Defeating Dragons...in the Guise of Scammers

Don’t tempt me, AI...

 There's a monster that authors, especially of the self published/ indie published variety, have to deal with...the scammer. It can be anything from wanting to publish my novel for the low, low price of hundreds of dollars, promote my book on Amazon to get me more readers (again for hundreds of dollars), or the one I got recently: to feature me and my work in an online book club. 

Sounds great, huh? How could that last one be a scam? Follow along, my dears, and I will show you...this is a conversation/cold email from this week. 

Dear Nancy E. Dunne,

My name is [redacted], and I organize [redacted]. Our readers are drawn to immersive fantasy that blends emotional truth with rich world-building, and Storm: An Arcstone Novel does this with rare sensitivity and imagination.

Your exploration of destiny, courage, and the inner storms that shape identity resonates deeply with our group. We admire how you weave themes of hope and self-discovery through a universe that feels both magical and deeply human.

We would be honored to have you join us virtually on October 23, 2025, to discuss your creative journey and the heart behind Storm.

If you have a magic wand, what will you change in your present result ???

Warm regards,

[Redacted]

[I ignored this one. Sometimes they just go away, but this one was very persistent.]

Hello  Nancy E. Dunne,

[Too many spaces between hello and my name. Really? Rookie giveaway.]

I truly value your work on Storm: An Arcstone Novel and would love to see you at our upcoming event. Wednesday is the final day to confirm your participation, but you can also confirm today to secure your spot early. Your story deserves this spotlight.

If you have a magic wand, what will you change in your business outcome or present result???

Warm regards,

[Redacted]

[So this time i decided to answer…]

I'm curious why you chose the second book in a series for your focus. What did you think of the first?

Cheers!

Nancy

["She" wrote back. Usually, when I call them out for wanting to highlight the second book in a series, they disappear. But not this one. Persistent.]

Dear Nancy,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply! That’s a wonderful question, and one that truly reflects the depth of your storytelling across the Orana Chronicles and Arcstone worlds.

We were first introduced to your work through Wanderer and Tempest, and what stood out most to our readers was the way your universe evolves with each installment, the emotional stakes rise, but so does the spiritual and psychological depth. Storm felt like a natural continuation for our group because it captures that moment where your characters begin to fully confront destiny rather than simply move through it.

That growth, both internal and cosmic, is exactly what makes your series resonate so powerfully with our readers. It’s not just fantasy, it’s a reflection of the courage it takes to face change and self-realization.

We’d be honored to spotlight Storm during our October 23 virtual session while also touching on the roots of your world in The Nature Walker Trilogy. The goal is to celebrate how the threads connect, showing your evolution as both a storyteller and world-builder.

Would you like me to share the event details and the short registration process so we can confirm your feature?

Warm regards,

[I'm thinking AI]

[At this point "she'd" shown "her" hand. Register for an appearance in a book club feature? That sounds like I have to pay you for the privilege and Nancy doesn't pay to play, friend.]

Actually no, I don't think so, but I appreciate the invitation.

There isn't a way to tie Storm's plot in with the Nature Walker Trilogy because they are from different series. I hope that your members enjoyed Wanderer and Tempest and will enjoy the first book in the World of Arcstone series if they have a chance to read it. Have a great evening!

Cheers!

Nancy

[No answer so far this morning…I must have blown up the algorithm.]

Next? 

Music Monday: Home to Newcastle

Reet...

Y'all that know me know I'm a Newcastle United supporter by marriage, and at first I will admit that I didn't get what that meant. Even when I lived in the UK, I didn't completely understand. But I made a concious effort to understand the sport (football) and the team. I read about the history and the famous names...and then the height of my education came last November when we took a tour of St. James's Park, NUFC's home stadium.

But y'all, the city is pretty amazing as well. It has its issues like all cities of that size do, but the people there are so kind. I have officially added it to my list of "when we move, I'd like to live in" places in the UK. This song is an example of the love Geordies hold for their home, and I love that it has the lyrics on the screen to help you with that gorgeous accent.

Hinny Howay!

Music Monday...maybe?

Y'all ignore me. I'm exhausted, but in a good way. I spent this weekend at the Upstate Renaissance Faire with my book babies, finding new homes for quite a few of them and enjoying time with folks I only see once a year. Big shout out here to Michelle from Livy & Co. for being a great neighbor and for always supporting The Hounds of East Fairhaven at URF!

So, on to the music...there was a lot of it this weekend as we were between two stages but this one is stuck in my head now...imagine a quartet with guitar and fiddle and a female voice with the lyrics and you've got my weekend in your head too! I need a nap... Huzzah! 

Music Monday: Not just any old bog...

I will be brief today because the song takes a lot of breath control. Give it a try! Also, it will forever remind my of my Irish Fae Dog, Bryn, who would thump her tail in time to this version.

O-ro the rattlin' bog, the bog down in the valley-oO-ro the rattlin' bog, the bog down in the valley-o
And in that bog there was a hole, a rare hole, a rattlin' holeWith the hole in the bogAnd the bog down in the valley-o.

And in that hole there was a tree, a rare tree, a rattlin' treeWith the tree in the hole and the hole in the bogAnd the bog down in the valley-o.
Now on that tree there was a limb, a rare limb, a rattlin' limbWith the limb on the tree and the tree in the hole and the hole in the bogAnd the bog down in the valley-o.
Now on that limb there was a branch, a rare branch, a rattlin' branchWith the branch on the limb and the limb on the tree and the tree in the hole and the hole in the bogAnd the bog down in the valley-o.
(Repeat, adding a line each time)Now on that branch there was a twig, a rare twig, a rattlin' twig.....
Now on that twig there was a nest, a rare nest, a rattlin' nest.....
Now in that nest there was an egg , a rare egg, a rattlin' egg.....
Now in that egg there was a bird, a rare bird, a rattlin' bird.....
Now on that bird there was a feather, a rare feather, a rattlin' feather .....

The Upstate Renaissance Festival, 12-14 September!

My wee bookshop, September 2023

 So it won't look exactly like that, but you can look for the tapestries and some bunting to find me! The Upstate Renaissance Festival is one of my best events all year, and I'm so excited for next weekend. I started out with this faire working with The Hounds of East Fairhaven, who are hosted each year by Livy & Co, purveyors of the finest collars and other accoutrement for your canine friends. But after that I thought about applying to sell my books and I believe the first year (not 2022, when the monsoon hit and my canopy tried to pull a Mary Poppins) I was one of only a handful or less of authors there. Last year I was inside a building which was fantastic because SC isn't quite convinced to move on to autumn by September.

The booth indoors, September 2024

This year the faire has outgrown the lovely spot in downtown Greer and will be at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds in Spartanburg, SC. I'm excited, but this will be a new experience for me. I always have help setting up and breaking down thanks to Hubs, but the last time I was solo in my tent outdoors I was still in the throes of chemo. We'll see! I did the faire last year solo, but as I've mentioned I was indoors.

I will be right next to the Livy & Co. tent, though, which will be good because our new Irish Wolfhound, Stanley, will hopefully be making his HOEF debut with my friend Anne...you may remember her as Bryn's "Auntsie" and resident Wolfhound Whisperer. Fingers crossed, and more on our big blond boy in another post. 

But if you're in the area next weekend and looking for something to do, this faire has been charming fun for the last few years and can only be more so with more space. Come see me, get copies of my books signed (as well as the other authors that will be there), and just generally enjoy the day! The faire opens Friday the 12th at 5pm - 10pm, then Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 6pm both days. There is more information here, so have a read and then come visit!

Huzzah!

Music Monday: Scream!

And not just because I'm a Clemson fan...

I love Florence and the Machine and this new album looks great. But when I listened to the first released track, one of my newer characters whispered in my ear that this would be a great song for dancing by a picture window with a glass of wine. So this is for Lark. I hope y'all get to meet her soon. 

Music Monday: A Different Danse Macabre

And now for something completely different... 
The inspiration for choosing this for our Music Monday this week is twofold: 
1. It's getting toward the end of summer, which means it is pre-spooky season for those of us who love a cold snap and a jump scare. I am firmly in the first camp, but the writer in me is constantly looking for spooky and paranormal things once it stops feeling like the surface of the sun outside.
2. This is definitely for my adopted brother Tony, who is ALL IN for scary, horror, etc. He talked me into watching Sinners, recently, which you will know from my previous Monday's post was life-changing for me as an author...
The lyrics are below because on my screen the captions were tiny and, sadly, auto-generated. I love you Duran Duran, and have for years, but for the love of all that is unholy and goes bump could you PLEASE caption your videos? Ta very much. Now, run along and get ready...Halloween is just (2 months and change) around the corner...

Danse Macabre

by Duran Duran

Halloween girl seize the fray

Brothers and sisters, lead the way

Shackled to the rhythm, your soul is weighed

So you better get down on your knees and pray

Comin' up for The Hawsker Mad-Bull

Jumpin' on the hot seat, lyin' in the dead pool

Delivery quake, expensive mistake

The damage, the damage, the damage, the damage

Hey, no way

Some ghost jive in an AC Cobra

Auto-da-fé

Get dirty up on the Danse Macabre

Hey, no way

I had you down for the cat's pyjamas

Auto-da-fé

Get dirty up on the Danse Macabre

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind diggin' down the gold mine

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind diggin' down the gold mine

Heaven sake, don't blow your karma

Liberate your Danse Macabre

Zombie in the back room, nuns in the bed

Kids in KISS makeup, toasting the bread

An Elvis' moans a lone Natty Dread

With death in the living room, offering a head

Are you watching? Are you watching?

Collars and chains and cuffs are matching

Kami-kaze stag-do, twist and shout

At Sudan Archives on a girls' night out

Hey, no way

Some ghost jive in an AC Cobra

Auto-da-fé

Get dirty up on the Danse Macabre

Hey, no way

I had you down for the cat's pyjamas

Auto-da-fé

Get dirty up on the Danse Macabre

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind diggin' down the gold mine

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind diggin' down the gold mine

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind diggin' down the gold mine

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind diggin' down the gold mine

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind diggin' down the gold mine

(Liberate your Danse Macabre) if you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind diggin' down the gold mine

if you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind diggin' down the gold mine

(Liberate your Danse Macabre) if you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind, if you don't mind

If you don't mind

Music Monday: Last Visit to Troubled Waters

No need for explanation. This is beautiful. Go watch Sinners. You won't regret it.

Troubled Waters/Homesick

by OG DAYV, featuring Ryan's Uncle James at the end. 

Hmm, hmm

Hmm, that sacred ground

I was lost, but then I found

In the shadows, an abandoned home

But the soil was drenched in blood

I seek, I sought, I conquered demons

I teach, I fought, I fostered healing, I'm whole

I arrived as one

When I leave, I'll drift towards the sun

When kingdom comes

When kingdom comes

When kingdom comes

When kingdom comes

Mm, I pledged my life to glory

I studied every word

I walked into the valley

With a Bible in my nerve

This weight is not a burden

I'm guided by His name

No light, no glow

Still filled with hope

Mm, no (no), Mississippi water is so troubled

Troubled (troubled, troubled)

Troubled

Said it's troubled

Hmm, I hear the call

I pray to save us all

Betrayal, that's all I've seen

My faith is all I need

I preach, I pray, I'm chosen

I've seen plenty people go

We're not alone, we'll join the stars

My body's strong and able

And I've traveled roads with angels

I've come far, I'll say so long

Then I crossed my heart, protect my soul

'Til my veins run dry and skin turn cold

And now none of my prayers are etched in stone

But don't dance with the Devil, he'll follow you home

And I know

The world is wicked, I never walk alone, I know the Lord can hear me

I know

Forget my sins, I'm only human so I know I'm gonna do it again

Mm-hmm

Mmm, I pledged my life to glory (he pledged his life to glory)

I studied every word (he studied every word)

I walked into the valley (he walked into the valley)

With a Bible in my nerve (with a Bible in his nerve)

This weight is not a burden (this weight is not a burden)

I'm guided by His name (guided by His name)

No light, no glow

Still filled with hope

Mm, no (no), Mississippi water is so troubled

Troubled (troubled, troubled)

Mmm, no (no), Mississippi water is so troubled

Troubled (troubled, troubled)

Said it's troubled

Troubled

So troubled

Hey, Ryan

You gon' talk back to me?

No, yeah, but man, I

How are you doing?

Yeah, I'm, I'm wishing you would be all right there, back there

I know you get kind of homesick, but, uh

Just like Albert King said, "Just hang in there"

Hey, you'll be alright

And we love you

Music Mondays: Sinners...All The Way to Dublin/Rocky Road to Dublin

So recently, my adopted brother Tony convinced me that Sinners was possibly the best horror movie he'd seen in a long time. If you know him, you know what high praise that is...and it's a vampire movie, but no sparkles. This is more Lost Boys fare, if that had been a scary movie.

So, I watched it and...man alive. It was scary, gory (I mean, vampires y'all, there's gonna be some blood), and one of the best things I've seen in awhile. The story was so compelling and the acting so good that I kept wondering who they'd found that looked so much like Michael B. Jordan. HE WAS TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PEOPLE, Y'ALL.

Anyway, to start off my Sinners Musical Selections, here's a scene from the movie plus the songs that, if you know me, you know spoke to my heart. Enjoy...and be warned, this isn't pretty. But soooooo good.

Music Monday: Spellbound

This week's tune is from the playlist for my current WIP, and it absolutely spoke to me about the FMC...I could see her standing in the picture window in her second floor flat in Savannah, watching humans walk up and down the street below as she sips her wine. She's looking for someone specific, and now and then a dark haired male will catch her eye...but it isn't him. 

Also, it's Siouxsie, y'all. Enjoy.

Music Monday: I'm Screaming...and So Sad

Last week our weary old world lost one of the biggest, loudest, and most honest artists of our age, Ozzy Osborne. I may not have been a fan all the way back to his Black Sabbath days (though I'm rectifying that), but his solo career happened just as I was on my own at university and so much of it spoke to me. This particular one is a later hit, but it resonates just the same, especially in the current political climate. Thanks for all the screams, Ozzy. We will miss you.

Let Me Hear You Screamby Ozzy Osborne
Let me hear you scream!I'm back and bruised, beat up, but still I take the blows'Cause all I need is blood and sweat and skin and bones!I'll take this rage, rattle your cageNobody said it's easy!It's do or die, only the strong survive!Get ready for the last stand!Get ready, I'm your hangman!
Let me hear you scream like you want it!Let me hear you yell like you mean it!If you're gonna go downGo loud, go strong!Go proud, go on!Go hard or go home!Let me hear you (Let me hear you)Let me hear you (Let me hear you)Let me hear you scream!
I'll pull you up and push you right back in your place!I'll take you down and wipe that smile right off your face!I'll watch you break, your mine to takeDon't blink; you just might miss it!It's all or nothing, nowhere left to run!Are you ready for the last fight!?Get ready with the war cry!
Let me hear you scream like you want it!Let me hear you yell like you mean it!If you're gonna go downGo loud, go strong!Go proud, go on!Go hard or go home!Let me hear you (let me hear you)Let me hear you (let me hear you)Let me hear you scream!
Let me hear you scream like you want it!Let me hear you yell like you mean it!If you're gonna go downGo loud, go strong!Go proud, go on!Go hard or go home!
Let me hear you scream like you want it!Let me hear you yell like you mean it!If you're gonna go downGo loud, go strong!Go proud, go on!Go hard or go home!Let me hear you (let me hear you)Let me hear you (let me hear you)
Let me hear you scream!

Music Monday: As Real As You Need Me To Be

After ConGregate, I started really thinking about my World of Arcstone series...and I may have come up with a third book. I mean, I already have a third book idea but it's starting to take up space in my mind on the daily. This song jumped into the middle of that and while it was made for a movie that I've used as a comp title for Rift and Storm before, it was just one of those moments...like the time that I almost had to pull over to write a scene for Red because of a song that came up on the playlist. Anyway...enjoy. I mean, it's NIN after all.

Music Monday: I try to think about...well, not Elvis.

ConGregate 2025 is in the books and I'm knackered. But before I go sleep, let me leave you with one of the best songs to sing along to in the car on I-85 in SO MUCH TRAFFIC... (lyrics below)




I try to think about Elvisby Patty Loveless
Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot where I was
One, two, three, fourI try to think about Elvis, MemphisOprah in the afternoonI try to think about palm trees, fig leavesThe creature from the Black LagoonI try to think about high heels and good dealsAnything to get me throughI just can't concentrateYou're all I think about these days
I try to contemplate the cosmosAnd what goes 'round and 'round the sky at nightI try to think about the champagne, freight trainsSlowly rolling out of sightI try to focus on the headlines, the street crimesEvery time I think I mightI just can't concentrateYou're all I think about these days
My mind wanders where it willAnd when it settles right on youI forget what I should sayI forget what I should do
My mind wanders where it willAnd when it settles right on youI forget what I should sayI forget what I should do
Come on, Patty, get it together
I try to think about Shakespeare, leap yearThe Beatles or the Rolling StonesI try to think about hair-do's, tattoosSushi bars and saxophonesI try to think about the talk shows, new clothesBut I guess I should have knownI just can't concentrateYou're all I think about these daysYou're all I think about these days

Music Monday: My Friend...

For today's Music Monday, I'm doing something a little different. The disastrous flooding in Texas that caused campers, counselors, and staff at Camp Mystic to lose their lives has hit close to home for me, and this blog post will be a bit more personal than most of my Music Mondays.
One thing about me that probably seems strange to those that only know me as an adult is that I was a camper from the time I was a rising third grader (8 years old) until I was a rising senior in high school (17) and then worked at the same summer camp for five years after that. Camp was my life, and as a child of a clergy family (Preacher's Kid or PK), it was even more so. We moved about every four years until I was in 8th grade (13) and then after seven years so that I could graduate from high school. They then moved again with my sister having only one year in my high school and three at the school from which she graduated. I went to work at camp that summer, leaving from one home and returning at the end of the season to another one. 

Me and a camper, summer of 1992 (?)

For these girls and the staff, Camp Mystic was home just like Camp Glisson in North Georgia was for me, and while I can't begin to fathom the horror, the fear, and the loss felt by families involved, one quote stands out. Parents of a camper lost in the flooding said that for them, their child would be forever living her best life at the camp she loved. May all kids have such a safe place where they are covered up with love like Mystic and, in my experience, Glisson. The song for today is one I sang all those years on Fridays when, as a camper, I had to go back home with my parents or, as a counselor/section leader, I watched these precious campers that I'd folded into my heart leave for their homes. It's a lot more upbeat in the video below than it was when I was a camper, and I like that change. 
Please, if you are able, find ways to help and support the Camp Mystic families. At the time of this writing there are still 10 campers unaccounted for--and loads of ways to help them in this horrible time. From my camp home, via Facebook: "To offer support beyond prayer, consider contributing to the United Methodist response coordinated through the Rio Texas Conference: Advance #2050 Guadalupe River Flood."
To my Glisson family, I'll see you in the sky, if not before... (lyrics below)

My Friendsung by Camp Glisson Staff, summer of 2012
My friend, I think of you dailyBecause I care, and it's trueThat though we've shared a lot togetherIt's very rare that I see you
And I want you to know that God loves youAnd that I love you tooAnd that even if we're hardly ever nearI'm talking to him about you
And I'll be praying for you every morningAs I start of the day with the LordAnd I'll be praying that you're walking with JesusAnd abiding in His word
For you see, this Jesus of NazarethHe means everything to meFor He has taken my life and He has freed my soulAnd He's calmed an angry sea
And I want you to know that God loves youAnd that I love you tooAnd that even if we're hardly ever nearI'm talking to him about you
And I'll be praying for you every morningAs I start of the day with the LordAnd I'll be praying that you're walking with JesusAnd abiding in His word
Well, I don't know when I'll see you againA month, a year, or maybe moreBut if your heart belongs to the SaviorI'll see you in the sky if not before
And I want you to know that God loves youAnd that I love you tooAnd that even if we're hardly ever nearI'm talking to him about you
And I'll be praying for you every morningAs I start of the day with the LordAnd I'll be praying that you're walking with JesusAnd abiding in His word

Music Monday: Absolutely Bonkers

I think I've mentioned before that I'm working on a project with my adopted older brother, Tony. While I read vampire fiction (Black Dagger Brotherhood, anyone?), I've always wanted to write it and even have several manuscripts languishing in the deep freeze of my laptop. So I did what I always do when I'm starting a new project and come up with a playlist that speaks to the worldbuilding or the characters or just keeps me interested while I'm writing.
This version is from the opening ceremonies from the London Olympics and reminds me of our male main character. He is absolutely bonkers in the best way, and I can't wait to share this story with all of you! 



BonkersDizzie Rascal and Armand Van Helden
I wake up everyday, it's a daydreamEverything in my life ain't what it seemsI wake up just to go back to sleepI act real shallow but I'm in too deepAnd all I care about is sex and violenceA heavy bass line is my kind of silenceEverybody says that I gotta get a gripBut I let sanity give me the slip

Some people think I'm bonkersBut I just think I'm freeMan, I'm just living my lifeThere's nothing crazy about meSome people pay for thrillsBut I get mine for freeMan, I'm just living my lifeThere's nothing crazy about me
Bonkers
I wake up everyday, it's a daydreamEverything in my life ain't what it seemsI wake up just to go back to sleepI act real shallow but I'm in too deepAnd all I care about is sex and violenceA heavy bass line is my kind of silenceEverybody says that I got to get a gripBut I let sanity give me the slip (Bonkers!)
Some people think I'm bonkersBut I just think I'm freeMan, I'm just living my lifeThere's nothing crazy about meSome people pay for thrillsBut I get mine for freeMan, I'm just living my lifeThere's nothing crazy about me