Signed Historical Romance & A Sneak Peek at My Latest Mystery

 

‘Tis the Season for Romance, Mystery, and Adventure!”

The holidays are here, and I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the historical fiction lover in your life or treating yourself to some cozy winter reading, I’ve got you covered.

Still Available: Signed Copies of Pinevale Intrigue!

Autographed paperback copies of my historical romance, Pinevale Intrigue, are still available at Jolene’s Online Bookstore!

There’s something special about giving (or receiving!) a signed book during the holidays. Imagine curling up by the fire with Ruth and Bobby’s story—set in the beautiful North Carolina mountains of 1911, where automotive innovation, espionage, and romance collide in the most unexpected ways.

What readers are saying:

“A perfect blend of historical detail and heart-pounding romance!”

“I couldn’t put it down—automotive history has never been this exciting!”

“Ruth and Bobby’s partnership-to-love story is everything I wanted and more.”

Each signed copy makes a wonderful gift for:

• Historical romance enthusiasts

• Automotive history buffs

• Fans of early 20th-century fiction

• Anyone who loves a good espionage thriller with heart

• Readers who enjoy strong, intelligent heroines and innovative heroes

• Order your signed copy today and make someone’s holiday extra special!

Exciting Update: The Schiller Building Conspiracy

And now for the update many of you have been asking about!

Remember Dastardly Deeds at the Dearborn Theater? Well, she’s gotten a makeover and a new name! I’m thrilled to announce that The Schiller Building Conspiracy has completed its initial editing phase and is moving steadily toward publication.

What’s Changed?

When I first conceived this story, it leaned heavily into steampunk elements. But as the characters came to life and the historical research deepened, the story evolved into something even more exciting—a historical adventure mystery set against the backdrop of early 1900s Chicago, with authentic period details and a touch of romance woven through the secondary characters.

What You Can Expect:

The Mystery: When strange occurrences plague Chicago’s iconic Schiller Building, our intrepid protagonists find themselves unraveling a conspiracy that reaches into the highest levels of society. Think secret societies, architectural intrigue, and the dangerous intersection of art, commerce, and power in Gilded Age Chicago.

The History: I’ve poured myself into researching early 1900s Chicago—the architecture, the social dynamics, the Theater District, and the fascinating world of German-American cultural institutions during this transformative period.

The Romance: While mystery and adventure drive the plot, there’s a beautiful slow-burn romance developing between secondary characters that adds warmth and heart to the darker elements of the conspiracy.

The Adventure: Expect rooftop chases through the Chicago skyline, secret passages in historic buildings, coded messages hidden in theatrical programs, and plenty of close calls that will keep you turning pages late into the night!

Current Status:

The manuscript has completed its initial editing phase, and I’m currently working through revisions and refinements. The story is tighter, the historical details are richer, and the mystery is more compelling than ever. While I don’t have a firm publication date yet, I’m hoping to have this in your hands sometime in 2026.

A Sneak Peek at the Opening:

Chicago, 1901. The Schiller Building stands as a monument to German-American cultural pride—until the night the theater’s lead actress discovers something that shouldn’t exist in the building’s labyrinthine basement. What begins as curiosity soon spirals into a dangerous game where art, politics, and power collide, and where trusting the wrong person could cost everything...

Why These Stories Matter to Me

Both Pinevale Intrigue and The Schiller Building Conspiracy explore something I’m passionate about: women finding their power and purpose during transformative periods in history.

Ruth Reeves in Pinevale Intrigue rebuilds her life after financial ruin and creates an innovative business at a time when women weren’t supposed to do such things. The characters in The Schiller Building Conspiracy navigate a world where appearances matter, secrets are currency, and courage means standing up for truth even when it’s dangerous.

These aren’t stories about waiting to be rescued—they’re about women (and the men who respect them) taking action, using their intelligence, and refusing to accept limitations placed on them by society.

Holiday Reading Recommendations

If you’re building your holiday reading list (or shopping for book lovers), here are some perfect pairings with Pinevale Intrigue:

For fans of automotive history:

Pair with books about early automobile pioneers and the transformation of American transportation

For historical romance lovers:

Perfect alongside other early 1900s romances featuring strong, entrepreneurial heroines

For espionage enthusiasts:

Complements WWI-era spy fiction and stories about pre-war international intrigue

For those who love North Carolina:

Wonderful companion to other Appalachian historical fiction and the Pinevale Valley Shared World Series

Stay Connected for Updates

Want to be the first to know when The Schiller Building Conspiracy is available?

Follow me on social media for behind-the-scenes glimpses of the editing process:

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/authorljgreen.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.LJGreen/

Threads: https://threads.net/@authorljgreen

TikToK: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorljgreen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorljgreen/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/LJGreensEmporium/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorLJGreen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23094591.L_J_Green

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-j-green

Amazon Author Profile Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/ljgreen

I’ll be sharing:

• Historical research tidbits about 1901 Chicago

• Character insights and development

• Cover reveal (coming soon!)

• Excerpt previews

• Publication timeline updates

• Special Holiday Offer

• Order a signed copy of Pinevale Intrigue during the holiday season and receive:

• A personalized inscription

• An exclusive bookmark featuring Ruth and Bobby

• A sneak peek excerpt from The Schiller Building Conspiracy

• Entry into a drawing for a special “Historical Mystery Reader” gift basket!

Order Your Signed Copy Now!

A Thank You to My Readers

As 2025 comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported my writing journey. Whether you’ve purchased my books, left reviews, shared posts, or simply sent encouraging messages—you’ve made this dream possible.

Writing historical fiction is a labor of love. It requires countless hours of research, multiple drafts, patient editors, and the courage to keep going when the story gets difficult. But knowing that readers connect with these characters and their stories makes every moment worthwhile.

This holiday season, I’m especially grateful for the reading community that has embraced Pinevale Intrigue and for your patience as I work to bring The Schiller Building Conspiracy to completion. Your enthusiasm fuels my creativity and reminds me why I do this work.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re shopping for gifts or treating yourself to some winter reading, I hope you’ll consider adding Pinevale Intrigue to your collection. And keep an eye out for The Schiller Building Conspiracy—I think you’re going to love unraveling this mystery with me!

From my writing desk to your reading nook, wishing you a season filled with great books, cozy moments, and the magic of storytelling.

Happy Holidays!

~ L.J. Green

P.S. Have you read Pinevale Intrigue yet? I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads, or tag me in your social media posts. Your thoughts mean the world to this author!

[Order Signed Copies] | [Follow on Social Media] | [Visit Author Website]

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L.J. Green writes historical romance, mystery, and adventure from sunny North Florida. When she’s not researching early 20th-century history, she’s probably enjoying the warm weather or finding inspiration in quiet corners of her home, always ready to share the next twist in her captivating series.

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Jolenes Birthday Message for 2025

 

Take care of yourselves and be what and who you want to be #YouOnlyGetOneLife 

Belated post I thought I would share with you today. It's good advice no matter what time of the year it is. Share your thoughts in the comments!

North Florida Writers Tour and Webs and Blogs for Writers Online Magazines

Photo by J W on Unsplash

One of the hardest things an author has to do is put themselves out there for marketing our stories. This is true whether you are indie, hybrid or traditionally published. All you really can do is keep trying. And with a little help from your friends you just might start to see some changes in the number of likes, follows, subscribes and purchases of your books. Being true to yourself is important but also being relatable is as well. But the most important thing I keep hearing is being consistent in your posting, your message, and what you share with potential readers.

Help a Fellow Author Out

Here I am on a Friday evening writing a post so that I might reach other authors and readers out there to engage with me and my writing. Most authors, I have learned, would much rather be sitting at their computers creating their worlds, moving their characters along their upcoming paths and then vegging out thinking about what other kinds of troubles we can put out leading characters through next. But I am taking time out creating graphics, writing articles, trying to include relevant hashtags and all the things it takes to connect. 

The other is you have to take some time to visit other writer’s places on the web. Do not forget to like, share, leave a comment and subscribe to other authors on this platform and any of the others that you determine will work for you. As a fiction writer I want to hang out in places that fiction readers like to visit such as TikTok, Facebook (depending on their age), Instagram and a few other places that are developing a reader/writer community. I do not make enough right now to buy all the books that I see and want to try but I can like, comment, watch the entire video and subscribe.

What Weekends Are For

 We all need to take some downtime to refresh our brains and our bodies. Even though it seems that we are rushing towards the decline of the human race to chaos; it is a good time to grab your favorite beverage, scroll through some of your social media feeds (of fellow authors and readers - skip the doom scrolling), and connect with others who like your genre from around the world. Once you have liked and viewed the videos, make sure to share them on your feed and give a comment. IF you follow each other when you make the comment do not forget to do the little ampersand and their name so that you are connected now in the posts as well. So, what you share may come back to you with their followers checking out your posts. 

Future Places to Visit to Get Noticed

Finally I would like to recommend you put yourself out there and get a blog article posted about you, find a podcast to join or agree to host a “LIVE” session on one of your social media platforms with a fellow author or two. These suggestions are free for the most part. If you are a local north Florida writer - please visit the North Florida Writers Tour online magazine. For everyone else why not check out the Webs and Blogs for Writers online magazine. Then there is Jolene’s Book and Writers Talk podcast (although I believe her schedule is full till the end of the year) and check out the “LIVE” sessions you can do from your YouTube Channel, TikTok, and Instagram profiles. 

Just a few tips for my fiction writer friends out there. Till next time!

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.

Who is Your Favorite Mystery Character and Why

What is more fun than spending your spring break off reading or in my case re-reading a couple of your favorite mystery stories. I have always loved the Miss Marple mysteries created by Dame Agatha Christie. She was a marvel in her day and continues to entertain millions of fans every year who enjoy reading her stories, seeing her stories come to life on the screen (TV or Movies) and the adaptations by other writers out there. Although Ms. Christie’s life and career was widely publicized we can only guess at the struggles she went through to get her stories published and then her compensation was always less than her contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

Doing some research over the last few days I have learned that the very first story she published in the Miss Marple series was called the “Tuesday Night Club” in 1927 and republished under the name “The Solving Six”;  then again included within the 1932  short stories novel called “The Thirteen Problems”; There is a very nice review of the first six short stories - CLICK HERE

The first meeting of the newly formed Tuesday Night Club, they turn to Sir Henry Clithering's tale of three people poisoned at dinner with only one later dying. The story first appeared in the UK in The Royal Magazine, and was Miss Marple's debut in print in 1927.

Agatha Christie - 1890 to 1976 - Miss Marple - Check out the “OFFICIAL HOME OF AGATHA CHRISTIE” website: https://www.agathachristie.com/en/stories/the-tuesday-night-club

• The Tuesday Night Club (1927) - aka The Solving Six
• The Murder at the Vicarage (1930)
• Death By Drowning (1932)
• The Body in the Library (1942)
• The Moving Finger (1942)
• Sleeping Murder (1976)
• A Murder Is Announced (1950)
• They Do It with Mirrors (1952) - aka Murder with Mirrors
• A Pocket Full of Rye (1953)
• 4.50 from Paddington (1957) - aka What Mrs McGillicuddy Saw
• The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side (1961)
• A Caribbean Mystery (1964)
• At Bertram's Hotel (1965)
• The Bloodstained Pavement (1966)
• Nemesis (1971)

I really enjoyed pursing the official website and came across the following: https://www.agathachristie.com/stories/detection-club

“Formed in 1930, The Detection Club was a group of British mystery writers which included Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ronald Knox, Freeman Wills Crofts, Arthur Morrison, John Rhode, Jessie Rickard, Baroness Emma Orczy, R. Austin Freeman, G.D.H. Cole, Margaret Cole, E.C. Bentley, Henry Wade, and H.C. Bailey. Anthony Berkeley played a big role in setting up the club.

The Detection Club would not only help each other with technical aspects in their individual writings, but they also wrote a number of works together, with members of the club contributing one or more chapters in turn. Agatha Christie was the president of the Detection Club between 1957-1976.”

And this sent me down another rabbit hole of researching through the Newspaper archives to learn that the club is still active, and still publishing stories by it members to help fund the club’s activities. And according to the current president, Martin Edwards (https://martinedwardsbooks.com/home/about-martin/martins-writing/the-detection-club/), the members are still voted in and must take the following oath, “Do you promise that your detectives shall well and truly detect the crimes presented to them, using those wits which it may please you to bestow upon them, and not placing reliance on, nor making use of, Divine Revelation, Feminine Intuition, Mumbo Jumbo, Jiggery-Pokery, Coincidence, or Act of God?”

“The Floating Admiral” was the first one published story by the group and included chapters created by the founding members without knowing the outcome of the plot. 

Taken from a 1937 Article in the Daily Herald:

Eric The Skull Lakes Them Members

GRAND and solemn ceremonial." 

Months of eternal secrecy—and membership by invitation only are integral parts of the most mysterious and exclusive club in London, the Detection Club.

According to the famous writer of detective stories, Miss L. Savers, the club is described as "just an after-dinner club". At a recent initiation of a new member, a skull called "Eric," preceded by arch bearers, was carried on a velvet cushion. Part of the oath included the observation by the initiate of "seemly moderation in the use of gangs, death-rays, trapdoors, Chinamen and homicidal lunatics".

Miss Sayers mentioned that a new oath is being prepared, which "is not quite ready yet". The club meets every two months after dinner in their premises in Gerrard-street. She stated, "We give each other such assistance as we can concerning the writing of detective stories" and emphasized that they are under oath not to divulge any plots explained to them.

Membership is by invitation only, and all members must have written two stories of outstanding merit, which must not be thrillers. There are several honorary members, including Sir Norman Kendal, Assistant-Commissioner at Scotland Yard. Miss Sayers also noted, "We once took action against book reviewers of our books because some of them were giving away plots in their reviews".

When members join, they have to swear that they will write good English and no thrillers, ensuring that their detective stories will be as well written as other books.

There is so much her to research and it really gives you ideas for stories about the early days of the group and what they got up to every two months. Is your current writer’s group helping you get your stories written? 

Why Mystery and Steampunk Are the Perfect Genre Pairing for Today's Readers

There's something magical happening in bookstores and online reading communities: mystery and steampunk are finding each other, and readers are absolutely here for it. If you've been wondering why these seemingly different genres mesh so beautifully, you're witnessing a literary love affair that speaks directly to our current cultural moment.

Today's readers—especially younger generations—have developed a fascinating appreciation for the blend of old and new. Think about it: we're the generation that collects vinyl records while streaming on Spotify, shops vintage while designing digital content, and finds comfort in handwritten letters sent via Instagram stories. Mystery and steampunk satisfy this exact craving.

Steampunk gives us the elegance and craftsmanship of the Victorian era—those gorgeous gears, brass fixtures, and intricate mechanical wonders—while mystery provides the intellectual puzzle-solving our screen-saturated minds desperately need. Together, they create stories where Sherlock Holmes might solve crimes using steam-powered gadgets, or where a Victorian inventor uncovers conspiracies in fog-shrouded London streets.

The pairing works because both genres celebrate ingenuity. Mystery readers love piecing together clues, while steampunk fans admire creative problem-solving through inventive technology. When you combine a detective's deductive reasoning with a world of impossible machines, you get stories that engage both analytical and imaginative thinking.

Plus, there's the aesthetic appeal. The atmospheric settings—gaslit streets, copper pipes, mysterious laboratories—create the perfect backdrop for secrets and revelations. Modern readers who spend their days in sterile digital environments find escapism in these richly textured worlds that feel both nostalgic and fantastical.

For readers seeking something that honors the past while offering fresh perspectives, mystery-steampunk hybrids deliver exactly what our complex, contradiction-loving generation craves.

Respectfully Submitted,

L.J. Green, struggling author of Steampunk Mystery 

Friday Fun With Steampunk Limericks

 Steampunk mystery fans create art I create Limericks and Videos

I hope everyone has had a good week. We are all feeling some kind of way about the things happening in and around the U.S. I propose that we take the night off and do something just for fun. You may want to curl up with a good book, write on your own book, enjoy your favorite beverage while sitting in front to the television watching a funny movie or TV show. Whatever brings you joy I hope you get a chance to do. 

Share a picture of you and your pets doing somethin you enjoy.

#SteampunkLimericks #FunFridays #GetAwayFromTheNews

If you like this sort of thing I would appreciate a like, comment and a follow 

The Case of the Model Universe

 One and Two Minute Mystery Fun

In this intriguing episode, Dr. Haledjian encounters Bertie Tilford, an ambitious young Englishman with a peculiar investment idea—building a model of the entire universe. Tilford passionately explains the educational potential of such an exhibit, envisioning it displayed in stadiums like Madison Square Garden. However, Dr. Haledjian remains skeptical, and the mystery unfolds as we discover why the scheme is fundamentally flawed. 

Written by Donald J. Sobol, creator of 'Encyclopedia Brown,' this two-minute mystery reveals the impossible scale required to accurately model the universe.

00:00 Introduction: The Case of the Model Universe

00:30 Bertie Tilford's Grand Investment Idea

01:40 The Model Universe Project

02:39 Haledjian's Skepticism and the Flaw

03:03 Conclusion: The Impracticality of the Model

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

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.