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The Key to the Treasure is the Treasure

February 3rd (by now, you know I dig numbers)

Dear Readers,
I hope this finds you well, warm, wise, and seeking to be even wiser.

First order of business: Thank you, God. Let me praise away because tomorrow is not promised. I have only today.

Second order of business: On my first newsletter, I had five (5) subscribers! That was after being on Substack for a two and a half months. In these last few weeks, I have only begun to learn the ways of Substack. Now I have TWENTY-TWO (22) subscribers since January 13th. Praise!

The most impressive profiles and posts talked of writing for one’s self and not trusting the “models” to generate subscribers. How do you write for yourself? You serve the muse. Who will yout answer to? Critics (or put another way, the Accuser?) or God?

Thank you again to Bradley Ramsey for championing others; Tabitha Lithland for awesome writing; Lynnette for seeking feedback and advice and being gracious about it. Also, on the other hand, I get chatted up by: cryptocurrency creeps, sweepstakes scammers, stalkers wanting my phone number so they text me at their leisure, AI bots posing as elderly award winning authors, and, now, women who are probably running a paid webcam site and have to come to this site (as one put it): “to seek a serious relationship.” I chatted back, “Not me. I am here to seek readers and to connect with writers.” Can I get an “amen?” Guess what, the girl already gave me an “amen”, but another one wouldn’t hurt.

Third order of business: I am not happy with “Meridian House.” Originally, it was called “Bonetown Road” which my editor and readers (different people, folks) said was fine. But I didn’t think it was fine like a ghost tale should be. I reworked it 4/5 over and received kindly criticism of the ripping off band-aid variety for the present version. In my heart, I know it’s still not as good as it could be. It’s still missing something, probably a sticky conflict that helps facilitate some kind of epiphany or revelation. So, back to the drawing board/workshop/mine.

I do have another idea with a yet different take that the muse is amused to share with me. It will still revolve around the Meridian Coffee House which was a real place that I frequented and where I had a paranormal experience and will involve the same characters (some who were very real and some who were very made up and some who are now very, very dead—which helps the inspiration). Once more, then, to the breach…third time’s a charm, etc.

**Special Mention: right now, “Stone Corners” Part One is the *star* with 127 views, 5 “hearts” and 12 “restacks.” If that’s my “peak,” oh, well (since it’s got three more parts which haven’t met the same interest, yet). I’ll keep on swinging.

Fourth order of business: God willing, the following is my intentions for the year:

Publishing Schedule for 2025:

THE FULL MOON GHOST STORY CAMPAIGN continues:

**the larger stories will have to split into parts and published on that month’s New Moon

February 12th, 2025 Snow Moon “Caveat Ghost Hunter” (on Substack)

March 14, 2025 Worm Moon “Ghostproof” (on Substack)

April 12, 2025 Pink Moon “Church of the Holy Spook” (on Substack)

**I hope to resubmit the new “Meridian House” this month, too. Twin ghosties, it is!

May 12, 2025 Flower Moon “She’s My Rider” (on Substack)

June 11, 2025 Strawberry Moon “Blue Harvest” (on Substack)

**reposting “Holes At Tearing” **originally published on Kindle Vella which is shutting down Feb. 26

July 10, 2025 Buck Moon “Lethe Home” (on Substack)

**reposting “A Sort Of Homecoming” (on Substack) originally published on Kindle Vella which is shutting down Feb. 26

August 9, 2025 Sturgeon Moon “The Day The Ghost Walks” (on Substack)

September 7, 2025 Corn Moon “Night At The Black Orpheum” (on Substack)

October 31, 2025 Collection of all 13 Full Moon Ghost Stories ( on various platforms)

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” —Matthew 13:44 NKJV