It’s been a while since I ventured over to create a new newsletter and post. A lot has happened since March, and I can honestly say that most of it is good. In June, I learned that my publisher, Scarlet Lantern Publishing, with which I had worked for the last eight years, was going to cease operations as of July 1st. Naturally, panic set in at first as I tried to determine the best course of action for myself and my future as a writer.

After considerable thought and discussion with my wife, it seemed like the ideal time to venture out on my own and self-publish. Upon reflection, however, I knew I wanted to do more than that. Yes, it was important to me to find the best way to get my books out to the public, but I also wanted to find a way to help other writers get their start or establish a publishing outlet.

So I started learning as much as I could about the publishing side of the business that I could cram into about six weeks. I still have things to learn, and went through a lot of trial and error in getting my books back on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ingram Sparks, and in new venues like Apple, Fable, and Smashwords, but I was able to do it. It was then that Hold Fast Publishing LLC became a reality.

A significant amount of time and money was invested upfront to get things rolling. Forming the LLC, setting up a new website, investing in software, purchasing books, taking marketing classes, and networking with as many independent authors, editors, cover designers, formatters, social media influencers, and marketers as possible, so that I would be ready to take successful steps forward.

I think the work is starting to pay off. I am pleased to announce that Hold Fast Publishing has partnered with three authors as of this past weekend, and I look forward to sharing their past and future work with everyone. They are:

Amiee Louise - Amiee and I were both authors with Scarlet Lantern Publishing for years when they decided to cease operations. She is one of the first authors I spoke to about joining me when I decided to go into publishing. Amiee has seven titles under her belt already - the popular Tattoos to Tears series of rock star, dark romances that have captivated audiences. She is currently working on book number eight in the series, which will be the first new title released by Hold Fast Publishing.

Lindy Canniff - Lindy and I became friends when I wandered into her space on TikTok one day to watch her live. I spend a lot of time on TikTok networking with different people (and going live there myself. Feel free to check out my lives there every Wednesday and Sunday at 2 PM EST. I was immediately captivated by watching her do her artwork. Lindy is an author and illustrator of children’s books, and she wrote her first book at the age of 16. We spent a lot of time talking, and I was thrilled when she decided to join the team. You can look for the first book in her new series of children’s books in 2026.

John Schneider - John and I have known each other for years through our involvement in writing groups. We were both members of the Hudson Valley branch of the Romance Writers of America. When the group decided to split from RWA, we were part of the founding of Hudson Valley Scribes, a group of writers in the Hudson Valley, New York, of various genres. John has also published with Scarlet Lantern and has two romantic thrillers to his name. His next book, Maximum Range: Perfect Shot, is a fantastic thriller along the lines of Tom Clancy that I think readers will love. You can expect to see that in 2026 as well.

And then there is me. I have not forsaken writing at all while I turn an eye to publishing. Book two in The Celtic Sisters series (a follow-up to The Calm in the Storm), to be called The Eye in the Storm, is still in the works and will be published by Hold Fast Publishing. I promise you, it really is coming and will be worth the wait! I am also collaborating with another author, Dana Storino. Dana and I met on TikTok and go live together on Sundays to talk about all things writing and everything else. We both write small-town romance and became fast friends, and we thought it would be a lot of fun for us to combine our efforts into a holiday rom-com. While the book is just getting started, you can also look forward to The Twelve Dates of Christmas, coming in 2026.

Okay, that might seem like a lot to digest in a newsletter, but it is all exciting news. I will continue to move forward, becoming more diligent in the newsletter as we progress. You can always follow me on any of my social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, or Threads), and Hold Fast Publishing is also available for you to follow for the latest updates. Amiee, Lindy, and John are also on social media, so please follow them too to see what they are up to.

Follow along to see how things grow and change. There are lots of exciting things to come. Until next time!