​Years ago, I lost track of a very talented friend. He was a huge influence on me in so many ways. I missed him. So, in Son of Ravage, I named one of the many gods of a Scientology-type religion after him.
 
To summarize the novel’s sequence, the leader of this band of seafaring cult members recruits zealots for a treasure hunt. The conclusion of the weird tirade is as follows:
 
     “The exact location will become obvious when you reach the center of the cosmic vortex that is the beacon of Xenu’s best friend.”
     “Etchmo,” the assembled chanted. 
     “Etchmo,” the Commodore repeated.
 
     My friend and I have since reconnected, and he has been reading my collective works, where he happened to come across the above section.
 
     It inspired a bit of artwork, and I must say that, as always, I am very impressed.
 
     And with all that said, 
     “May Etchmo bless your Thanksgiving.”
     “Etchmo,” the diners chanted.
     “Etchmo,” the Commodore repeated.

​The campaign for Operation Fool’s Gold has officially commenced. A stellar group of volunteers has been recruited, and promotional podcasts have begun. Kindle presales have begun, with a launch window of November 25th.  On December 7th, a day that will live in infamy (not so much for Pearl Harbor, but for the original release date Star Trek: The Motion Picture), the paperback book will arrive. 
 
Fingers crossed. 
 
I did my first International podcast today for Books 101 with Daniel Lucas. Danny is an enthusiastic host who not only makes his guests feel at home but will also, at the drop of his hat, share his podcast ratings from around the world. Suffice it to say, all had a good time. I will post the broadcast as soon as it airs, which will be sometime soon.
 
Next podcast: Tell Me About Your Book with Oaky Tyree.
Special love and thanks to all of my reviewers. You know who you are. I hope to see you all soon on the Amazon product page.

For Immediate Release:

From the author of Son of Ravage and The Holographic Detective Agency, a new novel in the tradition of great adventure stories of the past.
 
J.P. Linde’s Fool’s Gold is a sweeping adventure story set in the wild days of the Yukon Gold Rush, as a desperate Wyatt Earp pursues author Jack London, a boy and his scrappy terrier, and a grizzled prospector in a thrilling life-and-death race for a legendary Alaskan Gold Mine.
 
From surviving a murderous mutiny aboard a Russian whaler to speeding down the side of a mountain atop a treacherous log flume, Jack London and his crew must stay one step ahead of a scheming dentist, his toothless henchman, and the treacherous lawman if they have any hope of reaching the golden prize alive.
 
Presales begin Friday, November 24th and will be available December 1st. Paperback copies will be on sale just in time for Christmas on December 8, 2023

(Note: Still on the lookout for henchmen, scalawags, adventurers, and reviewers to assist in launching the new book on Amazon December 1st. Read last week's post for details.)

In the meantime, "Hand Me Down That Can of Beans."

​The following blog is a paid advertisement.
 
Hey, Reader,
 
I am looking for 50 readers for my new book, Fool’s Gold. Yes, you read that right. Fifty readers, brave and true! Well, hey, you say, what’s in it for me? Well, that’s a damn fine question. Starting November 13, Every reader who signs up will receive a PDF copy of my manuscript. Submit your review by Black Friday on the book’s Amazon product page, and you will receive a paperback copy of the book as soon as that option is up and running. I expect that will be around the first of the year. Please keep in mind, that only those reviews posted on Black Friday, November 24th, will be eligible for the autographed copies.
 
There are several ways to sign up. One is on this website in the comments section. Just tell me who you are and let me know what you want to read, and I will send you a PDF (of the actual Kindle draft) when the prelaunch begins. 
 
You can also send me a note at [email protected] or on Facebook or Linkedin.
 
Remember that you will need a tablet, computer, or phone to read. And no cheating; reviews must be substantial with a knowledge of the material to qualify for the signed copy.
 
Good luck, and may the best reader win!