Nature, Novel, Reading, Writing
5 Uses of Nature in Novels
When it comes to writing their stories, some writers do a great job of making the setting almost as important as the characters. When it comes to writing their stories, some writers do a great job of making the setting almost as important as the characters. Nature can provide an entire atmosphere for a story,… Read More
Novel, Reading
Why We Keep Going Back
(And why nobody ever really leaves the classics) Every few years, someone confidently declares that this generation is done with the classics. Attention spans are too short. TikTok has broken our brains. Everything needs to be faster, louder, and algorithm-approved. Old books are dusty. Old movies are slow. Old TV shows look like they were… Read More
Christmas, Seasons
Grateful, Looking Ahead, and Telling the Next Story
Christmas music, in particular, is a kind of storytelling magic. Three minutes. A handful of lyrics. And somehow it captures memory, longing, joy, loss, hope. The response to High Stakes has been incredible. The messages, reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and excitement around the book have honestly been humbling. Seeing readers connect with the characters, the tension,… Read More
Christmas, Seasons
From Ghosts to Gizmos: How Christmas Storytelling Has Changed (and Where It’s Going)
Suddenly, Christmas stories didn’t have to be quiet or solemn. They could be slapstick, action-packed, or downright ridiculous. Well, the lights are up, the radio has declared a hostile takeover via Mariah Carey, and every store within a hundred miles now smells like cinnamon pinecones and fiscal panic. That can only mean one thing: we… Read More
Christmas, Seasons
Snowstorms, Stories, and the Spirit of the Season
Why did Christmas stories shift from ghostly Victorian hauntings, to nostalgic mid-century sentimentality, to chaotic ’90s comedies, to the algorithm-generated Hallmark era, and beyond? Before we dive into today’s topic, I want to start with a huge thank you. The response to High Stakes has been nothing short of incredible. You’ve bought it, reviewed it,… Read More
Adventure, Author, Mystery
Lights, Camera, Blackjack: Casinos in the Movies vs. Real Life
Let’s start with one of Hollywood’s favorite myths: card counting as a superpower. Let’s be honest—Hollywood has taught most of us everything we think we know about casinos. Whether it’s Daniel Ocean smooth-talking his way through Ocean’s Eleven, James Bond ordering his martini “shaken, not stirred” in Casino Royale, or Alan from The Hangover counting… Read More
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