Why not pre-order right now for your next read in three days, but also to enter a high-probability drawing for a free audiobook, a $15 value. Just click HERE NOW!
That’s it, y’all! Let Tom and me know what you thought, okay? And score your deal TODAY, including a chance to win the audiobook edition of Lethal Game, the book that launched the Sam Travis’ Adventures (a $14.95 value). Order your copy of Lethal Bounty NOW!
Kay and I have thrown ourselves into one adventure after another this summer.
We’ve accumulated a TON of great memories (and photos and experiences) to show for it!
Here’s some scroll bait for y’all.
In this lifestyle issue:
New Sam Travis Adventure Released
More Sam Travis Adventures Coming!
Another Aubrey Greigh Mystery Coming, Too
Experiencing the West Coast in Full Measure
Tucson Festival of Books (TFOB)?
Saying Goodbye to a Dear Friend
1. New Sam Travis Adventure Released
Lieutenant Tom Kasprzak (retired)—my writing partner—and I released our latest Sam Travis Adventure in July, as promised. Like Lethal Game and all our Sam Travis Adventures, Lethal Trailis based on a true story.
Here’s what early readers are saying about this exciting story from one Tom’s (LT’s) many cases during his law enforcement career:
“The characters are nicely developed, especially theantagonists. I really loathe them.”
“I truly enjoyed the side story about the black bear in the tree and its relocation.”
And if you haven’t checked out Book One of our Sam Travis series, clickHERE.
By the way, if you haven’t yet been introduced to my friend, Tom, a.k.a. LT, he retired from the Massachusetts State Environmental Police Force after a storied thirty-two-year career. He operated from the beautiful Berkshire Mountains in Western Massachusetts to Boston in the east.
LT worked or supervised undercover operations for nine years, was embedded with international game poachers who were killing wildlife en masse, led teams on marine law enforcement, trained in counterterrorism with the US Coast Guard (District 1, Boston), and is a decorated sharpshooter (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, Georgia, where he trained extensively with federal agents from multiple agencies). National Geographic even broadcast a TV documentary in 1991 about LT and his crew, and how they took down a major illegal international wildlife poaching operation: “Wildlife Wars USA: Black Bears Under Siege,” narrated by Peter Coyote.
All of our Sam Travis stories are based on LT’s actual cases, and are about as authentic crime fiction as you’ll find anywhere—plausible and engaging, even to other law enforcement professionals. We’ve also published Lethal Game as an audiobook in addition to its ebook and paperback editions. We’re planning audiobook editions for all the Sam Travis adventures eventually.
No matter your favored genre, you’re sure to enjoy the hell out of these fast-paced stories populated with an imperfect but passionate cast of quirky characters!
2. More Adventures!
So, what’s next for Sam Travis fans? Next month on September 15th we’ll release Lethal Bounty, Sam’s most exciting adventure yet. You won’t believe this page turner is based on another of LT’s actual cases from his time as an EPO (Environmental Police Officer) in Massachusetts and elsewhere.
This hair-raising story’s ebook (“Kindle edition”) will be available for pre-order by August 23rd (the Great Pumpkin willing – yeah, that’s a metaphor, kids). That means you’ll be able to order Lethal Bounty on 8/23, take advantage of an introductory pricing offer, and it will automatically be delivered to all your smart devices automatically on 9/15. Cool, huh?
Is that it? Nope.
We hope to make the fourth Sam Travis Adventure available early next year. Below is an early draft of artwork for the book’s cover. What do you think? Is it… catchy?
3. Another Aubrey Greigh Mystery Coming Too!
In even more book news, if you follow my antics, you know I’ve published two books in my Aubrey Greigh Mystery series: Voodoo Vendetta and Dancing With Death. I’ll be targeting the release of my third Aubrey Greigh Mystery later this Winter. Right now, I’m entitling it, Rogue’s Gallery – Beyond Evidence.
Few of the characters in this tale are who or what they seem, and most are, well, less than respectable. The title seemed fitting. Take a look at the story’s premise (story concept):
***
Aubrey Greigh, a best-selling mystery author, and ambitious Chicago detective, Chance McQuillan partner with a pair of Romani parapsychologists to solve two baffling high-profile homicides. This cryptic case could turn the credibility of politics in America’s largest city on its ear. But solving this case could help Interpol solve a series of longstanding international crimes.
Are our professional and amateur investigators equipped to filter flimsy facts from rampant fantasy to stop the wild speculation and seemingly senseless killing? The mayor of America’s largest city hopes so. Or does he? Is anything what it seems?
Relish the tortuous twists and turns in this classic locked-room whodunnit with… what? Utterly mysterious circumstances and a conspiracy that spans two continents? Maybe even paranormal possibilities? You’ll keep guessing until your final turn to the last page.
***
I favor creating different versions of a book’s cover and soliciting feedback while writing the manuscript. It inspires me. Most authors wait until at least the final draft is complete. Not me. I offer you a peek at the latest iteration of my cover graphics, and like always, I’m open to suggestions. Seriously. Do you like it (the back cover text is still under revision)? What do you think of the title? Please do let me know at gjurrens@yahoo.com:
Enough of this book stuff, eh?
4. Experiencing the US West Coast in 2024
Oh, my gosh, where do I start! This summer has been the polar opposite of sensory deprivation. We have been sensory gluttons! I offer you a sampling of our summer since leaving Tucson April 30th in our grand old bus:
Das bus nestled in Sequim, Washington (Gilgal RV Oasis). Roosters at the farm across the road crow non-stop, a source of constant amusement!
Quartzsite, Arizona – just to veg out for a spell and to continue my focus on watercolor painting and drawing in my “spare time.” Retirement is exhausting, my friends!
Sequoia National Forest in central California’s San Joaquin Valley (Visalia)
San Francisco Bay Area (Petaluma) for almost a month where we took an extended double-decker bus tour of the city, went to see the Carnivale parade and celebration of Central & South American culture in the Mission district, along with an amazing rolling car show. We sailed around the bay ,under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz island aboard a 65′ sailing catamaran. Kay and I took a sporty helicopter ride over the Sonoma wine country and their Pacific seaside cliffs. We enjoyed countless day trips in the car along the Pacific Coast Highway (1). Visited Sausalito across the bay where we explored a hydrodynamic model of the entire Bay Area (US Army Corps of Engineers), found a fascinating restaurant (fusion of Marin County and Indian vegan cuisine they call Marindian cuisine confusion – very urban Californian!) and a few high-end art galleries—constrained budget and limited wall space mandated browsing only!)
Hiked a redwood forest in Northern California (Eureka) and sprained my ankle 🙁
Explored the Oregon Coast for a few weeks in each of Brookings (participated in Judy Howard’s fascinating writer’s group and taught a publishing seminar. We hung out on Driftwood Beach and Harris Beach), then Newport (Lincoln City Kite Festival, and lots of marina dock-walking). And we visited the marine heritage museum and the beach at Fort Stevens outside Astoria.
Enjoyed an evening of music at The 1905 jazz club in Portland. We stayed in nearby Troutdale for three weeks.
Visited the largest new/used book store west of the Mississippi River. Powell’s City of Books in Portland is an enormous store that feels small and intimate within dozens (hundreds?) of genre-specific rooms on three floors. They feature a rare books room where I enjoyed hanging out for an afternoon.
While parked in Troutdale, we also explored the Columbia Gorge area inland from the Oregon coast, including their enchanting waterfalls area, a ride on the Mt. Hood Railway, and a trolley tour of Fruit Valley near the base of Mt. Hood. We watched a wind and kite surfing exhibition in the eclectic city of Hood River. I also attended the annual Flutestock Native American flute festival outside of Eugene (Springfield).
Blew a tire on our toad (towed vehicle) en route to Washington. We’renow driving a rental car. We’ll need to travel 170 miles (one way) to retrieve it from Longview, Washington once it’s repaired (new bumper and front left quarter panel, painted, and aligned after four new tires are mounted, balanced, and installed. Only one blew out, but we’re replacing them all.
Now we’re in NW Washington on the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula. We’re exploring the villages of Sequim, Port Townsend, and Port Angeles. This is a beautiful area! Oh, while here in Sequim, I subjected myself to a tortuous pedicure. Yikes!
And we’re not done yet. Looking forward to visiting Snoqualmie Falls, exploring Seattle again, as well as Mt. St. Helen’s, then Crater Lake, Klamath Falls, a month in Monterrey Bay area so we can do… whatever! Next, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and maybe Disney (for Kay). Then, I wanna check out the ever-funky Salton Sea (they said, “bring your own water, ours is loaded with arsenic.” An important safety tip). We’ll then return to Val Vista Villages in Mesa, AZ for November and December before returning to Voyager south of Tucson for about four months. Next summer? Minnesota!
That’s a top-level summary. Below are a bunch of photos and videos, along with a few of my attempts at watercolor paintings or drawing practice that might amuse you. They’re kind of jumbled. Sorry. Skip if you wish.
Photorealistic Drawing ExerciseDrawing Cherries ExerciseChiaroscuro Pencil Drawing of a Sad BoxerWatercolor Rooster with AttitudeSt Lucia Street Scene (Memory)Sailing Under the Golden GateGiant SequoiasSnow in Sierra Nevadas at 6000′ in JulySailing on San Francisco Bay, Kay rocks on the foredeck to Jimmy BuffetKay and I posed in front of the baby bird we flew over the Sonoma wine country and its sea cliffs region.Sexy butt! Kay’s reflection, ya weirdo!Cliffs along the Sonoma County coast, north of the San Francisco Bay Area. As seen from our sexy little heliochopter.Brookings Harbor charms!Driftwood Beach near our motorhome during our stay in Brookings, OregonHarris Beach just north of Brookings. A very cool beach!So many beaches, so little time. We stayed in the Newport Marina (called the South Beach neighborhood)Newport Marina is mostly a working marina, but also exhibits the presence of some serious recreational fish killers!Newport’s iconic bridge.Nye Beach in Newport, OregonNewport Rodeo. It was a lot, but… an experience. Two old farts on the Oregon Dunes. We even found and ran the beach at a high rate of speed.THAT was FUN!Christopher Brown & His Quartet at The 1905 Club in Portland. Chris used to hang with Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, and other greats. Largest New/Used Book Store West of the Mississippi in Portland offered us a delightful day of exploration. The Rare Books Room at Powell’s City of Books in PortlandMt. Hood RailwayWe visited a lavender farm called The Hope Ranch. A peaceful respite and a wonderful place to meditate. Mt. Hood looks small, but it’s not! This is like forty miles distant!Chatted up two crew members of a brand new 154-foot Coast Guard CutterThe Devil’s Punchbowl on the Oregon CoastA typical July weekend in the town of Hood River, Oregon on the Columbia River. Multnomah Falls with an almost 700 foot fall. Mt. Hood Railway – an opulent ride!Oops! A bad-ass blow-out (we do nothing half-fast, ya know!). Welcome to Washington, Mr. Toad (towed vehicle)! Nothing terribly serious, we think. We’re driving a rental for a few weeks while the Jeep gets her face lifted and new rubber all around. Just another adventure!A shop in Port Townsend offering pirate gear AND steampunk wares? Hell, yeah! Me mate leads the way. I’m on her heels!Too cool to buy!Now, where would we wear this stuff, anyway?Boats “hanging on the hook” in Port Townsend Bay.Or how about a fifties-style soda fountain? Jeepers, that’s nifty!Our rental car in front of the bus in Sequim, WA. Looks like some funky weather is moving in on us (Saturday, August 17). We’ve been lucky so far.
Enough with the vaca pics, already! Right?
5. 2025 Tucson Festival of Books (TFOB)?
Sick of book news and vaca photos, yet? Sorry. About one more gig… hopefully.
I’m excited enough to share with you a possible opportunity for this humble author. The University of Arizona hosts the sprawling Tucson Festival of Books annually in mid-March.
In addition to an amazing array of seminars, displays, and exhibitors, the TFOB features an “indie pavilion,” an opportunity to feature authors who independently publish their books (my publishing imprint is UpLife Press). I hope to participate in that, and maybe even score a feature slot. Might they ask me to present one or more of my seminars? Probably not.
At the very least, I hope to hawk all my wares to a significant audience of book shoppers at the festival. We’ll see. I need to submit a manuscript that’s been published less than twenty-four months prior to March 15, 2025. I’m excited to offer up my Aubrey Greigh mystery, Dancing With Death. Pray for me, my friends!
By the way, here are a few comments from mystery readers about Dancing With Death:
This is your best yet. Very exciting. I actually gasped when I read that— (spoiler redacted!). – Julia S,
You really nailed the suspense, especially by including red herrings and plot twists. I like being reacquainted with Greigh and McQ, and became fond of the new characters too. Thought I would like ___, but … big plot twist there. I love Butler (Greigh’s automated apartment security system and confidante), especially that you gave him Sean Connery’s voice. And he could easily be set in present times. – Dawn S.
The novel moved at a good pace, was intriguing and engaging. I truly enjoyed it. – Judy R.
I like the concept, storyline and characters. An excellent read. Dialogue was also excellent as was pace, twists and turns. – Mark M.
All the double agents, various international agencies, and crime bosses were easy to follow, and added depth to the story. – Steve B,
Great job!! Thoroughly enjoyed the book/manuscript. I hope this one reaches the “Best Seller” list. – Tom K.
I have nothing but praise for your writing! – Dave K.
Blown away by your choice of words and character descriptions as well as their interactions with one another. – Judy H.
6. Saying Goodbye to a Dear Friend
One closing note: I’m not a huge fan of obituaries. This is an exception. Kay and I lost a precious friend and a great man this summer. Doug Olson was a decorated naval aviator, airline pilot, and a fearless fellow sailor. Fair winds and following seas, my friend. Captain Marti, our hearts ache for you, but it was time to make for the next port. For both of you, sweetie. We love you, Marti, and none of us will ever forget the skipper.
A man we were proud to call our precious friend.
Captain Marti and Doug a.k.a. the skipper
That’s it, mis compadres! So, until next time, and wherever….
Let’s roll!
Gene
Kay and I posed for this picture for our dual-purpose “cruising card.” We hand them out to new friends we meet on the road to stay in touch, and it’s also my business card. Ain’t that sweet?
P.S.
This quote resonated with me. I tend to embed contemporary social issues in my fiction. I’d like to think this makes my fiction more relevant and engaging to my readers.
Catch the latest Relevant Fiction podcastHERE or wherever you find your favorites. This episode features a behind-the-scenes peek at the newest Sam Travis Adventure, and reveals personal insights about investigating the real-world case upon which this pulse-pounding story is based.
That’s it for now from the foggy San Francisco Bay Area!
So, until next time, and wherever…
Gene
I’m excited to share with you our next Sam Travis Adventures. LETHAL TRAIL‘s Kindle edition is available for pre-order now. And our third Sam Travis Adventure, LETHAL BOUNTY, will be available early this Fall (2024)! If you haven’t boarded the Sam Travis train yet, all aboard!And look for their audiobook editions starting late 2024.
My writing partner, Tom Kasprzak, is the real-life version of Sam Travis. These adventures are ALL based on Tom’s actual case files during his storied 32-year career in law enforcement. And that makes these stories about as authentic as you’ll ever see. Yep, Tom’s the real deal, my friends.
May is a time for Spring renewal. Speaking of new things, Tom K and I have completed a new book for you!
LETHAL TRAIL is our next Sam Travis Adventure, and is available for pre-order at a discount NOW. Keep reading for an early peek at this wild new yarn.
Before Kay and I move on to Southern California mañana, I wanted to offer you a sample of what is to come at the end of May.
But first, take a look at the Arizona desert exploding into Springtime color:
Now, on to the business at hand.
This second Sam Travis Adventure will tear at your heartstrings and keep your pulse pounding. Why? Because Sam and his temporary FBI partner, behavioral analyst Agent Letty Mather, battle heinous villains as they come to the rescue of a vulnerable teenage girl.
You’ll marvel at how this could possibly be based on a true story from the case files of my writing partner, Lt. Tom Kasprzak (retired). But it is.
Most of the characters you met in LETHAL GAME are back. Some are deplorable as ever, some new ones are far worse, and some will win your loyalty all over again.
This is another fun but thought-provoking read that takes place in the picturesque Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts, and elsewhere.
A reminder that when a book is available for PRE-ORDER, that means you can order it now at a twenty percent discount, and it will automatically be delivered to all your smart devices at the end of our May countdown. On June 1, it just magically appears for your summertime reading enjoyment.
Keep pace with Sam Travis, his friends, and their enemies as they pursue or flee justice, respectively… and maybe lust for personal vindication… in LETHAL TRAIL – NO BODY IS SAFE, our next pulse-pounding Sam Travis Adventure.
Pre-order your Kindle edition HERE. Its paperback edition will be available in June.
One last thing. Check in on Sam right now out on “the A.T.” (the Appalachian Trail) as he gets down to business early on in the following excerpt from LETHAL TRAIL:
July 6, 1988
* * *
Sam’s boss, Lieutenant Paul O’Neill, asked the Massachusetts EPO Inland Enforcement Bureau dispatcher to patch him through to Travis’s radio in the field. “Sam, we got a missing through-hiker up on the AT. Missed a check-in with her husband two days ago.”
He was enjoying a peaceful ride up near the summit of October Mountain, keeping an eye out for post-holiday poachers. He had a plan to familiarize himself with a new trail cleared a few months ago under some recently erected power lines and towers. The shades of verdant green exploded around him on this brilliant summer day. Even so, a few leaves had dropped and swirled on the blacktop ahead of him. “Seriously, boss? Hikers go missing or are overdue all the time, especially on the AT.”
“Well, this gal’s husband says she’s as regular as the Naval Observatory’s Atomic Clock—his words. Plus, she’s some kind of heavyweight west coast doc. So’s her antsy husband.”
“Say, what? Why me?”
“Husband says she’s reliable, almost obsessive, and she’s never late. Says she’s really late. Coordinate with the Berkshire County State Trooper’s barracks. They’re the ones who asked for you.”
“Okay, yeah, that’d be Lieutenant Rick Smith. Helped him out a while back. Thinks I’m a tracker. On it.”
* * *
Regional EPO Office
Glenville, Massachusetts
Sam wondered how his desk could be so messy when he spent so little time here. Worked from home most of the time. Picked up the phone and dialed. “Lieutenant Smith, it’s Sam Travis. Got a ghost on the AT, I hear.”
“Sam! Hey, thanks for callin’. Gettin’ some major heat here. Doctor Mary Bishop, a through-hiker, disappeared in our neck a the woods at least a couple a days, now. She was last reported buying provisions three days ago—Sunday, over the holiday weekend—and then, nothin’. Hell, I’m not sure where to even start on somethin’ like this. Me ’n my troopers run damn fine speed traps, and got an outstanding record of workin’ with our county animal control at findin’ lost pets, but this?”
“Okay, LT. Tell me what you’ve done so far, and we’ll go from there. Fair enough?”
“The husband, Dr. Grant Bishop, flew into Pittsfield last night on a private charter from Albuquerque. He’s in the middle of some sort of speaking tour. The guy’s a mess, Sam. Up on Greylock, well, you know.”
“LT, from the beginning, okay?”
“Sure thing. Well, I had a couple of troopers hit grocery stores, outdoor supply stores, and trail outfitters in Williamstown. Branched out four miles from the local AT access point. We felt that would be about the maximum hikers would go out of their way. Showed each outfitter a picture of Dr. Bishop. One in Williamstown identified her. Picked up supplies totaling $153.22. Nothing out of the ordinary. The clerk said she was nice, relaxed, a gracious lady. Said she was headed south to hit Mount Greylock and looked forward to the hike. Used the pay phone outside according to the clerk. We believe she called her husband. The timeline matches. That’s it. Nothing since.””
The MSP lieutenant sounded exhausted and worried. “That’s a good start, LT. Nice work. I’ll drive up from Tyringham in the morning. Gotta tuck my kid in tonight, delegate some other business, and muster a few supplies in the morning. Get some sleep tonight, and we’ll hit it tomorrow. Meet you at your office, first light?”
* * *
Sam hung up and pulled a few topographical maps from his files. Williamstown nestled in the Berkshire County’s Hoosic River Valley near the Vermont border, highlands surrounded this village of a few thousand souls. At the northern end of the Massachusetts section of the trail, Mount Greylock loomed to the south on the topo map. With its summit at almost thirty-five-hundred feet, Greylock was the highest elevation in the state, and covered a lot of rugged square miles. But every search starts at one point—where the missing party was last seen.
***
If you enjoyed this excerpt from LETHAL TRAIL, grab your discounted pre-order price for its Kindle edition HERE. The book will then magically appear on your phone, tablet, or computer on June first. And another bonus is the excerpt of the third Sam Travis Adventure, LETHAL BOUNTY included at the end of your copy of LETHAL TRAIL.
I’m excited to share with you our next Sam Travis Adventures. LETHAL TRAIL‘s Kindle edition is available for pre-order now, and our third Sam Travis Adventure, LETHAL BOUNTY, will be available early this Fall (2024)! If you haven’t boarded the Sam Travis train yet, all aboard!And look for their audiobook editions starting late 2024.
My writing partner, Tom Kasprzak, is the real-life version of Sam Travis. These adventures are ALL based on Tom’s actual case files during his storied 32-year career in law enforcement. And that makes these stories about as authentic as you’ll ever see. Yep, Tom’s the real deal, my friends.
This winter has been a roller coaster ride, yet neither of us threw up! Not even once. Put Kay on a real coaster, however….
In this lifestyle issue:
Roughing It
Two New Books
RV Rally & Seminars
Maintenance of Animates & Inanimates
2024 Annual Voyager Flute Festival
1. Roughing It
Those of you who follow our misadventures on Facebook know Kay and I survived for three months this winter without refrigeration. But wait, you might ask, don’t you live in a camper? So, what’s the big deal?
Folks, we live in a motorhome, with emphasis on the syllable HOME. This is our only home. All the time. We are not camping at this stage of our lives. For those of you who are sticks-‘n-bricks dwellers, imagine no working refrigerator in your house for one-fourth of an entire YEAR. And then ask your question again.
Don’t get me wrong. We got by just fine. Borrowed an ice chest from our daughter Michelle (thanks, Hon) and fed it, on average, four sizable bags of ice per week to tuck around our food. One saving grace: our motorhome features a small chest freezer in the “basement” (accessible via storage-bay doors outside, below “the house”).
So I’d go “shopping” in the cooler and freezer outside, sometimes in the rain, often in rather cold weather, three times a day at mealtimes. And because we are a vegetarian and a vegan, we needed to shop for our bulky fresh organic produce every other day (ten miles into town). That became our routine. And it worked.
But imagine what a luxury it was when the parts finally arrived to repair our seven-month-old refrigerator/freezer! Yeah, kids, it’s the little things in life we take for granted that we shouldn’t!
Our 7-month-old fridge on the fritz crashed the party! Notice the blocks on top wedging it in place so it wouldn’t topple off this hydraulic cart. High design!
The parts came, and all was then right with the universe once more!
So, for 3+ months we “enjoyed” a non-working fridge/freezer plopped in the middle of our kitchen-slash-living room. Then, ahhhhhh….
2. Two New Books
Yup, it’s been a busy winter in addition to myriad distractions. Tom Kasprzak, my writing partner and I, cranked out two more exhilarating Sam Travis Adventures. Firing on all cylinders out here, kids. We’ll launch one this summer and another in the fall. Crazy, huh?
If you haven’t checked out book one of our Sam Travis series, clickHERE. Look for LETHAL TRAIL (book two) in late May or early June, and a few months later, LETHAL BOUNTY (book three). Our early (pre-publication) readers proclaim these are our best yet in this genre. Watch this space for these outdoor adventure stories that will keep you turning pages and staying up past your bedtime.
Grab your sneak peek at the cover art for both books below (from left to right: back cover, spine, and front cover of each):
Here’s a peek at one scene from LETHAL TRAIL:
May 20, 1988
Framingham, Massachusetts
* * *
Sam Travis hadn’t visited the Massachusetts Environmental Police Academy a half-hour west of Boston in years. But he was ordered to appear. He knew by whom and why. The academy’s commandant and he needed to finish something together. Trust didn’t come easy these days, not even within law enforcement. So they treated this like an off-the-books operation. Both knew how to do that all too well. But their unfinished business had nothing to do with the academy.
Travis hadn’t forgotten this place: the painted brick buildings, the sense of excitement and anticipation in the air… so thick he could almost smell it. If it hadn’t been for the discipline this place instilled in him, his life might have gone in a very different direction. Not a good one.
A gilded sign of gold, black, and green, with white letters near the facility’s entrance gate and guardhouse announced this was a military-style installation:
Environmental Police Academy
Framingham, Massachusetts
Some of the old-fashioned buildings on the campus looked even more old-fashioned with pillars and porches. Groups of cadets marched with drill instructors counting cadence. Memories—mostly pleasant—flooded Sam’s mind at the sights and sounds. How long had it been since he was a cadet? He felt as old as some of these structures. He’d dragged his mind and body down some hard roads since then. Approached an ordinary door on the main floor of the administration building. The sign on the door read:
Captain L. Jamison,
Academy Commandant
Sam knocked and entered the outer office. His smile was a mask to cover what was going on inside. What was his secretary’s name? He pretended he remembered until he got close enough to read the name plate on her desk. “Ellie, so good to see you again. Remember me?”
Ellie blushed. She had passed her prime a decade earlier, but she was still a beautiful woman and a force of nature. “Officer Travis, it’s good to see you, too.”
“I’d come around more often, but I’d hate to make your husband jealous.” He winked.
Ellie’s blush blossomed even as she smirked. “Like you have a shot, young man.”
They both chuckled. As expected. She said, “Go right in,” and she winked back at him. He shook his head from side to side. Too much woman for him, anyway.
One quick knock later, Sam swung open the door to Jamison’s office. “Sir.” Neither man smiled. They were about to discuss how they might bring down a corrupt federal agent from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, or USFWS—a fed—and likely another high-level conspirator or two in the bargain, maybe within their own organization, as well. Sam would do whatever it took to both disguise the venomous hatred he nurtured for both of these criminals, and to go to any lengths to see these dirtbags in prison, or preferably, in the ground. He ensured his neutral mask did not crack.
“Sit, Sam. Let’s get right to it. How the hell did Mason slip away?”
***
Look for LETHAL TRAIL Early Summer 2024
And how about the first historical scene from LETHAL BOUNTY
(before the story jumps forward to 1989):
Charlestown, Massachusetts
June 17, 1775
Ankle-deep in the blood of their dead and dying compatriots, he and his aide crouched behind a redoubt—one of the earthen barriers his men had hastily constructed on the ridges during the night. Still visible through the dense clouds of smoke in the stagnant air that stung their eyes and burned their lungs, the sun now hung high in the early afternoon sky. It was an otherwise brilliant day.
Despite an incessant hail of musket balls, they bobbed their heads up to risk yet another glance down the hill from their impromptu command post at the advancing British troops. The redcoats were at least double their own numbers, and possessed superior training. Ten yards away with fire in their eyes, the reckless British bastards leapt over mounds of their fallen and advanced with ruthless abandon. Like they have for the last six-and-a-half hours. These were battle-hardened professional soldiers of the realm. The young colonel now doubted the wisdom of holding these hills against such a force with the now-dying or already dead farmers and shopkeepers in his own ranks. This is madness.
Most of his troops, twelve-hundred strong at the onset, were raw civilians, but harbored a passion for freedom from the oppressive Crown. That passion pounded in their hearts. Those who still lived, anyway. While this battle had only been joined at sunrise this day, they were now thrust into the third bloody month of this brutal siege on their own city. They fought to take back their own neighborhoods, their own homes. The new Continental Army dared not relent as long as their families and friends remained in the clutches of tyrants. Worse, the Crown’s considerable occupying force now terrorized all of Boston, Middlesex County, and beyond. He shouted over the din of musket fire, now growing more sporadic from their side, “Lads, they’ve already paid dearly, far more than we. In the future, they’ll think twice before—”
“Sir, sorry to interrupt,” his aide gasped. “Runners are reporting in. Squad leaders report their surviving men have little or no powder remaining. What are your orders, sir?” The aide stood shoulder-to-shoulder with one of the runners. The runner’s face of crimson blinked against the blood dripping from his brow into his eyes.
Colonel William Prescott was a man of action, and valor, but also of conscience. He nodded as he wiped the sweat from his brow and addressed his fanatically loyal aide, “The rest of our militia dies here along with General Warren and the others if we do not now retreat. You’ve done well, boys.” He glanced around at his youthful command staff that had mustered in haste. “They’ll not soon forget this battle here atop Breed’s and Bunker.” Then, to the runner and to his aide, “It is time to muster elsewhere and abandon these wretched mounts to the King’s ruffians. Order retreat.”
His aide saluted. “Yes, sir.” At that moment, the left side of his aide’s face disappeared into a pink mist.
***
Look for LETHAL BOUNTY Fall 2024
3. RV Rally & Seminars
I presented two writing/publishing seminars at the 106th FMCA (Family MotorCoach Association) International Convention in Perry, Georgia a year ago. They asked me to return to do the same at their 108th Convention. That’s one of the reasons we’re now here in Tucson. This rally was smaller than Perry. “Only” 1,200 RVs here vs over 3,000 in Perry. A helluva lot of fun and a beautiful desert venue.
No way I was ever gonna FILL this huge room. Grateful for every attendee. Tried out a new seminar on how to craft the classic mystery. I enjoyed meeting and hosting a small but very interested group of attendees.
4. Maintenance: Animates & Inanimates
Moving from city to city makes it a challenge to not outrun healthcare. So, we go like hell to get all our doc appointments, tests, eye exams, and hearing aid appointments in before we move on. Same with motorhome “health care.” Biggest issue here is waiting on parts. Yup, both animates (us) and inanimates (our motorhome) require regular care and feeding.
Kay found some doctors here in Tucson she really likes, and as a disabled vet, I’m able to leverage Veteran’s Affairs here (and elsewhere). If they can’t help me on some specialty, they refer me to a local civilian medical facility they trust. Good healthcare here, and more accessible than Florida.
Northwest Medical Center Houghton, Tucson, AZ, one example of good healthcare (our benchmark is still the Mayo Clinic in our hometown of Rochester, Minnesota)
Finding an RV service center we trust AND can fit us in is always a challenge on the road. We needed oil/filter changes on both the main engine and the generator. We also needed the chassis lubed (pretty important on a 40,000-pound bus), the rooftop A/Cs and diesel boiler serviced, rooftop caulking inspected (since I’m no longer allowed “up there” after my fall two+ years ago, now), a bathroom fan replaced (as stuff ages out, we replace it), and a few other tidbits (aren’t there always other tidbits?).
Our trusty old bus at Freedom RV, Tucson (a Newmar Platinum service center)
Then, there’s waxing, going to a local Jack Furrier Tires for four new tires on the drive axle in a week or so, and we will outrun one part we couldn’t get in time (one of five heat exchangers for the furnace), so we’ll get that done in the San Francisco area where we’ll stop for a few weeks (Petaluma). It never ends. Keeps life interesting.
5. 2024 Annual Voyager Flute Festival
The season is winding down here. Another reason we’re in Tucson this time of year is the Annual Flute Festival organized by my friend Paul Surhoff at the Voyager RV Resort. This festival draws talent from all over the Southwest, and is an annual celebration of music and heritage of our country’s indigenous peoples and their culture (the rest of us are just immigrants!). I am enamored of the Native earth “religions” (they merely think of considerately connecting with all that is around us, including each other). This remains their proud heritage.
We enjoyed being entertained by an award-winning flautist, vocalist, and storyteller, Shelly Morningsong and her talented husband Fabian Fontenelle. They’ve been performing traditional Zuni/Omaha dances and playing traditional music since they were children. Shelly and Fabian still live in Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, celebrating the tribe’s traditional lifestyle every day, and they travel to entertain and educate.
The audio isn’t great, but what a feast for the senses! If this interests you, check out Shelly’s website in the link above (click on her name). She offers CDs of their music as well as her own custom Native clothing & accessories, all handmade. A delightful couple, Shelly and Fabian. And their performance is so… atmospheric.
And then there’s JP Gomez, a talented young man who’s been through so much, expressing and healing himself through his flute music. Says it transports him. JP is also a talented flute maker.
That’s it! So, until next time, and wherever….
Let’s roll!
Gene
A blast from the past – after retirement but before I gave up my “stuck-in-the-sixties” persona (and before I lost 65 pounds).
P.S.
Oh, allow me to share a recent watercolor painting I’m rather proud of as I seek to rediscover my neglected painting skills. Below is a street scene from the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia in the Windward Island chain a few hundred miles off the coast of Venezuela and Trinidad. Kay and I sailed through there many years ago with our dear friends Doug and Marti. A wonderful memory. I’m striving to achieve a loose but vibrant painting style (yeah, I have a long way to go):
They say you’re healthier if you are driven by purpose. Not to an unhealthy extent, of course, like me, maybe? It’s not as if I have a choice, even though I tell myself I do… at 5 AM each and every morning as I pound away on my laptop!
Reflecting on 2023, like all of you, I’m sure, Kay and I have spun through a tornado of activity this past year. And we’re just an old “retired” couple (fifteen years, now)! Let’s see….
In this issue (a gaggle of short cameos):
Condo Gone
RV Rally
Motorhome Facelift
Minnesota Summer
South Dakota Residents. What!
Month in Yellowstone
Arizona Winter
This Writer’s Continuing Education
1st Sam Travis Adventure
2nd Aubrey Greigh Mystery
Thanksgiving Up North
New Flutes
Character-Building Exercise
Moving On
Artificial Intelligence Rant
Writer’s Competition
Book Sale
1. Condo Gone
Well, we sold our lovely Southwest Florida home of twenty-two years in March and moved into our beloved bus to continue pursuing our dream as full-time itinerant land-yacht voyagers.
We’ve been indulging in this lifestyle three-quarter-time for eight years already, having lived in 42 states for a few weeks to a few months at a time.
It hasn’t been all that difficult moving from a 2,000-square-foot condo to a 300 square-foot home on wheels, but we do miss our Florida friends and neighbors. However, we’re now making lots of new friends and refreshing old friendships out here on the road, as they say.
2. RV Rally
Kay and I attended America’s largest RV rally in Perry, Georgia . 3,500 RVs in attendance with at least twice that many people at the Georgia State Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia.
Quite a party!
I presented a series of writing/publishing seminars and sold a few books, too. It was not only a party.
3. Motorhome Facelift
Visited our motorhome manufacturer’s factory service center in Indiana.
Had a new residential refrigerator/freezer installed in the bus, plus they addressed a host of other preventative maintenance items for us
While our motorhome was being worked on in Indiana, we bolted across the border up to Ontario in the Jeep to visit friends. We were close enough to Niagara Falls that we just had to stop and take a look. The horseshoe falls on the Canadian side. The American falls as viewed from the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Too cold in March to get down onto the water, though.
4. Minnesota Summer
Our lovely granddaughter ready for the prom!
Graduation day for Ionee. Standing on her brothers, Isaiah and Beau.
Spent an utterly delightful summer in beautiful Rochester, Minnesota, our home town, with family and friends.
We were fortunate to bear witness to our granddaughter’s senior prom and graduation.
5. South Dakota Home?
New plates for both the motorhome and the “toad” (towed vehicle–or Jeep Grand Cherokee).
One more visit to Rushmore!
We changed our “state of domicile” (new drivers’ licenses, vehicle registrations, license plates, voter registration, mail forwarding service) from Florida to South Dakota.
Not that we plan to live there any time soon. Zero income tax state, and they only require us to spend one day in-state every five years (to renew our drivers’ licenses). Everything else (vehicle registrations, plates, voter registration, etc.) we can do via mail. AND it’s a darn nice state.
6. Almost a Month in Yellowstone
Spent almost a month exploring Yellowstone Park (Kay was in heaven, I captured some great images),
Old Faithful.
Mama and baby elk scurrying away from the damn tourists.
7. Arizona Winter
Hiking in Red Rock country near SedonaLake Powell (Wahweap Campground on tribal lands)Kay and I rented a boat on Lake Powell and cruised some great slot canyons… some at speed!Lunch aboard “our” 23′ boat in Antelope Canyon on Lake Powell. Our ninety-foot pull-through at Val Vista Village in Mesa, AZ, our home for the last three months. Off to Voyager RV Resort south of Tucson in the morning to start the new year rolling down the big slab.
8. This Writer’s Continuing Education
I attended a delightfulWriter’s Digest University’sAnnual Conference on Writing Historical Fiction. This was a fascinating collection of speakers who offered some great tips on research, period characterization, and a variety of other historical fiction-writing subjects.
Old joke: What do you call someone who speaks three languages? Try-lingual. How about someone who speaks two languages? Bi-lingual. And someone who only speaks one language? An American. Why do I bring this up? Because I bought into a lifetime subscription ofBabbel, the popular language education program. I have access to all language learning courses. Right now, however, Español is kicking my butt. I’ll get there. My objective is to write a short story in continental Spanish. Maybe a few poems, too. Crazy, huh?
9. First Sam Travis Adventure
Finished writing and published the first book in my Sam Travis Outdoor Adventure Series,Lethal Game at the end of July with my collaborator and friend, Lt. Tom Kasprzak, a retired Massachusetts Environmental Police Officer. And we’re putting the finishing touches on the second exciting book in this series, Lethal Trail, which should be out a week or three after the new year.
Coming January 2024
10. 2nd Aubrey Greigh Mystery
The second Aubrey Greigh Mystery’s audiobook edition
The first Aubrey Greigh Mystery’s audiobook edition
I published my second Aubrey Greigh Mystery,Dancing With Death (Sept. 2023), in print and ebook editions (free in Kindle Unlimited), and its audiobook edition (self-narrated) this month. I now have two audiobooks published: Voodoo Vendetta and Dancing With Death.
Give them a listen on Audible, Amazon, or iTunes! And don’t forget to leave a review! Please?
11. Thanksgiving Up North
From right to left, my little brother, Rod, my big sister, Carol, and Rod’s wife, Carolyn. Yeah, that’s me on the left.
Flew to Minnesota for Thanksgiving when we reaffirmed our deepest love of our family, including a heart-glowing family reunion, staying at our dear friend’s beautiful home in their absence (thank you, Nola & Robert!).
Even though we love summers “up north,” we reaffirmed Minnesota in the winter is not for us, even though we grew up there!
Unfortunately, Kay came down with one heck of a cold, so I represented us at a family reunion.
Net: we LOVE Minnesota! In the summer!
12. New Flutes
I’m within spitting distance of finishing two new Native American style flutes, both new designs I’ve struggled with (my first “big bore” flutes, that is, with a. bore diameter larger than one inch), including my first-ever double flute. Designed and worked on these in the woodshop at Val Vista Village in Mesa, AZ. I’ll finish them after we move down to Tucson (tomorrow). I’ll finish tuning, woodburning, and a few coats of varnish, inside and out.
The double flute (on the left) is a low E. The single on the right, a HUGE square bore at 1-7/16″ is a low C, actually my prototype for the double flute you see here. It took some trial and error to place the finger holes on the prototype which aided in placing the holes on the double. Also note the single flute’s the finger holes are not in a straight line–they are custom-placed for my playing style. A flute this large requires the finger holes to be placed farther apart. Not an easy instrument to play, but its throaty tone is magical. Yeah, I focused more on sound than appearance… so far, at least.
Of the seventeen flutes now in my quiver, I purchased numbers 1 & 12-17. I handcrafted numbers 2-11. Numbers 10-13 are “rim-blown” flutes and are difficult to play (well), including my composite Japanese Shakuhachi Yuu (number 13). \ I modeled the two black flutes (10 & 11) from “urban ebony” (PVC pipe). They are of an ancient Anasazi design and tuning, circa 620-670 CE. I thought it an amusing anachronism to craft the oldest known musical instruments in North America out of a modern material like PVC. Yes, I amuse easily.
13. Character-Building Exercise
As I have described for some of you on Facebook, our seven-month-old refrigerator/freezer failed while we were in Minnesota for Thanksgiving, and we’ve been living out of a cooler for the last month. Could be several more weeks before parts (new compressor, etc.) catch up with us after we move to Tucson. This has been an adventure in attitude, and we’re doing just fine living out of a cooler and small “basement” freezer in the motorhome.
We were getting around this monster sitting in the middle of our living area, but had to just have it reinstalled so we can roll down the road and wait for parts to catch up with us. It’ll get uninstalled again next Tuesday in Tucson so yet another Whirlpool tech can (re)diagnose and (re)order parts (yup, another 4-6 week lead time!). Couldn’t use the parts already ordered in Mesa… “unfortunately, per Whirlpool warranty protocol.” I keep repeating my mantra: “the difference between ordeal and adventure is attitude.” Ommmmmmmm…..The Arizona Newmar (our motorhome brand) mobile tech reinstalling our NOT-WORKING fridge so we can roll down the road from Mesa to Tucson, Arizona. We SHOULD have parts before the beginning of the next millennia. Apparently, Whirlpool must manufacture the replacement compressor, and they’re waiting for a sufficient demand to justify a manufacturing run (partly speculation on my part… I DO write fiction!).
Yeah, that’s me “shopping” for our breakfast ingredients in the cooler outside before sunrise, or dinner goods after sunset. At least I don’t need my headlight to “shop” for luncheon groceries!
We don’t need no stinkin’ fridge in the house! Thankfully, we have a borrowed cooler (thanks, Michelle) and a freezer (right). We’re getting pretty good at buying ice for the cooler and swapping out “blue ice” to/from the freezer.
14. Moving On
Now, we’re winding up the last twelve hours of a three-month stay at the gorgeous amenity-rich Val Vista Villages in Mesa, Arizona on New Years Eve. My favorite amenity is the state-of-the-art woodshop. I come to Mesa to build flutes.
It’s rained just three times here in three months. This is what just a quarter-inch of rain does for the street in front of our site.
If you are of a mind to share in my latest rant of what I call Relevant Fiction, read on to the next section, brave soul….
15. Artificial Intelligence Rant
Artificial Intelligence? Computer generated- or enhanced-images? Sci-Fi come to life? Again? So what?
My latest novel, Dancing With Death, explores the pervasive use of AI & CG, but unlike the tired tropes of Terminator tech, or yet another take-over-the-world phenomenon, I’m distressed by what’s become a boring crutch to the entertainment industry (amidst mass mayhem and murder, of course) that exploits writers, artists, and actors while robbing viewers and readers of solid plots, fascinating characters, and authentic sets.
AI & CGI are dumbing us down!
Having just released the audiobook edition of “Dancing With Death,” I thought it might be appropriate to share with you the audio of my “Author’s Note” here within the audiobook’s closing credits. If it would amuse you, check it out below and do let me know your reaction.
And if you’d like to hear me really butcher a few different characters’ voices (yes, I am the voice artist), click play below, if you dare, and then wait for it….):
So, I had hoped to offer you the published audiobook edition of Dancing With Death before Christmas; however, a few RV snags along the way delayed me by a couple of weeks. It is now available. As always, I’d love to know what you think of the production (I’m becoming more efficient at recording and editing, but these audiobook projects still consume a ton of time and energy. If any of you are audio engineers and/or stage performers, you get it!
16. Writer’s Competition
While I have not focused on adding literary credentials to my name as an author in the past, I figured it was time to head in that direction. Toward that end, I threw my hat in the ring in a personal essay competition. You know, by starting small. Hopefully, I’ll hear how my entry fared before I die (time elapsed on these things drives me crazy). I should know by mid-January after submitting last October.
In the meantime, are you feeling bold enough to watch me bare my soul for all to see? If so, take a gander at this short essay, my submission I call Confessions of a Compulsive Believer. Just click once anywhere inside the box below and you’ll be able to scroll down to continue reading—if you dare:
Call me crazy, but I’ve lowered the price of all my books as low as they can go. That means $2.99 for every one of my ebooks, and a few pennies above printing and fulfillment costs on all my paperbacks. I have less control on audiobook prices, but consider visiting my Amazon author page and do a little post-holiday browsing.
My current best-sellers.
And these aren’t far behind.
As Toby Stiler in the Dancing With Death audio clip above might say, stay in touch, for cryin’ out loud, will ya?
That’s it! So, until next time, next year, and wherever…
Let’s roll!
Gene
Grinnin’ in “the studio” (inside the motorhome) cookin’ up audiobooks AND podcasts… wherever we park the rig, while still finding time to “retire” and suck the juice out of every single day (and out of my newish MacBook Pro M3 that’s getting the workout of its young life)!
Brand new release! My first audiobook edition, first of many, the Great Pumpkin willing.
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Listen up! You ask for audiobooks? I listen. Now, so can you.
Keep reading for a special offer!
I’m on fire, kids! Less than three weeks since releasing Dancing With Death, and less than seven weeks since publishingLethal Game, I bring you the AUDIOBOOK edition of my first Aubrey Greigh murder mystery Voodoo Vendetta on Audible.
And yes, I’m already recording the audiobook edition of my 2nd Aubrey Greigh Mystery: Dancing With Death (hopefully done before Christmas 2023).
Now the offer I hinted at above:
Already an Amazon Prime member? Get TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS on Audible! Why not make Voodoo Vendetta your first?
Afteryour two free titles, whether you’re Prime or not, get your own super Audible membership deal for just $5.95/mo for FOUR MONTHS (best deal ever).
Then, your membership is just $14.95/month for continued access to thousands of audiobooks.
Plus, they toss me a few bucks if you join Audible usingTHIS AFFILIATE LINK(enough to pay for a few gallons of diesel, anyway, for Miss Kay’s and my home on wheels).
But now, I also desperately need reviews!
So… take pity on a starving vagabond author-slash-voice artist? Get the book, listen to it, andlet me know what you thought of my star-studded performance!
Still not sure? Listen to this sample of Voodoo Vendetta and decide:
You can snag a different audio sample by following THIS LINK (click on “sample” right under the cover art). Now available from Audible, Amazon, and soon from Apple iTunes. Ya know, I think I’m getting the hang of this stuff!
By the way,Voodoo Vendetta is composed of ninety-one two-to-fourteen-minute chapters (equivalent to 422 pages in its paperback edition). Total listening time: ten hours, fourteen minutes. Nicely digested a few chapters at a time, or a lot more in one sitting if you’re punishing yourself with a marathon cross-country drive and need to stay awake! Or walking and listen while you exercise.
That’s it. Now, you know what this old vagabond has been up to for the last several weeks (besides publishing two more novels, well into drafting two more, entering a personal essay competition, traveling through South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, communing in the Navajo-Yavapai Nation, and now wandering the Arizona desert en route to the Phoenix area for a few months (Mesa) before we meander farther south down Tucson way after New Years.
Oh, and we’re flying back to Minnesota for Thanksgiving.
Never a dull moment in this old folks’ rolling home, our beloved eight-wheeled touring wagon (plus, our four-wheel-drive “toad,” a.k.a. the Jeep we call “Gypsy”).
Big fun, right?
Stay in touch, for cryin’ out loud, will ya?
That’s it! So, until next time, and wherever…
Let’s roll!
Gene
Grinnin’ in “the studio” (inside the motorhome) cookin’ up audiobooks AND podcasts… wherever we park the rig, while still finding time to “retire” and suck the juice out of every single day (and out of my newish MacBook Pro that’s getting the workout of its life)!
Plus, for the first time, I’m making one of my novels available in Amazon’sKindle Unlimited program. That means if you’re a KU subscriber, you can read this new book for free.
Pre-order now, and get this new mystery/thriller delivered to your devices automatically on September 11th. Its paperback edition will be available then, too.
Early readers are loving this book. Here’s what they‘re saying:
This is your best yet. Very exciting. I actually gasped whenI read that— (spoiler redacted)! – Julia S,
You really nailed the suspense, especially by including red herrings and plot twists. I like getting reacquainted with Greigh and McQ, and became fond of the new characters, too. Thought I would like ___ (spoiler redacted), but … big plot twist there. I love Butler, Greigh’s automated apartment security system and confidante, especially that you gave him Sean Connery’s voice. – Dawn S.
The novel moved at a good pace, was intriguing and engaging. I truly enjoyed it. – Judy R.
I like the concept, storyline and characters. An excellent read. Dialogue was also excellent as were pace, twists and turns. – Mark M.
All the double agents, various international agencies, and crime bosses were easy to follow, and added depth to the story. – Steve B,
Great job!! Thoroughly enjoyed the book. I hope this one reaches the “Best Seller” list. – Tom K.
I have nothing but praise for your writing! – Dave K.
Blown away by your choice of words and character descriptions as well as their interactions with one another. – Judy H.
By the way, I narrated and produced the following 3-minute audio trailer (short marketing description) of my Aubrey Greigh Mystery series to date, just for you. It includes a description of this new book. I also composed the music for this piece. Here’s hoping you enjoy it:
2. New Travel Adventures on the Yellowstone Plateau
Hard to believe we’ve been in West Yellowstone, Montana for almost a week, already. At 6,700 feet, this elevation takes some getting used to as I’m prone to hypoxia. I guess I need more oxygen than most.
Kay discovered this charming little 25-site RV park that’s owned and run by a family who also owns and operates this small tourist town’s IMAX theater (our park is right behind the theater). The place is always full.
The back of the IMAX Theater in front of our RV park (“Buffalo Crossing”) in West Yellowstone, Montana
Our bus tucked in the middle of the back row by the trees.
We’re spending three weeks here, so we can take our time to acclimate, and visit the park at our leisure. Right now, we’re enjoying this charming little town. And yeah, we’ll hit Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, maybe the Lamar Valley, etc. We have time.
Last week, we attended a local art festival in the town park called the “Wretched Mess Arts Fest.” I really enjoyed the chalk art competition (while Kay played with everyone’s dogs). Check it out:
I love the paint brush in the Bison’s teeth! I found the 3D effect startling.
Who doesn’t love 3D art created in a 2 dimensional medium?
So, we’re hunkered down in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, near the west gate of “the park,” (red circle to the left below) as Yellowstone is referred to here.
A few pics from Mammoth Hot Springs (red circle upper center above):
A young elk and Mom avoid the tourists (like us).
What do you see in this formation? I see a bearded old wizard with a midieval serf’s hat smirking at me. But his hat has eyes, too!
And last night, we ventured out to the Playmill Theater in town to see the last live performance of one of our favorite plays–Foreigner.
We saw this performed a few years ago in Cedar City, Utah, during their incredible Shakespeare Festival.Foreigner was one of the funniest stage performances we’ve ever seen.
The performance was a delight. And we loved their vegan ice cream during intermission (the actors served everyone concessions in our seats!).
In this debut episode of my new podcast, “Relevant Fiction: Stories with a Conscience,” I interview the real-life incarnation of my new book’s central character, Sam Travis. Lieutenant Tom Kasprzak (retired) is a guy you’ll want to meet. Lethal Game is the first in our new outdoor adventure series, available now.
In this episode, Tom describes what it’s REALLY like to be an undercover environmental cop, not to mention how dangerous that job was, and why illegal harvesting of wildlife is a global criminal enterprise involving some of the most unscrupulous characters on the planet.
You’ll also better understand why such a criminal enterprise is not only dangerous, but an unconscionable crime against nature. Scary and heartrending stuff that makes for entertaining fiction!
Meet “LT,” the real-world version of Sam Travis in Lethal Game.
If you haven’t already caught this episode (it’s free), check it out on one of the following podcast platforms:
In future episodes, I’ll explore compelling & socially relevant issues in some of my other books, as well as those of other authors. The common theme: social relevancy.
I’m putting the finishing touches on recording and editing my first-ever self-narrated audiobook, the first in my Aubrey Greigh Mystery Series. What an incredible adventure! And it’s not over yet.
I’m targeting availability of Voodoo Vendetta’s audiobook edition before Christmas, hopefully in November. Still too many unknowns to be more precise than that.
This has been (and still is) a gargantuan learning journey. For most of you, I imagine your eyes will glaze over. If that’s you (and that’s okay!), feel free to skip this section. But at least be aware of all that’s involved in producing an audiobook, and appreciate the challenge. Read on if you suffer from morbid curiosity.
You’ll see in a moment why it would reasonably cost $2,000 to $4,000 per book if I were to hire this out instead of doing it myself. At industry-standard rates of $265 – $400 PFH (per finished hour) to hire a narrator and to produce an audiobook, with my book’s finished runtime (average time to listen to the finished product) in the neighborhood of 8 hours, 16 minutes, this book would have cost me $2,100 to $3,300 to hire out (text prep, voice recording, audio editing, proofing, audio mastering, and distribution), and likely a lot more when all is said and done. Times ten books? So, sweat equity, it is!
Messy and kludgy “studio” in our motorhome’s bedroom, right? Well, I don’t need a sophisticated (and costly) audio recording studio with fancy fixtures that would cost $50-$60 per hour (national average). All I need is some good-quality portable gear, a lot of time to research, record, edit, and a SUSTAINED kick-ass attitude to do what needs to be done. Screw the aesthetics! Although I have upgraded to a high quality boom arm for my microphone since I snapped this photo. That makes longer recording sessions a lot more comfortable. My 8-channel Yamaha mixing “board” provides “phantom power” to the microphone, enables various “effects” that I use for recording my flute and guitar music, and is the all-important analog-to-digital interface between microphone and computer. I also monitor sound levels coming into the microphone through the “pre-amps” in both the mike and the board with meters on the board so as not to cause unwanted distortion. A precarious balancing act to ensure my voice is loud enough but not too loud. The big plug (upper left) is the XLR (pro-caliber) plug from the microphone (yup, for audiobook recording, I only use one channel on this board). So, sound goes from my voice into the mike to the board to the computer and into the DAW (see below). Simple, right? (sorry about the poor-quality photo above). The nerve center of my “studio,” my MacBook Pro M1 with a solid state (ultra-quiet) drive (storage), is one helluva machine. Runs my DAW (Digital Audio Workstation software = Audacity). I keep a separate file for my production schedule and to-do list for each audiobook project (I currently have two book recording projects underway), and a very specific workflow to manage the various versions of thousands of files (yup, thousands) as I launch a separate audiobook project for each of my ten titles (roughly 500 files per book). No problem at all with some try/fail cycles, and a pant-load of can-do attitude.
I confess that between learning, repeated equipment tear-downs & set-ups (every time we move the bus), recording, and editing, I already have invested more than two months of solid effort on this side-hustle (maybe two or three hundred hours? More? Doesn’t matter. It’s a(nother) quest).
The second book will go much faster as I gain experience and sort out how to automate some of the tedious editing operations I now perform manually.
Here’s just a high-level snapshot of the talent, time, attitude, technical skills and equipment required to produce an audiobook, and I’m now on the home stretch withVoodoo Vendetta‘s audiobook edition):
A “voice-over artist” (narrator) must perform every word, every pause, every inflection:
Choosing what each character and their attitude will sound like
Deciding when it’s appropriate for a sharp intake of breath, or gasp, or chuckle… and when those need to be edited out
Emulating each voice consistently throughout the entire book
Making each character “sound right” and unique in the context of the story
Switching smoothly between male and female voices while embodying the guts of each character in the sound of their (my) voice
Pronouncing and consistently sustaining dialects, both foreign and regional domestic
Pronouncing foreign words and accents appropriately (or not)
Representing the dramatic intent of each character’s voice
Knowing when to use pauses (and sensing how long should they be),
Using voice inflections and “verbal sound effects” (like the sound of gunshots or the click of a phone hanging up) without sounding corny and consistent with the characters’ roles in the story, as well as the setting for each scene
Adapting every word in the manuscript (script prep) to this spoken medium (I obviously don’t speak words like “he pronounced it as….” because I AM pronouncing it)
Effective and efficient file management: creating and managing (storing and keeping track of) one audio file for each of:
The cover art with its specific requirements, including its square 2400 x 2400-pixel dimension (different from rectangular ebook or print requirements)
The book’s trailer (short audio description for marketing purposes)
91 recorded chapters for Voodoo Vendetta (one audio file for each chapter)
Audio ending credits (“The End,” you’ve just listened to, by author, & narrator was, source copyright year, production copyright year, etc.)
A project file on the computer for each of these to be processed by the editing software (Logic Pro, Studio One, Reaper… these are all overkill for audiobook production. I use Audacity for voice and GarageBand for music)
All of these files comprise many raw gigabytes of computer storage (a LOT) for each project that is recorded over WEEKS. So, ensuring I don’t lose or misplace any of these files, or clog up my computer, requires a reliable cloud account (stored outside my own computer in “the cloud” and accessible from anywhere).
File and version management: I have at least five versions of each file (i.e., each chapter):
An Audacity project file (AUP3 format) used by the DAW (editing software)
Rough draft in WAV audio file format (very large uncompressed file with best quality for editing)
Intermediate draft in WAV audio format (after all the time-consuming editing is done, but before compression & final audio diagnostics are complete)
Final WAV audio format (after all diagnostic tests are completed and inevitable errors are corrected in each file, but before compression and final mastering)
Final MP3 (compressed and fully mastered) audio format (required format by audiobook distributors). Oh, and did I mention these distributors require this conversion to be saved with their own very specific “resolution” at a constant bit rate of 192 kilobits per second? Yeah, you don’t wanna know.
I then need to track which files have been uploaded to the audiobook distributor, and after a final “listen,” (“proof”) which will need to be re-uploaded because of character voice inconsistencies or something (anything) else that just doesn’t sound right
Naming each recorded chapter to both recognize what’s in the file and what order it must be in
If I didn’t have a PRECISE workflow to manage over five hundred files and all these different versions, just for this one book, can you imagine the chaos?
Now multiply that for the ten books I wish to record. that’s over five thousand files in multiple formats (!) for various purposes. Oh, baby!
Technical audio quality requirements, especially since my own hearing is no longer what it once was, and what the diagnostic software analyzes after rough editing is complete (this is called “mastering”):
ALL tracks for a particular project (audiobook) need to be either mono or stereo, NOT a mixture of both
Peak volume (the loudest allowed) = -3.0dB (a measure of loudness (for example, -2.0dB, or deciBels, is too loud, and will be rejected)
Noise “floor”, also called “room tone” (requirements for the purity of silence) must be less than -60dB. That’s REALLY QUIET, which means I need to record in a very quiet room
Average volume (“RMS”) – not too loud (must be less than -18dB) nor too soft (must be greater than -23dB) – average between those two volumes across the entire file, AND consistent BETWEEN files (i.e., chapters)
Precise requirements for the duration of “room tone” at the:
beginning (“head”) of each chapter (between 0.5 & 0.75 seconds)
end (“tail”) of each chapter (between 2.5 & 5.0 seconds)
One dimension of how the mike’s sound is converted from analog (real-world) to digital (computer-world) is called a sample rate. Must be 44,100 samples per second during this conversion process (a compromise between file size and sound quality – beyond that, don’t ask!)
Equipment & environment (including recording location) and attitude necessary to achieve the desired/required audio quality across the entire project:
Soft surfaces in the recording “booth” that don’t reflect sounds which produce an unpleasant hollow effect (and doing whatever it takes to achieve this, no matter how silly it might seem to earthlings – that’s the attitude part): pillows, towels, clothes….
A good-quality large-diaphragm condenser microphone (pro-caliber) mounted on a boom arm that allows me to position the “mike” or “mic” precisely in front of my mouth – slightly above (an important factor often underrated or ignored). This was an important lesson for me that included lots of do-overs
An interface that converts the mike’s analog (real-world) signal into a digital (computer-understandable) form and allows me to control the “shape” of the sound before it’s sent to the computer in digital format (volume, gain, compression, effects, etc). Mine’s called a “mixer” or “board”
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), a computer program that receives (records) and processes (allows me to edit or to perform some automated editing) the volume & sound of my voice in a digital form from the mixer that can then be made available to consumers by audiobook distributors (Audible, Apple, Findaway Voices, Soundwise, etc,)
This DAW (I’m using an open-source program called Audacity, popular in the production of audiobooks) also allows me to edit what I’ve recorded:
Eliminating me clearing my throat, lip-smacking, adjusting the length of pauses in my narration, listening to what I’ve recorded, adjusting volume, compressing, equalizing (“changing” & “shaping” the sound), converting my recordings from very high quality (but very large files) to very good quality compressed file formats (reasonable-size files required by audiobook distributors).
And the DAW must ensure technical consistency across all my chapters.
Using diagnostic software (multiple programs) to ensure that each file (across a hundred Voodoo Vendetta’s chapters, front matter & back matter files) consistently meets the precise technical requirements demanded by each audiobook distributor. I must run each of these hundred audio files through each of these diagnostic programs, and correct any deficiencies in meeting these technical requirements. Remember? Noise floor, average volume, peak volume, duration of lead-ins, lead-outs, etc)?
So what does all this mean? This was a fabulous learning experience, and takes me back to my roots as a recording engineer ~fifty years ago. Unimaginable how much has changed since then, but I’m finding this immersive experience a lot of fun.
And many of you have asked for audiobook editions. So, here we are!
Plus, this is an important reminder that “engineering,” even audio engineering, is a precise profession. For a reason. Just to bring you a pleasing audiobook experience. So you don’t have to worry about all this crap, or even be aware of it.
To achieve all this while living on the road, though, my motorhome’s bedroom becomes my “studio recording booth,” on demand, and a lot is makeshift. That requires the right can-do attitude.
I open mirrored closet doors to expose all the soft clothes hanging inside, and I hang a soft terrycloth towel over the hardwood bedroom door. The kingsize bed remains unmade (ruffled). I stand pillows up behind my microphone. Why?
Because soft and irregular surfaces absorb undesirable sound reflections. That’s good. That means killing subtle or not-so-subtle sound echoing around as it’s recorded to avoid the dreaded hollow (thin) sound. You might not even notice it, but the microphone will.
After all, I don’t want my recordings to sound like I’m sitting on a toilet in tiled (echoey) bathroom! Not very professional (try to unsee THAT image in your mind’s eye).
Some audio sins can be absolved in “post-production,” that is, I can edit out some sound problems in the DAW after I’m done recording, but that takes time, and just doesn’t sound as good.
But you knew all of this, right? Thank the universe within which you hatched that you don’t have to if you didn’t. You see, the world needs geeks like me for SOME stuff! Even when it’s self-induced.
But if you know me, you know I’m a control freak. ‘Nuf said?
Okay, so here’s where we REALLY dive down the rabbit hole. Feel free to skip the following, but some of you will find this audio engineering stuff perversely fascinating, if even just to superficially browse so you can delight in NOT having to know any of this crap yourself (but I love it, so). Most of you who might someday delve into audiobook production will simply choose to write a check or swipe a card. Understandable. Believe me! Especially after reading my tomb of audio misadventures.
Running initial diagnostics on Voodoo Vendetta (VV) “wave forms” after recording and processing them through various “effects” to get them to be loud enough, but not too loud, to remove unwanted noise, or to inject appropriate compression and equalization, etc. The learning curve on this stuff seemed… formidable, but doable. So, for you geeks out there (my people!), above are the specific requirements for each file (e.g., chapter) as required by audiobook distributors like Audible (their standards are the most stringent, and the ones I will surpass). If any one of these criteria are not met for each and every file in a project, they reject the entire book. Okay, I can deal with that. Just gonna take some time. And if your first submission for a project fails, rumor has it you don’t get a second chance. We’ll see. Here’s a report from another tool I’ve subscribed to (2nd Opinion, by Steven Jay Cohen) showing just one recorded, edited and mastered chapter (of the 91 chapters in Voodoo Vendetta). Note I’ve already exported this file (VV Chap 1 in WAV format) to the final compressed file format (MP3) required by audio distributors/marketers like Audible, et al. Recall my working (uncompressed file) format was the WAV format. Each of these parameters have to be met or exceeded according to the criteria above. This one passed (after some work). It’s getting easier and less time-consuming.
Big fun, eh, kids?
That’s it! So, until next time, and wherever…
Let’s roll!
Gene
Smilin’ in “the studio” (inside the motorhome) cookin’ up audiobooks AND podcasts… wherever we park the rig, while still finding time to “retire” and suck the juice out of every single day!
The first book in our Sam Travis Adventure Series is now available, and we’ve already begun the second!
Early readers are buzzing:
“This is a fun, entertaining, shocking and thought-provoking read.”
As Lethal Game appears in all online retail outlets and library ordering services over the coming week or so, you’ll find this fun new book on Amazon NOW.
Based on a true story from one of LT’s undercover ops.
Some people are dumb, okay? And Sam Travis knows this better than most. In his neck of the woods in the gorgeous Western Massachusetts mountains called the Berkshires, he might see headlines like, “Hunters should take care to target only legal game, not bald eagles or German shepherds.”
Really, people?
In this new book, this guy Sam tends to tangle with unscrupulous characters as well as civilians who just make dumb mistakes. Some are downright stupid-funny.
But when somebody kills Sam’s long-time partner, an older game warden who was Sam’s mentor and partner, the gloves come off. “There’ll be hell to pay!” he says, and he means it.
Let there be no doubt: through the course of this book, the feces do strike the reciprocal mass… at velocity!
2. The New Relevant Fiction Podcast – Episode 1
You’ll also want to catch the debut episode of my new podcast, “Relevant Fiction: Stories with a Conscience,” to meet the real-life incarnation of Sam Travis, my partner in this outdoor adventure series, Lieutenant Tom Kasprzak (retired).
You’ll learn what being an undercover operative is truly like in this episode, and why illegal harvesting of wildlife is a global enterprise involving some of the most unscrupulous characters on the planet.You’ll also better understand why such a criminal enterprise is not only dangerous, but an unconscionable crime against nature.
Meet “LT,” the real-world version of Sam Travis in Lethal Game.
In this first episode, I’m excited to interview Tom Kasprzak, a.k.a. LT, retired from the Massachusetts Environmental Police Force. His stories will curl your toes until they cramp. And then some. Lethal Game is a novel, but it’s based on a few of Tom’s more cringeworthy true-life experiences. And he made damn sure I portrayed them in authentic clarity. He provides the stories, I provide the storytelling. You won’t want to miss this first episode of the Relevant Fiction podcast.
You will receive a link to the first episode of this new podcast by subscribing (it’s free) at GKJurrens.com, if you haven’t already done so, and you’ll be the very first to grab your free episode!
Coming soon to wherever you get your podcasts (as soon as I recover my voice to finish recording and producing)!
In future episodes, I’ll explore socially relevant issues in some of my other books, as well as those of other authors. The common theme: social relevancy.
Check out the new group HERE. Its genesis sprung from the new podcast above. My intent? This would be a fun forum to engage in further discussion after each podcast, which I hope will be thought-provoking. But it’s already becoming a nice safe place to express any opinion relative to fiction, except for hard-core politics. Serenity is fragile, is it not?
We’d love to see you contribute your own wits to this community, intended for anyone who’s interested in fiction that not only entertains, but presents itself as relevant to our lives outside of fiction. Maybe. You determine that. Fun to discuss.
And, oh, I can’t do this alone, my friends.
That’s it! So, until next time, and wherever…
Let’s roll!
Gene
Smilin’ in “the studio” (inside the motorhome) now cookin’ up audiobooks AND podcasts… wherever we park the rig!
And below… I only snap pictures of bumper stickers I like. So, here ya go:
I love reading bumper stickers on OTHER PEOPLE’S CARS! My favorite here is “Non-judgement day is near!”
