October 2026 Newsletter

A Little Note from Me to You

You’re receiving this newsletter because you probably signed up to get a free book — and if that’s all you wanted, you can unsubscribe anytime, and I promise, you won’t hurt my feelings.

But if you’d like to hang out and spend a few minutes with me each month, here’s what you might find inside:

• Monthly updates on my comings and goings
• Links to any of my blog posts
• An organizing tip of the month (inspired by my first book, Get Organized, Stay Organized)
• A short-term rental tip of the month (yes, I wrote a book on that one too!) that expands on my book Short-Term Rental Success
• A free short story from one of my book series
• Book recommendations
• Links to free reads and special promos

Some of these will catch your interest, and some might not — and that’s okay! I’m a multi-genre author who loves sharing everything from book ideas and short stories to glimpses of my rentals and garden. I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you’d like to stick around for the fun.

Was it Attempted Murder?

Do you ever wonder why family members were the way they were? My paternal grandfather died just a few months before I was born, so all I knew about him were the stories told to me by my grandmother and my dad. I grew up hearing about his work as a dentist in Liberty, Missouri. And how he took payment in chickens and the like during the Depression, and eventually turned livestock into land purchases. Years after he died, my grandmother had a contractor convert all of the woods and fields into land plats for the Blueberry Hills subdivision and then sold them to builders. She lived the rest of her life on the money she had made (is it any wonder I also went on to invest in real estate?).

Now my dad's stories about my grandfather were very different. He remembers my grandfather drinking a lot. There was even mention of self-prescribed methamphetamines and barbiturates and electro-shock therapy (it was the 50s and 60s and dentists had a lot more ability to prescribe stuff than they do now). The binge-drinking especially caused a lot of distress at the time and the combination of it all likely led to my grandfather's fatal stroke on my grandmother's birthday on February 11th, 1970.

And around 13 years ago, after moving into my 1899 Victorian, I was seized with curiosity about my familial history. I visited the Midwest Genealogical Society and learned that both my grandfathers had been previously married. And in the case of my paternal grandfather, a scandalous end to his first marriage including being shot in the back by his first father-in-law!

From the newspaper articles I found, it seems that his first wife was cheating on him. So he took her back to her father and after dinner was done said something that can be summed up as, "I'm returning this cheating woman and want a divorce." He might have been a little more plain-spoken and derogatory about it. This apparently enraged his first wife's father so much that, as my grandfather left the house, the older man grabbed a gun and shot him. The bullet was lodged too close to his spine to safely remove and my grandfather spent the rest of his life carrying it, along with significant pain.

And I can't help but wonder if that was the reason for his alcoholism. We will never know, as I can't ask him, but it was a fascinating bit of history. Talk about skeletons (and bullets) in the closet!

Needless to say, the story was on my mind when I wrote Winter's Child. Because you never know what your forebears might have done or how they lived, until you do a little digging!

And speaking of murder, and being 100% convinced I was about to die in the next few minutes, there was that bright sunny day when I was just 16, the day I ran away from home ...read all about it in my November newsletter.

What I'm Up To

I had every hope in the world that my trip to the Writer's Colony in Arkansas would end with me having every bit of the storyline for The Retirement Home figured out. Six days, on my own, with nothing to think about but writing.

The fact is, writing retreats are far more complicated than that. At least for me, and for plenty of others I've met and talked with.

Sure, the goal is to "get a lot of writing done" - and I went there not so much with that as a goal as to "get my head on straight."

Finishing the multi-year project of renovating that second short-term rental was done. DONE! But it still boomeranged about in my brain. The bits and bobs that still need done and just mean waiting until we have set enough aside to afford it.

• Two massive trees we need taken down
• Two doors that need to be either sealed better or replaced before winter or else we face a rodent invasion (no thanks!) - we had this completed mid-September which is a huge relief
• A retaining wall that needs built
• At least one, possibly two basement studio apartments that need finished out

And my planner brain just didn't want to let go of that and focus on the important stuff.

Still, I managed to get a lot of the storyline worked out, but the messy middle is still giving me fits. And to that end I've decided to:

• Write what I can on The Retirement Home and also on The Return of Winter's Child as well as prep supporting uploads for the back matter for both.
• Return to narrating undone audiobooks (specifically Winter's Child)

Our new weekday schedule with our youngest in Pre-K at the local elementary school gives me around 2-3 hours per day of writing time at most. And weekends are for other things. I still hope to finish a book this year. Whether it is The Retirement Home or The Return of Winter's Child, I don't know at this time. Both are keeping my interest and writer brain a'spinning, and so I write in one, take notes, add to the other one, and just keep moving back and forth. Next year will be better, as both kids will be in for the full school day, which will give me another hour, minimum, longer if he is able to attend after-school care. Meanwhile, I do what I can, when I can!

Recent blog posts:

​Am I Autistic?​

​Creative Freedom After Financial Trauma​

Organizing Tip of the Month

If you weren't aware, the first book I ever wrote was Get Organized, Stay Organized.

Since 2008, I've updated it regularly to include the latest updates in technology and also expanded it to include financial budgeting and time management. You can find Get Organized, Stay Organized on my website as well as at your favorite online bookseller.

Organizing Tip of the Month:

Having written an organizing book, you might get the wrong impression of me. You might imagine a house where minimalism rules, and where everything, and I do mean every thing has its place.

But you'd be wrong.

I wrote the book on organizing in part because: 1) I had to teach myself organizing, and 2) I happen to be a maximalist. Every surface of my home has something on it. Three mantels all filled with objects (mostly book-related), displays that fluctuate with the seasons and my mood, and thousands of books in bookshelves everywhere (bedroom, office, pool hall, entryway, kitchen, dining room, living room, bathrooms, kids rooms - you name it, there's likely a book there).

Do I know where everything is? Mostly. Occasionally I manage to lose something that takes time to relocate. One of those "I remember putting it in a place I wouldn't forget it was there, a place that made sense, and now I've forgotten" kind of things.

But I'm organized enough. And honestly, enough is, well, enough for us. My family doesn't get frustrated, well, not often, at my reorganizing expeditions. They know I'm working on making it make sense and with kids and businesses and a busy life, it's understandable.

So with this month's tip I would like to point out that perfection is not the end goal in organizing. By all means, strive for it, but forgive yourself if you are not perfect. In the book, I suggest some activities that I never do personally. I include them, because I know that for some, it feels right. But not for me, no thanks. Making my bed, for example. I get up, grab my clothes for the day, and stumble downstairs for some coffee. I might not even return to my room until it is bedtime. For me, making a bed is a few minutes out of my day I won't get back. And neither the dogs or some intruding small child actually cares if it is made or not, they are there to sleep as well.

Your personal level of organization is going to be completely different from someone else's. Focus on what makes you happy and comfortable, not on what is mysteriously expected of you by others.

Short-Term Rental Tip of the Month

I wrote Short-Term Rental Success in order to help future and current hosts create the best short-term rental a guest ever stays in. It goes beyond the basics and dives into the meaning behind true hospitality that makes Airbnb and other STR platforms a preferable form of travel for guests who want more than just a simple hotel room.

Short-Term Rental Tip of the Month:

In August I had my first honest-to-God service animal, and it was at Cottage East, which, because it is shared housing we do not typically allow pets.

The guest booked for the night and then told me he had a service animal. My first response was, "Oh God, what if someone else is allergic?" My second was, "Is this actually a service animal, or is it an ESA (Emotional Support Animal)?" Because there is a very big difference. Anyone who has a Service Animal can tell you the difference, and you, as a host, MUST know the difference, because if you deny a Service Animal, you can be sued.

And here's the kicker - you aren't allowed to ask for proof that an animal is an SA. You can only ask what service does your service animal perform? Anything else is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act which protects service animal owners from discrimination or refusal of services.

Now, the guest immediately told me what the service animal provided before I even asked. So I simply clarified - "Just to clarify - is Bugsy an ESA or service animal?" The guest responded, "Service." I then asked, "And he will be with her at all times, correct?"

"Yes."

"Thank you for letting me know, William. I love animals, and we allow them at Cottage West, but not at Cottage East, since it is shared housing. However, as an ADA service animal, he is a welcome exception to that rule. Best to you and I hope you enjoy your stay."

His response?

"Thank you for being so kind and understanding. We've come across a few that don't and nothing is more frustrating. So thank you for that, we will make sure AirBnB hears that as well."

Know the law, and follow it. For more information on service animals and the Americans with Disabilities Act, visit: https://www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/​

And the best part? William was a great guest and his subsequent review was five stars all the way!

Oracle Card of the Month

In the fall of 2025, I visited the Writer's Colony in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The town is beautiful and it has quickly become one of my "must do" annual trips. While there, I found my focus not on writing per se, but on the act of creation and what it takes to live a creative life.

And with that came a series of images and concepts that quickly accumulated into a unique set of 58 oracle cards I call The Compass of Creation.

I went on to create not one, but two companion books that I use regularly. The Compass of Creation Workbook contains not only the basic interpretations of each card, but also multiple exercises designed to get you back into the creative spirit. The second companion book is the Compass of Creation Soul Companion for those moments that need to be less formulaic and more heartfelt, dream-oriented and magical.

If you are a creative...

If you enjoy oracle and tarot...

If you are feeling blocked or drained or at an impasse...

Consider using the Compass of Creation Oracle cards to...

Find the answers within...

Follow the clues or questions you need to ask yourself or the universe...

Embrace the act of creation once again.

I believe that the answers are inside you, and these cards simply help you access your own inner knowing and provide a safe space for you to follow those answers with action and purpose.

Card of the Month: Rhythm

A steady beat that carries creation forward. What is your creative rhythm? Do you create every day at a certain time of day?

For a moment, clap, tap, or drum out a rhythm for a moment. What images come to mind? Words? Emotions?

When this card is reversed, it can indicate imbalance. Perhaps you are pushing too hard without rest, or drifting in stagnation without momentum. You may be out of sync with your natural pace.

Ask yourself:

• What pace feels sustainable for this season of my life?

I used to collect books on writing. I would always think to myself, "I should read this book before starting a new project."

But the book would never get read. Sure, I'd start with all of the best intentions, sure it would make me a better writer. And rather quickly, my interest would peter off until I had no interest left in what I "should" be doing.

As I often say, "The shoulda woulda coulda's will kill you." For some, reading a book on writing is just what you need. For folks like me, they stand in the way of progress. I can't find my rhythm if I'm trying to emulate someone else.

Rhythm doesn't only flourish in dramatic surges of learning, either. Instead, it grows through familiar return, trusted cadence, and the quiet accumulation of repeated attention.

Love Your Local Library?

If you a dyed-in-the-wool library patron, I've got great news for you. If one of my books is not already there, you can easily request it be stocked. Here's how, direct from a local library:

And yes, I still get paid. Not a lot, but I'm perfectly okay with that. Above all, I write so others can read the stories in my head. So go request that book from the library today!

Specials, Giveaways, etc.

Whether you are waiting for my next book, want to dig into a new series or genre I write in, or simply meet new authors, consider some of the sales promos and giveaways below. You will find my first in series here... Hired Gun, G581: The Departure, War's End: The Storm, Winter's Child and occasionally one of my non-fiction books. It's a great way to dip your toes into a different genre and see if you like it. Or share the link with a friend or family member! No matter what, I know you will find something interesting in the links below! Click on the images below to learn more.

Boxed Sets & Anthologies https://dashboard.bookfunnel.com/bundles/board/1bwcljs6s4​

Just click on the images above to follow the links!

Need Something to Read While You Wait for My Next Book?

And if the promos listed above weren't enough, here is what I've read and enjoyed recently...

​The Confession Artist by Christine Carbo

A series of sketches are released. With each one, "Confess or die in six days" is causing those with a similar image to confess their darkest sins publicly in order to avoid being murdered. And one former cop turned PI, certainly has secrets, and she doesn't want to confess them. As the fear mounts, so does the danger.

This book definitely held my attention!

​The Experiment of Dreams by Brandon Zenner

After years of taking experimental medicines and participating in repetitive sleep-related studies, all is finally going well for the test subject, Benjamin Walker . . . until strange dreams begin to plague him and memories once hidden begin to reveal themselves. The doctors and staff onboard the project are not who Ben thinks they are, and the organization will stop at nothing to keep his emerging memories buried for good.

​There is No Anti Memetics Division by QNTM

Oh man, this book starts off weird and gets weirder.

I'm still not sure what to think about it, but I'm going to keep reading while I continue to try and bend my brain around it! Note: This ended up in my DNF pile. But that might just be me. Eventually I might circle back around to it.

​The Apartment Across the Hall by Jack Dane

The hot neighbor across the hall might be a serial killer. Or at least, that's what Salem comes to suspect as she peers at him from her apartment door's peephole in New York City.

I blasted through this book. What a wild twist and ending to the book!

​Dark Things by Kate Aslinger

I've really been on a reading tear this month. This was a strange thriller with an even stranger twist at the end.

​Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum by Sarah Hendrickx

As well as

​Unmasking Autism by Devon Price

How about you? What are you reading? Drop me an email at christine@christineshuck.com and share your favorite book. I'd love to hear from you!

Buy Direct

"How can I buy from you so that you get the most out of the sale?" I get the question a lot and I really appreciate it. The answer is my website pays the most. There you will find ebooks and audiobooks, and I will soon be rolling out paperback copies as well. I use BookFunnel to deliver the digital products and BookFunnel makes it super-easy for you, the reader.

By far, this makes me the most money per book than anywhere else. And because of that, I can pass on better prices as well. I think it's a win-win!

And if you prefer Amazon or KOBO, this is not a problem! I just wanted to give you all the options. No matter where you go, I'm happy you are reading books. Buying direct on my website just happens to be the bigger cut for me, and a savings to you, simultaneously. I'm also on Google and Payhip - all good destinations for your bookshopping needs.

So shop where you want, and I'll see you there!

Visit my estore and save

Help an Author Out at Zero Cost to You!

I am an Amazon affiliate. That means that when anyone who shops through my Amazon affiliate portal, I earn a percentage of the sale, which is all paid to me directly from Amazon. You don't pay a single penny more for the product!

I get a little bonus check once a year or so from this and it buoys my spirits as I write away on my many projects. So if you order from Amazon, I hope you will consider adding my Amazon affiliate portal. You can do this easily on a PC, by clicking on the link below, then right clicking on the icon to the left of the URL and saving it in your bookmark manager. Every little bit helps!

Visit Amazon/Shop through my Amazon Affiliate portal

All of My Books

Below you will find all of my currently published books as well as a short synopsis. Click on the link to read the first chapter of each on my website.

Non-Fiction

​Get Organized, Stay Organized - Get your life, home, paperwork, finances, time, and more organized in just 15 minutes a day. Tips on time management, financial balance, and even cleaning efficiently are included.

​The War on Drugs, An Old Wives Tale - A memoir of one family's experiences caught up in the drug war from the perspective of a wife and mother.

​Short-Term Rental Success - Thinking of starting a short-term rental and unsure where to begin? Or perhaps looking for tips on how to improve reviews, earn more money, and communicate better with your guests? All of this and more is inside - along with links to handy spreadsheets and buying tips.

Dystopian

It is the day after tomorrow and the United States has suffered an socioeconomic collapse and civil war. Two siblings, separated by war and loss, must find a way to survive in a harsh new world. The three books in the War's End series are:

​The Storm A Brave New World Tales of the Collapse​

​Science Fiction

If you love space opera, colonization, post-apoc, exploration of new worlds, and alien contact - this series has it all!

​G581: The Departure G581: Mars G581: Earth G581: Plague Tales​

​G581: Zarmina's World G581: Plague Tales II​

Romantic Suspense

​Hired Gun - Lila is being hunted by a hired killer and she has no idea why. Will she find the answers before the killer catches up with her? And will Shane be able to fight his attraction to Lila and focus on his job?

​Smoke & Steel - A mysterious woman is found unconscious in a storm. Why is she running for her life? Why is she so secretive? And who else will she put in danger?

​Broken Code - Lila and Shane reunite in order to help a young woman in desperate trouble. And as a storm closes in, Lila's life is on the line. Will Shane save her in time?

Thriller/Horror/Paranormal

​W​inter's Child - What if you adopted the perfect child and later learned her entire personality changes with each season? Shy in spring, warm and bubbly in summer, anxious and depressed in fall. And when winter comes... well... hide your knives!

Portal Fantasy/Speculative Fiction

​Fate's Highway - Dean Edmonds hated his life. But when a tragic accident takes his family, he has the opportunity to build a new one out of the ashes and chase his dreams. But will they survive another tragedy?