New Pinevale Valley Shared World Book Is Finally Being Published

You may have been wondering what I have been doing lately. Well, besides working on trying to get my Misadventures of Janie and Diane historical mystery book series up and running (I have been writing and re-writing that series three of four time so far) I also agreed to publish another short story for the First Coast Romance Writers in another of their anthologies. This one is in the Pinevale Valley Shared World series. 

The group is always experimenting with creative ways to help their members get published. Besides Holiday and other types of themed romance short-stories they came up with a "Shared World" series where this one contain novellas set in the same place, using some of the same people, businesses, etc. but allowing for different types of realities and time periods as well. The group aimed to published one story a month for 12 months but was dragged out over 16 months and sadly, my story which is book 11 will be the last.

As with most long-term projects spread out among 20 to 30 different possible participants that have to commit to creating a story, paying to it professionally edited, ensuring that at least 1 other member read and reported positively on the story, and then giving up the rights for 12 months is really quite a commitment of time energy and  emotions. You do get a professionally created cover and published in eBook and paperback. It seems the first 60 days are automatically enrolled in the Kindle Unlimited program so no WIDE publication until after then. I, as the author, and my alter-ego, Jolene, as the Social Media Coordinator for the group will be coming up with clever ways to promote the book. 

Here is the front cover of the book that is on Pre-order right now until October 14, 2025. The paperback book is also on preorder for the same day however it has not been populated onto Amazon quite yet. I have ordered my author copies to aid in promoting however according to KDP it will not be printed and mailed until sometime towards the end of the month. (More of that later). But here is a conundrum that the contributors of these stories may not want to consider once they do get their rights back to the stories. The book covers and the shared world belongs to the First Coast Romance Writers in their current published state that can continue to keep their published in paperback. They have agreed to pull the eBook versions so that the authors can publish the stories with new book covers and different titles on Amazon after their year is over.  

Now you can also re-write the entire story and publish it again under a new title and book cover with a reference to the shared world in the copyright. Or you can just use the short-story as a "Giveaway" on your website. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. 

1. Enchanted Encounter at the Matchmaker Inn by Leah Miles

2. Scooter's Heart by Sara J. Walker

3. Haunt Me Still by Vanessa Victoria Kilmer

4. Aura of Destiny by Leah Miles

5. Love from Above by Merrie Angel

6. Winter Wonder Tale by Vanessa Victoria Kilmer

7. The Proposal Problem by Erika Kilmer Freidly

8. A Rose by Any Other Name  by Vanessa Victoria Kilmer

9. A Twist of Fate at the Matchmaker Inn by Marie Morton

10. Brewing Up Romance by Gloria Zahler Ferguson

11. Pinevale Intrigue by L.J. Green - Paperback link coming soon.

Fun with Miss Marple

Miss Marple has always been one of my favorite characters created by Agatha Christie. I have read most of her books a dozen times over the last 50 years and have enjoyed a lot of the movies and TV series that has been created to showcase her style and versatile wit with her characters. 

There is a wealth of information about Christie and all of her books as well as the characters available on the website: https://www.agathachristie.com/characters/miss-marple

Starting Something New Over on Substack

I went ahead and created an Author Substack newsletter account to go along with the Publication page that I created under Jolene MacFadden. There is some things I need to learn but I have created my first post and there is a subscribe button that works pretty well. I will be working on that for a while to get it up and running so I will be using this blog just for talking about my books. Subscribe, Share and Comment below if you have a Substack I should follow!

I am so P.O.d about the Government's Interference on TikTok

TikTok has been a fast growing platform over the last 3 years. However, as of January 19, 2025 the U.S. Congress have issued legislations the effectively bans the app inside the smartphone stores. The platform has always been a great way to find other authors and readers from around the world, connect with people on a personal level and increase awareness of you as an author. The politics of the thing is disturbing on so many levels. As to the allegations that a "foreign" government will have access to our date and manipulate the public well that has been going on with American companies for YEARS!!! Sounds like a double standard to me. 

This past weekend I learn that the oh so smart CONGRESS is including the new app called Lemon8 (another social media app that is kind of fun but just growing and owned by ByteDance) as well as my favorite video editor Capcut - which I pay for each month will be included in this ban. COME ALL people. Let's grab some sanity okay. 

I for one, purchased a 2 year contract for VPS service and will not be deleted any of these apps off of my computers or phones. I gotta say I am not really happy with the VPN because some of my websites that I need such as my credit union and one or two of my own websites are not reacting well to me using the service. I tried the Fastest Connect and that is always in the middle of Texas so I should not be having any trouble with connections. But then I tried like Switzerland, England and Germany. The jury is still out on those.

Okay I have had my rant for today. My college classes begin this week and one of them requires that I be online with my video camera on every Wednesday from 6-8pm. Wish me luck and to all of my TikTok friends out there lets us know where you will be moving most of your content to so we can follow you there too.    

Where Trade Winds Meet is LIVE WORLDWIDE

 Where Trade Winds Meet is LIVE WORLDWIDE!

In "Where Trade Winds Meet," Muriel Victorine Russell is a determined young woman working in her family's cigar factory, where she balances her responsibilities with her aspirations for independence and adventure. She is proud of contributing to her Conch family's prosperity while managing the daily operations of the factory. She longs for a life of travel and adventure. However, the vibrant life of 1912 Key West, where the bustling streets and the scent of the sea evoke a sense of possibility, has a firm hold on her with its long history family traditions.

William, a young man from a prominent British Bahamian family, shares a deep connection with Muriel. They have a chance meeting on a trolley and instantly connect. Both have a strong connection to their own family heritage. Muriel is also passionate about having their own identities and dreams.

As the story unfolds, the tension between their responsibilities and their desires becomes palpable, culminating in William getting captured by pirates and Muriel's childhood betrothed, feeling betrayed, who will do anything to stop them getting together. Ultimately, we hope that their love will help them navigate the complexities of their lives and their hearts' compass will guide them through the tumultuous waters of their era.

Some of the links for the various versions of the book are not listed on the UBL with Books2Read - one of those the audio version of the Book on Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-trade-winds-meet-l-j-green/1146530918

Even though Barnes and Noble/KOBO - Audio Book is listed on the site for some reason it will not stick. 

New Promo Video for Where Trade Winds Meet Now in Preorder

New Promo Video for Where Trade Winds Meet Now in Preorder. 

L J Green Going to the Sunshine State Book Festival in 2025

 

Get ready for the Sixth Annual Sunshine State Book Festival in Gainesville, Florida—where readers and writers come together to celebrate stories and creativity! Join us January 31st and February 1st, 2025, for an unforgettable experience.

Meet acclaimed authors from around the state and beyond! Richard Gartee, Julie Ann Gasper, Vida Gecas, Hoplyn Gray, Lillian Jade Green, Pamela Grey, and Gay Lynn Grigas will be there, sharing their stories and their passion for writing.

Plus, on January 31st, dive deep into your craft with our *Writers’ Workshop Intensive*! This day-long event features expert sessions like ‘Power Up Your Prose,’ ‘Searching for an Agent,’ ‘Indy Publishing,’ and ‘Marketing Your Books.’ Learn from the best, including bestselling author Lana McAra and literary agent Sarah N. Fisk.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to grow as a writer, connect with peers, and take your work to the next level.

Join us for an inspiring weekend at the Sunshine State Book Festival—where the love of reading and writing shines bright. Register now and reserve Author Table. Readers Come on Saturday and Meet over 200 authors selling their books.

See you at the festival! 

We have posted some new links to preorder the latest book "Where Trade Winds Meet" preorder until December 5, 2024. The book is being offered in paperback, hardback, eBook and even audio versions Worldwide.

Revised-Expanded-And-ReEdited - Where Trade Winds Meet is Available for Preorder

Yes, I have finally finished revising, expanding the storyline and had two more rounds of edits from my lovely new editor, Faye, Roberts.  "Where Trade Winds Meet" is now Available for Preorder for the December 5th official release date. It has been assigned a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN), has ISBNs for the eBook, paperback, hardback (with dust jacket) and audio formats. Draft2Digital has already released preorder of the eBook to several retailers so I updated their Books2Read link: https://books2read.com/WhereTradeWindsMeet-ljgreen

Today, I uploaded the hardback edition to IngramSpark and created a dust jacket as well. This version has some small additions that are not posted in the eBook or paperback versions to make it a little bit more special. Later on today I will upload the eBook to Kindle for pre-order and if I can I will upload it to Google Play for preorder as well. 

It is so thrilling to get those emails from Draft2Digital tell me that my book is "LIVE" on book sites everywhere:

Live status updates for this book: Apple - Available for preorder @ Apple on November 8, 2024, 20:22 PM Smashwords - Available for preorder @ Smashwords on November 8, 2024, 20:42 PM Gardners - Available for preorder @ Gardners on November 8, 2024, 20:42 PM Odilo - Available for preorder @ Odilo on November 8, 2024, 21:27 PM Tolino - Available for preorder @ Tolino on November 8, 2024, 21:28 PM BorrowBox - Available for preorder @ BorrowBox on November 8, 2024, 21:36 PM Barnes & Noble - Available for preorder @ Barnes & Noble on November 8, 2024, 22:12 PM Kobo - Available for preorder @ Kobo on November 9, 2024, 4:08 AM Fable - Available for preorder @ Fable on November 9, 2024, 9:39 AM

Join my newsletter to get a free story called "The Box" and to receive promotional codes for this book and more over the next several weeks.

Tips for Finding Writing Resources - Google Maps

I am the process of creating a series of videos to share with my fellow writers on my writing journey. Today's is all about how to use Google Maps to research places you want to include in your stories but do not have the budget to travel to yourself. Google Maps also has a historical feature for those who need information on how places looked for the last twenty years. Not good for really old stuff but there are other resources out there that she will share in coming videos. 😁

Creating Your Own Promo Videos for Your Channel

Finding tools that will help you with your marketing as a writer can sometimes be quite daunting. But there are some tools out there that can help you create fun and informative videos to share on your website and social media platforms. Videos more than just plain photos seem to attract more people. However, a mixture of videos and graphics with you, your books, showcasing your hobbies and your pets can really grab peoples attention. Ultimately, we hope that this will also attract readers who are willing to purchase our books and perhaps write a review, share the book with friends, and ask for it at their local libraries and bookstores. 

Besides the social media apps themselves some other tools have been created to help you have a little bit of fun while you are creating these create pieces of content to share with your readers and future readers too. I like Canva.com and Capcut app Both can be used on your smartphone or even downloaded to your laptop or desktop to use as well. Of course, the really cool tools within each of these are within the PRO versions but they both have some nice beginners FREE stuff to get you started.

There is a newer tool by Adobe called Adobe Express you can also use for FREE. This one is a new tool that I haven't used but for a few things. It is a little bit harder to move around and they will keep popping up with the paid version but if you like Adobe products it might be worth your while to give it go. 

Using Every Free Tool in Your Toolbox

L J Green Author - New Story in the FCRW Anthology

My latest short story has been added to the First Coast Romance Writers latest anthology called "Romancing the Tropics 2". There are 5 stories within the anthology for you to read and enjoy. Mine is called "Where Trade Winds Meet" available for purchase beginning June 11, 2024. Escape to sun-drenched Key West, 1910, where defiance meets desire. Muriel, yearning for adventure, rejects a stifling future. William, a seafaring dreamer, craves a life beyond duty. A chance encounter sparks a forbidden connection, igniting a shared passion for exploration. Will they defy societal expectations and chase their dreams together? Dive into this captivating historical romance, where love and adventure set sail under the trade winds.

Writing a Different Sweet Romance Novella

I have submitted a new novella story to the First Coast Romance Writer's - Romancing the Tropics Year 2 that is currently in preorder. There are five sweet romance stories set somewhere in the tropics.  

Where Trade Winds Meet by L.J. Green. This story captures the blossoming connection between William and Muriel as they bond over their shared dreams of exploration and adventure, defying societal expectations and forging a deep, resolute bond in the vibrant setting of Key West, Florida in 1910.

The other stories

Not Another Jack by Leah Miles. Her final wedding gig takes an unexpected turn when a hunky Navy SEAL crashes the party, reigniting old flames and stirring new misunderstandings amidst the choppy seas of love.

The Gardener’s Secret by Sara J. Walker. In the tranquil beauty of the Keys, love and deception collide. Will their journey lead to healing or heartbreak?

Catch As Catch Can by Vanessa Victoria Kilmer. A private investigator is out to find an online hacker of billions of dollars. Will she catch the thief or find someone even more valuable on Grand Cayman Islands?

R&R, and a Rescue by Erika Kilmer Freidly. A couple of soulmates travel to St. Thomas for a much-needed vacation. They get caught up in the theft of Blackbeard’s coin.

L J Green Author - Update on The Series

I have decided to try another avenue for the Misadventures of Janie and Diane series. I have taken down Bloody Murder at the Blanche Hotel as well as Dastardly Deeds at the Dearborn Theater from Kindle Vella. 

Using AI can help you with your writing and your digital marketing. If nothing else it can be a way for us to find out what might or might not work when it comes to the business of writing. I use AI to help me outline some of my stories as I am a notorious pantser. Now creating the videos using an avatar that I create should help me with the marketing aspect. I am using a pen name to write fiction so why not have create an avatar for all the social media stuff.

Paperback Came in the Mail Today

 

The paperback for "A Widow's Dilemma in Cuba" a novella with the Misadventures of Janie and Diane characters are taking a vacation on the tropical island of Cuba. 

L J Green Author - A Widows Dilemma in Cuba Goes Video

A Widows Dilemma in Cuba Goes Video - We now have the story available in as many formats as possible. It is a novella and we have ordered the paperback versions of the books and hope to have them in our hands before the end of the month. 

A widow ventures to the tropical paradise of Cuba for a vacation with her niece. Reunited with a former friend of her husband's, her heart gets involved. Will she get a second chance at love?

 Diane and her niece, Janie, have been traveling together, saving political figures, solving crimes, and capturing spies for the last couple of years. Now they are going on a tropical vacation in Cuba. Diane will confront her past and Janie is coming along for the ride.

Check out the formats for the story and where you can get them today - CLICK HERE

Getting Up Some Steam for 2024

For this new year of 2024, we are all working on getting up some steam and pushing our way forward with our projects, gaining new readers, supporting our fellow authors, and getting more stories out there into the public view. 

January Updates

Signup for our Newsletter - CLICK HERE

Purchase the A Widow's Dilemma in Cuba Novella (eBook, paperback and audiobook too) 

Now there are 44 Episodes in the Bloody Murder at the Blanche Hotel - Kindle Vella

And we have 40 Episodes in the Dastardly Deeds at the Dearborn Theater - Kindle Vella

Midnight Book Reader: For the Love of Winter - Book Tour and Giveaway

Midnight Book Reader: For the Love of Winter - Book Tour and Giveaway:  

For the Love of Winter

A First Coast Romance Writers Collection of Holiday Romances

with stories by

Lia Davis, Danica Winters, Leah Miles, Merrie Angel, C.L. Hart, Tessa Lyons,

V.L. Czerny, Sara J. Walker, Gloria Ferguson, M.J. Gates, Tessie Benton, Sally Murphy, Marie Morton

Sprints against time, second-chance romances, and enemies to lovers are some of the themes

adding sparkle to this collection of holiday short stories. Bake your cookies, light some candles,

trim your trees, and be enchanted with thirteen sweet-to-spicy Chanukah, Christmas, and New

Year’s novellas that will sweep you from colonial days to contemporary times—each bearing a

gift of happily-ever-after grand finales. This joyous collection is...

​​​​​​​A Winter Mating by Lia Davis

He returns to Willow Glen with one goal, to claim his mate. Convincing her that she belongs to him will be his toughest challenge, but he’s not above using seduction to get what he wants.

One Night at Christmas by Danica Winters

As the busy owner of a veterinary clinic, Emily Avery always has her hands full of puppies but empty of the one thing she really isn’t sure she wants anyway—a man. When the kind-hearted Derek Night makes an emergency call to help his mom's naughty pup, they both must step outside of their shells and let the magic of Christmas and one mischievous pup bring them together. 

The Christmas Crash by Tessa Lyons

Sparks fly when a relentless optimist and a grieving veterinarian are snowed in together at Christmas. Can they rediscover the magic of the season and find love in the most unexpected place?

His Christmas Date by Sara J. Walker

In this heartwarming story of seasoned romance, Dino Dudley and Hilde McQuire must navigate family drama and their own emotional baggage to find true love. 

Jordyn’s Christmas Gift by Marie Morton

Jordyn Billings, a busy marketing executive, is gifted a holiday getaway to Chateau D'Or by her family, where she discovers an unforgettable and life-changing Christmas gift.​​​​​​​

Four Chanukahs and a Wedding by Merrie Angel

Widowed and alone in 1973, Millie explores a professional photographer's life, and stumbles upon Adam--an insatiable adventure seeker related to Jackie Kennedy. Will they find a way to ignite a flame that burns far beyond Millie's expectations and set ablaze their own festival of lights? 

Recipe for Romance by Gloria Ferguson

Ashley McClain wants to win the Holiday Bake-Off with her late mom’s cupcake recipe. Can she join forces with her friend and neighbor to claim the prize and a bit of romance just in time for Christmas?

Before the Rising Sun by V.L. Czerny

Their romance blighted at a colonial ball, Gertrude and Nicholas, forgetting their past acquaintance, are maneuvered by the Christmas spirit to set love loose and so refashion time’s expected plans.

Unexpected Angels by C.L. Hart

Sometimes the best things come together when everything is falling apart.

Christmas Market Magic by Tessie Benton

Sydney Hawthorne hires an escort for a business date, but he's not what he appears to be, and their mutual deception sparks desire while careers hang in the balance.

A Merry White Christmas by Sally Murphy

Merry London, tasked with organizing an opulent Christmas ball for the McPhersons, faces an unexpected challenge in the form of Joel McPherson, whose fiery charm threatens to melt her icy exterior and unravel her meticulously laid plans.  

Lavender and Love Restored by M.J. Gates

Chief architect Jess Carlson is restoring a haunted historic hotel and helping a friendly spirit while reclaiming her life and love before the hotel’s grand reopening on New Year’s Eve.

Marry Me by Midnight by Leah Miles

Navy SEAL Kendall Nelson can’t manage a successful proposal, and single mom Luisa Sanchez has no time for romance. 

Proceeds benefit the First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization helping writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.

PURCHASE IT TODAY  - CLICK HERE

It's That Time of Year Again - NaNoWriMo2023

YES! It is that time of year again. Have you signed up for #NaNoWriMo2023? Well, I have and I am determined to finally finish both "Bloody Murder at the Blanche Hotel" and "Dastardly Deeds at the Dearborn Theater" Because I still have 3 or 4 books waiting in the wings for the Misadventures of Janie and Diane. I have one chapter done in the Blanche series and I will be doing one chapter tonight in the Dearborn one. Of course, as I get them done they will be posted on Kindle Vella for all to read, comment, like and subscribe to.

  Check Out our Bags and Totes 

I really just wanted to see how many words I actually type in a month when I do it regularly. Yes, I have gone back to college and am taking 2 courses in 7 weeks before the Spring term begins. I am hoping to get scholarships and grants by then so that I can take 6 classes in Spring, 4 in summer and that will leave only 4 or 5 for next Fall! Obtaining my bachelor's degree has always been a goal of mine. So wish me luck. 

And if you really want to help an author out you will purchase coins to read my stories on Kindle Vella, buy some merch from my LJ Green's Emporium and share all of these with your friends and family. Directed donations for my college fund are also very much appreciated. My Company - Southern Dragon Publishing - is also offering discounts on their services for self-publishing authors who are just starting out and want to get their book business off to the right start. She has self-publishing packages and even personal one-on-one training sessions available in the coming weeks and months. These are all scheduled through her ZOOM account.

CLICK HERE For those writers who are participating this year check out my profile page

The World of Steampunk - Episode 6 with Gail Carriger

Found a great steampunk show on YouTube. They do not have a lot of episodes yet but they do have an entertaining venue. This episode has my favorite steampunk author, Gail Carringer. Check it out!

Romancing the Tropics - Author LJ Green contributed her A Widows Dilemma...

Here's is the First Coast Romance Writers group promo video for my short-story - A Widow's Dilemma in Cuba that is part of the Misadventures of Janie and Diane series. This one is set in the year 1904 with Janie and Diane going on vacation to Cuba after the Spanish/American War which had taken Diane's husband from her. 

The story is part of the FCRWs Anthology which are fundraisers for the group. They have exclusive rights to the story for 6 months to help build up their membership, pay for interesting speakers for the members, etc. Once the six months are over I can then publish the story under my own label. However, I have been encouraged to expand the story into a full novel!

So if you want a collection of sweet romance stories for your summer reading please CLICK HERE and purchase your copy today.