Broward College South Campus English Department

I have a new George Clay story in this week's Black Cat Weekly. Only 99 cents for the whole issue. The bar called To***co Road in Miami had the city's first liquor license, but went through several different names. In George's time, it was called the Shandiclere (a version of Chanticleer, a previous name) and some shady characters hung out there.

Black Cat Weekly #150 Welcome to our 150th issue.This time, we have terrific original tales by Neil S. Plakcy, Britin Haller & Shane Gericke, Bob Tippee, and Teel James Glenn ... plus novels by Natalie Sumner Lincoln and Gans T. Field, and classic stories by Jack Williams...

It's very exciting to come close to the end of another golden retreiver book. (This one will follow Food of the Dogs, due in the fall.)

Instead of waiting for my human editor to review for loose ends and plot threads that don't pay off, I have been asking Claude for advice.

This AI has pointed out a number of small problems I can fix to avoid wasting my human editor's time, as well as some small additional things that Rochester can do to find clues.

Writing this way really is fun because it's like having a critique group around my kitchen table. I won't let the AI write the book, but I welcome its help in making the book the best it can be for readers.

And by the way, I'm available to give Zoom lectures to your writing or community group about ethical ways to use AI as a writer. Just let me know! I love doing the research and teaching this way.

If you haven't already filled out your Anthony Ballet for Bouchercon Nashville, I hope you'll consider my story "Billie Jean," in Thriller. IMHO it's one of my very best. Here's the set up: George Clay is a gay private eye on Miami Beach in 1968. He and his wealthy Cuban boyfriend Alex Reyes are both closeted. A young woman named Billie Jean tries to extort Alex, saying he's the father of her unborn child. But the night she says he was with her? He was with George. Giving Alex an out could ruin both of them.

Still time to sign up for my free Zoom lecture on using AI for brainstorming, editing, and developing marketing materials for your books. Thursday April 4 at 7 PM ET.

sistersincrime-org.zoom.us

Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 7 PM ET

Writers, interested in how you can ethically use AI to develop ideas, edit your books, and create marketing materials?

I've updated my recent presentation and will be delivering it to members of SinC's South Carolina chapter. It's free, but you must register:

sistersincrime-org.zoom.us

I don't believe in writer's block, though I do listen when my subconscious says I need to stop and reevaluate. So I've put the new Mahu book on temporary hold to dive into a brand new golden mystery. This one will take place after the next book, which is about the honeymoon. Here's a little taste:

“Taste this,” Lili said, spearing a piece of chicken coated in oily mojo sauces. As she held the fork out to me, the chicken flopped onto the floor and Rochester quickly gobbled it up.

“¡Ay, dios mio!” Lili said. “Your dog!”

Then just as quickly, Rochester spit the chicken out on the floor.

“Rochester! This is my mother’s special recipe. Your abuela!”

She leaned down and picked the piece up and tossed it in the trash. Then she dipped a spoon into the mojo sauce and tasted it.
“I see what’s wrong,” she said. “Too much garlic.”

“Good thing he didn’t eat it, then,” I said. “In large amounts garlic can be poisonous to dogs.” I reached down and chucked Rochester under his chin. “You’re a smart boy. You know what’s not right to eat.”

Free book! My novella Scout Takes the Lead is free on Amazon for a few days. If you like Rochester, give Scout a try. It's an MF romance, but what shines through is my love of dogs.

Scout Takes the Lead: A Veteran with PTSD Dog Training Healing Romance Novella Scout Takes the Lead: A Veteran with PTSD Dog Training Healing Romance Novella

🐾 Unravel the Canine Mysteries in "Blessing of the Dogs"! 🐾 Join Steve Levitan and Lili Weinstock on their journey to happily ever after, if they can dodge dognappers and solve a murder first! With canine thefts rocking the town and a puzzling connection to a Billy Joel tribute act's demise, the stakes are high. Can Steve and his trusty sidekick, Rochester, sniff out the truth before it's too late? Dive into this heartwarming yet thrilling cozy mystery today!
Now available for pre-order—launching February 27, 2024.
https://amzn.to/483zThQ
https://books2read.com/u/47RQlE

Blessing of the Dogs (Golden Retriever Mysteries Book 18) Steve and Lili are on their way to the altar—but dognapping and murder get in the way. The theft of the vice-mayor’s dog unveils a widespread pattern of canine thefts. Could those poor pooches be on their way to a testing lab or a puppy mill? And how does that case play into the death of a Billy...

Apologies-- I didn't prepare this ad! But I hope local writers can join me for this free event at the Broward College Libraries. It's a whole day of presentations for authors.

Dog of Thieves, last year's golden retriever mystery, is a finalist for best novel in a competition run by the Dog Writers Association of America. Winners to be announced on February 18. Brody and Griffin have their paws crossed!
https://amzn.to/41paHja

Kobo readers: check out this greast list of thriller and suspense novels, all in Kobo Plus.

Wide Kobo Plus Thriller, Suspense, Political, Mystery Crime Fiction Searching for your next favorite story? Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.

Want to jump into a new series? Here's a great list, many at prices.

Edit New Year, New Series - First in Series LGBTQIA+ Romance Sale Searching for your next favorite LGBTQIA+ romance series? Look no further! These series starters are on sale for a limited time!