We sail the seven seas of publishing, scribbling our adventures on the page to share with you wonderful readers. All the while, we hope to find vast treasures of review gold tucked away in caves or buried under palm trees with X-marked trunks to add to our piles of literary wealth.

Over the years, I have been a fortunate author-pirate.

Many kind readers have taken the time to write reviews and help me promote my books.

Your reviews and shares (online and off) about my books have convinced new-to-me readers to give my stories a try. This in turn makes each release more exciting and keeps me typing away at my keyboard while additional adventures flow onto the pages.

It’s a wonderful circle and I am so appreciative that I can keep telling stories about my characters year after year.

What is a Posse member ? 

Your posse duties include sharing the news about my new book and writing reviews for others to read.

When you share the news and leave a review(s) for my new book somewhere, I’ll throw your posse name into the ring for a chance to win a prize via a random drawing.

Everyone will receive a thank you for sharing with the world about my latest book: CHARGE OF THE LAWLESS LIZARDS.

How does this all work?

Review and share the news about the newly released book, CHARGE OF THE LAWLESS LIZARDS, Book 7 in the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series.

Sign up by sending an email to AnnCharlesAuthor@gmail.com with your mailing address. You will receive quotes to share and further instructions after the book is released. Send your email here:: PricklyPearPosse@gmail.com with LAWLESS POSSE in the Subject line.

Once the book is released you can email me a link to your review (or send a copy of it). Be sure to let me know where you left the review (Amazon, Goodreads, Kobo, the local newspaper, a truckstop bathroom stall door, mass fliers dropped from an airplane, etc–you get the picture. Send it to: PricklyPearPosse@gmail.com with LAWLESS POSSE in the Subject line.

What is in this for you?

Besides my humble gratitude for helping me reach other readers, you will receive some fun author swag plunder, your name in the drawing for prizes, and more page-turners to keep you entertained during rough seas and smooth sailing.

SEE 2022 CALENDAR WINNING PICTURES BELOW!!!

That’s right, it’s time to vote for your favorite photos to go into my 2022 Traveling with Ann calendar.

Click on the pictures below taken during my 2021 travels near and far (mostly “near” due to the darn virus) to see a full screen view of each. Chose TWO pictures as your favorites and type the picture NUMBER in the comments below. Votes will be tallied by December 1, 2021. I’ll share which winning photos had the most votes the following week.

NOTE–If you’ve never commented on one of my blog posts, your comment will appear AFTER I approve it behind the scenes (I have to keep those darn spammers out).

In addition, I’ll do a random drawing from those who voted in the comments below and choose some lucky winners for an autographed calendar! Be sure to check your email in mid-December to see if you receive a “Winner!” email from me.

Let the voting begin!   Ann

Number 1 — WINNER! Snowy High Desert Mountains—Nevada	Number 2 Snow-dusted Joshua Tree—Nevada
Number 3 — WINNER! Snow on the Pass—Oregon Cascades	Number 4 Snowstorm—Oregon Cascades
Number 5 — WINNER with MOST VOTES! Wild Burro—Nevada	Number 6 The Great Wide Open—Eastern Oregon
Number 7 Big Wash Road—Nevada	Number 8 Cliff Hike—Harstine Island, Washington
Number 9 — WINNER! Prickly Pear Pond—Arizona	Number 10 — WINNER! Granite Mountain—Arizona
Number 11 — WINNER! Cactus Blooms—Arizona	Number 12 — WINNER! Columbia River—Washington Side
Number 13 — WINNER! Stonehenge Memorial—Maryhill, Washington	Number 14 Stonehenge Yard Fun—Arizona
Number 15 — WINNER! Phoenix Botanical Gardens—Arizona	Number 16 Phoenix Botanical Gardens—Arizona
Number 17 — WINNER! 3 Butterflies and a Bee—Arizona	Number 18 Butterfly Beauty—Arizona
Number 19 — WINNER! Winter Dusting—Arizona	Number 20 — WINNER! Winter Wonderland—Arizona

Check the images below to see which pictures (“WINNER!”) landed enough votes to win a spot in the 2023 Traveling with Ann calendar.

CONTEST WINNERS: The FIVE desk calendar winners of the random name drawing (from those of your who voted) are:

WINNERS: Please send me an email at ann@anncharles.com with your name and physical mailing address. When I receive the calendars, I’ll mail them to you.

If you’re interested in buying a desk calendar or wall calendar with these pics for 2023, stay tuned for links to where you can buy them in my upcoming December newsletter and on social media.

Zazzle wall calendar: https://www.zazzle.com/2023_ann_charles_photography_wall_calendar-158835840793180759?rf=238008041261020339

–Ann

FROM EARLIER THIS MONTH…

Click on the pictures below taken during my 2022 travels near and far to see a full screen view of each. Chose TWO pictures as your favorites and type the picture NUMBER in the comments below. Votes will be tallied by NOVEMBER 21, 2022. I’ll share which winning photos had the most votes the following week.

NOTE–If you’ve never commented on one of my blog posts, your comment will appear AFTER I approve it behind the scenes (I have to keep those pain-in-the-rump spammers out).

In addition, I’ll do a random drawing from those who voted in the comments below and choose some lucky winners for an autographed calendar! Be sure to check your email in late-November to see if you receive a “Winner!” email from me.

Let the voting begin!   Ann

Number 1–WINNER! Blooming Cactus—Arizona	Number 2–WINNER! Blue Snow over Granite Mtn—Arizona
Number 3–WINNER! Camouflage—Ann’s Yard	Number 4–WINNER! Boo!—Ann’s Porch
Number 5–WINNER! Gettysburg Battlefield—Pennsylvania	Number 6 Gettysburg in the Distance—Pennsylvania
Number 7–WINNER Gettysburg Fenceline—Pennsylvania	Number 8 Opal and Amber Tower (Chihuly)—Desert Botanical Gardens, Arizona
Number 9–WINNER! Neodymium Reeds (Chihuly)—Desert Botanical Gardens, Arizona	Number 10 Sol del Citrón (Chihuly)—Desert Botanical Gardens, Arizona
Number 11 Full Moon over Chihuly in the Desert—Desert Botanical Gardens, Arizona	Number 12 Chihuly in the Desert—Desert Botanical Gardens, Arizona
Number 13–WINNER! Blue Garden (Chihuly)—Desert Botanical Gardens, Arizona	Number 14–WINNER! Saguaros in the Moonlight—Desert Botanical Gardens, Arizona
Number 15–WINNER! Grand Canyon—Arizona	Number 16–WINNER! Colorado River/Grand Canyon—Arizona
Number 17–WINNER! Desert View Tower/Grand Canyon—Arizona	Number 18–WINNER! Deadwood Morning Clouds—South Dakota
Number 19 Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe—New Mexico	Number 20 Fall Foliage in Santa Fe—New Mexico
Number 21 Along the Trail to Granite Mtn (Arizona Cliff Rose)—Arizona	Number 22 Granite Mountain Trail—Arizona

When I started this year, I had a lot of plans involving writing, writing, and more writing. But in early January, I received a text. My father had been badly burned in an accident and life-flighted to a hospital specializing in burn injuries. I flew back home to be with him and my family. He ended up staying in the hospital for nine weeks. During that time, he almost died twice. For five of those weeks, my stepmother and I sat in his hospital room with him daily for hours on end. I took my laptop computer with me, thinking I’d be able to write while I sat next to his bed. I thought wrong. The good news is, he is home now and recovering well. The bad news is I made very little progress on writing books during that time.

In March, after returning to Arizona, I found I still couldn’t focus on writing. For weeks, I read books, watched movies, and helped Sam Lucky work outside, cleaning up our yard after a snowy winter. Finally, at the beginning of April, the characters in my head started talking again. It was slow going at first, but I’m gaining momentum. The goal is to have the next Deadwood Mystery series Book 13 available in late summer. In the meantime, Sam Lucky is also working on Deadwood Undertaker Book 5, which we hope to release in the fall. So, more stories are coming your way. We were just delayed a little in the process.

In other news, Sam and I have figured out the dates for this year’s Deadwood get-together and our kids are almost done with school for another year. Our son (the oldest) graduates next month and has college plans in process. Our daughter is just looking forward to a mellow summer with some cruising involved since she’ll have her driver’s license by then.

On to highlights from this newsletter …

• THE BACKSIDE OF HADES (Book 4 of the Deadwood Undertaker series) is available as an audiobook now, as well as ebook and print.
• A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (Book 2 of the Deadwood Undertaker series) is FREE from April 23-27th, 2023 on AMAZON ONLY).
• Initial information about the upcoming 11th annual Deadwood Rendezvous with Ann and Sam (September 18-21, 2023).
• Free fun stickers to share with you.
• A yummy cookie recipe from Old Man Harvey.

Check out the details below!

Ann

THE BACKSIDE OF HADES Is Now Available in Audiobook Format

GREAT NEWS! Sam and I have a new audiobook available this month. The fifth book in the Deadwood Undertaker series, THE BACKSIDE OF HADES, is now out there for your listening entertainment! Jason Culp has done an amazing job once again bringing the Undertaker crew to life. Grab your copy now and enjoy more action-packed fun with the Santa Fe Sidewinders, Clementine, Hank, and more of their friends (and a few enemies).

“This here place? Worse than the backside of Hades.” ~Hank Varney

Back Cover Copy:
First let me say, a trip to Slagton weren’t my idea. This place is chock full of bad company done helped itself to a double dose of bad medicine.

Slagton needs cleanin’, accordin’ to Miss Clem, and I know the crew to do it. I’m one of ’em. Hank Varney’s the name. Miss Clem and me, along with the two Sidewinders from Santa Fe—we’ll get the sharp-toothed, knife-clawed vermin done cleared out.

Now some people say I’m lucky, but I don’t know if’n it’ll do me any good, what with the army of trouble me an’ the crew are facin’. If’n we don’t live through it, well, there goes Deadwood. Maybe even the whole of the Black Hills.

We’ll all be down the privy hole, lookin’ up at the Backside of Hades.

ANN’S Store
Apple Audiobooks
Audible Audiobooks
Amazon Audiobooks
Audibooks.com
Downpour
NOOK Audiobooks
Kobo
Chirp
Google Play
Scribd
Spotify

For a limited time—FREE Ebook on Amazon

Grab a free ebook copy of A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (Book 2 of the Deadwood Undertaker series) over on Amazon between April 23rd-April 27th, 2023!

Have this ebook already? Well then share the news with a friend or family member who you think might enjoy it. If you like to read books in order, the first one is out there for a great low price!

Don’t wait until April 28th, because you’ll be too late!

Here’s the link:
A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY at Amazon

“There’s gold in them there hills!” … and something deadly, too.

Danger the likes Boone McCreery has never seen is brewing in the Black Hills. Fresh in from Santa Fe, he’s returned to Deadwood to seek justice for his uncle—and maybe to see about a girl. Little did he know his search for justice would have him stumbling into a hornets’ nest beyond his worst nightmare. One thing is for certain, the trouble he and his compadres chance upon deep in the trees is a LONG way from ordinary.

Kick up your spurs and enjoy another rip-roaring, wild ride with Boone, Rabbit, Clementine, and Hank through the pages of the second book in the Deadwood Undertaker series.

From the bestselling, multiple award-winning, humorous Deadwood Mystery series comes a new herd of tales set in the same Deadwood stomping grounds, only back in the days when the Old West town was young.

Free Sticker!

Sam and I have some fun stickers to mail you for free! You can choose between our hat and boots sticker or our Deadwood Undertaker Monsters sticker sheet. All you have to do is drop us an email at AnnCharlesAuthor@gmail.com with either “Hat and Boots” OR “Monsters” in the Subject line, your complete mailing address (in the email) and we’ll mail you a free sticker to jazz up your surroundings.

The Ann Charles & Sam Lucky Annual Deadwood Rendezvous 2023

Now that Sam and I are in the second decade of throwing yearly parties in Deadwood, we decided it’s time to change up a few things. First of all, the name of our get-together—It’s more of a “rendezvous” than a “party,” since we spend time sharing laughs and stories at multiple events. Secondly, we are changing things up this year, having several meet-and-greets instead of one big party. Many other aspects will stay the same, such as special reader events and multiple book signings at local realtors. Sam and I hope to see you this year for more great times in Deadwood and Lead!

DATE: September 18th-21st (Monday-Thursday)

We’ll have more details on my website in the next couple of months as we solidify plans. Stay tuned!

NOTE: The Friday through Sunday AFTER our Deadwood Rendezvous you can stay and attend the annual South Dakota Festival of Books in Deadwood (which I’ve been invited to attend as an author/speaker). Two great reader events in one week. It’s going to be a blast!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

Here is another yummy recipe from the out-of-print 2020 Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, which Mark and Michelle Davis helped put together.

This month, Mark, Michelle and I decided to share a recipe from Old Man Harvey from DON’T LET IT SNOW IN DEADWOOD (Book 10).

NOTE: This cookbook sold out in 2020, so for those of you who were unable to buy a copy from my Ann Charles online store before it was gone, now you’ll have access to some of the great recipes via my monthly newsletters.

Wrap Up

Deadwood Mystery Series …
For all of you Violet Parker fans, there will be more crazy adventures coming in Book 13 (title TBA) in late Summer 2023. I’ll keep you updated in newsletters as the book is closer to being finished.

Deadwood Undertaker Series …
Book 5, HIP DEEP IN BAD COMPANY will be out in ebook and print this fall if all goes as Sam and I hope.

Dig Site Series …
I am still trying to get the 3rd Dig Site book into my schedule for 2023. I’m looking forward to heading back down to Mexico to see what’s happening in the jungle!

Jackrabbit Junction Series …
There will be more from the wild and wily Morgan sisters, but I have a couple of other books to write first. Stay tuned!

Happy Spring!

Ann

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    IT’S PRIZE TIME!

Thank you for helping me promote TimeReaping in Deadwood. Your work as a Deadwood Deputy is a vital part of my book release process. The time you put into writing reviews and telling others about my books via social media, face-to-face recommendations, and blaring bullhorns makes a huge difference in reaching other fans (old and new). You are the best!

PRIZES!

Now for the fun stuff! The following names were randomly drawn for thank-you prizes. Everyone who signed up to help me promote will receive a personally autographed Thank-You postcard and TimeReaping in Deadwood magnet by the end of December. If you aren’t a winner this time, keep in mind there will be more opportunities in 2024. While you’ve been helping me tell the world about Deadwood #13, I’ve been locked away in my writing cave working on ~another~ story.

Autographed TimeReaping in Deadwood – Deadwood Fan Week Limited Editon, Numbered Print Book: Jo Ann Reinhold, Tara Schneider

Hat and Boots, AnnCharles.com & SamLucky.com, purple and black imprint on 15”T x 17.5”W Zippered Tote Bag: Becci Erickson, Becky Humphreys, Gina Johnson, Rieck Eske, Heather Chargualaf , Sherrie Collins, Yvonne Farmer, Susan Schleicher

Best Friends Ever Pinky Swear Patches: Debbie Hawrylyshyn,Kelly Young

Pair of Boots w/ Deadwood Mystery Series imprint, 5.75”x 3.75” Tan Booklet with Pen: Jamie Harbour

Scharfricter Crest w/ Deadwood Mystery Series imprint, 4.25”x3.25” Black Booklet: Jan Dobbins

Pair of Boots with Deadwood Mystery Series and book quote imprint on Bamboo Spatula: Barbara Guy, Brandy Lanfair-Jones, Kandy Thome, Laura Wollam, Susan Cambra, Triniti Green

Scharfricter Crest with Deadwood Mystery Series imprint etched on Pint Glass: Shyanna Rask

Hat and Boots, AnnCharles.com & SamLucky.com, purple and black imprint on plastic Pint Cup: Melinda Gagnon, Pat Dupuy

Scharfricter Crest, 4”x4”,on Slate Coaster: Kelly Paulsen, Samantha Masog, Tara Beutow

Scharfricter Crest, 3”x3”, on Wood Ornament: Christie Johnson, Connie Macoubrie, Jennifer Mann, John Grandinetti, Kelley Anderson, Pat Moshure

Welcome to Deadwood entrance imprint Bamboo Cutting Board: Lisa Hawn

Scharfricter Crest 12 oz Black Drink Cozy: Joella Elbert

Scharfricter Crest Iron-on Patch, assorted colors, with Deadwood Mystery Series: Gail Mathers, Judy Coates, Micki Sewell, Pauline Hague, Sara Barenbrugge

Ann Charles Pair of Boots Iron-on Patch, assorted colors, with Deadwood Mystery Series: Sandra Oickle, Kristen Shea, Mary Heron, Louisa Rosati

Peace Love & Hippie-ness Letter Opener with “Bravery badges are frickin’ overrated!” ~Violet Parker: Alicia Childre-Callaway, Amanda Rethmel, Andrea Chambora, Angela Nelson, Ashley Carr, Autumn Nelson, Barbara Wallen, Cathie Burris, Christina McClure, Claire Curtis, Connie Ideker, Cyndi Hunsberger, Cynthia Robertson, Dawn Hute, Dawn Marie Black, Deborah St. Arbor, Deidre Herzog, Donald Wesolowski, Dr Craig Scott, Francesca Garcia, Jaime Wiechmann, Janna Brown, Jessica Lablanc, Kaitlin Heath, Karen Ball, Karen Evans, Katrina Johnson, Katrina Worthington, Kim Braumann, Kim Gauthier, Kristy Jordan, Lisa Norvell, Lisa Dempsey, Loretta Noon, Louise Byren, Mari Laursen, Mary Robinson, Meggan Pierce, Melissa Hoffman-Olson, Melissa O’Kelly-Fulton, Michele Orrison, Michelle Davis, Mike Johnson, Pam Blais, Rachael Danley, Rebecca Simmons, Sarah Sorrento, Shaunna Bowen, Sondra Roach, Teresa Skaggs, Theresa Teague, Tia Johnson

Thank you again for being a kickbutt Deadwood Deputy. I’m lucky to have you by my side! Until your next assignment …

✪ Ann Charles ✪

You can become a DEADWOOD DEPUTY and help me find new readers to share in the Deadwood Mystery fun!

Thank you for signing up as a Deadwood Deputy. Sign up is over for this book. Watch for my next book release!

If you’d like to join the Deadwood Deputy team and help me share the latest book news by telling everyone from your fellow grocery store shoppers to your favorite neighbors about Violet’s 13th book, sign up to become a Deadwood Deputy by sending an email to DeadwoodDeputy@gmail.com with your full name and mailing address with TIMEREAPING DEPUTY in the Subject line.

NOTE—If you have any trouble with emailing the gmail account, send me a message with all the requested information via the CONNECT page on the Ann Charles website (anncharles.com/connect). I will make sure you are added to the list.

As usual for my promotional superstars, I will have a drawing for some fun prizes for those who sign on to help me get the word out about TIMEREAPING IN DEADWOOD and the Deadwood Mystery series.

Detailed instructions will be emailed by October 11th. However, you don’t need to wait until that date to start promoting TIMEREAPING IN DEADWOOD. If you have already shared on Facebook or another social media venue (or left me a book review), just let me know about it by emailing DeadwoodDeputy@gmail.com.