Here’s the tentative description of Book 1 The Strange Case at Heaven’s Gate:

What if long, deep scratches appeared on your town’s brand-new border wall. Night after night. All along the wall. They are crimson, like blood.

Along with the scratches come cries. Long, woeful cries. Eerie cries. Cries that could not be identified by any of the townspeople. Cries that could be human or animal.

At the same time, bodies appear on the outside of the wall directly behind the bloody scratches. They are all strangers to the townspeople of Heaven’s Gate. Each body has been mauled to death. Are they the marauders? Or are the marauders doing the mauling? Who or what is mangling them?

Have the townspeople successfully corralled themselves with a murderer that they now cannot escape from?

Rodney Mankin, Fur & Feather Whisperer and his assistant Sally the Loner has been called in to solve the mystery and stop the murders. Can they do it? Or will this be the one that puts the kibosh on Rodney’s gift?

The scenario seems to be changing as these characters evolve and take over the writing. Please don’t hold me to the exact storyline I’ve described above. Characters are an unruly lot.

On another note…

Joan Freed’s Ruby the Haunted eBook is due for a price increase in the next week or so.

Have you grabbed your copy for 99¢ yet? Click here to get it now.

A heads-up…

With price increases and policy changes, I, too, have to make changes to my methods. One change will be this newsletter/blog delivery service. I hope the transition goes as smooth as warm butter on a hot knife. Please let me know if things go wonky on your end. I know only what I send, which may not be the same as you receive.

Did you know?

That you can download, read, and review oodles of eBooks and audiobooks at absolutely no cost to you (including mine)?

Yep. It’s true. Story Origin has been my goto for more than a year now.

Are you ready for a quick escape from your current reality?

Great! Click here to instantly download eBooks and audiobooks in your favorite genre – for free! Or step outside your genre line to find your next favorite author without opening your wallet even once. Score!

You might also like…

(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 August 28, 2025August 26, 2025 by Alexie Linn

First, An Apology

www.alexielinnauthor.com August 28, 2025

First, an embarrassing apology…

Nope. I did not know that my last post duplicated itself. I did not do it… however, I didn’t catch it, either. Boy was my face red when a subscriber pointed the error out to me!

What I have learned

I have now learned, forever and ever, to send myself a test email before I tell my email provider to schedule the post for sending it off to you.

Next up

The audiobook for The Screeching Shadows of Hidden Valley is finished! It’s been a long haul this time – for whatever reason.

Here’s the scoop…

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

“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 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, along with newfound Cousin Cozy Mae and her sidekicks solve the mystery of the pyromaniacal screecher before the valley is turned to ashes?

Free review copy codes are available for US and UK. Email me here to request a code for The Screeching Shadows of Hidden Valley. Tell me for US or UK.

Your Vote, Please

By popular demand, a new series is on the horizon. The Prequel is in the cooling chamber before the edits begin.

The series stars Rodney Mankin, Sally’s AI companion. Rodney has acquired the gift of animal gab. He can talk to the animals in their own language. But there’s a problem…

The name for the series. Which of these titles grabs your attention and piques your curiosity first?

Rodney Mankin, Animal Whisperer
Rodney Mankin, Creature Whisperer
Rodney Mankin, Critter Whisperer

Here’s Rodney’s stand-in business card:

Please vote for Animal, Creature, or Critter here. Thank you so much! Watch for Rodney Mankin, ______ Whisperer in the coming months.

Yayyyy… Summer’s almost over… Only a few oppressive heat, possible monsoon days are left – could today be the last? I wish.

Also in the Thinktank

I’m also considering a ‘Sometimes I Colored Outside the Lines’ workbook for compiling your memoirs. It will be the memory prompter notebook to jot down memories pertaining to places you lived, where you went to school, and so on. With this workbook, you can go on to writing your memoirs, or just pass it on it its rough draft form.

When you fill in the blanks, it will color the picture of how you got to be who you are. And will be the workbook that I wished I’d had when I still had grandma… Does this pique your interest? Please tell me your thoughts on the idea here. Yay or Nay is good enough to give me a clue. But say more if you want to…

And Finally…

The Perils of Peppersauce is in its Review gathering price point stage before the price goes up to a normal price.

Here’s how the story goes…

Sally teaches an off-grid living class at Peppersauce Campground north of Tucson, AZ. It’s monsoon season. Javelinas, Scorpions, a black bear and a wounded mountain lion join the class without an invite.

After the gully-washer barreled in like an arena full of charging bulls, the road is washed out. They are forced to shelter in place, bodies and all, until the road can be opened. Some try to escape over the top of Mt. Lemmon but a forest fire has closed the road.

Sally, Rodney the mankin, and niece Joany must uncover the killer before they all become victims.

So, what were the final take-aways from the off-grid prep class?

Grab The Perils of Peppersauce here to get it today for 99¢.

And that’s all I have for today, dear readers. Except for the following opportunities…

You might also like…

(A shout out to Tiny Wow for the AI assist in inspiring me to smoosh together this mashup. Thank you.)

Posted on August 14, 2025August 13, 2025 by Alexie Linn

How to Distinguish Between Human and AI Content

Today’s Nifty-News Mashup

www.alexielinnauthor.com August 14, 2025

Is It Human or AI Written? How to Tell the Difference

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Content Creation

As we stroll through the digital age, we can’t help but notice that artificial intelligence (AI) has made its way into just about every corner of our lives—cue the robots taking over the world! Okay, maybe not quite yet, but AI’s ability to generate written content has changed the game in a big way.

From snappy social media posts to lengthy articles, AI is hurling content at us faster than a caffeinated copywriter on a deadline. This begs the question: how can we tell if a piece of text is crafted by a human hand or if it’s the work of a clever algorithm?

AI Technologies in Writing

AI writing technologies, like GPT-3 and its 50 or more successors have become remarkably adept at mimicking human writing styles. They analyze massive datasets, learning from the patterns of words and phrases.

Essentially, these algorithms are like an overly enthusiastic intern who’s read everything on the internet and is now trying to write a novel in a weekend. While this might sound a bit sci-fi, these AI tools are capable of generating coherent articles, emails, and even poetry. Yes, we’re living in a world where robots might send you a love letter!

But fear not! They have limitations.

Distinguishing Between Human and AI Content

Understanding the difference between human and AI-generated content isn’t just for bragging rights at your next dinner party (though it definitely should be). It has significant implications for authenticity, trust, and quality in content consumption. In a world rife with misinformation, being able to spot the difference can help us separate genuine insights from generic gibberish. Plus, it’ll save us from getting invested in a robot’s heartbreaking love story that was never even real. Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well for the AI.

Characteristics of Human-Written Content

Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s delve into what makes human writing uniquely human. Spoiler alert: it’s not just a penchant for overthinking every little thing and procrastinating until the last minute. AI will never master that frustration.

Emotional Depth and Personal Experience

One characteristic of human-written content is its emotional depth. Humans pour their hearts into their writing—fear, joy, excitement, and even the occasional existential dread seep through our words. We draw from personal experiences, weaving tales that resonate on a deeper level. AI, on the other hand, often struggles to replicate that human touch. Want to read about heartbreak from a bot? Good luck finding empathy in code!

Unique Voice and Writing Style

Every human has a unique voice and writing style—it’s like our personal fingerprint, but way less messy. Whether it’s a whimsical tone filled with puns or a straightforward, no-nonsense approach, these styles reflect individuality. AI can mimic styles, but often it fails to capture the quirks and nuances that make writing truly engaging. If a piece feels more like a bland recipe than a heartfelt blog post, you might be dealing with a robot in disguise.

Contextual Relevance and Nuance

Humans are fabulous at picking up on context and nuance. We understand subtext, cultural references, and even that cheeky wink in a conversation. AI can analyze context up to a point, but it often misses the mark on subtlety. If something feels a bit off, like a joke that just doesn’t land, it’s possible an AI generated it, completely oblivious to the social cues that make it funny in the first place. But don’t tell that to the jokester…

Key Indicators of AI-Generated Text

So, how do we spot that sneaky bot pretending to be a poet? Here are some telltale signs that indicate a piece of text may have been assembled by an AI.

Redundancy and Lack of Depth

AI-generated text can sometimes feel like that one friend who tells the same story at every gathering. You know the one—there’s a limited array of vocabulary and a tendency to fall into repetitive patterns. There’s only so much “synergy” and “innovative solutions” one can handle before reaching for the nearest exit. If you notice a piece going in circles without adding depth, it’s likely that AI is the ghostwriter behind it.

Overly Formal or Generic Language

If a piece of text sounds like it was born from a corporate handbook, chances are it wasn’t written by someone sipping a latte at a coffee shop. AI tends to lean toward overly formal or generic language, steering clear of the colorful expressions and slang that make human communication so delightful. If you find yourself yawning at the vocabulary, it might just be a digital doppelgänger at work.

Inconsistencies in Tone and Style

Ever read something that felt like it had multiple personalities? AI sometimes struggles with maintaining a consistent tone or style throughout a piece. One paragraph may sound like Shakespeare, and the next like an over-caffeinated teenager texting their best friend. If you find yourself confused about whether the writer is passionate, simply bored, or if it feels like you’re reading a work of fiction with a variety of characters, you might be facing an AI-generated piece.

Tools and Techniques for Differentiating Between Human and AI Writing

Alright, fellow detectives! It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of distinguishing between human and AI writing. Fear not—there are tools and techniques to help us in this modern-day Sherlock Holmes mission.

Does it Take AI to Ferret Out AI?

Welcome to the land of technology! Various automated tools have cropped up to aid our quest. From OpenAI’s own classifiers to the likes of Copyscape, these tools analyze text patterns and flag potential AI-generated content. While they’re not foolproof (who knew robots could be sneaky?), they serve as a solid first step in your investigative arsenal.

Manual Analysis

Nothing beats the good old-fashioned human touch! Engaging in manual analysis by closely reading the content can reveal a lot. Look for those emotional depths, unique voices, and contextual nuances we discussed earlier. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea, we don’t judge), settle in, and give the piece a heartfelt reading. You might just uncover the truth!

In Conclusion

While AI is an impressive tool in content creation, it’s essential to remain discerning and educated. By recognizing the characteristics of human writing and utilizing effective techniques (like an AI app), to spot AI-generated content, we can navigate the digital landscape with confidence—and maybe even a little bit of sass!

Think of it this way…

The current status and ingenuity of AI (Artificial Intelligence, in case you missed the memo), may as well be the centerpiece on your dinner table. Don’t worry. It can take all the verbal jabs you can throw at it and never run away crying.

AI and This Writer

Rest assured that this writer takes advantage of every time-saving, brainstorming AI tool she can find… but never allows the tool to write the book; launch the book; or control the business of being an author. All of the accolades and boo-boos are hers to bear.

But please don’t park me on your dinner party table as a centerpiece! I will run away crying if the verbal jabs are too much. However, you are encouraged to display your collection of Provocative, Fun, Family-Friendly Alexie Linn books as a centerpiece.

Here’s a brand-new Sally the Loner Mysterious Misadventure (Book 21) for your armchair roller coaster ride pleasure.

Sally, Rodney the mankin, and niece Joany must uncover the killer before they all become victims.

So, what were the true take-aways from the off-grid prep class?

The eBook is flying into the market at a grab it now price for a limited time; although it’s also available as a large print paperback. The audiobook will be along as soon as voice actor, Schann Stewart, can fit ‘The Perils of Peppersauce’ into her do-it-now schedule. But rest assured that while AI may have dipped its little toe into the building of the story, AI did not write it and will not be telling it.

Click here to grab the eBook today for 99¢

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(A shout out to Tiny Wow for the AI assist in inspiring me to write this post. Thank you.)

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.

You might also like…

(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 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…

You might also like…

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 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: