I recently had an interview request that requested a bio, a headshot, and … a picture of my cats. This was NOT for a pet-related blog, so I laughed out loud when I read the request.

It appears my cats are catching up with me on the social media racetrack.

I blame Loki, especially, for winning the popularity contest. Two of his pictures were voted to be in my 2026 Traveling with Ann calendar.

He’s a camera ham and comes running whenever he sees me taking pictures with my phone, including the photo above when he decided he wanted to be in one of the calendar promo shots.

Anyway, if I can train the cats to be my butler, I’ll be a go with playing second fiddle to a feline or two. And that’s a capital IF … ha ha ha ha ha.

In this newsletter …

**It’s time for another online booksigning with yours truly. We’re having the signing just before Thanksgiving this year so that we can beat the crazy times at the post office and get ahead of the mailing madness.

**Join my Review Crew and throw your hat in the ring to win some cool prizes.

**Head over to Zazzle.com and grab a beautiful 2026 Traveling with Ann wall calendar (see link in the One Liners section at the end of the newsletter).

I hope your November is full of fun fall festivities!

Ann

Join Ann’s Review Crew! PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! To enter the drawing, leave a review for Chewed Up by the Jungle! HAVE YOU READ MY NEWEST BOOK, CHEWED UP BY THE JUNGLE? If so, I’d love you to join my review crew! It’s easy peasy (oh, and there are prizes to be won, too). WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL WITH REVIEWS? Over the years, I have been a fortunate author. Many kind readers have taken the time to write reviews for my books on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc. These reviews have lured new-to-me readers to give my books a try, which in turn makes each new release more exciting and keeps me typing away at my keyboard while new stories flow onto the pages. It’s a wonderful circle and I am so appreciative that I can keep telling stories about my characters’ adventures year after year. WHAT IS A REVIEW CREW? I decided to change things up this year and reward readers who leave reviews sprinkled here and there. HOW DOES THIS WORK? 1. Write and post a review for Chewed Up by the Jungle with Amazon, Goodreads, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Apple, the local newspaper, a truckstop bathroom stall door, mass fliers dropped from an airplane, etc–you get the picture. 2. Email me a link to your review (or send a copy of it) and your mailing address. Be sure to let me know where you left the review. Send it to: AnnCharlesAuthor@gmail.com with BOOK REVIEW in the Subject line. 3. Go out and share the review on another platform and send me that information, too. You can throw your hat into the ring multiple times for the drawing. (See the image above for some of the prizes to be won.) Review Crew

One Liners …

I’m reading back through the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series this month…

My goal is to start writing Book 7 in that series by December (after I spend some time plotting and planning over the Thanksgiving holiday).

Grab a 2026 Traveling with Ann WALL calendar from Zazzle…

Click HERE to head over to Zazzle and buy your 2026 wall calendar.

YouTube is still growing…

I have plans for this next year to add some new content to my YouTube channel that will give you more insight to my writing life, but in the meantime, check out my latest HERE.

Patreon is also still growing…

Come on over to Patreon (you can join for FREE or as a PAYING member) as I keep finding different ways to entertain you at Ann Charles Alpha Club on Patreon, INCLUDING AN ONLINE BOOK CLUB CHAT THIS MONTH FOR ALL MEMBERS.

Stay tuned for another newsletter later this month with your monthly free ebook and tasty recipe!

Ann

Let the Treats Begin!

October Newsletter PART 1 …

I have to be honest with you about something that is often a tad controversial.

Something that I have been a fan of for as long as I can remember.

Something about which many (sadly) won’t agree.

But I’m going to share this with you anyway.

I LOVE candy corn. In particular, Brach’s candy corn made with real honey.

NOT those candy pumpkins though. Blah.

So, I know many of you are covering your eyes and shaking your heads, but I can’t help it.

When you finish reading through this short newsletter, reply and let me know your favorite Halloween candy.

In this newsletter …

**Hip Deep in Bad Company (Deadwood Undertaker #5) is now available as an audiobook narrated by Jason Culp (same as all of the previous books) through our Ann Charles online store! Grab your audiobook and escape to the wild and supernatural Old West this month!

**Look What the Wind Blew In (Dig Site #1) is on sale THIS MONTH ONLY over on Amazon for US and Canadian folks (SORRY, Amazon chose where to put it on sale, not me).

**Grab your FREE ebook (New Witch on the Block) from Louisa West.

**Check out the short video (over on my YouTube channel–see the LINK at the end of this email) that Sam and I made driving down Deadwood’s Main Street and up into Lead ending at the Open Cut near Prudence’s house.

Happy start of October!

Ann

The Audiobook is here! YAY!!! Grab the audiobook version of Undertaker Series Book 5–Hip Deep in Bad Company (narrated by Jason Culp) from my Ann Charles Online store today and escape with Rabbit, Boone, Clementine, Uncle Mort, and Hank! (Many thanks to the Kickstarter backers who made this Undertaker audiobook happen. You guys rock!) Click to grab the AUDIOBOOK now!

On Sale! On Sale! On Sale! Look What the Wind Blew In is on sale this month! “Witty dialogue, ancient curses, deadly secrets, and a steamy romance make this non-stop action mystery a knockout!” ~Chanticleer Book Reviews From a USA TODAY Bestselling and multi-award-winning author comes a captivating, rousing, and lively trip to the land of the Maya in Mexico … Welcome to the jungle! When a tall, dark, and unwelcome photojournalist walks onto Dr. Angélica García’s dig site, she’s ready to send him packing. But Quint Parker isn’t leaving until he finds the answer to a deadly mystery from his past. Neither are prepared to deal with the ancient Maya curse threatening them both. Can they learn to trust each other enough to make it out of the jungle alive? ON SPECIAL! THIS MONTH ON AMAZON (US AND CANADA only) BUY the EBOOK now!

Louisa West Hello… is it me you’re looking for? I can see it in your eyes—you need to know more about the crazy girl behind the books, right? I’ve been telling stories as soon as I could talk and writing them down once I could hold a pen. I started writing ‘seriously’ in my late twenties and became a full-time author in 2020. I’ve written over twenty books, and they all hold a special piece of my heart.

Louisa’s Facebook Page

One Liners …

Chewed Up by the Jungle (Dig Site Book 3) is almost ready for your eyes…

I’ll be sending a newsletter with ebook links VERY SOON!

YouTube Trip through Deadwood and up to Lead…

Head on over to YouTube and join Sam and me for a quick trip through Violet’s stomping grounds.

Patreon is getting rolling…

Come on over to Patreon (you can join for FREE or as a PAYING member) as I keep finding different ways to entertain you at Ann Charles Alpha Club on Patreon. 

Stay tuned for more treats to come!
Ann

I shipped Dig Site Book 3, Chewed Up by the Jungle, to my wonderful Beta team today!

What does that mean in non-author speak?

It means this baby is almost ready to share with all of you readers. Yay!

I spent this month catching up on bookkeeping, (groan, curse, kick and scream), shipping out the Hip Deep in Bad Company audiobook to the Kickstarter supporters (with Sam’s help–woo hoo!), and reading through the first two books in the Dig Site series to make sure my final editing round on Book 3 would make the story sparkle like a disco ball (and keep you binge-readers happy-spappy).

Next month is going to be busy with awesome treats and no tricks!

I can’t wait to share Quint and Angelica’s latest adventures in the Mexican jungle with you all.

“Such an amazing story! I loved Chewed Up by the Jungle and I’m confident everyone else will too!” ~Vicki H., First Draft Crew

And wait until you hear Jason Culp’s narration of Hip Deep in Bad Company! He really knocked it out of the park for the Deadwood Undertaker crew’s last adventure!

I’ll have BUY and PRE-ORDER links soon!

On a home life note:

* Chicken Noodle took her first flying lesson and LOVED it. I’m not sure my heart can handle what comes next, but her future looks to involve flying high.

* Beaker is working, working, working, and saving his money to buy his first car.

* Sam just made a gorgeous flagstone path from our back door out to my office that makes me feel like playing hopscotch when I go back and forth between the house and “work.”

* I went clothes shopping for my next Deadwood-related event and am so glad that Macy’s has mirrors in the dressing rooms that make you look taller and thinner. Lordy, I loathe clothes shopping … unless it’s for more work clothes (aka pajamas).

On to the goodies in this newsletter…

You have THREE chances to win something fun this month. Check out the details below and grab your FREE ebook from Angela Roquet along with a yummy recipe. Find out what’s happening on the book front at the tail end of this newsletter.

Enjoy the last of September,

Ann

BIG TAKE OFF! SEE IT HERE: Chicken Noodle’s first flight!

Two more months of a free ebook with Freebie from a Friend!

September free book was from:

Angela Roquet USA Today bestselling author Angela Roquet is a delightfully macabre weirdo. She lives in Missouri with her irresistible BFF husband, their sweet, clever son, and a majestic marshmallow of a Great Pyrenees in a house stuffed with books, toys, skulls, owls, and glitter-speckled craft supplies. Angela is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, as well as the Four Horsemen of the Bookocalypse, her epic book critique group, where she’s known as Death. When not swearing at the keyboard, she enjoys playing with her family and reading books that raise eyebrows.

September’s recipe: Chocolate Molten Lava Cake Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis.

Enjoy this recipe courtesy of Mark Davis himself! ***** More recipes are available in my past newsletters… This cookbook sold out in 2020, but you can access some of the recipes via my newsletters.

Sam Lucky at the keys …

Things have been happening around here lately, a passing breeze, a flash in the corner of my eye when glance behind me in an attempt to catch sight of the blur and quiet flurry that moves about in the house. Papers flutter on my desk in its wake, curtains sway. Occasionally, if I listen carefully, there is a faint buzzing, or cheeping, maybe a yatter, at the edge of my senses as the phenomenon occurs. It reminds me of the Star Trek episode in which a group of aliens commandeers the Enterprise to use as a vessel to take them home, wherever that is. The aliens move so quickly that Captain Kirk and his crew can’t see them, they only hear buzzing, as if insects have invaded the ship. It’s like that. It was distressing for them, and it’s disconcerting to me.

It’s Ann, of course, busting her butt to finishing up the third book in her Dig Site Series, Chewed Up by the Jungle. It wouldn’t be such a brouhaha but for the fact that we are also preparing to set sail for Deadwood for a few book signings and talks. You can catch her there on Thursday, September 21st, at the Rapid City Public Library; then Friday, September 22nd for a History on the Lawn talk at the Adam’s House – Undertaking: a History of Coffin Joints, then Saturday the 23rd for a book signing at Chubby Chipmunk Hand Dipped Chocolates (YES, it happens to be her birthday and NO, it’s not just by chance). I just realized she already put the schedule in down below. Scroll down to see the whole thing.

I’d better go, the buzzing is back.

Sam

Anyway … here is August’s lowdown:

• Ann’s & Sam’s schedule for Deadwood in August 2025
• A FREE Ebook from Michelle Pillow
• A chance to win one of TWO prizes this month
• And … another recipe from Moon the Cook

Happy Jungle-filled August!

Ann & Sam

Receive a free ebook from a friend author through November 2025 via my newsletter. Sign up here: Ann Charles | Connect

Win Win Win Every month, I’ll be offering chances to win great prizes. Sign up for my newsletter to see the next prize: Ann Charles | Connect

August’s recipe: Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Chips Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis. Enjoy this recipe courtesy of Mark Davis himself! ***** More recipes are available in my past newsletters… This cookbook sold out in 2020, but you can access some of the recipes via my newsletters.

Wrap Up … The third book in the Dig Site Mystery Series, Chewed Up by the Jungle, is in the books, or in parlance that Ann would use, she has reached the top of the mountain (typed the words ‘The End … for now’). Next begins the descent. The post production phase of publishing a novel, and what a phase it is. Editing editing, eat a little, sleep a little, editing, words, growls, editing. What is she writing next? She’ll be happy to tell you. Deadwood Undertaker #6 is moving along, more slowly than I would hope. So many things call to me from the wilds of the back yard. Did I tell you I’m building an old west town back there? Kickstarter… You can still get in on Hip Deep in Bad Company at the discounted rate–Click over to Kickstarter to PRE-ORDER the newest Deadwood Undertaker audiobook and get a bonus interview available only to our Kickstarter backers! YouTube… Remember to head on over to YouTube and subscribe to the Ann Charles YouTube channel. There are more video adventures planned for your entertainment over there in YouTube land. Patreon… Ann hope’s to see some of you over on Patreon (you can join for FREE or as a PAYING member) as she keeps finding different ways to entertain you at Ann Charles Alpha Club on Patreon. Note: YOU CAN READ current work-in-process stories chapter by chapter if you sign up for the Bighorn Billy’s tier at $7/month, plus there are other benefits, too, including the ebook FREE before it even goes live!   Happy August! Sam (& Ann)

Last fall I went to a conference where I met some amazing authors who gave me all sorts of ideas on new ways to have fun with readers.

One of the intriguing discussions I sat in on was about Kickstarter campaigns and opportunities to offer cool rewards for fans.

When I came home, Mr. Lucky and I began talking about what we could offer in one of these campaigns.

An idea began to take shape–an audiobook PRE-ORDER option for fans of the Deadwood Undertaker series!

BEST OF ALL–A way to offer ownership of the actual audiobook files!

“Ownership” would allow you to load the audiobook on any device you own, no matter if it’s a product from Amazon, B&N, Apple, Samsung, or whatever. You can put it on your cell phone or your computer or wherever else you can listen to audio files.

This Kickstarter campaign would also help us to pay for a HUMAN narrator for the 5th Deadwood Undertaker book, as in JASON CULP, who narrated the previous 4 books (rather than a much cheaper AI voice version of the story).

Note–Human talent is expensive, but we feel it’s worth every penny!

HERE’S WHERE & HOW I NEED YOUR HELP…

We had to set a financial goal for the campaign ahead of time: $3000 in one month seemed like a reasonable goal.

So far, we are at 64% of this goal!

Yay!!! (Thank you to all who have stopped by and supported this new venture of ours!)

HOWEVER, if we don’t make our goal, the whole project is cancelled and we go back to zero. 

THERE ARE SOME AMAZING REWARDS AND DISCOUNTS for this project! 

Please head over to our Kickstarter campaign and consider pre-ordering the audiobook of Hip Deep in Bad Company so we can hit our goal.

Also, check out the discounted deals on other audiobooks in the Deadwood Undertaker series and in the various reward tiers.

AND consider sharing news about our Kickstarter project with any friends who you think might love listening to the Deadwood Undertaker crew on their wild adventures!

*** Check out the video below that Sam and I made for more information.***

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q1IA4drpmY

Anyway …

We’re really starting to cook here in Arizona, so it’s time to hole up in my writing cave and finish a book. YAY! Let the clackity-clacking on the keyboard begin!!

Onto this month’s lowdown …

I have some lovely stuff in store for you this month:

• PRE-ORDER the audiobook for Hip Deep in Bad Company for just $20 via our Kickstarter campaign.
• Ann’s & Sam’s schedule for Deadwood in August 2025
• A FREE Ebook from the amazing Jane Hinchey
• A chance to win one of TWO prizes this month
• And … another recipe from Moon the Cook

Happy start of summer!

Ann

Fun with Ann & Sam: Deadwood 2025 August 21st-23rd (plus August 28th Sioux Falls Event) Thursday, August 21st—Rapid City Library from 5:30-6:30pm – Join Ann for a signing and talk titled, “This Old Dog Needs to Learn New Tricks (Darn It!)” Friday, August 22nd–History on the Lawn: Ann Charles & Sam Lucky – Bring a lunch and a chair and enjoy the Historic Adams House lawn; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members. In case of rain, the lecture will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC). Saturday, August 23rd–Book signing and chocolates galore at Chubby Chipmunk Hand-dipped Chocolates (on Ann’s birthday–yay!) Thursday, August 28th–Siouxland Library in Sioux Falls, SD – Join Ann for a signing and talk on the eastern side of the state. * * * * * NOTE: “Kool Deadwood Nites” will be going on during this week in Deadwood with daily free bands in town, classic cars, and so much more.You don’t have to stay in Deadwood if hotels are hard to land. You can stay in neighboring towns and drive in for the events in Deadwood. REMEMBER: I will be back in western South Dakota at the end of September for the 2025 South Dakota Festival of Books (set in Spearfish this year). So, if August doesn’t work out for your visit, September is a beautiful time to visit the Black Hills!

Jane Hinchey Hi there! I’m Jane, crafting tales of paranormal cozy mysteries sprinkled with urban fantasy romance. Between sips of coffee and dodging my mischievous cats, I immerse myself in stories where magic meets everyday life. Once known as Zahra Stone in the world of urban fantasy, I’ve now merged those fiery tales under the Jane Hinchey banner. Off the page you’ll find me binging on true crime documentaries or sneaking in a power nap. Snuggle in to your favorite reading spot, grab a cup of something delicious and join me. Let’s escape into a world where the extraordinary is just around the corner. Jane’s Website       Win Win Win Every month, I’ll be offering chances to win great prizes.   To see the prizes and enter drawing please subscribe to my newsletter: https://anncharles.com/connect/ Congratulations to last month’s winners of the two-month’s worth of gift membership to my fun club over on Patreon (Ann’s Alpha Club). Instead of three winners, I decided to giveaway FIVE gift memberships! Yay! The MAY winners were:  Terri Shepard, Debbie Johnson, Anna Lindh, Cheryl Primeau, and Donna Legat. I forgot to mention in my last newsletter that the APRIL prize winner was: Melinda Gagnon.

June’s recipe: Key Lime Pie Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis. Enjoy this recipe courtesy of Wheeler’s Diner (from the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series) ***** More recipes are available in my past newsletters… This cookbook sold out in 2020, but you can access some of the recipes via my newsletters.

But in the meantime …

Fun with Ann & Sam: Deadwood 2025

August 20th-23rd (plus August 28th Sioux Falls Event)

August 20th–(We’re still planning this day’s event)

August 21st–Rapid City Library (A one hour book talk/book signing)

August 22nd–History on the Lawn at the Historic Adams House in Deadwood (one hour talk)

August 23rd–Book signing and chocolates galore at Chubby Chipmunk Hand-dipped Chocolates (on Ann’s birthday–yay!)

August 28th–Siouxland Library in Sioux Falls, SD

“Kool Deadwood Nites” will be going on this week in Deadwood with daily free bands in town, classic cars, and so much more.You don’t have to stay in Deadwood if hotels are hard to land. You can stay in neighboring towns and drive in for the events in Deadwood.

NOTE: I will be back in western South Dakota at the end of September for the 2025 South Dakota Festival of Books (set in Spearfish this year). So, if August doesn’t work out for your visit, September is a beautiful time to visit the Black Hills!

May’s Feature Ebook from one of my amazing friends!

This month’s featured ebook was Heather G. Harris! 

Heather G Harris

Urban Fantasy Writer and Mum

Heather went to university in Liverpool. There she took up skydiving and met her future husband. Nowadays, she owns a Great Dane called Oscar who is the inspiration for the loveable side kick in her books, Gato.

When Heather’s not running around after her children, she is often plotting her next book. In her spare time she daydreams about vampires, dragons and kick ass heroines.

Heather would love to hear nice things or helpful critique from her fans, so feel free to email on her contact page.

Flames will be met with marshmallows.

EXTRA! EXTRA! Heather’s rockin’ Kickstarter is happening RIGHT NOW! Now is your chance to join other readers backing Heather’s project: A Fantasy Series Omnibus Deluxe Edition  Bestselling contemporary fantasy You get 800 pages of magic, mystery, a strong female private investigator, & a swoon-worthy slow-burn romance. There are tons of great rewards! CLICK to check it out!

May’s recipe: Momma’s Chocolate Butterscotch Cookies Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis. Enjoy this recipe offered from Ol’ Man Harvey (of the Deadwood Mystery series) ***** More recipes available in my past monthly newsletters… This cookbook sold out in 2020, but you have access to some of the fun recipes via my monthly newsletters.

Wrap Up …

I’m over the midpoint of Book 3 of the Dig Site Series. I have a crazy couple of weeks coming up with visitors and graduation parties, so I’m going to try to keep plugging along on the pages.

Next up … Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series #7 

Deadwood Undertaker #6 is coming along, too. Mr. Lucky is juggling writing and celebrations and family fun, same as me.

GOOD NEWS! 

Sam and I are building a fun and reward-filled Kickstarter project for the Hip Deep in Bad Company (Undertaker #5) AUDIOBOOK, narrated by the one and only Jason Culp. 

Finally!!!

I hope to see some of you over on Patreon (you can join for free or as a paid member) as I keep finding different ways to entertain you!

Ann Charles Alpha Club on Patreon

Happy May!
Ann

“What now, Ann?” you ask yet again.

Well, it all started last year when I began getting frustrated because I couldn’t reach those on Facebook and Instagram who’d signed up to “Follow” me there or hit “Like” on my author page. I’d write and share a post, but then behind the scenes, I’d receive a message from the Facebook “gods” that they had allowed only 50 of my “Followers” to see the post. HOWEVER, if I’d pay $100, $200, sometimes even $300 to “boost” the post, then they would show it to another 500 followers, maybe even 1000 of them.

Grrrr.

On top of that baloney sandwich, pile on the messages from the Facebook overlord saying things like, “Good job, Ann! You have been putting up quality posts. We’re going to reward you by showing the posts to another 50 of your followers for FREE!”

Double grrrr!

Then, about a month ago, news came out that Facebook had paid a book pirating site for millions of already stolen books, wanting to use them to build their AI model. They had decided that paying authors would cost too much. Now, I know there isn’t much you can do to stop the AI monster these days, but…

Triple grrrr!!!

The final pickle on the top of this crap sandwich? They want me to start using their little AI “Purple Pal” robot as a moderator in my groups to answer any questions readers/followers ask me and to interact more than I do. It will be my helper buddy, using the AI they built off stolen books.

Enough!

Now you know why I suddenly began building more on my Ann Charles YouTube channel. But I wanted to interact with those who were interested in more than just watching videos, so I started building over on Patreon, creating Ann’s Alpha Club. This will be a place where I can post fun stuff for fans of my books without having a middleman (aka Facebook, Instagram, etc) and their algorithm bouncers blocking the posts.

Below is a video (click to watch it) explaining a little more for those interested in joining me in Ann’s Alpha Club on Patreon, which you can access from your computer, tablet, or phone. There are different tiers available there–you can join for free and interact on general posts, like how Facebook used to be. Or, you can join one of the paid tier levels, which cost either $5/month or $7/month. In the paid tiers, I’ll be sharing things from behind the scenes, like my books before they are published and more. I’m not out to get rich here, just build a place where I have more control.

To join: Ann Charles Alpha Club on Patreon

Welcome video: Welcome to Ann Charles Patreon

April Must-Have Prickly Pear Posse Glass Drink from this beautiful glass while reading/listening to Ann’s Jackrabbit Junction books. (Art by CS Kunkle) $17.00 US Buy at Ann’s Zazzle Store

This month’s recipe: Margarita Bars Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis.

“What now, Ann?” you ask, shaking your head.

Happy March! I’m trying something new over on my Ann Charles YouTube channel. A way to interact with you in a new way that doesn’t require me to pay Facebook and Instagram bunches of money just to reach you. Also, several of my friends have had their Facebook accounts hacked and locked up, losing the ability to reach their friends and readers there, so I want to open another path for you and me to connect in case this happens to me.

For starters, I’m doing short check-ins each week, filling you in on what I’ve been up to and what I might be up to next. But this is just the beginning of what I’m planning. I’m going to be adding more and more over here, so please head over and SUBSCRIBE to my channel.

Below is an example of a check in I recently shared. Click the red button to see it for yourself on YouTube.

The Audiobook is AVAILABLE NOW! So much fun for your ears! Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood (Book 14) ORDER the audiobook today

Fun with Ann & Sam: Deadwood 2025 August 20th-23rd Sam and I have been busy planning some fun for our visit to Deadwood this August. We hope that you can join us there for good food, book talk, cool classic cars, delicious chocolate, and more! Here is what we have so far: Wednesday, August 20th–(We’re still planning this day’s event) Thursday, August 21st–Rapid City Library (A one hour book talk/book signing) Friday, August 22nd–History on the Lawn at the Historic Adams House in Deadwood (one hour talk) Saturday, August 23rd–Book signing and chocolates galore at Chubby Chipmunk Hand-dipped Chocolates (on Ann’s birthday–yay!) “Kool Deadwood Nites” will be going on this week in Deadwood with daily free bands in town, classic cars, and so much more. Come celebrate with us during our first free August in almost two decades (now that both of our kids are finally high school graduates and we are free of school schedules). Note: You don’t have to stay in Deadwood if hotels are hard to land. You can stay in neighboring towns and drive in for the events in Deadwood. ALSO NOTE: I will be back in western South Dakota at the end of September for the 2025 South Dakota Festival of Books (set in Spearfish this year). So, if August doesn’t work out for your visit, September is a beautiful time to visit the Black Hills!

Nearly Departed in Deadwood: HARDCOVER Collector’s Edition Includes a cool bookmark crafted by Ann herself. This will make your bookshelf look so spiffy! (for non-US shipping, email Ann for price)  $36 (includes shipping)   Order from Ann’s Online Store today!

March Must-Have Maya Sun Mug Drink from this gorgeous mug while reading/listening to Ann’s Dig Site Series books as you wait for her to hurry up and finish book 3. (Art by CS Kunkle) $15.70 US Buy at Ann’s Zazzle Store

BUNDLE LOVE 1: The Deadwood Undertaker Series Books 1-5 plus the Catawampus Christmas novella $90 $120 Deadwood Undertaker Bundle BUNDLE LOVE 2: The Jackrabbit Junction Series Books 1-6 plus the Thanksgiving and Christmas novellas $110 $155 Jackrabbit Junction Bundle BUNDLE LOVE 3: The Deadwood Mystery Series Books 1-14 plus the five Deadwood Shorts books $245 $330 Deadwood Mystery Bundle

This month’s recipe: Cheesy Hash Browns Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis. Enjoy this recipe offered by Natalie from the Deadwood Mystery series. ***** More recipes available in my past monthly newsletters… This cookbook sold out in 2020, but you have access to some of the fun recipes via my monthly newsletters. Wrap Up  And on the writing front … Type-type-sweat-curse-type … this is me pretending to be in the jungle as I write book 3 of the Dig Site series. It’s so much fun to be back with this crew, even though the bugs are annoying and I don’t love sleeping in tents in the jungle. Deadwood Undertaker #6 is coming. Mr. Lucky is also busy taking care of work around our property now that spring has sprung here. I hope to see you over on YouTube as I keep growing my online channel. Happy 2nd Half of March! Ann Ann Charles, Author

Oh boy, good ol’ February is over halfway done. Sheesh. Have I been writing? Yes. Have I been writing as much as I’d planned at the beginning of the month? (Ann snorts, then guffaws, and then groans and shakes her head.)

There is a good reason behind not getting as much written as I’d hoped: this old dog has to put a lot of energy into learning how to create and run ads on various digital platforms in 2025 (which is sort of a yearly goal, but not, because my right brain didn’t want to make any goals this year… unfortunately, my left brain made some anyway). Below is an example of an ad that’s now out there trying to entice some new readers. Click the red button to see it for yourself on YouTube. **NOTE: If you see any of Sam or my ads in your social media wanderings, please help us out by clicking the Like/Love option and/or leaving a kind comment to encourage other readers to try our books.**

WARNING!  Get ready to LAUGH! New Audiobook!!! Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood  Official release date is: February 25, 2025

Nearly Departed in Deadwood: HARDCOVER Collector’s Edition

This comes with a cool unique bookmark crafted by Ann herself.

BUNDLE 1: The Deadwood Undertaker Series Books 1-5 plus the Catawampus Christmas novella $90 $120 Deadwood Undertaker Bundle

BUNDLE 2: The Jackrabbit Junction Series Books 1-6 plus the Thanksgiving and Christmas novellas $110 $155 Jackrabbit Junction Bundle

BUNDLE 3: The Deadwood Mystery Series Books 1-14 plus the five Deadwood Shorts books $245 $330 Deadwood Mystery Bundle

Sign  up for the newsletter to claim your free book: https://anncharles.com/connect/

This month’s recipe: Lasagna Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis.

Enjoy this recipe offered by Old Man Harvey from the Deadwood Mystery series. ***** More recipes available in my past monthly newsletters… This cookbook sold out in 2020, but you have access to some of the fun recipes via my monthly newsletters.

Wrap Up 

And on the writing front …

I’m sweating and swatting at trouble deep in the Mexican jungle now in Dig Site Mystery #3 (the working title at this time: Chewed Up by the Jungle). As I get closer to the middle of the book, I’ll be setting up a pre-order button for this puppy, so stay tuned to future newsletters, social media, and my website for more of the Dig Site crew and all of their jungle mayhem

Sam is still working on the 6th book in the Deadwood Undertaker series along with making great videos and images for digital ads. We’ll set up a pre-order button for that as we get closer to the finish line.

Back to work for me. I hope your February doesn’t feel like it lasts three LONGGGG years as my January did.

Happy February!
Ann