Welp, I haven’t updated you in seven months. Sorry about that. In my defense, the last seven months.
I’m still working hard on this every single day. The difference now is that I’m working closely with the Inkshares CEO, Adam Gomolin, to make sure each chapter is as good as it can be. We’ve tossed around the idea of a summer release, but we’ll see. The world is still pretty wild! Just talking about a release is pretty exciting though!

I know some of you have mentioned a concern that all the changes have made this different from my original story and I hear you! I was talking to my husband about how much the book has changed and improved. The structure is much more readable and intentional, the historical aspects are more immersive, the characters are more interesting. So much has changed. In fact, I think you’ll be pretty surprised when you meet this newest iteration of the main character. But it’s still the same story. I told Jared I didn’t know how to explain what still made it the same story and he said something wise. He suggested this book is the same story as the original in the same way every Fitzgerald book is the same story, every Kerouac book is the same story. He nailed it. This is still the same story I always tell-- a story about women and what home (specifically West Virginia) means, about the specifics of time and place and how they affect who women can be. In a way, it’s the same story I’m telling with my nonfiction WVU book too (which is coming along nicely, by the way!). It’s a good story. And I know this can be a good book. Thank you a million times for sticking with me while I learn how to get it right.

Inkshares is running a manuscript contest and I’ve entered my second novel. No need for pre-orders this time. I wouldn’t do that to you, haha. But if you could check it out and follow it, I’d be so grateful. Again, it’s a story about women and West Virginia, but this one has magic and opioids.

I’m thinking of all of you and hoping you’re well. Stay safe and stay healthy. Love and thanks. So much love and thanks. 

Hello there my wonderful followers,

I’m back and I’m doing something crazy...well not that crazy. Those of you who frequent this site know that Inkshares is holding another contest. The 2020 All Genre Manuscript Contest and I have decided to throw the Beyond the Code sequel into the mix. It’s called Beyond the Masquerade and I just built a page for it here on Inkshares. I’m still working with the tiny details but it has a synopsis and the two first chapters for all of you to see. Follow the link below or just follow the links on my Inkshares author profile.

https://www.inkshares.com/books/beyond-the-masquerade#

This contest is a little different than the previous contests on Inkshares. Victory isn’t just a pro-order factor, they will also be judging the story itself, as well as reader engagement. So give it a follow, share it around and give your feedback on the sample chapters (this is for me as well. I love hearing what you all think of my work)

Thank you all for your continuing support. I couldn’t of gotten this far without all of you. Wish me luck!

CAPE’S SIDE BAY UPDATE

Hello everyone I hope you are doing well! Just wanted to let everyone know that was are still on track for a Spring/Summer production of Cape’s Side Bay. I know it’s been a long time coming (4 years!) but, it’s coming!

I just wanted to let everyone know about my Christmas book that is available now on both Paperback and eBook (Kindle & Kobo)! It’s a collection of six Christmas stories, that I hope will get you into the Holiday Spirit! You can order via the links below!

Paperback/Kindle

Kobo

Thank you all for your continued support!

James

Aloha All,

I have  good news to share with you!  Inkshares has begun to ship the paperbacks of Lost in the Fog!

I haven’t received my author copies in the mail yet, but I’ve heard from some friends who have gotten their pre-orders.  That makes me incredibly happy!  Both you and I will be getting our paperbacks of Lost in Fog very soon!  

The post offices around the globe are doing yeoman’s work, so we’ll just need to be patient while they do their jobs.  Given all the delays I’ve read about due to a variety of reasons, please give them some time to deliver the packages.  If you haven’t received your copies within the next 2 weeks, please let me know.

There’s no way I can properly thank you all for your support!  I’m also incredibly grateful for your patience in this Rip Van Winkle-esque process that is publishing a book.  This wouldn’t have been possible without you.   I sincerely hope you enjoy Lost in the Fog. 

I’ll end this update with the first professional review I’ve ever received.  It’s from Kirkus, who have been trusted evaluators of books since 1933.  I’m so grateful they loved it:

“Ostrowski, a former resident of both Boston and San Francisco, thoroughly knows the territory the intriguing characters roam. The places range from a hidden foodie gem in Boston’s North End to where the steep slope of Powell Street meets Sutter in the San Francisco fog . . . humor weaves throughout the smoothly written story.   For example, Camden says his wine has an intense black cherry taste “with a hint of clowns on a bright summer day.”

But the mood can change quickly.  The tension rises in this enjoyable tale as unhappy clients attack, often fatally.  Thriller enthusiasts will want to add this well-sculpted heist drama to their collections." – Kirkus Reviews

 -Michael 

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