Hi Reader, “I just paid $8000 to publish my book. Was that a scam?” That’s what an author asked me three weeks ago. She’d found “IngramSpark Book Publishers” online—it looked legitimate, professional, trustworthy. She handed over her money gratefully. The site was a complete fake. A lookalike designed to trap authors who don’t know what questions to ask. Screenshot of the fake IngramSpark site Her edited manuscript came back sloppy and amateurish. Her “satisfaction guaranteed” refund request?...

Hi Reader, Motorcycling - Bicycling - Writing - Goz - Events - Books + Boo! This is so sad—but at least it went to a good home. Do you get attached to your vehicles? My 1997 KLR650 was my favorite motorcycle. I rode it the most—whether I was heading 100 miles or 1000—to Portland, Tahoe, or Baja. It was the everything bike, whether I was riding the superslab or picking my way through rocks, racing through sand, or fording streams, it was reliable, comfortable, quiet, and fit me perfectly. And...

Hi Reader, Apologies for sending this email twice! I really thought today was the 19th <doh!>. The workshop is SATURDAY, SEPT 20th. So... I am more than ready! Just putting the finishing touches on some slides, especially the section on using AI, with emphasis on how it can help with rote tasks and NOT writing for you. And there will be tons of time for Q&A, discussion, and brainstorming. Find details below if you have not already read through the email you received recently. Again,...