One of my lifelong enjoyable habits is the collection of print books, especially those belonging to a particular author or series.

From now through 31st May 2020, Torn Bits & Pieces will be available at Smashwords for 60% off the list price as part of their "Authors Give Back" sale ($4.50 discounted to $1.80).

The sale is an effort to support readers around the world who face unprecedented anxiety, economic hardship and social isolation as countries fight to stem the spread of the Covid-19 virus. More now than ever, e-books offer readers affordable entertainment, distraction, comfort and knowledge during the current difficult times.

Use code AGB60 at checkout for 60% off during the "Authors Give Back" sale through May 31st. More >

This is currently happening to me, so I felt compelled to post a notice about it on Scam Alerts, a Facebook group I started with my friend Tracy Jon Powell in 2018.

There is a new scam being perpetuated via e-mail. The general gist of the message claims to know your password and personal information, and then goes on to describe how they have proof you've visited porn sites and that they have videos of you doing "nasty things." Then they demand payment via Bitcoin (ranging from $1500 to $3500), otherwise they will expose you to all your friends, family and co-workers.

I wasn't too alarmed because I've never been to a porn site in my life, nor are there any videos of me floating about as I've never done that, either. The sender names have included Myer Eaves, Selena Devlin and Mariel Deveyra (all using an Outlook e-mail address), although I'm sure the names are as phony as the veracity of their threats.

Here is the content of one of the letters sent to me via e-mail, verbatim (misspelling and horrific grammar included):

Mariel Deveyra <yfletitiafif (at symbol) outlook.com>

Thu 4/9/2020 2:29 PM

I know foofer is your password. You don't know me and you're thinking why you received this e mail, right?

Well, I actually placed a malware on the porn website and guess what, you visited this web site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching the video, your web browser acted as a RDP (Remote Desktop) and a keylogger which provided me access to your display screen and webcam. Right after that, my software gathered all your contacts from your Messenger, Facebook account, and email account.

What exactly did I do?

I made a split-screen video. First part recorded the video you were viewing (you've got a fine taste haha), and next part recorded your webcam (Yep! It's you doing nasty things!).

What should you do?

Well, I believe, $1900 is a fair price for our little secret. You'll make the payment via Bitcoin to the below address (if you don't know this, search "how to buy bitcoin" in Google).

BTC Address: bc1qyzxhdmvcfkqwpmjuwx43l2vhtl5rlkhqjacn29 (It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it).

Important:

You have 24 hours in order to make the payment. (I have an unique pixel within this email message, and right now I know that you have read this email). If I don't get the payment, I will send your video to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and so forth. Nonetheless, if I do get paid, I will erase the video immidiately (sic). If you want evidence, reply with "Yes!" and I will send your video recording to your 5 friends. This is a non-negotiable offer, so don't waste my time and yours by replying to this email.

Mariel

Keep your eyes peeled, and don't be taken in by this latest round of slime.

I've received the e-mails at several of the multiple e-mail addresses I use, so I'm thinking this might be something widespread that has just begun. The scammers probably figure everyone has a skeleton in their closet and will react accordingly.

The scammers have messed with the wrong person by sending me the e-mails. I've seen and heard it all from these types of scum over the last several years.

I will bury them.

Being a writer is isolating in itself, for the most part. However, the recent COVID-19 virus scare has made the isolation seem all too genuine, removing the self-imposed structure of my days in real time. Whether I want it or not, it is a simple fact of life for now. While I'm accustomed to solitude because of writing, having it enforced is a different kettle of fish. There is no avenue of escape, no sudden decision to head out the door on a whim.

Thus begins my spring newsletter, which is now available online, and also as a PDF download.

Here are some highlights from the newsletter:

~ Glinhaven ~

Glinhaven was released by Club Lighthouse Publishing on April 8, 2020. The novel is available in multiple e-book formats from Club Lighthouse, and in both Kindle and paperback editions from Amazon.

I'm thrilled with the release of Glinhaven for a few reasons. First, I love the storyline and the characters within. Second, I'm inexorably drawn to the book cover. It is haunting and unique, much as the story itself is. And last, but not least, I'm happy with the writing style of the novel. As I've said many times before, Glinhaven is my ode to the gothic fiction genre.

Hopefully, I was able to do it justice. More >

~ Lockdown Activities ~

During the lengthy lockdown, I've managed to keep myself busy cooking, reading, writing, playing games, doing needlepoint and watching episodes of the old Dark Shadows television series on Tubi from my iPad. It helps pass the time during frequent lulls, and when the daily grind becomes akin to sheer boredom.

In my younger days I used to needlepoint with regularity, but not so much in recent years. I was never much of a "crafty" person and wasn't really talented in that area, yet I enjoyed the process. It felt soothing after a long day. However, I picked up the habit again a few months ago and now have four different projects in the works.

As for reading, over the space of the last few weeks I read through all of my books in print (Bloodfrost, Celtic Remnants and all eight novels in the Collective Obsessions Saga). It was quite entertaining, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I also began re-reading the Dark Shadows novels by Marilyn Ross (aka Dan Curtis), which were originally published between 1966 and 1972. All thirty-two books in the series are being re-issued by Hermes Press, so I have started to collect and read them again. I'm also toying with acquiring the many titles in the Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene, but have made no moves in that direction as of yet. I loved the books as a teen and twenty-something. Despite their simplicity and wholesomeness, the books are cleverly well-written and enjoyable to read.

And just recently, Jerry and I spent a Saturday in Delle, Utah, where we rode the ATVs for a few hours. It was a breath of fresh air to get out of the house and to roam open spaces. We came across groups of black cows who were grazing peacefully, but eyeing us with wariness. The baby calves running about were a delight to watch, taking off like shots when we drove by. It was a much-needed respite from the abnormal ordinary awaiting us back home. More >

~ Until Next Time ~

Another newsletter will be coming your way in late autumn/early winter 2020, so keep your eyes peeled.

And until next time, happy reading . . . More >

Lo and behold, Glinhaven was released by Club Lighthouse Publishing today. The novel is available in multiple e-book formats from Club Lighthouse, and in both Kindle and paperback editions from Amazon.  Click here to read the press release >

Piper Hunt leaves Boston to take over her grandfather's unique curio shop in Glinhaven, Massachusetts. While adjusting to life in the quaint seaside village, she uncovers dark secrets hidden at the forbidding Glinhaven Monastery which may also unlock mysteries from her past.

The final book cover depicts a monk in his robe as he approaches Glinhaven Monastery in the mist. Is it Brother Albert, perhaps? Much thanks to T.L. Davison and James Wason for the enigmatic rendition. Click on the image below to see a larger size in a new window.

There are some extra goodies accompanying Glinhaven, including a cookbook derived from characters and food mentioned in the story line, excerpts, book cover history, Q&A, Cast of Characters, FAQs About Monks, The Cats of Glinhaven and a bit about Piper's Hats.

The cookbook - known as Glinhaven Cookery - will be offered for free to those who purchase the Glinhaven novel at Amazon.