This issue features an interview with author Bailey Johnson, beta feedback on my novel, and upcoming events.

The Commodore Amiga wasn't an ordinary computer. It had video, audio, and multitasking capabilities way ahead of its time. And it is the inspiration for not just one...but two of my novels!

My first one is Amiga, which has received plenty of great reviews. And you can still get the paperback for 20% off from the publisher, Black Rose Writing. Use promo code SEASON20 to save 20%. The sale ends January 31. Time is running out. Get your copy today!

If you're on Substack, you can now find me there. Currently, I'm offering reposts of my articles. I'm looking at add more content, including previews of my works in progress.

Currently, all my content is free. I'm looking at add a paid option for premium content, but I'll still have free material.

You can also read my material ad-free on Medium, and look for me on all my social media.

My other novel featuring the Amiga is my work-in-progress, Escape from Arzack's Castle. I used the same paid beta reader service from Entrada Publishing that was so helpful when I worked on Christina's Portrait. 

I got feedback from three readers. Just like with Christina's Portrait, two of them gave me high marks and one was more critical. Even the one that was critical had positive and useful comments about the story. All of them gave me actionable suggestions and assured me the story is going in the right direction.

Here's how I'm using two of them.

The first is to give Yusef more of a character arc. The beta readers liked the character, but as one of them wrote, he "does fall somewhat into the "perfect boyfriend" trope...Everyone else gets major flaws or crash-outs...but Yusef remains pretty consistently good....Consider giving him a meaningful flaw or mistake that he has to acknowledge and grow from."

I started addressing this comment by adding this passage where Yusef reveals his motivations.

Another suggestion is to create a map of the castle. Beta readers pointed out areas where the pacing lags, and actions become repetitive. A map helps me keep track of the action and identify where the story can be tightened.

Because Escape from Arzack's Castle is based on the 2-D scroller games of that time, I designed the map the same way. This helps me find ways to vary the action and add new perils and obstacles to challenge Julie and her coworkers. I can even use the map as a wireframe to create an actual video game (if I had the time and skills to do it).

In this map, I used color coding to identify what happens to the characters in each chapter. Salmon is for areas where they must battle monsters or face some other dangerous challenge. Yellow are areas they pass through and have personal conflicts and revelations. The bedchamber features a different type of conflict, so I colored it gray. Since this is an Amiga game, I used the computer's Topaz font for the captions.

After I get incorporate the rest of the comments, I plan to send the novel out for another round of beta readers. If you would like to participate, please send me an email. I'll let you know when it's available.

I plan to have Escape from Arzack's Castle ready for submission in the second half of 2026. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

As authors, we draw upon our personal experiences to create our stories. For me, it's growing up in the suburbs. For Bailey Johnson, author of Don't Leave Me Behind, it's farm life. 

Bailey Johnson has been writing stories since she learned to write. She filled composition books front to back in high school. Now, as a stay at home mom, she’s pursuing her dream to become a full time author.

She lives on a farm in North Dakota, with her husband and son, and a boatload of animals. She gets her inspiration from ranching, rodeo, and music. Infusing her characters with personal hardships, Bailey writes heartfelt romance books that will leave you wanting more. (You can read my review of her book on Goodreads.)

Bailey talks about how she got started in writing and the story about Don't Leave Me Behind in our interview.

How did you get started in writing?

I've been writing since I could remember. In high school I used to fill up composition books with stories. In my late teens and early twenties, those writings turned into songs, and eventually, went back to being stories.

Who helped you the most in your writing career?

My husband has been my biggest champion. Investing his time, and belief in me. My son and him are my biggest why.

What was the inspiration for your latest novel, Don’t Leave Me Behind?

Don't Leave Me Behind started as an exceptionally fluffy story. After our second son was born still, I needed something to occupy my mind. This story was one of desperation and rescue. I truly don't know where I'd be if I hadn't sat down to pen these characters.

Your two main characters, Leni and Clay have tremendous chemistry. Not only do we as readers see their powerful attraction, we root for them to get together. How did you develop their relationship? How did these characters surprise you?

Leni and Clay were easy to write. With their existing history and the way they so clearly care for each other. Once I got to know them, it seemed natural for them to continue to grow together. Honestly, most surprising for me was Leni's trauma. In the first draft, none of that existed. Leni had very little growth, and the more I dug into her character, and her why, the more I realized she was just as broken as Clay. She hurt just as much as I was hurting, and it was incredibly healing to write her journey.

What advice would you give authors who want to add spice to their romantic stories?

Be authentic. Don't write spice just to add spice. Make the scene organic, and in line with who your characters are. Let the spice move the plot forward, not just give it shock factor.

Where can readers learn more about you?

You can find me at:

• authorbaileyjohnson.com
• www.facebook.com/authorbaileyjohnson
• www.instagram.com/authorbaileyjohnson
• www.tiktok.com/@authorbaileyjohnson

Don't Leave Me Behind is available for preorder on Amazon and will be released on February 21, 2026. Be sure to get your copy!

New year, new author events!

I'm back in the San Fernando Valley at The Open Book in Northridge on Sunday, February 22 12:00–3:00 pm. 

I'm also returning to the Commodore LA Super Show the weekend of April 25–26 in Burbank. I'll share more about my experiences with Commodore computers and possibly give some previews of Escape from Arzack's Castle. 

I'll have autographed books on sale at both events. I hope to see you there!

I've interviewed a number of authors including N.J. Mastro, Nicole Zelniker, Jann Alexander, Karen E. Osborne, Joseph Lewis, and Lucy McLaren. Recently, I interviewed bookstore owner Lonnie Owens and school librarian Amanda Prosin.

If you are an author or someone associated with the book community who wants to be interviewed, send me an email to admin@matthewarnoldstern.com with the following information:

• Your name.
• A brief bio (100 words or less).
• Your books.
• What you would like to talk about in your interview.

By supporting each other, we can all grow!

I hope you have enjoyed this newsletter. If you have any comments and suggestions, feel free to email me at admin@matthewarnoldstern.com. 

If there is someone who you think would enjoy this newsletter, pass it along and encourage them to subscribe. A simple subscription form is on my website.

I'll be in touch again next month with more news and content.