Welcome back to Around the Fire. I had the pleasure of meeting today's guest while in Florida several years ago. He was signing copies of Scarlet at Crystal River at the Manatee Festival. Since I'm a Jersey girl, I snagged a copy of Crimson at Cape May. It was such a delight chatting with him and his lovely wife. Now you get a chance to meet Randy as he shares not only his new release but insight into the question, "Why do you do this?"

More about the author.
Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator and author,  as well as a popular speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined this experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series—the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won critical acclaim and garnered national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Thriller of the Year (Readers Favorite) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his book talks and popular programs with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S. 
As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community. When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy around the country, often in search of inspiration for his next great story.
You can find out more at
​SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/randy-overbeck
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Overbeck/e/B07QQHW7DM
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4825632.Randy_Overbeck

​Great Stories about Great Storytellers
Randy Overbeck
https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/podcast
GREAT STORIES about GREAT STORYTELLERS shares insights into storytellers whose names you no doubt recognize—names like Edgar Allen Poe, Steven Spielberg John Grisham and Walt Disney—but reveals the backstories you probably never heard about them. The podcast features different kinds of storytellers—authors, directors, playwrights and even a poet or two. In short 10-15 minutes episodes, this fun and sometimes funny podcast features anecdotes and tidbits about storytellers, with each episode spotlighting a modern storyteller like Tom Clancy or a classical name like Charles Dickens, but in a very different light.

Thank you all! Such a great response to last week’s blog post. So many of you have had your inboxes inundated with fraud, spammers, greedy fingers, etc. So the basset hound is back and on the scent and digging into the dirt.
This image is of my first Basset Hound, Fred. His motto was nose to the ground and gone so I thought he'd make a great addition to today's blog. Fred crossed the Rainbow Bridge about 25 years ago and we still tell stories of his escapades. 
Let’s hit the emails today. AI is a blessing and a curse, in my opinion. Do I use it? I do. ONLY for marketing. Creating memes like the one above, and short hooks for social media, frees me to write my books and my blog. No AI is used in my writing as an author. But for the unscrupulous, it’s a boon for trying to get into your world and your bank account.
"But D., they sounded so real."
Yeah, they do, and get better each day. I wanted to see for myself how it worked. Here’s my example.
I asked AI to create an introductory letter to D. V. Stone, author of Rainbow Sprinkles, about how much I liked the book and would like to connect. Be specific. Here’s the response.
Absolutely! Here’s a warm, specific, and sincere letter you could send to D. V. Stone:
Subject: A Sweet Connection Sparked by Rainbow Sprinkles
Dear D. V. Stone,
I just finished Rainbow Sprinkles, and I couldn’t let the moment pass without reaching out to tell you how much I adored it.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into the delightful world of Glimmer Lake and its community of charming characters. Specifically, the way you crafted Zach and Glori’s relationship—with warmth, humor, and just the right sprinkle of tension—felt refreshingly real and deeply satisfying. The scenes at the ice cream truck had me smiling like a kid at a county fair, and your vivid descriptions made every scoop and swirl feel deliciously alive.
What stood out most was the book’s heart. You wove in hope, healing, and second chances in a way that felt both uplifting and grounded. I found myself lingering on certain lines, especially Glori’s moments of self-reflection, which resonated more personally than I expected. The story was sweet, yes, but it also carried substance—and that balance is no small feat.
I’d love to connect with you—not only as an admirer of your work but also as a fellow storyteller who believes in the power of warmth, humor, and heartfelt narratives. If you’re open to it, I’d be thrilled to learn more about your creative process and maybe chat about your upcoming projects.
Thank you for bringing Rainbow Sprinkles into the world. It was the kind of book that leaves a little light behind long after the last page.
Warmest wishes,
D.
Would you like help adapting this into a social DM or something shorter for email? I can tailor it to any platform.
Pretty scary. Not only did it create it, but it also offered to go further. It would have adapted it and made it a DM. I don’t respond to any DMs that I don’t know, and even then, I’m very cautious.
So what do I do with this? I would ignore it and flag it as spam, and block the sender. But maybe it’s real? What would tell me it’s not? Well, I have the usual Social Media accounts: Facebook, IG, X, TikTok, blah blah blah. You want to connect? Go to those and start a conversation. I received two emails just this morning asking about things. If you found my email, then you can quickly answer the posed questions. Are you on Goodreads? Are you on Amazon? Just click yes. The Basset and I both howled.
Put your inner Basset hound to work. What would that tell you? A lot, actually. In any of those, you can see how long they have been active on socials. You can see if not personal things, then a string of posts to tell you who they are. Go to the about section. Honestly, though, if they went straight to emailing me, I wouldn’t bother. But, as you could see from last week’s post, the contact regimen varies.
Top 5 red flags?

1. Money. Anything looking for cash at the onset? Bye-bye.
2. “I can get your book in front of x amount of readers”. Why would I trust you? There are many legit book promos. I’ve used several. I can’t think of one who cold-called me. I was always the one to reach out based on recommendations from people I know.
3. “OMG! One of the Big Five emailed me.” Congratulations. The Basset Hound points to the email address it came from. Just hover, don’t click. Are XYZ publishers using a Gmail or a Hotmail account? The Basset howls with laughter. No. They will have their own in-house accounts.
4. Spelling and grammar. Not only in the address and the heading of the email. Go back and look at the AI-generated letter. The names are wrong. The Lake is wrong. It wasn’t an ice cream truck but a shop. If I just scanned it and began to do a little dance at having my ego stroked, trouble would have followed.
5. Any salutation that doesn’t include my name. Often it’s Dear Friend or something like that. Really, what scammer wants to take the time to individualize the emails?

Now the Basset hound and I are both whining. I just want to write the books. The hound? She just wants to roll in something smelly. Unfortunately for both of us, we have to be part of this thing called the marketing world. Look at that! We’re both into something that’s often smelly.

This is the real image of Fred. He was also known as Freddy Lumpkin, a nod to Fatty Lumpkin, a pony kept by Tom Bombadil in Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien. I took him to a Bassett Hound Waddle, IYKYK. His claim to fame there was the loudest. One day I was driving with him in the car. He howled so loud and deep that my eardrums vibrated. Unfortunately, we got stuck in traffic. Fred eventually settled down until two biker dudes behind the vehicle started howling, and Fred couldn’t let them sing alone. It wasn’t funny at the time. I pounded my head on the steering wheel, but now, years later, I realize how hilarious it was.

So sniff out those stinkers and don't let them get into your flews. My what? Flews in Basset Hounds, refers to the loose, hanging skin on their face. It helps with scenting. 
Fred's advice is...

1. If it sounds too good to be true. Most likely it probably stinks
2. Someone reaching out to you without you making the first inquiry? Fuhgeddaboudit, as we say in New Jersey.
3. Train your inner Basset Hound to study the details, such as spelling and wording.
4. When in doubt, ask others.
5. Don’t be discouraged. We need to learn and navigate this ever-evolving technical world.

What would you like to talk about next week? What cheat, con, rip-off makes you want to sic the hound on?

​Welcome to Around the Fire. I usually live on the sunny side of the street. Let’s laugh and have some fun. We talk here about traveling, books, life, and I adore interviewing other authors. We authors spend months and often years working on projects. How many times have you become so excited, and then the balloon bursts? The times our hearts and sometimes our wallets were broken when some entity reached out with the thing we’ve been dreaming about.

• I can get you in front of thousands of readers.
• Love your book. Let’s make a movie.
• You should enter this contest.
• We want to publish your book.

Almost every time I open my email, someone is offering me the moon—for a price. Here's a peek at my spam folder.

And as I was getting this uploaded, this one came through

My heart be still. It stopped her cold! Delete.
​When I published my first book, Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar, an official-looking letter arrived in my snail mail box. It was from a “publishing” house. They read and loved my book and wanted to partner with me. I recognized the name, but being new to the business didn’t realize it was a vanity press.
Luckily, I’m naturally a skeptic, so like a Bassett hound with my nose to the ground, I chased down the information I needed. Investigating and researching are rabbit trails I happily find myself trotting down. And just because I'm adding a picture of Sadie Bug my Basset from years ago.​

Recently, the availability of  AI is making things more complex and more challenging to discern. Scammers can feed your name and book into the computer and ask it for a letter of introduction that seems to really know about you and your book. But ask yourself, is it too good to be true? Well, you know what they say.
In the publishing world, it’s hard to get your book out in front of readers. Did you know that there are 32.8 million to 48.5 million books available on Amazon?
Here are the hard facts.

• A lot of self-published books sell very few copies, with many selling less than 50 copies in a lifetime.
• What about traditional publishers? What are the chances of getting a contract? Low, with estimates of 1-2% of submitted manuscripts getting a deal.

It’s all very discouraging. But there are things we authors can do to influence book sales.

• I’m going to say it. Write the best book you can and edit it properly. No shortcuts, and for goodness’ sake, don’t AI the book. It’s a career killer.
• This is a pain and time drag, but you need to build an audience: Authors with a strong online presence (e.g., blog, social media) who engage with readers are more likely to achieve better sales, according to a Reddit thread.

What’s our takeaway from this?

• Beware of shortcuts or promises that seem too easy. Especially if they are cold calls. Unsolicited offers are the number one red flag.
• Are they asking for upfront money? Run. Legitimate agents and publishers will never ask.
• Be a Bassett hound. Please do your homework on any company, agent, or contest before sending them your work or making payments.
• Trust your instincts. Like we already discussed, ff something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Next week, we’ll break down the types of scams you need to be on guard for. Many of my author friends have contributed comments since the assault on authors from scammers. So stay tuned.​

The Attic
by
Lynda Rees
Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Supernatural, Ghosts

About
Rehabbers Charli Owens and fiancé, Eli Lange, remodel an historic mansion suspected of being haunted.
Secret tunnels, hidden chambers, unexplained happenings, and a killer on the loose ignite Charli's curiosity. Enlisting her ex-rock-and-roll singer grandmother’s help, she delves into clues police ignore.
Unraveling the property's notorious history, they become embroiled in a murder case and a major criminal operation that puts Charli's life in danger.




​Grab your copy today.
https://www.amazon.com/Attic-Flip-Flop-Mystery/dp/150926146X/​
​www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-attic-lynda-rees/1147350686
Audio Version
 https://payhip.com/b/VN1Tl

THE ATTIC INSPIRATION
  
As a child I played with a friend whose family had inherited an old mansion that had been in their family for many generations. The pre-Civil War home sat high above town about three miles uphill from the Ohio River. The owner of a huge plantation surrounding it built it as his family home. The house was unique for this tiny riverside town, and I found its notorious history and many hidden secrets within its walls fascinating.
Behind the house, the steep hill was a perfect location for our toboggan and sled riding, as long as we hit he right spot at the bottom and not the small creek. Beyond that lay another hill of heavy woodlands. As a mountain-born child, I was intrigued by the wood instead of fearful. I led many hikes through them to the lake on the other side. It had once, along with all of the property around it, been part of the plantation. It had been sold off and converted to a pay-by-the-day fishing lake.
The mansion had been converted into three apartments occupied by my friend’s family and her relatives. Windows were floor to ceiling leaded glass. The woodworking throughout was elaborate and hand carved, and at he fireplaces were a marvel to my young eyes.
The only parts of the house not inhabited, by the living at least, were the basement and the incredible foyer.
The three-story-high ceiling sported a carved round cornice that displayed the enormous crystal chandelier. The room was as large as my home’s living room, dining room, and kitchen combined. The floor was white marble, as were the steps on the swirling staircase that led to the second and third-floor landings. We dressed our Barbie dolls in evening attire and pretended they were strolling down them to meet their dates for the prom or some other elegant event.
A rock and mortar walled basement occupied the space beneath the whole house, but the rooms’ concrete floors were bone dry. Its hilltop location helped with this, I’m sure. Tunnels had been built with the intention of making it simple for workers to bring goods, water and ice into the house and refuse without disturbing the residents. My innate curiosity would have coaxed me to explore these caverns; had they not been long since sealed for safety. A gigantic, solid steel door attached to surrounding rock walls with bolts broader than my hand.
These tunnels are part of the fabric of our United States history. Escaping slaves from the south were slipped into the house where they were hidden away in secret rooms using concealed staircases until they could be ushered through the other tunnel that led the long distance to the banks of the Ohio River. From there, they loaded onboard boats and were taken across the water to freedom in Ohio.
My fascination with this house and its history has stayed with me throughout my life. It is the inspiration for my newest and thirtieth novel, a mystery called The Attic, A Flip or Flop Mystery.
In The Attic, rehabber, Charli Owens, and her retired rock-and-roll singer grandmother delve into an eerie historic mansion’s notorious history and put their lives in danger.

We've been at home for a bit and not camping. Normally, most of our trips are in the Spring and Fall. But that doesn't mean no campfires. 4th of July we spent around our fire pit with friends and family. Everyone brought some snackish foods to share. I made nachos, pasta salad, strawberry cream cheese pie, and a peach crumble. One of our friends took a look at the table and said, "I thought it was snacks?" Well, in our circle this is snacks. There was pulled pork, yum, by Bev who also made drumsticks. Black magic cake from Sue is always a family favorite. We all wished my neighbor, Bob, a very happy 93rd birthday. If theres a fire in the pit Bob is in one of the chairs. There were a lot of other happenings in my life. Here are a few highlights.

​I had a blast at the Warren County Bicentennial Fair in Warren County, NJ. Pete joined me for this event. There were so many people to talk to, and I sold out of Sea Hunter and nearly out of Agent Carter. 
There's a lot of controversy going on about author events in the book world. I won't get into that here, but let me tell you, local events are the best. This was a HUGE event, as in everything, there are hiccups here and there, and one of the tents never came from the company. Nonetheless, the organizers and volunteers overcame the problem and get an A+ from me. Shout-outs to Karen, who turned me on to the event, my new author friend Alexandra Rusch, and especially Pete. My DH, who with his outgoing and people skills brought many visitors to my table.  

It was exciting to receive this email!
I am happy to inform you that your short story, A Christmas Storm, has placed 2nd in the Contemporary category of the 2025 National Excellence in Story Telling (NEST) Contest.
books2read.com/u/47B1NE

Also this month, it's a Happy Book Birthday to Rainbow Sprinkles, a contemporary romance with Ice cream, a small town, guardian angels, and dogs.
Amazon Review
What a delightful story about finding love the second time around. Adding to the sweet love story were delightful secondary characters, including the hounds. Since I'm from NJ, I too love the best breakfast sandwich around, Taylor Ham, egg and cheese on a hard roll. This book is a wonderful summer read, with a cherry on top. Looking forward to other reads by DV Stone.
http://books2read.com/u/38QEoa

Welcome back to Around the Fire. Last week, I told you a bit about N. N. Light's Christmas in July Fete. This week, I'm happy to bring you one of the authors who will always hold a special place in my heart. A while ago, a group of authors from different genres and styles had a chat group. One day, someone said we should write a series together. Crazy, right? Well, seven books later, the Mortar & Pestle series was released. Darlene is one of those authors. Now, I've heard horror stories about such alliances, but let me tell you, we all had so much fun. No battle lines were drawn. Everyone had a say and a job. To tell you the truth, Sea Hunter, my contribution, is one of my best-selling books. If you're interested, I'll post a little about this series at the end. 
Now, grab a cup of cocoa, sit in front of the AC, and read about this wonderful, One Sweet Christmas from Darlene.

ONE SWEET CHRISTMAS
By
Darlene Fredette

More than a few pieces of chocolate are essential to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer.
About the Story
Candice Cane agreed to sign the divorce papers under one condition, for four days, Jackson Frost must play Santa Claus in her chocolate shop. However, her Christmas miracle would crumble if Jackson knew the truth.
Property developer, Jackson Frost, wanted to spend Christmas on a beach, instead, he’s home in snowy Redford Falls dressed in a Santa suit. The temptation of delectable chocolate and a second chance might lure him to stay.
A peek inside
A tiny piece of her hoped his family was behind his visit, but she suspected—and dreaded—his reason was more complex and involved. “You traveled all this way and have no intention of seeing your family? What is wrong with you? Has the big city air caused you to lose your mind?”
“That is a possibility. Because for the life of me, I don’t remember getting married.”
His statement sliced through her, unearthing scars she never wanted to revisit. Candice stepped backward.
Jackson withdrew a document from inside his coat pocket. He unfolded the certificate and waved it in the air. “Recognize this?”
Candice snatched away the paper. A weight pressed heavily on her chest, stalling a breath. Scanning the words, she held onto the counter for support.
A loud timer buzzed from the kitchen, startling both Candice and Jackson.
Candice raced toward the kitchen. “Fudge.”
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/One-Sweet-Christmas-Redford-Falls-ebook/dp/B0F8RC2YSF
Free on KU for a limited time!
YouTube Teaser
https://youtu.be/N-Ikjv_Zd5s​

A wisp of smoke, a swirl of promise, a breath of destiny…a message within the Mortar & Pestle for those who want to believe.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS42PKHZ
Throughout time, people have sought their heart’s desire. But true love is often elusive.
Carved with ancient Norse runes, the Mortar & Pestle shows paths to happily-ever-afters.
Once you capture the Mortar & Pestle’s scent of magic, you’ll want to read all seven individual romances.
Go on the adventure of The Mortar & Pestle series with international authors of different genres and vast backgrounds who came together and offer this exciting, often humorous series. From world traveling to teachers, bloggers, magazine editors, and award winners, there’s something for everyone in this series.
AND
If you are intrigued enough to want more, sign up for my newsletter and get a free ebook sampler of all the stories.
mailchi.mp/bb4a75d3c449/mortar-pestle-free-sample-book

​Welcome back to Around the Fire, where stories are shared, friendships sparked, and creativity kindled. I’m your host, D. V. Stone, and whether you’re here for a love of books, the writer’s journey, the call of the campfire, or the simple joy of conversation, you’ve found your people.
Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Author M. Flagg to the fire. Her words linger like embers, and her storytelling invites us to lean closer and listen. So grab your favorite mug, settle into your comfiest chair, and join the conversation as we explore the heart of her writing, the road that brought her here, and the sparks that keep her creating.
!UPDATE!
Night of the Crescent Moon won Second Place in the NEST awards (National Excellence in Story Telling) through the Central Region Oklahoma Writers in the Paranormal category. 

M. Flagg gives an insider's look into her life and writing.
There was a time when I had lots of hobbies like baking, crocheting, needlepoint, arts and crafts, etc. I was also raising two children and working full time. Now that I’m retired, not that I’m a boring person, but… I write. I don’t shop for stuff I don’t need. I rarely bake, except for the holidays (my cream puffs, cheesecakes or cookies are a must-bring). I write and I read. I edit, fix, and reimagine. And let’s not forget promotion. It’s a must.
So. My days are different, and I love it. I earned it. My adventures now consist of book signing in any state I can drive to, from Maine to Maryland. I have an affectionate Maine Coon. He craves my attention, and I’m very happy to give it. The kids are grown and making lives of their own. So. There are the ‘me’ years with enough time to stop and reflect, to experience and enjoy.
I write for many reasons. It’s a way to heal, to reflect, as well as to entertain. Granted, my genre is paranormal. But fantasy has chunks of reality thrown in, and all those experiences, travels, uncomfortable moments, and the ones full of joy somehow find their way onto the page. I may not be able to run around with pep in my step, but my mind is sharp. What a blessing!
Today’s book for your consideration is Night of the Crescent Moon, the BookFest Spring 2025 First Place Award winner for Paranormal Romance. I’m still thrilled to type these words. It was, in a way, a sense of validation, an accomplishment I never dreamed to achieve. Here’s one review I’m particularly happy to share:
“The descriptions are vivid, multisensory, and lavish, creating a world rich with intense action set amongst mystical lore, powerful hierarchies, and intricately penned relationship dynamics. The author’s ability to craft compelling characters is evident from the first moment that we meet the mighty and sensitive Martine, and I was with her through her whole journey to save others from dark deeds. The stakes are high when Lukas arrives on the scene, and the converging plotlines of action, danger, and relationship drama all balance well to ensure the mood is always shifting and there’s never a dull moment. The author’s confident command of scenes and chapters makes sure that events always lead to the next suspenseful twists, which ensures that readers are fully immersed in the journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption from cover to cover. Overall, I’d certainly recommend Night of the Crescent Moon by M. Flagg for fantasy fans everywhere to enjoy.”  READERS REVIEW – K.C. Finn – FIVE STARS

Night of the Crescent Moon
by
M. Flagg
 
Some wounds never heal.
Martine, a good witch and ER nurse must enlist Lukas, a mystical warrior to save her patient who is under the spell of a dark witch from the Second Realm. But Martine pushed Lukas out of her life years ago, and he is the only person who can help save her patient. Martine is torn when Lukas agrees to return to the realm that holds terrifying memories for him. Even though many assist Lukas, Martine’s ask is complicated and dangerous. Can he save her patient from a fate worse than death? More importantly, can Martine open her heart to Lukas, or this time, shut him out forever? 
Grab a copy here
https://www.amazon.com/Night-Crescent-Moon-Champion-Chronicles/dp/1509256881
 
Check out the author here
https://mflagg-author.com/
www.instagram.com/mickeyflagg/
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077462468784 
x.com/flagg_michele
www.amazon.com/stores/M.-Flagg/author/B002G9S1SQ

Calling all holiday-themed readers! It’s more than evergreens and twinkly lights at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s ninth annual Christmas in July Fête.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, A Christmas Storm, will be featured on 7/11. Wait until you read what I love most about the holidays. You won’t want to miss it.
Here are the details

• There are 36 Christmas and holiday-themed books featured
• A chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
• Open internationally. 
• Runs July 1 – 31, 2025
• Drawing will be held on August 1, 2025

Bookmark this bookish get-together and tell your friends:
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-in-july-fete
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db7750332