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The softcover release of “Swan Song” is slowly becoming a reality. I uploaded the cover (designed by Terri J. Kitts of Fiverr) and interior to the publishing platform yesterday. This was a bit of a milestone because I’ve not done this task by myself before. Dave had not only been my advisor and encourager, he also provided tech support! I had a couple of questions but my son was available to answer them (thanks, Jordan!).

I hope to order a proof copy within the next few days and — if all looks good — will then release for publication. Swan Song will be available in softcover and digital at all major booksellers with release-day celebrations & promotions. Hurray!!

“Swan Song” is moving closer to release. It’s lovely to share the front cover art and text from the back of the jacket again, but knowing that the release is on schedule is exciting! I hope to offer copies for pre-sale on my purchase page soon. Continue reading for more about “Swan Song”.

From Back Cover: Mara Cordovan’s life had been rough even before she learned she was dying. Her death sentence was caused by chemical exposure in the workplace. Corporate greed was to blame —and her demise could have been prevented. With nothing left to lose, she decides against seeking restitution in the time she has left. Instead, Mara wants revenge.

“What did I want to do, see, accomplish before I was finished here? How did I want to leave this earthly plane? How would I leave my affairs, as they say? In order? In utter disarray? My thoughts drifted to swans. Folklore says they sing beautiful songs before they die, sort of a last hurrah. I wanted to sing a song too, my own last hurrah.”

About the Author: Susanne Perry is the author of the City Streets series of mysteries — Runaway, Veteran and Gutter Punk—set within the street community of the Pacific Northwest. Her short story, Prep Work was chosen by Riversong Books to be included in their volume of Best Short Stories of 2022. Swan Song is set in Arizona and is her fourth novel. Contact her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Happy 2023!
I am so glad to see the end of 2022 that even on this rainy, cool day its still a relief. I appreciate everyone of you for your support of indie authors everywhere, but especially for sticking with me during the last truly awful year.

In today’s post, I’m spotlighting books by another indie author and friend, Markus McDowell. McDowell brings an interesting perspective to his work with a background in religious studies, law, and travel —often by sailboat. I’ve read and enjoyed 3 of the 4 in the photo. I love historical fiction so Onesimus, set in the early days of Christianity, is on my tbr list.

In addition to his skill as a writer, MM, as I call him, beta-read “Swan Song” and I was fortunate that he agreed to share his expertise on legal details I had incorporated into the plot.

I’m awaiting Markus’ upcoming volume of short stories to be released later this year. If you’re looking for something singularly new, pick up one by McDowell. Available at all major online booksellers, on his website, or at Riversong Books.

THREE MORE DAYS to download Runaway, Veteran and Gutter Punk for ONLY 99c EACH!
Grab a murder mystery set in the Pacific NW and settle in for an end of year or New Years Day read.
Available on AppleBooks, Kobo, Barnes & Noble Nook and of course Amazon 😝

~ Runaway, Book 1 99c
A runaway is found dead in an alley. Who is she? Why is she on the streets? Investigators Jordan and Connors pursue a killer and uncover deceit, lies and exploitation.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/BO8KGZYJNQ

~Veteran, Book 2 99c
A Gulf War Veteran, haunted by his past, is accused of a vicious crime. Why does he not come to his own defense? Jordan and Connors believe in his innocence—but will they be able to prove it?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MCV3WB2

~Gutter Punk, Book 3 99c
A suspect from Lieutenant Jordan’s past threatens to expose a devastating secret. When she’s thrown into the dicey world of street kids, will they trust her to find a killer in their midst?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZC4D97R

*Special Note: i’m currently in a pricing scuffle with the BIG BAD AMZN b/c the retailer is featuring a “resale” softcover copy of Gutter Punk for $51 (I set the retail price at $17). I’ve discussed this with AMZN. They don’t give a crap b/c they don’t have to give a crap. Have any of my indie author friends had a similar issue?

Happy Holiday Reads!
Digital copies of Runaway, Veteran and Gutter Punk ONLY 99c each! On Amazon, Barnes & Noble Nook, Apple Books and Kobo! Special pricing through Jan 1st.
Grab a copy and a hot cup of something and settle in!

~ Runaway, Book 1 99c A runaway is found dead in an alley. Who is she? Why is she on the streets? Investigators Jordan and Connors pursue a killer and uncover deceit, lies and exploitation.

~Veteran, Book 2 99c. A Gulf War Veteran haunted by his past is accused of a vicious crime. Why does he not come to his own defense? Jordan and Connors believe in his innocence—but will they be able to prove it?

~Gutter Punk, Book 3 99c. A suspect from Lieutenant Jordan’s past threatens to expose a devastating secret. When she’s thrown into the dicey world of street kids, will they trust her to find a killer in their midst?

Just to let you know, my mulled wine turned out delicious as always — although Ranger is not impressed.

You can vary the wine-to -cider ratio. I’ve found that the cheaper the wine, the better 😂 I used Yellow Tail Cab/Sauv this year.

I don’t add the star anise as I don’t care for the favor of licorice.

Mix together in soup pot or crock pot until steamy. Your house will smell so christmasy!

Keeps nicely in frig for a few days and — dare i say it—warms in microwave or just stick it back on burner. I used to warm it on the woodstove when we lived in cold, wet, rainy WA.

#mulledwine #yellowtailwine #cabsauv #cheers #holidayseason

Winter Solstice 2022 arrives at at 2:47pm MST today. I’m excited that the event occurs in the afternoon this year so I won’t sleep through it. The days will slowly creep longer and become warmer. It’s uphill from here, everyone! Cheers and happy holidays, in whatever tradition you celebrate or observe! 🕎♥️✝️🙏✡️🎄☮️

According to Goodreads I’ve read 30 of my goal of 35 books for the year. I count 28 in this summary for 2022.
Although the year isn’t quite over, my current read “Sister Mother Warrior” is nearly 500 pages and as of today I’m at only 10% read. Chances are I might finish it but with visitors & holiday festivities, I very much doubt it.
First year I’ve not met my goal but am giving myself a break, all things considered.
Thanks to the great indie authors I discovered this year and to those I returned to. Please keep those great books coming!!

My December #bookstack

It’s my bday month and my rule is no Christmas decorations until after my bday but i’m making an exception.

I’m liking this #decemberbookstack — only two non-fictions and totally cheating with the Fodor’s but hey, it is a book. Unfortunately, only one Indie Author, however, if you’re looking for YA novels for middle grade readers, check out the the Dragonborn series by Brett Humphrey. Perfect adventure series. My grandson loved them.

Death Comes to Pemberley by PD James

Education for Critical Consciousness by Paulo Freire

Carrie by Stephen King

Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

Book of Flying by Keith Miller

Fodor’s Essential Great Britain

Rebellion by @bretthumphreyauthor

#indieauthorsofinstagram #bookaddict #spellthemonthinbooks

www.instagram.com/p/CIM34e0A0Dv/