It's a new year, but it's also unlikely that any of us are going to make changes for the better -- at least not great changes. The key to meaningful and lasting change is to advance by small, attainable increments. Find one little thing and work on doing or being better in that one small way, and after recognizing and mastering that change, select another small thing to change.

As for me, I continue to aim to misbehave. I'm darn near perfect in that respect. When it comes to the need for improvement, I'm a target-rich environment. So many options make it difficult to choose--but I am choosing.

I have posted a short story for your reading pleasure. The link is just above the Honor Roll.

You know that Truth in Flames is available. Let me whet your appetite for this book and the series in general with these two early reviews:

The first review to post of Truth in Flames. By Jan from a land down under:

"As an advance reader, I've had the pleasure to read this latest book in Stanley's epic series. The combination of history and fantasy makes this series a compelling read, with a perfect meld of historical facts and people combining with fantastical creatures and characters. Do yourself a favour and get the whole series. You won't be disappointed!"

And here's the review posted by Budd on the heels of Jan's fine words:

"I enjoyed my first reading as an advance reader and immediately ordered the finished book for Kindle. I love the setting of the American Revolution and Stanley has included some stirring speeches from that time. Make no mistake, this is Alternative History and there is magic, dragons, gryphons and plenty of action. There is a varied class of characters and they are all compelling. Although it is best to start the series with "in Death Bedrenched", there is sufficient exposition to inform you if you start with this book. I especially enjoyed the author's afterword referencing the true historical segments and persons - something I didn't read as an advance reader. Stanley Wheeler has a gift for some witty dialogue and there are some fun exchanges along with white knuckled battle scenes. Fantasy and an exciting time and place. I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series!"

I'm currently researching points of interest for book 6, which I expect to publish in June. I'm wondering about a tagline for the series; something like: Adrenalin In Print! - but that's not quite right. Let me know if you have suggestions.

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I've finished Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if your life depended on It. I think it has a lot of value. I'm going back to review chapters 7-10 because I wasn't able to take notes while listening to them. I do remember this gem, which I'm paraphrasing: You have to master your own emotions before you can harness theirs to your advantage. The book emphasizes that emotions are often the keys to successful negotiation instead of something to be overlooked or ignored.

Check out this Fantasy giveaway featuring a lot of intriguing possibilities.

Take at look at these free prequels in fantasy and sci-fi.

Here's a free one: DNA, Demons N Angels by Katie Zaber.

Don't miss this opportunity for David Mark Brown's free prequel, Logwood Tea.

Finally, a short story for you to sink your teeth into. It's a little swashbuckling number that I had great fun writing and which I hope you find enjoyable. Let me know what you think of it with a response to this letter, or by a comment on the story page. Over the Black Glass can be found here.

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Honor Roll with special thanks to these subscribers:

Lois for her stunning review and heroic defense of The Shrinking Zone.

JBudd for reviews of Threading the Rude Eye, In Death Bedrenched, Power to Hurt, The Shrinking Zone, Clamorous Harbingers, Promise of Carnage and Flame, and Truth in Flames

Colleen for leaving ratings for several of my books on Amazon

Rob for leaving a review of Threading the Rude Eye

Michael for leaving reviews of Threading the Rude Eye, and The Shrinking Zone

Mayra for a review of Threading the Rude Eye

Gloria for a review of Threading the Rude Eye

ShannonC for a review of In Death Bedrenched

Jan for reviews of Threading the Rude Eye, Power to Hurt, Clamorous Harbingers, Promise of Carnage and Flame, In Death Bedrenched, The Shrinking Zone, and Truth in Flames.

Bonnie for a review of In Death Bedrenched.

PAR for a review of Threading the Rude Eye

-There are other reviews of my books, of course, but I don't know whether those reviewers are also subscribers to this newsletter.