From the Desk of J.M. Poole

Hi, everyone!

Just a quick heads-up about what’s been happening with me in the last week or so. At the suggestion of a family member, I contacted Columbine Publishing Group about potentially submitting my mystery series, Corgi Case Files, for consideration. My ultimate goal has always been to get the books into as many readers’ hands as possible. This publisher has an imprint which handles mystery and thriller books: Secret Staircase Books. They were looking for lighter fare cozy mysteries, and they said they “heavily favor series where there are at least 3 books”. Well, my cozy mystery series has 10 released titles at the moment, and I pride myself on keeping my stories light-hearted and fun.

What could it hurt to try?

Long story short, after an email interview, submission of CCF1, a request for an additional manuscript (I sent them CCF8), and a Zoom meeting with the CEO and the head of Editing, I was offered a publishing contract for the whole 10 book series, with first rights to addtional titles in the series. What does that mean for me? Well, that’s easy. I don’t have to worry about marketing the titles anymore. I don’t have to worry about editing, or formatting, or cover design. Secret Staircase Books will now be handling all of it, so the only thing I’m responsible for is writing!

So…. yeah. I’ve been on Cloud 9 lately. I’m really thrilled to begin working with this group and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the series! Now, if you have questions, or have been wondering what it means for the CCF series, I can safely tell you absolutely nothing will be changing on your end. The books will still be available in print and ebook form. I’m pretty sure the cover design will still be handled by Felipe, my illustrator for the last 9 books. The prices might go up a smidge, but for the first time ever, that part is out of my hands.

I do have another CCF title in the works: Case of the Great Cranberry Caper (Corgi Case Files #11). My publisher tells me that, as long as I can get the book completed by the end of October, they’ll make it available for release before the holiday season arrives. Have no fear. I plan on having it done by mid-October, easy. 🙂

My fantasy series will continue to be published by Yours Truly. I’m still working on Harness the Fire (Dragons of Andela #1). Dragons, magic, comedy, and unexpected surprises and twists. I’m having a ball with it.

That’s it for me. If you have any questions, or have been wondering anything, don’t hesitate to post a question about it, or leave a comment. I read all comments on here, and will typically reply back within a day or so. Happy reading!

J.

Case of the Abandoned Bones (Corgi Case Files #10) has been officially released! If you have already pre-ordered the title, you have my thanks, and by the time you open your electronic device, the book should already be waiting for you. For those of you who’d like to check it out, I’ve included some easy links in order to make things easier.

Amazon Amazon UK Apple Barnes & Noble Google Play Kobo Smashwords

For the rest of you, especially the fans of my fantasy stories, I can tell you that progress is coming along nicely for Harness the Fire (Dragons of Andela #1). I hope to have it finished by the end of September, with a release date at the end of October. Keep your fingers crossed!

Keep an eye on the blog here. I think it’s time to do a couple of giveaways. Up for grabs will be some print copies of your favorite stories, be it mystery or fantasy! I just gotta think of something to make you guys do. 🙂

Stay safe out there! Happy reading!

J.

Now available! Case of the Dysfunctional Daredevils is now available at the following retailers:

Amazon Amazon UK Apple BN Google Kobo Scribd Smashwords

Also available for a pre-order, on Amazon, is Case of the Abandoned Bones (Corgi Case Files #10)! Stop by to reserve your copy today!

I also revamped the “Books” page. You’ll see it listed under “Published Titles”. Was experimenting with some widgets. Let me know what you think!

Hi, guys! As you can probably see from the previous post here, CCF9 has been given to my Posse, and (probably) be torn apart by now. 🙂 That means it should be (hopefully) released by early next week!

As for me, I’m already off and planning CCF10.  A prominent citizen of PV will, unfortunately, meet their untimely demise, and a certain someone is gonna be accused of murder.  Again.  🙂

Hope you’re all staying healthy and safe!  Don’t forget to mask up if you go outside!

Hi, guys!

The next mystery story, Case of the Ostentatious Otters (Corgi Case Files #8), has been completed and is ready for preorder! This was last month’s NaNoWriMo challenge, and I’m pleased to say that I beat it in less than three weeks. 🙂

So, if you haven’t already, stop by Amazon using the link below and preorder your copy today!

Case of the Ostentatious Otters

Up next will be the brand new fantasy series I’ve had in the works for a while. No, this isn’t the dark fantasy (which is STILL in the works), but instead, a brand new magical world, with new characters, new magic, and a new story. The Dragons of Andela features dragons and their riders, living in a remote kingdom where the rules of magic have isolated the different climes: ice, fire, wind, and so on. All dragons strive to find a human rider, and all humans strive to be chosen by a dragon. The problem is, only a very select few of the dragons can bond with a human, and only a very low number of humans can bond with a dragon. Further complicating matters is the Rule: no dragon can bond with a human who doesn’t reside within their clime. For example, a fire dragon cannot bond with a human who lives in the Lower Plains, home of the ice dragons.

It’s been the way of the world for many thousands of years. However, none of that matters now, as a new threat has been discovered.

A new power has manifested, and it is threatening to destroy all life on Andela. The Lava Fields are cooling; the Ice Plains are thawing. It could only mean the magic is leaving Andela. Desperate to save their world, the human king and the High Dragon task the Kai, an archaic name for dragons and their riders, to eliminate the threat, only the Kai have been dwindling in numbers.

Now, more than ever, the dragons are vying with each other to try and find a human to bond with. Why? Because they know that together, as Kai, they are more formidable; powerful. Dragons and humans both know that a bonded Kai could draw upon a mix of both powers. Mix a boulder-conjuring human with a fire-breathing dragon and you’d get the ability to conjure flaming boulders. The more unique the ability, the more powerful the union becomes. And yet… a human has been discovered who can bond with any dragon, regardless of region.

Imagining magical combinations never before conceived, the rush is on to locate and identify this magical being! But… will it be enough to defeat the force that threatens Andela?

Expected release… Spring, 2020!

The long awaited finale to the Pirates of Perz has been released! These are Not the Stones You’re Looking For (Pirates of Perz #3) is just over 103,000+ words and wraps up the story of Captain Flinn and his quest to pilfer magical items from the magical kingdom of Lentari. Will Steve finally be able to beat Captain Flinn, or will the surly pirate finally get the advantage over everyone’s favorite Fire Thrower? Pick up your copy today!

For your convenience, I’ve included some links on where the book is available. For whatever reason, the Barnes & Noble listing doesn’t have the cover yet. Will have to check into it if it doesn’t show up shortly. 🙂

Amazon Amazon UK Barnes & Noble Google+ Kobo Kobo UK Smashwords

I can also tell you that I’ve already started the next book. This time, it’s back to Pomme Valley to see what Zack and the gang have been up to after solving his late wife’s murder in Arizona. If I’m not mistaken, Jillian has just purchased one of PV’s historic houses, and everyone seems to think it’s haunted. Case of the Highland House Haunting (Corgi Case Files #7) should be ready for release by the end of next month. The plan is to finish the book before my wife & I head out of country to celebrate our 20th anniversary. How, you may ask? We’re going on a 2 week European cruise. To say that we’re stoked would be a serious understatement. 🙂

Also in the works is my 6th audiobook, which will be Case of the Muffin Murders (Corgi Case Files #5). Once again, the very talented Bob Johnson is narrating it for me, and it should probably be done within the next month. I’ll let you know when it’s ready!

Happy Reading!

J.