Happy June Everyone,

Blogging is a first for me. But I've realized there are plenty of you that find your way here but may not be on my newsletter list or on social media (I try to avoid doomscrolling too, I'd never get any writing done).

On the personal front it's been a hectic few weeks. I managed to kick my toe hard enough it turned purple (that's talent), and I spent last night dealing with a plumbing issue that flooded a hallway and a bedroom. Other than that it's been business as usual at the Stokes residence. The weather is cooling here so plenty of cold rainy days which make for good writing weather (because who wants to be outside in that mess).

On the writing front, I've been doing a lot. The Banshee of Burleigh Heads (Book 6 in the Blue Moon Australia series) is well underway. I expect it will be off to the editor in a few weeks. I have plenty of ideas for other books in this series and will be writing another 1 or 2 this year.

The first five books are available as Audiobooks, if you haven't tried them, I hugely recommend them.

My latest release is Fae Drama Is Bad Karma, (Book 4 in the Magical Midlife Crisis series). This latest instalment sees Nora trying to navigate the treachery of the Fae Courts as she tries to protect her town from their incursions. I have a tentative release date for Book 5 but may bring this one forward once I finish working on the Kasey Project.

The Kasey Project - I've explained this a little in previous emails and posts. I've decided to tweak the first six books in the Conjuring A Coroner series. They were some of the first books I ever wrote and while I know many of you already love them, I know I could do a better job with the skills I've acquired writing the last 30+ books.

So I'm giving them a little extra TLC. The underlying plot won't change dramatically, but there is so much more that I wanted to do with them the first time, but got a little caught up in the action, and neglected some of the backdrop. I've finished the first draft of the rework, it's almost twice as long as the original but none of it's filler.

To give you some ideas:

- Strengthened up Kasey's character a little and added a new hobby.

- I wrote the prequel after the first six books. So I've brought Kendra and others into the plotline.

- Added more interaction with Bishop that gives some perspective and links better with Bishop's short story.

- Changed how Kasey acquires her weapon.

- And lots of little details along the way.

I think you're going to like it. Working on this project has been really good practice as I'm planning to go back and rework my fantasy series in due course. It's likely a 2026 project at this point, but rebuilding Kasey's world has given me some valuable experience. It was slower going than I would have liked but I'm pretty happy with the result.

I've also been doing a lot of world building for a series set in Brisbane, Australia. I think the Treasury Casino would make an exceptional lair for a coven of vampires.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop them below. I'll be sure to answer any I can.

Until next time,

Happy reading!

Sam (S.C.) Stokes