Life As A Writer -- May, 2026

Housekeeping

We've had a bit of a shuffle over here, particularly in marketing, and I'm taking on more of the responsibility for newsletters, marketing, and advertising. My, how we've grown in one year! This will be the longest newsletter of the year. Going forward, I'll have more bullet points, lists, and basic information as your time is valuable.

Yes, you are on my mailing list. I did not simply pluck you out of the ether. Either you have subscribed to Istanbul to Miami for travel or writing posts on Substack, subscribed through my website, RSHamptonBooks.com, are an ARC reader through Book Funnel, Net Galley, or Book Sirens, worked with marketing genies Emily or Heather, or somehow found your way here and decided you liked it. Thanks. I appreciate your support.

Some of you appear in more than one place. (Wow, thanks!) I went through all 775 of you to remove duplicates, but if you received this newsletter twice, just unsubscribe from one, and I'll make sure you're down to one copy.

Most importantly, I believe you should only read what you want. Use that delete button whenever you aren't interested. If you're waiting for the right book sale, the weird/different book (like the paranormal romance that's in process), or something else, I'll see you next month.

So What's Happening in Thriller World?

Ten months ago, I published my first novel, Forever Gone, and the rollercoaster began. Malevolent Intent was released in January, and The Expedient Wife just came out in May.

The first two are domestic suspense novels set in Charleston, South Carolina, that follow the life and clients of Attorney Lee Danforth. From the trafficking discovered at a children’s home to the corruption of local political power, Lee faces predators who hide behind privilege and institutions that thrive on silence. To uncover the truth, she must confront her own trauma she’s tried to bury—and expose the rot festering beneath the surface of the world she once trusted.

I've been asked repeatedly how much of the Charleston stories are true. Sorry, but that's between Lee and me. Not even Vern knows the truth. (Yes, you need to read these two novels and catch up this year before the explosive trial happens in the third book of this series.)

Then there is The Expedient Wife. This is the book from my heart, as I lived much of this story.

Set in Türkiye, where I live half the year, the story follows frustrated attorney Quinn Durand, an outlier in the Southern legal world. After her whirlwind marriage to an Air Force officer in Mexico, she follows him overseas to Türkiye. When she lands at the military airport, she is told her husband is dead– yet there isn't a body for proof.

The U.S. government insists that Quinn is her husband Harris's accomplice, accusing her of espionage and theft of government secrets. This is a taut, action-driven thriller where the cities of Türkiye become part of the story. Quinn becomes an unwilling operative, navigating the shadow world of espionage, corruption, and intrigue as she tries to determine the truth.

She, like many women, trusted the wrong man. Now, trusting anyone can get her killed.

THEN YOU WILL LOVE

The Latest Information in the Writing World

Where Can You Find My Books?

The answer is everywhere, but the best place to find them is on my website, RSHamptonBooks. Why? Because I give HUGE discounts when you purchase on my website. The ebooks and audiobooks are distributed seamlessly by Book Funnel, and you'll receive your professionally printed paperbacks from Book Vault right to your door. If you wish for an originally signed paperback, contact me through my website, and we can make that happen.

My novels are also on every other major site, such as Amazon, Apple, Google Play Books, Kobo, and Kobo Plus, as well as mass distribution sites like Bookshop.org and libraries. You can find my audiobooks on Spotify, ACX, and all the other smaller distribution sites as well. (I swear my books are in hundreds of places.) If you prefer subscription services, check out Kobo Plus, which works like Amazon's Kindle Unlimited, but Kobo does not restrict authors' marketing.

When I think I have subscribed to every possible platform out there to showcase my novels, another one comes along. This month, I subscribed to Curios.com, where you can read ebooks and listen to audiobooks. Check them out, especially if you are looking for new authors.

Goodreads Giveaway

Beginning June 1, I will be giving away copies of Forever Gone as a Summer Read! Check Goodreads Giveaways for your copy. If you've already read any of my books, feel free to pass them on to your friends and family. Reviews are what make the book world go 'round, and I need more reviews for all my novels. (And thanks!)

What's Planned?

For the remainder of 2026, I have three works in progress. First, the Quinn Durand sequel (currently entitled Haystack) is set on the developmental editor's calendar for June 24. I have a lot to do to make that happen, so I'll be drafting like a madwoman for the rest of May and most of June.

Then there is Whispers on a Cliff's Edge (working title), a paranormal thriller set in Maine. I hope to publish this on Kindle Unlimited this fall and test the waters on page reads, as I currently publish wide and do not use the restrictive KDP service. I'll have more specific editing and publication dates later this summer.

Finally, Lee Danforth's third novel (as yet untitled) is set to be drafted this year as well. Victoria Marshall is finally to be tried in criminal court, and Lee and her grandfather will again be caught up in the Marshalls' never-ending drama.

The Best Writing Advice This Month

As you can guess, I read a lot. I read writing newsletters, massive amounts of spy novels, and tons of other things. The best newsletter this month for writing information came from Tracy at The Productive Indie Fiction Writer. Sometimes I disagree with her, but her newsletter about email lists actually made me stop and think. Her advice was the opposite of what I'd received from another marketing person recently, and I had to sit and think through my current marketing efforts.

As with many authors, I dislike social media. A lot of it is triggering in so many ways, and I detest DMs and the spam. I'd rather talk with you directly here, and if you want to have an extended conversation, send me an email. When I travel, internet service is often dicey, but I can usually get texts and emails. Need me? Email. We'll talk.

Reading

If you like spy novels as much as I do (espionage is my thing) and you like long series, check out Jack Mars' Agent Zero series and anything by Ava Glass.

Travel: Where I've Been and Where I'm Going

Where I Went: This month, I went to Paris for a week to attend The Blue Hour writing workshop and to spend time with my daughter. If you are interested in learning memoir from very experienced writers, this workshop, even though on the expensive side for me, was an exceptional value.

Where We're Going: Sometime this summer, when it's too hot to breathe here on the farm in Türkiye, we'll head north. We plan to see Greece, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and a little of northern Italy. Of course, all of this depends on how difficult it is to cross the borders by vehicle, and how tired we get of being road warriors. Details of our trip through each country will be posted on both Substack and on Ghost.

That's it for May! You're all caught up! Thanks for reading.