October End of Month Newsletter
Halloween is tomorrow and we're as ready as we are, lol! With our recent move, I haven't been much into the holiday decorating mood yet this year. Maybe next year, after things have settled down a bit. I did buy bags of (incredibly expensive!) Halloween candy just in case we get trick-or-treaters. We really don't know what to expect in our new neighborhood. And it's supposed to rain. So, there's that. But Jeff readily admits that he just can't control himself when there's candy in the house, lol! So, I keep having to buy new bags to replenish our supply. Suffice it to say we have some candy to hand out if goblins and ghouls show up on our doorstep tomorrow evening.
Writing
I have been learning about and considering re-branding my Jack and the Magic Hat Maker fantasy series. December 22nd marks the five-year anniversary since publishing Book One: The Golden Telescope. And I've learned A LOT about self-publishing, genres, tropes, marketing, etc. in that time. I'm considering making some editorial changes, while keeping the essence of the story the same. But with the new branding would come a new series title and new covers. We'll see. I haven't come to a firm decision yet...but the idea has been simmering in my brain for a bit. I'm leaning toward wanting to do it. I don't think it will be ready in time for this Christmas and the five-year-anniversary date this year. But maybe next year. I'd love to hear your thoughts. And your ideas for a new series title! I'm leaning toward - Jack Mac Paidin and...The Golden Telescope, The Kidnapping King, The Magical Legacy, The Risky Reunion, etc. You get the picture. Kind of like other books in the genre; Harry Potter and the, Percy Jackson and the, etc.
What do you think?
Blog Posts
October 8th - I created a video review for a new line of handcrafted candles made by my friends, Brian and Kendra, who are launching their new small business: Fire Candle & Soap Co. You can watch that video review here.
October 11th - I shared my wood burning portrait of Elon Musk. Here's an updated photo for you. I'm not quite sure I'm ready to call him finished. I think I might want to add a little more shading before I apply a light coat of protective spray lacquer to seal my work. But he's darn close. I'll make this portrait available for sale on my pyrography sales site as soon as I'm sure I'm done with him.
October 14th - I shared some of my favorite, seasonal affiliate products. In this edition I featured Mowrator Remote Control Lawn Mowers to help with your autumn leaf removal.
A Pumpkin Spice candle from SignatureHomestyles to add a welcoming fragrance to your holiday home.
Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with Walnuts from The Biscotti Company as a tasty treat to offer friends and family. A quick and easy, reliably tasty handcrafted goodie.
Fresh roasted, farm-direct coffee from Spirit Animal Coffee for dunking those yummy biscotti. I recommended their Bourbon variety, with notes of cacao, tropical fruits, white wine, and hazelnut. Oh, my!
For an even more indulgent, and authentically Italian taste experience, I suggested pairing the crunchy cookies with the Caparzo Sangiovese 2021 red wine. Affordably priced and featuring elements of ripe blackberries, wild strawberries, and a subtle hit of spice and vanilla. Delish!
And lastly, I suggested a subscription to Taste of Home magazine for great holiday recipes and feast ideas.
Etsy
I created (with Ai assistance) and published several Halloween-themed art print designs, and the featured Owl and Pumpkins image on this post is one from my Halloween 2024 collection available on Etsy. You can view and purchase the prints in several different sizes (frames not included - for mockup purposes only) at my Tracy J Designs Etsy Shop.
Wood Burnings
The pieces below (in progress) are those I have been working on over the past month, between other projects. If you're interested in purchasing one of my pieces, or if you'd like to commission a custom work of hand-burned pyrography art, you can do that at my website: Tracys Pyro Art
Self-Published Author
This past month I have promoted several very talented authors. You can learn more about them at my author website: Self-PublishedAuthor.com And if you're an aspiring author, or just have a desire to write a book, whether fiction or non-fiction, I'd be happy to offer my services. You can Learn More Here. Or message me on Facebook.
In Closing
I wish you a very Happy Halloween! We are on the cusp of November, with the election upon us, then I am anxiously looking forward to a very blessed Thanksgiving. Watch for more from my blog throughout the coming month. I love fall...so plan to share lots of yummy and cozy thoughts with you.
All the very best,
Tracy
